Zac Poonen - The Way To Growth In Christlikeness - 7

Zac PoonenJuly 6, 20201h 0mWatch on YouTube

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Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: The Way To Growth In Christlikeness - 7 Date: July 5, 2020 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker continues the study of growth in Christ's likeness, focusing on the Sermon on the Mount. He clarifies that understanding Jesus' teachings requires understanding the Spirit's guidance, warning against literal interpretations that lead to becoming a 'New Covenant Pharisee.' The central message is that the ultimate answer to keeping the Sermon on the Mount, especially commands like loving enemies, is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as illustrated by the promise to ask for the Spirit.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

The fifth wrong attitude: Selectiveness in loveThe speaker introduces the fifth wrong attitude from the Sermon on the Mount, moving from the old covenant idea of hating enemies to the new covenant command to love them.

The power to love your enemiesKeeping the commands of the Sermon on the Mount is impossible in human strength and requires being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Demonstrating we are sons of GodWhile becoming a child of God comes through receiving Jesus Christ, growing up into a son is demonstrated by loving enemies, praying for persecutors, and showing mercy.John 1:12

Reflecting our Father's impartialityGod treats evil people and good people alike by making His sun rise and sending rain on both, challenging us to mirror this impartial goodness.

Putting love into practice toward those who harm usBelievers should examine their hearts, list those who have harmed them, and actively seek to have good thoughts and a merciful attitude toward them.

Being perfect in mercyThe command to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect means being complete and perfect in mercy, paralleled in Luke's account.

Seeking man's honor in giving, praying, and fastingEntering Matthew chapter 6, the speaker highlights the next wrong attitude: performing righteous acts to be seen and honored by men.

Doing everything for the glory of GodIn the new covenant, the motive behind every action—even ordinary things like eating and drinking—must be the glory of God rather than self-display.1 Corinthians 10:31

Not ruining your offering by advertising itAdvertising your good deeds or giving in a subtle way to get credit is like putting a dead lizard into a fine dish, spoiling the whole thing.

The true motive in prayerWhen praying, believers must check their motives and avoid praying simply to be seen by men or to build a reputation as a person of prayer.Matthew 6:5

Entering the inner room of secret prayerMoving past the desire for approval from believers or leaders, a true son of God seeks only the Father's approval in the secret place.

Avoiding meaningless repetition and relying on burden in prayerGod knows our needs before we ask, so we should avoid empty, repetitive words and instead pray out of a genuine burden and faith.Matthew 6:7–8

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Zac Poonen - The Way To Growth In Christlikeness - 7

Zac Poonen · July 6, 2020 · 1h 0m

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