Our Destination Is Christlikeness - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The Christian life is not a single event but a continuous journey with a defined destination. The true destination, according to scripture, is not a physical place like heaven, but spiritual transformation: becoming conformed to the image of Christ. This destination is predestined by God, meaning He knew it before time began. Therefore, the Christian life requires actively pursuing Christlikeness through repentance and following God's intended path.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Christian life is a journey with a destinationJust like getting into a car with a GPS, the Christian life requires knowing your destination so you do not wander around and waste your life.
Heaven is a place, but Christlikeness is the destinationMany Christians mistakenly think heaven is their destination, but Scripture points to a spiritual destination: being conformed to the image of Jesus.
Conformity to Christ must begin on the insideJust as a skyscraper or tree depends on its hidden foundation and roots, true Christlikeness starts inwardly in thoughts, attitudes, and motives rather than external pretense.
The vital difference between the Old and New CovenantsOld Testament saints like David and Moses fell into major sins because they did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, so we must never use their failures to comfort our own sin.
Jesus is our ultimate exampleWhile we can learn from certain actions of biblical figures, Jesus is the first person in Scripture whom we are commanded to follow.
Following others as they follow ChristPaul invited believers to follow him only to the extent that he placed his footsteps in the footsteps of Christ, which is also the calling of parents and leaders.1 Corinthians 11:1
All things work together for spiritual goodRomans 8:28 does not promise earthly wealth or comfort, but rather that God uses all circumstances to make us spiritually like Christ.
God tests us in our private thoughtsGod gives us a completely private inner thought life to test whether we genuinely want to please Him or merely seek the approval of men.
Jesus as the firstborn among many brothersThrough resurrection, Jesus became the firstborn among many younger brothers and sisters who bear His family resemblance.
Seeing the glory of Jesus in the wordThe primary purpose of studying the Bible is to remove the veil, see the glory of Christ, and let the Holy Spirit transform us into that same image.2 Corinthians 3:18
Learning from Jesus' attitude toward the unconsiderate and accusatoryExamining how Jesus handled rejection at the Mount of Olives and the trap of the religious leaders with the woman caught in adultery teaches us not to make demands or react hastily to condemn others.
The two-fold message of the Full GospelThe Gospel consists of two foundational parts: first, Jesus does not condemn us for our past; second, He commands us to go and sin no more.
Holiness produces humility, not prideAs we pursue perfection and Christlikeness, true spiritual fruit makes us increasingly humble rather than looking down on other believers or churches.
