The Root Of Sin Is Self Centredness - Zac Poonen
Bangalore Conference 2014: A NEW GENERATION OF SPIRIT FILLED WITNESSES
Summary
The root of sin is self-centeredness, meaning when the self is the focus of one's life. True holiness, conversely, is achieved when Christ becomes the absolute center of one's life. This shift in focus is compared to scientific discoveries, where finding the correct center (the sun, not the Earth) corrected all understanding. Repentance, therefore, is not merely giving up bad habits but turning from a self-centered life to one centered on Jesus Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Jesus lays the axe to the rootPeople often focus on fighting the fruit of sin like bad habits, but John the Baptist said Jesus came to lay the axe to the root.
Understanding the root like medicineJust as treating a disease requires medicine that goes to the root in the body rather than just putting ointment on a sore, dealing with sin requires hitting the root.
The root of sin is self-centerednessThe root of sin in one word is self-centeredness, where self is the center of life, whereas the root of holiness is when Christ becomes the center.
Finding the right center like astronomyFor thousands of years people believed the earth was the center of the universe because it looked that way, until science found the right center; similarly, our pursuit of holiness has problems until we find the right center.
Repentance means turning from self to ChristRepentance is not just giving up bad habits, but turning from a life centered in myself to a life centered in Jesus Christ.
Created for the glory of GodMan was created for the glory of God to do His will and pleasure, not to revolve around ourselves.
The two backsliders in Luke 15Jesus described two backsliders in the story of the prodigal son: the younger son outside and the more dangerous older son inside.
The language of the self-centered manBoth the younger son who asked for money and the older son who complained that he was never given anything spoke the language of give me, give me, give me.Luke 15:12
God exposes the corruption insideGod sometimes allows situations to bring out our hidden corruption, such as when we feel secretly happy or bad about what happens to others.
You never gave meThe older son expressed the exact same internal demand as the younger son by complaining to the father that he was never given what he wanted.Luke 15:29
Do we have rights before God?A self-centered believer complains about unanswered prayers and unmet demands, acting as if God owes them something, which is a sign of living outside of true covenant grace.
God-centered praying in the Lord's PrayerThe Lord's Prayer puts God first by seeking His name hallowed, His kingdom come, and His will done before asking for personal needs.
Having a complaint against GodServing God for years while secretly expecting a reward or holding a complaint against Him is rooted in conceit and self-centeredness.
Rejoice that your name is written in heavenInstead of rejoicing in what we have done for God, such as casting out demons, we must rejoice in what God has done for us.Luke 10:20
The boat tied to the treeMany Christians exert immense effort in religious activity while remaining tied to a self-centered life, like a rower whose boat is still tied to the shore.
Taking up the cross to put self to deathThe only solution for human unrest in homes and churches is to take up the cross, put self to death, and let Christ sit on the throne.
