A Heavenly Life: 1.Seated In The Heavens - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker urges Christians to recognize that this earthly life is temporary and that dependence on material things like money or property is shaky. Drawing from Hebrews 12:26, he emphasizes that God shakes created things so that believers build their lives on the unshakable foundation of eternity. He uses Abraham's journey as an example, illustrating that true faith is demonstrated not by words, but by actions that show one's citizenship is in heaven.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God shakes the earthGod shakes created things so that his children do not imagine their home is on earth and put their confidence in temporary possessions rather than in him.Hebrews 12:26
Abraham's eternal visionAbraham left behind his vast accumulated wealth in Ur of the Chaldeans, demonstrating by his actions that he considered himself a stranger and exile on earth seeking a better country.
God is not ashamed to be called their GodBecause Abraham and other patriarchs sought a heavenly country by their actions, God is not ashamed to be called their God and has prepared a city for them.
The shift from earthly kingdoms to the Kingdom of HeavenUnlike the Old Testament which focused on earthly kingdoms, the New Testament opens with the call to repent because the Kingdom of Heaven has come.
Heaven coming down with powerThe Kingdom of God came with power when the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost, bringing the atmosphere of heaven down to earth.
Earthly seed versus spiritual seedGod promised Abraham two types of seed: an earthly seed like the sand on the seashore, and a spiritual seed like the stars in heaven who receive the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Every spiritual blessing in ChristBelievers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, contrasting sharply with the old covenant focus on material prosperity.
Opening every room of the heart to ChristJust as a hotel with only one lit room is not fully illuminated, believers must open every area of their lives and finances to the indwelling Christ.
Seated together with Christ in the heavenly placesBecause God lives in the eternal present, whatever happened to Christ historically happened to us spiritually, including being raised and seated with him in heavenly places.
Setting your mind on things aboveBelievers can test whether they are heavenly or earthly minded by observing where their mind naturally wanders when free from necessary earthly duties.
Seeking God's kingdom firstInstead of worrying about food, drink, and clothing like unrighteous people do, believers are commanded to seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness.Matthew 6:31–33
Bringing the aroma of heaven into the churchWhen individual believers let the Holy Spirit control their minds throughout the week, they naturally bring the heavenly aroma of Christ into their homes and the local church.
