15th May 2022 - CFC Sunday Church Service | Are You Religious Or Spiritual? - Zac Poonen
15th May 2022 - CFC Sunday Church Service | Are You Religious Or Spiritual? - Zac Poonen
Summary
The message distinguishes between mere religiosity, which is outward performance seen on Sunday, and true spirituality, which is lived out daily when no one is watching. True spirituality involves living in the constant fear of God, exposing one's life to the Word, and striving to align one's inner life with God's standard. This transformation is guided by the Holy Spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A call to worshipThe speaker welcomes the congregation and invites everyone to praise the Lord together.
God is bigger than all our problemsThrough song, the congregation declares that God is greater than any fear, question, or mountain we face.
Reading and praying through the PsalmsThe speaker reads from the Psalms regarding God's faithfulness and leads a prayer of thanks for God's provision and the Holy Spirit.
Defining spirituality versus religiosityTrue spirituality is how we live when no one is watching and how we judge our inner lives by God's word, whereas religiosity is merely acting holy on Sundays.
The unfolding of God's wordGod's word provides light and understanding to the simple by unfolding truths that are otherwise hidden like a closed book.Psalm 119:130
The danger of living by the knowledge of good and evilRelying on our own judgment of right and wrong is a symptom of religious death; true life comes only through being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The flaming sword and the way to the tree of lifeAfter sin entered the world, God placed a flaming sword to guard the tree of life. Through Christ's crucifixion, the way is opened for us to access God's life by dying to our flesh.
Seeking life rather than just knowledgeMany people seek biblical explanations and facts, which leads to the tree of knowledge and death. True spirituality seeks how to possess more of God's life.
The danger of using human wisdom instead of consulting GodUsing our own cleverness to 'help' God, as Abraham did with Hagar, leads to long-term consequences. We must consult God even in difficulties rather than relying on human wisdom.
God waits for our self-strength to reach zeroUsing Abraham's life as an example, the speaker explains that God often waits until our own human ability and cleverness are exhausted before He fulfills His promises through us.Genesis 17:18
Life under the law versus life in the SpiritThe speaker compares living under the law to a person manually pulling a rope to run a fan, whereas life in the Holy Spirit is like electricity providing effortless power.
Choosing God's honor over personal safetyThe speaker challenges listeners to decide if they prioritize their own security or the honor of God, noting that spiritual people will stand for Christ even when it is unpopular or risky.
Saul's outward distinction vs. David's heartWhile Saul was physically impressive and tall, God rejected him in favor of David, who was a man after His own heart.1 Samuel 9:2
The difference between human and divine righteousnessReligious people like the Pharisees focus on external legalism and controlling behavior, whereas spiritual people possess a divine righteousness that transforms the heart from within.
Living with depth as a cubeTrue spirituality requires having as much depth in your private life before God as the impression you give to others, ensuring you are a 'cube' rather than a thin, religious facade.
