Discerning the Excellent -- Zac Poonen -- February 25, 2009
RLCF Spring Conference 2009: 'True Godliness' https://rlcf.church/media/series/true-godliness --- http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity, which involves discerning the difference between what is merely 'good' and what is truly 'excellent.' Drawing from Philippians 1:9-11, the speaker argues that true love, which is the foundation for this discernment, grows in knowledge and judgment. Spiritual growth requires moving beyond simply avoiding evil to actively pursuing the best and most excellent way in all aspects of life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Praying for love to abound in knowledge and judgmentPaul's prayer in Philippians emphasizes that our love must grow in knowledge and discernment so we can approve things that are excellent.
Distinguishing between the good and the excellentSpiritual maturity means moving past a standard of avoiding evil to choosing what is excellent, as the good is often the enemy of the best.
Everything is lawful, but not everything is profitablePaul points out in Corinthians that while many things are permissible, spiritual discernment helps us choose what builds us up and profits us spiritually.1 Corinthians 6:12
Comparing ourselves to Christ instead of othersMeasuring our spiritual lives against other believers leaves us without understanding; we must compare ourselves only to the life of Jesus.2 Corinthians 10:12
The significance of the Day of PentecostWhile Adam was created in God's image and Old Testament saints had the Spirit upon them, the Day of Pentecost marked the unique arrival of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside human beings.
Partaking of the divine nature through magnificent promisesGod's precious promises are ultimately given so that we can partake of His divine nature and escape worldly corruption.2 Peter 1:4
Opening every door of our heart to the LordGod does not force His way into our lives; He stands and knocks, waiting for us to surrender every room of our heart to His lordship.
Stirring up the gift of GodBelievers must actively fan the flame of the Holy Spirit within them rather than giving in to spiritual sluggishness or complacency.
Loving God because He first loved usOur love for God increases when we deeply meditate on the extreme sacrifices He made on the cross to save us.
The parable of the two debtorsJesus explained that the person who realizes they have been forgiven much will love much in return.
How to seek and receive the Holy SpiritJust as forgiveness of sins is a free gift received by asking out of a sense of desperate need, so too is the baptism and power of the Holy Spirit.
