We Must Judge Ourselves Every Day — Zac Poonen — April 7, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker critiques the hypocrisy in religious practice, arguing that outward displays of piety, like singing or worship, are meaningless without genuine heart conviction. He urges listeners to direct their praise and devotion solely to Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the most important presence in any gathering. True faith requires a heart-felt commitment that transcends performance, as God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Recognizing Jesus in our gatheringsWhen children praised Jesus in the temple, the Pharisees were angry, but Jesus defended them because He always sided with the humble. We must genuinely recognize Christ's presence in our meetings rather than treating worship like an empty routine or a funeral.Matthew 21:15
Rejecting human titles in the churchMany in Christendom long for greatness and adopt titles like Reverend, Right Reverend, or Prophet, but God's name alone is holy and reverent. Jesus instructed His followers not to take such titles, because all believers are brothers and servants.
Being the Elijah of the last days togetherThe body of Christ together acts as the modern Elijah, preparing people and warning them to live in perpetual readiness for the coming of the Lord.
Becoming like a little childJesus placed a child in the midst of the disciples and stated that we must be converted to become like little children. Children are innocent, do not seek self-importance, and readily forgive without holding grudges over past wrongs.Matthew 18:1
The heavy responsibility of speaking God's wordPreachers must speak as the very utterance of God, relying on His supplied strength and aiming solely for His glory. The speaker shares his personal practice of judging his own words before God every single night.1 Peter 4:11
Purifying ourselves with the hope of Christ's returnOur true hope is that we will be like Christ when He appears, and everyone with this hope demonstrates it by actively purifying themselves to reach His standard.1 John 3:2
Examining ourselves at the Lord's tableWhen we partake of the Lord's table, we look back to His death and forward to His coming, which requires us to examine ourselves so we do not eat and drink judgment.
The safety of judging ourselvesWhile people are experts at judging others, the Bible promises that if we judge ourselves daily, we will not be judged by the Lord.1 Corinthians 11:31
Finishing the work God gave us to doJesus glorified the Father by finishing the work He was given, and every believer has a specific purpose and work to fulfill on this earth before their course ends.John 17:4
God overlooks times of ignoranceJust as God mercifully overlooked Paul's past ignorance and persecution of the church because he acted in sincerity, He overlooks our past wasted years when we repent and turn to Him today.Acts 17:30
Staying out of other people's affairsBelievers must mind their own business rather than becoming busybodies or meddlers in other people's matters, which scripture places in the same category as evildoers.
