A Firm Grip on the Christian Life: 5: The Body of Christ - Zac Poonen - November 1, 2009
http://rlcfchurch.org/firm-grip-christian-life RLCF Youth Conference 2009 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker argues that true Christian holiness requires more than individual piety; it necessitates fellowship with others, forming the 'Body of Christ.' He critiques self-centeredness, comparing it to humanity believing the Earth was the center of the universe, and points to the Lord's Prayer as an example of centering life on God rather than 'I, me, mine.' True discipleship involves centering life on God's will and caring for others.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Body of Christ as the Fifth StepAfter understanding the blood of Christ, the Word, the Spirit, and the cross, the final step to a firm Christian grip is the body of Jesus Christ.
The Root of All Sin Is Self-CenterednessThe root of all human sin is being centered in oneself, even turning God into a means for personal blessing and comfort.
Learning to Pray Without SelfJesus taught His disciples the Lord's Prayer, which notably contains zero occurrences of the words I, me, and mine.
Meditating on the Lord's PrayerMeditating deeply on each line of the Lord's Prayer shifts our focus from personal anxiety and reputation to God's name, kingdom, and will.
Individualism Versus New Covenant OnenessOld Testament figures like Elijah and Jeremiah lived lonely lives and could not work together, but the New Covenant enables believers to become one.
The Greater Things Believers Can DoWhile we cannot perform greater physical miracles than Jesus, believers can do what Jesus could not do with His early disciples: make two people one.John 14:12
Building His Body, Not Just Saving SoulsJesus came to build His body rather than just save souls, bringing people together into a unified expression of His life.
The Mystery Revealed to the ApostlesPaul explains that the mystery hidden for generations is that Jews and Gentiles can become fellow members of the same body.Ephesians 3:3–6
Displaying Wisdom to Heavenly RulersGod's purpose is to use the unity of the church to make His manifold wisdom known to rulers and authorities in heavenly places.
Grieving God's Heart Versus Making Him SadJust as human wickedness grieved God in the time of Noah, our self-centeredness, gossip, and division sadness God's heart today.Genesis 6:5
Removing Jealousy and SeniorityTrue oneness requires yielding, eliminating feelings of seniority or superiority, and completely rooting out jealousy and competition.
Honoring Every Member RespectfullyIn the body of Christ, no member can say they do not need another, and we must honor every brother and sister respectfully.
Avoiding Spiritual CancerSpiritual cancer occurs when one person takes all the nourishment and space, hindering other members from developing their God-given functions.
Walking as Jesus Walked on EarthThe church is called to be Christ's body on earth so that people meeting us encounter Jesus in our speech, attitudes, and compassion.
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