Holiness And Respect For Others - Zac Poonen
Pondicherry Conference : You Are The Light Of The World
Summary
The sermon warns listeners about the pervasive deception in the current age, cautioning against spiritual pride and false understanding. The speaker details three sources of deception: the devil (who deceives by mimicking past deceptions), lust (which offers temporary pleasure while ultimately destroying), and potentially even God Himself, which is presented as the most critical warning. Ultimately, the message emphasizes that while the devil and lust deceive, God remains the ultimate protector.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Who are the sources of deception?The first deceiver is Satan, who has been misleading the world since the beginning, and the second is our own deceitful lusts which promise pleasure but end in destruction.
Could God also send a deluding influence?A serious passage warns that God sends a deluding influence causing some people to believe falsehoods, such as falsely thinking they are born again or in God's will.
How can you ensure you are never deceived?To be protected from deception, you must truly love the truth about yourself when corrected and have a deep desire to be saved from all hidden sins.
How do holiness and fellowship go together?Just as the greatest commandment to love God is attached to loving your neighbor, you cannot claim to have vertical fellowship with God if you lack horizontal fellowship with other believers.
What is the test of true humility?True humility means regarding others as more important than yourself and being willing to serve them as Jesus did when He washed His disciples' feet.
What should our attitude be in times of sickness?Epaphroditus serves as an example of someone who was gravely ill for Christ's work but was more concerned about not burdening others than seeking sympathy.
What does it mean to serve expecting nothing in return?Believers and elders should serve people without expecting money, honor, or respect, finding their joy purely in serving just as Jesus came to serve.
Who will take care of us in our old age?Rather than demanding care from children or others, we can trust God's promise that He carries and sustains His people through old age.
How did Jesus live as our ultimate example?After preaching in Jerusalem, Jesus had nowhere to sleep and was offered no lodging by the crowds, yet He harbored no bitterness and made no demands, showing us how to follow Him.
