Where Christianity Becomes Profiteering - Zac Poonen
Summary
True spiritual growth is not measured by Bible knowledge or church attendance, but by a deep, passionate love for righteousness and hatred for iniquity, mirroring Jesus' life. The speaker emphasizes that genuine, lasting joy comes from centering one's life on God's kingdom and will, rather than personal desires or grievances. This requires understanding the fundamental choice between a life centered on self (leading to death) and a life centered on God (leading to life).
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why was Jesus full of perpetual joy?Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness above all others because he loved righteousness and hated iniquity, feared God, and humbled himself.Hebrews 1:9Hebrews 5:7Philippians 2:5
The two trees and the root of all sinThe root of all sin is living a life centered in self, symbolized by the tree of knowledge, while the root of all holiness is living a life centered in God.
Learning true prayer and spirituality from JesusJesus taught his disciples to pray by putting God's name, kingdom, and will first instead of focusing entirely on personal needs and enemies.
Spiritual junk food and the danger of self-seekingPeople chase spiritual junk food and false promises of prosperity because they want their ears tickled rather than facing the truth about self-seeking.2 Timothy 4:3
Supposing that godliness is a means of gainA major characteristic of false teachers and worldly believers is the assumption that Christianity is a vehicle for making money and personal profit.1 Timothy 6:5
The two types of ChristiansWhile some use religion to extract profit from others, true believers count earthly advantages as garbage in order to gain Christ and His nature.
The first temptation of JesusThe devil tempted Jesus to use His God-given power and gifts for personal benefit and survival, but Jesus refused to live by making gain for Himself.
Profiting from the gospel and Christian mediaMany preachers and creators commercialize their spiritual gifts through books, music, and ministries to become wealthy, falling into the trap of personal gain.
The teaching of Balaam and greed in ministryScripture warns against false teachers who follow the path of Balaam, forsaking the right way out of greed and exploiting believers with false words.Revelation 2:14
Balaam's persistent pursuit of profitThough God explicitly told Balaam not to go with the king's messengers, Balaam kept asking again because he was tempted by the promise of honor and money.
Gehazi's greed and the consequence of leprosyGehazi secretly chased after Naaman to line his pockets with wealth using Elisha's name, bringing Naaman's leprosy upon himself and his descendants.
Looking inward instead of pointing fingersBelievers should stop pointing fingers at television preachers and examine themselves for the same disease of seeking personal benefit from generous brothers.
Returning past help and becoming spiritual overnightPeople become truly spiritual when they stop taking advantage of others, remember past financial help they received, and give generously to those in need.
A testimony of unpaid service and walking like ChristTrue ministry is marked by elders and leaders who refuse a salary, never seek personal benefit, and ensure they never take advantage of anyone in the name of Jesus.
