Why Another Church: 4.Discipleship and Obedience - Zac Poonen
Why Another Church
Summary
The speaker discusses the warning in 1 Timothy 4 that people will fall away from the faith by following deceitful doctrines. He emphasizes that true godliness is found in the mystery revealed through Christ—that God's word was made flesh—not through external practices like celibacy, extreme fasting, or dietary restrictions. True holiness is an inward reality achieved through faith and dependence on God, manifesting corporately in the church as the Body of Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The warning about falling away in latter timesPaul warns in 1 Timothy that some will fall away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.
The church as the pillar and support of the truthThe church is called to be the household of God and the pillar and support of the truth, specifically the mystery of godliness revealed in Christ.
Understanding the mystery of godliness through the fear of GodIntellectual understanding is not enough; the secret of godliness is only revealed to those who fear God and hate sin, recognizing that Jesus came in the flesh and kept His spirit pure.
False methods of achieving holinessPeople often fall away and try to achieve holiness through external methods such as forbidding marriage or abstaining from certain foods, which are doctrines of demons.
God's true destination for believersGod's predestined destination for believers is not just escaping to heaven, but being totally conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ.Romans 8:29
The warning from Israel's religious charadesJust as God rejected the empty religious meetings and ritualistic worship of ancient Israel when their lives were full of sin, He warns modern churches doing the same.Isaiah 1:2–17
The first part of the Great Commission in MarkThe first part of the commission is to go into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature, bring people to faith and baptism, and rely on God's protection and signs.Mark 16:15
The second part of the Great Commission in MatthewA church focused only on the first part is like a coin printed on only one side; the second part requires making disciples of all nations and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded.Matthew 28:18–20
The three strict conditions of discipleshipTrue discipleship requires loving Jesus supremely above family and one's own life, carrying one's cross daily in death to self, and giving up possession of earthly things.
Building on the rock by hearing and doingEveryone who hears the words of Jesus and does them is like a wise man who digs deep through his emotions and self-will to build his house on the rock.
Surpassing the righteousness of the PhariseesJesus teaches that true righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and pharisees in quality, dealing inward with sins like anger and lustful thinking rather than just external acts.
Practicing righteousness in secretBelievers are instructed to give money, pray, and fast in secret before God rather than performing for the approval and honor of men.
Recognizing false prophets by their fruitJesus warns of false prophets who make the narrow way broad; they are recognized not by their miraculous spiritual gifts, but by the true fruit of humility and godliness in their lives.
Declaring the whole counsel of GodPaul declares that he is innocent of the blood of all men because he faithfully proclaimed the whole purpose and counsel of God without holding back.
