The Foundation of Repentance - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/act-like-men-and-be-strong RLCF Men's Conference 2013 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that true strength comes not from worldly displays of power, but from spiritual maturity, self-control, and humility. A strong man is willing to admit when he is wrong, apologize, and acknowledge that he does not know everything, mirroring the childlike willingness to confess error. The foundation for a strong life, like a building, is a deep understanding of sin and genuine repentance.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God's design for spiritual leadership and strengthMen are called by God to lead their homes and churches through self-controlled strength, kindness, and love, rather than anger or worldly domination.1 Corinthians 11:9
Moving past spiritual infancyBelievers remain like babies drinking milk instead of eating solid food because they are too lazy to study the scriptures, often working harder for secular money than spiritual growth.
Developing discernment through the word of righteousnessSolid food is the word of righteousness, which trains mature believers to practice spiritual discernment between good and evil.
Laying the foundation of repentanceJust as John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ with a singular message of repentance, believers must establish repentance as the bedrock of their spiritual foundation.
Transgression of the law and sins of commissionSin is lawlessness, meaning going outside the clear boundaries and commands that God has set for human life.1 John 3:4
Sins of omissionFailing to do the right things that we know we ought to do constitutes a sin of omission, just as much as breaking a direct command.
Falling short of the glory of GodThe ultimate biblical definition of sin is falling short of the glory of God, perfectly demonstrated in the unselfish, pure life of Jesus Christ.Romans 3:23
Repentance as a lifelong processBecause sin is defined as anything un-Christlike, repentance is not just a one-time event at conversion, but a daily attitude that continues throughout a believer's life.
The New Covenant privilege of knowing GodUnlike the Old Testament where only prophets heard God, every New Covenant believer can have the Holy Spirit to guide them and convict them of sin.Hebrews 8:11
God's call to repent addressed to church leadersThe book of Revelation shows the Lord calling even church elders and leaders to repent, proving that no one is exempt from needing daily cleansing.
Looking unto Jesus to find daily renewalTrue conviction and growth do not come from looking inward at ourselves in depression, but by continually looking unto Jesus through the scriptures.
