God's Original Plan for Man - Zac Poonen - April 25, 2020
RLCF Men's Conference 2020 - 'Act Like Men and Be Strong' http://rlcfchurch.org/act-like-men-be-strong River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that true manhood, as exemplified by Christ, is not shown through physical strength but by overcoming sin and Satan. Key themes include remaining spiritually alert at all times, understanding that faith is not mere intellectual belief but a living dependence on Christ, and recognizing that all eternal life and ability to live righteously flow only from abiding in Him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to act like men?The conference theme from 1 Corinthians calls believers to act like men and be strong, which means following the example of Jesus rather than worldly macho standards.1 Corinthians 16:13
Staying spiritually alert at all timesBelievers must remain spiritually awake and alert against Satan on the battlefield without taking spiritual coffee breaks or letting down their guard.
What is true faith?Faith is more than just intellectual agreement with doctrinal statements, which even the devil possesses; true faith produces action and ongoing dependence on God.
Abiding in the vine as the definition of faithJesus defines living by faith in John 15 as a branch abiding in the vine, recognizing that apart from Him we can do nothing of eternal value.John 15:5
Living by faith throughout the Christian lifeJust as we are saved by faith, the righteous must live by faith through a helpless, lifelong dependence on God rather than relying on human cleverness or experience.
Going back to the beginningWhen facing questions about marriage, divorce, or behavior, we must look back to how God originally designed man in the beginning at creation.
The unique creation of manWhile animals and human bodies are both made from dust, God breathed His breath into man, giving him a spirit, a conscience, and the capacity to touch God.Genesis 2:7
Created in God's image and likenessGod created man in His image and likeness to reflect His character and behavior, and to exercise spiritual authority by ruling over the earth.Genesis 1:26
Original marriage and avoiding animalistic behaviorGod's original design for marriage was one man and one woman, calling men to be faithful and avoid the animalistic desires of lusting after multiple partners.
Looking down like animals versus walking in the SpiritJust as animals naturally look down and focus entirely on earthly things, humans act like animals when they worship money, gold, and physical desires instead of living by the Holy Spirit.
All things put under Christ's feetGod placed all things under Christ's feet and made Him head over the church, meaning everything should be under our feet as we remain under His headship.Ephesians 1:21–22
Jesus as our complete exampleJesus came as a helpless baby and lived a full human life for over thirty years, providing a complete example of purity and humility for every stage of life.
Avoiding a paralyzed, useless Christian lifeBelievers who are born again can become spiritually paralyzed like a useless arm if their active connection to the head, Christ, is neglected.
Reading the Bible as applying to oneselfRather than deflecting scripture to apply to others, believers must read the Bible like Jesus did, recognizing that God's word is written directly to address our own lives.Hebrews 10:5–7
Adam's failure in the gardenAdam failed to act as a strong spiritual head when Eve was tempted, passively participating in sin instead of standing firm for God.
Taking personal blame instead of self-justificationTrue spiritual manhood means taking full responsibility for one's sins rather than making excuses or self-justifying, which God detests as an abomination.
Walking in constant triumph through ChristChrist redeems us from Adam's fall to lead us in constant triumph, enabling us to live with a clear conscience and fulfill God's will.2 Corinthians 2:14
