3. Submitting to Christ’s Authority in His Body — Zac Poonen — August 24, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian life requires submission not only to Christ's direct guidance but also to the local church's authority, viewing the body metaphorically. The speaker contrasts self-pity with true sorrow for others and stresses that even knowledgeable or morally upright Christians still require the anointing of the Holy Spirit to serve. Ultimately, one must be connected to the head (Christ) and obedient to the body (the local church) to be a functional member.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are you a needed part of the body of Christ?Every believer is called to serve Christ as members of His body, and even the smallest part is needed, provided it stays connected to the head.
Obeying local leaders and eldersBelievers cannot be independent Christians floating around unconnected to earthly leadership; they must obey and submit to local elders who watch over their souls.Hebrews 13:17
The New Testament pattern of local churchesThroughout the Acts of the Apostles, believers brought to Christ were planted into local churches with appointed elders rather than left answerable to nobody.
The serious responsibility of eldersElders have the grave responsibility to watch over souls as those who must give an account to God one day.
How Jesus received the anointing at baptismJesus submitted to immersion by John the Baptist and prayed as He went into the water, showing that true anointing requires total surrender and death to self.Matthew 3:13
Denying yourself and taking up the cross dailyFollowing Jesus requires a daily choice to say no to self, giving up personal dignity, position, self-respect, and stubborn will.Luke 9:23
Dead people do not get hurtWhen people poke or irritate us, it reveals that we are not truly dead to self, and we should even be thankful for enemies who expose our pride.
Taking God's word over human excuses in parentingGod's word is true even if every man is a liar, meaning parents must take responsibility for training their children rather than making excuses.Romans 3:4
What the Holy Spirit does when He anoints youThe Holy Spirit guides believers into truth and glorifies Christ by taking the things of Christ and disclosing them to our hearts.John 16:13–14
They heard him speak and followed JesusThe ultimate goal of a believer's life and speech is to point people away from ourselves so they follow Jesus instead.John 1:35
Standing unashamed for Christ in the workplaceBelievers must never be ashamed of Christ for the sake of promotion or comfort, but boldly witness for Him and leave the results to God.
The power to live without irritation at homeThrough the power of the Holy Spirit looking unto Jesus, believers can live uprightly and never get irritated even amid daily pressures at home.
