Don't Seek for Praise and Don't Judge -- Zac Poonen - December 4, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes not merely from reading the Bible, but from meditating on it day and night, as described in Psalm 1. Meditation is likened to digesting food, making the spiritual nourishment effective. Furthermore, the speaker advises believers to remain away from sin and the counsel of the wicked to cultivate this deep, consistent engagement with scripture.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Meditating on God's word day and nightReading scripture is like eating, but meditation is like digesting that food so it truly strengthens your spiritual life.
Searching the scriptures to come to ChristThe Pharisees searched the scriptures thinking they had eternal life in them, but Jesus explained that scripture must lead us to Him for true life.John 5:39–40
Refusing to receive glory from menJust as Jesus did not receive glory from men, we must let human praise flow over us like water off a duck's back without taking credit for God's work.
God will not share His gloryTaking credit for what God does through us is a grave crime because God explicitly states He will not give His glory to another.
How receiving human glory destroys faithAccepting honor and credit from others destroys our ability to have faith and reveals that we are seeking praise from men rather than God alone.
Not accusing others with God's wordJesus said He does not accuse people, and we must never share God's word in the spirit of accusation against others.
Recognizing the devil as the accuser of believersWhile Satan accuses believers before God day and night, we join hands with the enemy whenever we speak evil of or criticize our brothers and sisters.Revelation 12:9–10
Living in the day of God's mercyJesus stopped reading at the favor and mercy of the Lord in Isaiah, highlighting that this age is characterized by mercy rather than vengeance.
Letting mercy triumph over judgmentWe must act as those judged by the law of liberty, allowing mercy to triumph in our hearts rather than unfairly judging others.James 2:12–13
Avoiding speaking against or judging one anotherSpeaking against or judging a brother means we are wrongfully judging God's law and making ourselves judges when there is only one Judge.James 4:11–12
