9th August 2020 - Sunday Church Service | Fervent Love for Christ is the Tree of Life | Zac Poonen
9th August 2020 - Sunday Church Service | Fervent Love for Christ is the Tree of Life | Zac Poonen
Summary
The message uses the biblical analogy of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden to illustrate that true life comes from maintaining a fervent love for Christ. While humanity can learn to discern good from evil through knowledge, this self-sufficiency leads to spiritual death. The speaker emphasizes that remaining connected to Christ is the only way to true life and to be effective witnesses.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What was the tree of life?God placed the tree of life in the middle of the garden of Eden so adam and eve would make it central, just as God desires Christ to be the center of our lives today.
The danger of living by the knowledge of good and evilLiving by the knowledge of good and evil means deciding for ourselves what is right and wrong, which keeps us in spiritual death even if we avoid outward sins.
The New Testament definition of the tree of lifePaul explains that the serpent deceived eve away from the tree of life, which scripture defines as simple, pure devotion to Jesus Christ Himself rather than mere knowledge of doctrine.2 Corinthians 11:3
The warning from the bible scholars of Jesus' dayThe pharisees knew the scriptures thoroughly and studied the bible, yet their spiritual pride made them enemies of christ because they lacked simple devotion to him.
Subtle deception through things that look rightSatan's greatest deception is leading believers away from pure devotion to Christ while they maintain upright lives, understand biblical covenants, and engage in religious activities.
Loving God with all your heartThe greatest commandment in both the old and new covenants is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Desiring nothing on earth but GodUsing the psalmist's prayer as a guideline, a true worshiper desires no one and nothing on earth or in heaven besides God Himself.Psalm 73:25
Studying for the final examinationMany will perform mighty works and preach sermons, but on judgment day the only thing that matters is whether the Lord knew them in an intimate relationship.Matthew 7:22–23
Loving Jesus more than family or possessionsJesus explicitly stated that anyone who loves father, mother, wife, or children more than Him is not worthy of being His disciple.Matthew 10:37
Betrothed to one husbandBelievers are betrothed to christ as a pure virgin, waiting for the marriage of the lamb while remaining faithful and seeking His kingdom first.2 Corinthians 11:2
Avoiding self-condemnationBelievers do not need to live in constant self-condemnation, because God loves us immensely and offers immediate forgiveness when we slip up.
Loving because He first loved usOur love for christ is a direct response to understanding the torrent of love He has poured out upon us.
Forgiven much, loving muchRemembering the pit from which god pulled us out and realizing the depth of our forgiveness enables us to love Him deeply and be prepared for His return.
