4.Partaking Of God's Nature - Zac Poonen
God's Magnificent Promises
Summary
The sermon reviews God's promises, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is for believers to partake of God's nature. The speaker urges listeners to seek honor from God rather than man, cultivate a heart filled with heaven's virtues (righteousness, peace, joy), and remain humble to receive God's sufficient grace. True transformation into Christ's image requires complete submission to the Lordship of the Holy Spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Transformed into the image of ChristGod's purpose is to make us like Him, transforming us from one degree of glory to another as we behold the Lord in His word with the Holy Spirit's lordship.2 Corinthians 3:18
Free will and holinessGod did not program us like planets or robots; true holiness requires a conscience and a free will, meaning our spiritual growth is the sum total of our personal daily decisions.
The fruit of the Spirit is self-controlUnlike demonic possession where a person loses control, being filled with the Holy Spirit grants full self-control and freedom to choose obedience at every moment.
Changed behavior versus changed natureTraining or rules can alter outward behavior like a tamed animal, but only God can change our inner nature, which is why external religious performance falls short.
Who is lord over us?Ungodly living stems from claiming ownership over our tongues, minds, and bodies rather than yielding lordship to the Holy Spirit.
The good is the enemy of the bestWhile health and money are good servants, making them masters causes us to miss out on the highest prize of partaking in God's nature.
Pressing on to become like JesusThe apostle Paul's singular aim was not merely world outreach or external ministry, but to lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold of him.Philippians 3:12
Persevering under trialTrials test our faith and produce endurance, leading to a crown of life for those who love the Lord and persevere.James 1:4
Every good and perfect gift comes from aboveSin enters when we yield to temptation and lust conceives, but every perfect gift—including God's nature—comes from above when we choose to say no to sin.
Seeing the glory of Jesus in the scripturesWhen the veil is removed by turning to the Holy Spirit, studying the word reveals the glory of Jesus rather than just dry doctrine or academic knowledge.
Falling into the ground and dyingTo truly see Jesus and bear fruit, we must follow His path of falling into the ground and dying to our reputation, choices, and self-life.
