1st March 2020 - Overcoming Satan And Judging Ourselves - Zac Poonen
1st March 2020 - Overcoming Satan And Judging Ourselves - Zac Poonen https://www.cfcindia.com/
Summary
The speaker addresses the stagnation of spiritual growth among long-term church members, comparing it to a child who remains in kindergarten for decades without progress. He urges the congregation to value and prioritize spiritual development with the same concern they give to their children's education or medical care. The core message is a call to action for deeper, continuous spiritual maturity.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Congregational worship through songThe service opens with the congregation singing hymns of praise to celebrate the greatness of God.
A prayer for focus and adorationThe speaker leads a prayer to quiet the spirit, lay aside distractions, and concentrate on God's mercy and grace.
Reviewing memory verses and introducing the messageAfter reviewing previous scripture promises, the speaker transitions into a concern regarding the lack of spiritual growth in long-term believers.
The importance of examining our lives before Christ returnsWe must examine our lives because we do not want to stand before Christ having wasted the opportunities given to us for spiritual growth.
How we deceive ourselves through our conductUsing James 1:26, the speaker explains that claiming to understand the New Covenant is worthless if one cannot control their tongue in all social interactions.James 1:26
Prioritizing protection from sin over protection from sicknessA true Christian should be much more careful about protecting themselves from sinful thoughts and attitudes than from physical viruses.
The urgency of self-correction before judgmentLife is a single opportunity to set things right because after death comes judgment. We must use this time to reject our sins and judge ourselves before it is too late.
How to protect yourself from Satan's deceptionThe speaker identifies scripture as the key to protection and notes that our true struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness.
The danger of unrighteous anger and unresolved conflictAnger is only righteous when it concerns God's glory; otherwise, failing to settle disputes before sleep gives the devil an opportunity to torment your heart.
Forgiving one another as Christ forgave youWhen someone hurts an unbeliever, forgive them immediately; if it is a fellow believer, follow the biblical process of rebuke and mediation to win them back.Matthew 18:14–15
The purpose of church discipline is like an isolation wardRemoving someone from fellowship is not an act of hatred but a way to prevent the spread of rebellion and provide an environment for healing and repentance.
Judging ourselves first as part of God's householdBeing part of God's family means we must be the first to judge our own faults rather than looking at others, specifically avoiding being a busybody in matters that do not concern us.
The danger of an uncontrolled tongueUncontrolled gossip and a desire to be a busybody in others' affairs can lead to being removed from the church and facing judgment before Christ.
The ice cube illustration of sinSin is like an ice cube in liquid where only ten percent is visible; as we deal with the visible part through self-judgment, God reveals more of the hidden selfishness underneath.
Overcoming through prayer and seeking God's powerThe only way to overcome the desire for human applause or the distractions of earthly cares is to actively seek God's power through prayer.
