Austin CFC WOF 2019 Santosh Poonen - 3: Decreasing So That Christ Can Increase
Austin CFC Weekend of Fellowship 2019 Santosh Poonen Theme: Being Ready for Christ's Return Session 3: Decreasing So That Christ Can Increase AustinCFC.com
Summary
The message emphasizes that there is no 'holding pattern' for a Christian; every season of waiting has a divine purpose. The speaker argues that the time spent waiting for fulfillment—whether it's marriage, ministry, or victory over sin—is not wasted but is instead used by God to conform the believer into the image of Christ. This process builds patience, brokenness, and ultimately, mercy towards others.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Is there such a thing as a spiritual holding pattern?Even when waiting for marriage, ministry, or a local church, God is not wasting time; He has a purpose in the waiting.
Why God does not grant instantaneous victory over sinStruggling and fighting against sin builds patience, brokenness, and a merciful attitude toward others who fail.
Today is the day of salvationGod works outside of linear time, offering grace today and promising to complete the good work He started.Hebrews 3:7
Christ must increase and we must decreasePreparing for Christ's return means constantly decreasing in our own prominence so that Jesus gains first place in everything.John 3:30
The church's calling to exercise spiritual authorityJust as Adam was formed to rule creation, the body of Christ is left on earth to establish Jesus' authority and destroy the devil's works.
God uses dust, not bouldersGod must break and crush self-sufficient strengths like boulders and rocks until we become humble dust that He can use.
Stopping the grabbing mentalityBrokenness stops us from grabbing for position and taking revenge, mirroring the transformation of Jacob into Israel.
Raising the staff instead of fightingLike Moses and David, broken believers stop fighting in their own strength and instead rely entirely on God.
The posture of a servantA truly crushed believer acts as a servant without complaint, even when treated poorly by others.
The gates of Hades will not overpower the churchJesus built His church to be on the offensive, taking down the strongholds of the devil wherever we encounter them.Matthew 16:18–19
The binding and loosing ministryBelievers are called to a ministry of prayer, secretly binding the work of the enemy and loosing those bound by Satan.Matthew 18:17–18
Overcoming by the blood, testimony, and the crossThe church overcomes the devil through the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and by not loving their lives unto death.Revelation 12:11
