The New Covenant Life And Church (3 of 4) - Zac Poonen
The New Covenant Life And Church (3 of 4) - Zac Poonen (God Bearing Witness To A Church) Visit our website for more information: www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The speaker warns against spiritual pride and hypocrisy, noting that many people wrongly believe God is with them despite their actions or outward piety. True assurance of God's presence comes from bearing visible fruit in both character and ministry, as exemplified by the contrast between self-reliance and trusting in the Lord. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that when blessed or famous, believers must imitate Jesus by withdrawing to pray privately to guard against pride.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Two types of people in Jeremiah 17The person who trusts in their own flesh is like a barren desert bush, while the one who trusts in the Lord is like a fruitful tree by the river.
Bearing much fruit as proof of abiding in ChristJesus said that abiding in Him results in much fruit in both character and ministry, and God prunes those who bear fruit so they can bear even more.
Jesus slipping away into the wilderness to prayEven when faced with great crowds and success, Jesus constantly withdrew to pray in secret so He would not fall into pride.Luke 5:15
Paul's thorn in the fleshGod gave Paul a messenger of Satan as a gift to keep him from exalting himself, and Paul prayed until he received God's answer.
Looking at the book and asking 'Lord, is it I?'When hearing God's word, we must not look around at others' faults, but ask ourselves if the scripture is speaking about us.
Waiting for God's timeAlthough God promised the seed of the woman would crush the serpent, it took 4,000 years for that promise to be fulfilled in the fullness of time.Genesis 3:15
Mary's total surrender to God's planMary accepted the shame and hardship of bearing the Savior, declaring herself to be the bondslave of the Lord.
Proving we are children of God by not grumblingBelievers prove they are children of God and shine as lights in a dark world by doing everything without murmuring or complaining.
God at work in us to give desire and abilityBecause living without complaining is impossible in our own strength, God works in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
The command to be filled with the Holy SpiritWhile every believer receives the Holy Spirit upon salvation, there is a distinct command and need to be continually filled with the Spirit.
The fruit of a Spirit-filled lifeBeing filled with the Holy Spirit is marked by constant thanksgiving, singing in the heart, and mutual submission.
Partaking of the divine nature instead of imitationGod's goal is for us to partake of His divine nature rather than just imitating Christian behavior like a trained animal.
Equality and humility in breaking breadSharing the bread and the cup reminds believers that they are all equal sinners saved by grace, belonging to one another in humility.
