Two Levels of Faith in the Christian Life -- Zac Poonen -- October 7, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/two-levels-faith-christian-life River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon contrasts two levels of Christian life: merely having 'life' versus possessing 'abundant life.' Drawing from Revelation and John's Gospel, the speaker emphasizes that believers must strive to be 'overcomers' rather than settling for a comfortable, superficial faith within a good church. He warns that remaining spiritually immature, like a baby, manifests as jealousy and strife, urging the congregation to press toward spiritual maturity.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
To him who overcomesAcross both good and bad churches in Revelation, the Lord emphasizes a special reward specifically for the one who overcomes.
Life and abundant lifeJust as a person lying in a hospital bed has life compared to someone actively playing sports, Christians can live at the basic level of having life or the higher level of abundant life.
Spiritual infants versus mature believersPaul tells the Corinthians they are carnal and infants who can only take milk rather than solid food, marked by ongoing jealousy and strife.
Staying in kindergartenThe writer of Hebrews reproves believers who have been Christians for a long time yet still need to be taught elementary kindergarten lessons instead of eating solid food.Hebrews 5:12
The warning of the Israelites in the wildernessThough two million Israelites were redeemed from Egypt, experienced miracles, and drank spiritual water, God was not happy with most of them, and they died in the wilderness.
Overcoming the world systemThe world is categorized by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which believers must overcome through active faith.
Faith as helpless dependenceWhoever is born of god has the built-in capacity to overcome the world through a living, helpless dependence upon Jesus like a branch in a tree.
From justification to exulting in tribulationWhile justification by faith brings peace with god, spiritual growth leads believers to exult in tribulations because trials build proven character.
Counting trials as joyTrials test our faith and produce endurance, ultimately making the believer perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.James 1:2–4
Jesus' final word on tribulationJesus comforted His disciples before the cross by stating that while they will have tribulation in the world, He has overcome the world.John 16:33
Seasoning speech with graceAn overcomer learns to control their ordinary conversation and discipline their children with grace rather than anger.
Higher classes of pressureGod continually promotes believers to higher levels of testing, increasing the pressure just as a gym workout builds physical strength.
Why God allows the devil to existGod allows the devil to exist and tempt believers to provide the spiritual resistance necessary to build inner strength and muscle.
Inheriting everything as mature sonsThose who overcome will inherit all things and become grown-up, mature sons of God rather than remaining spiritual babies.Revelation 21:7
