WORKING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS (With Romanian Translation) - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that true fellowship, modeled after the body of Christ, requires believers to build their relationship with Christ first. The speaker emphasizes that Christ does not want to work independently but desires to work collaboratively with His followers. This cooperation is best demonstrated by adopting Christ's attributes of gentleness and humility, which are contrary to the natural human tendencies toward hardness and pride, both in personal relationships and church leadership.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is fellowship in the body of Christ?True fellowship goes beyond mere friendship; it is about being closely connected to one another through our union with Christ, our head.
Why Jesus chooses to work with usThough God is all-powerful and could do everything by Himself, He humbles Himself to work in partnership with His people.
Taking His yoke upon usJesus invites us to take His yoke and learn gentleness and humility from Him, rejecting the proud and hard nature of Adam.
Like a child helping his fatherOur contribution to God's kingdom is like a small child holding the corner of a heavy table while the father carries the weight.
The example of CorneliusCornelius was a sincere, God-fearing man whose prayers and alms were noticed by God, yet God chose to send Peter to preach the gospel rather than an angel.
Why God uses human vesselsGod uses people with personal experience of the gospel because angels have no firsthand testimony of being saved sinners.
The miracle at Cana as a picture of fellowshipAt the wedding in Cana, Jesus asked the servants to fill the jars with water so they could share in the work before He turned the water into wine.
God will never share His gloryGod gives us many gifts and blessings, but He will never share His glory with human beings.
The spirit of Babylon in NebuchadnezzarNebuchadnezzar fell into judgment because he looked at his great kingdom and claimed the glory for himself in his heart.
Why God chooses the weakGod chooses weak and despised things so that no human being can boast in His presence.
Many will say 'Lord, Lord' on that dayIn the final judgment, many prominent workers who prophesied and cast out demons in Jesus' name will be told they were never known because of their pride.
The sheep who forgot their good deedsThe righteous inherit the kingdom while genuinely asking when they ever fed or visited Jesus, showing they sought no personal credit.
God will remove the proudGod promises to remove the proud from His house and leave a humble, lowly people who take refuge in His name.
Falling at the feet of Jesus like JohnEven the holy apostle John fell at Jesus' feet as dead when he saw Him, demonstrating the posture of a true servant before God.
