Brokenness And Fulness Of Faith - Zac Poonen
Bangalore Conference 2014: A NEW GENERATION OF SPIRIT FILLED WITNESSES
Summary
The central message is that building the church must follow God's pattern exactly, as exemplified by the construction of the Tabernacle. The speaker uses examples from scripture, such as David's life and the Ark of the Covenant, to warn against adopting worldly methods, even if they seem more efficient. He concludes that when human methods or the influence of money (Mammon) replace God's ordained way, the glory of God cannot be experienced in the church.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God's greatest servants face suffering and BrokennessIn a sin-cursed earth, living a life of faith requires going through trials and Brokenness rather than a comfortable existence, as seen in the lives of David and Moses.
Moses losing his Egyptian pride in the wildernessMoses spent 40 years having his Egyptian education, wisdom, and pride thrashed out of him so he could lead God's people in God's way.
Building the church exactly as God commandedThe construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus serves as a picture of how the church must be built, following God's exact pattern rather than human ingenuity.Exodus 25:8–9
The danger of copying human and worldly methodsDavid's initial mistake of moving the ark on a bullock cart like the Philistines instead of carrying it as commanded brought death, illustrating the danger of efficiency over obedience.
Serving God versus serving MammonJesus taught that there are only two masters, God and Mammon, and money heavily influences how modern Christian work is conducted.Luke 16:15
The contrast between New Testament ministry and paid clergyWhile modern denominations rely on paid pastors and financial appeals, the New Testament features no paid workers or salary scales.
A commitment to live without depending on church collectionsThe speaker shares the personal conviction of never asking for money or paying preachers, choosing instead to live simply by what God provides.
Why God allows Brokenness to teach dependenceBrokenness teaches continuous dependence on the Holy Spirit rather than relying on human wisdom, Bible school diplomas, or worldly techniques.
The rigorous training of the Apostle PaulThe Apostle Paul was trained for his immense work through profound physical hardships, dangers, and the daily burden of caring for the churches.
The danger of carnal leaders and authoritarian eldersFirst-century examples like Diotrephes show that unbroken elders who love to be first and reject apostolic authority have always posed a danger to the church.
God only commits authority to broken menGod uses failure and crushing circumstances, such as those experienced by Peter and David, to break men so they keep their heads in the dust before Him.
Coming to a place of abundance through trialsDavid describes how God tests, refines, and traps His people in difficult nets and fires before bringing them into a place of overflowing abundance.Psalm 66:10
David's response to being cursed by ShimeiDavid refused to let his soldier kill Shimei when cursed, recognizing that God permitted the insults in order to humble him.2 Samuel 16:10
A modern test of patience while travelingThe speaker shares a recent personal experience of being yelled at by a stranger and choosing not to retaliate, allowing God's unseen provision to work.
The blessing of becoming a nobodyLife becomes deeply blessed when a person truly becomes a nobody who does not fight for their own importance, following the path of Paul and Jesus.
