Zac Poonen - Two Levels of the Christian Life

Zac PoonenJuly 31, 202342mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionZac Poonen379 messages

Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: Two Levels of the Christian Life Date: 07/30/2023 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker outlines two levels of Christian living: one focused on avoiding unlawful actions to maintain a clear conscience, and a higher level centered on choosing what is most profitable for glorifying God's Kingdom. He emphasizes that true devotion goes beyond mere legality, requiring a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort or desires to align with God's will, citing fasting and prayer as examples of this higher commitment.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

What are the two levels of the Christian life?Every born-again Christian can choose to live just to go to heaven, or at a higher level that saves them from regret and shows true gratitude to the Lord.

Living at the level of lawful thingsMany Christians are content to avoid unlawful sins and keep a clear conscience, thinking that is the best type of Christian life.1 Corinthians 6:12

Choosing what is profitable for God's kingdomThe higher level goes beyond asking if something is lawful to ask what is most profitable for glorifying God and advancing His kingdom.

An example using food and fastingEating whatever is lawful is fine, but seeking God's purposes may involve denying oneself and fasting, which sharpens spiritual senses.

Discovering genuine faith in Hebrews 11Without faith it is impossible to please God, so believers must carefully distinguish between genuine faith and cheap counterfeits.Hebrews 11:6

Abel's offering versus Cain's offeringAbel carefully selected the firstlings of his flock as a costly sacrifice, while Cain merely picked up an ordinary offering from the ground.

Offering leftovers to God in MalachiThe Israelites at the end of the Old Testament despised God by offering blind and lame animals that cost them nothing.

A careless attitude in worshipBelievers often treat God with less respect than an earthly governor by singing worship songs without consciously focusing on Jesus.

An offering that is pure from East to WestGod promised a day when people from all over the earth would offer Him a pure, costly sacrifice.

Abraham's costly test on Mount MoriahGod tested Abraham for three days before commanding him to offer his son Isaac, proving that Abraham feared and obeyed God completely.Genesis 22:2

An exciting Christian lifeLiving a Godly life of putting the Lord first is truly exciting, even when facing difficult situations with no obvious human solution.

David refuses to offer what costs him nothingWhen David sinned by numbering the army and faced God's judgment, he refused to accept free land for an altar, declaring he would not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing.

The foundation of God's temple and churchSolomon built the temple on Mount Moriah where Abraham and David offered sacrifices, which pictures the place where God builds His church today.

Related messages

Back to the catalog

NCCF Church

Zac Poonen - Two Levels of the Christian Life

Zac Poonen · July 31, 2023 · 42m

Following Jesus Prayer