Step by Step to Perfection - Zac Poonen - September 22, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/step-step-perfection http://rlcfchurch.org/growing-spiritually River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The Christian life is a continuous journey toward perfection, not an overnight event. While being born again is a start, believers must actively press on to become more like Christ, which involves self-examination and repentance. This process is likened to the sun rising, gradually brightening until Christ's return, and it requires overcoming temptations and purifying oneself daily.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Leaving elementary teachings to press on to perfectionThe entire Christian life spans from the new birth to perfection, meaning we must not confuse spiritual health with spiritual growth.
The path of the righteous is like the light of dawnA person declared righteous by God does not become perfect overnight, but rather follows a progressive path that grows brighter until Christ returns.Proverbs 4:18
What does it mean to be perfect?Perfection means becoming completely like Christ in our speech, thoughts, and attitudes when He appears, which requires us to keep purifying ourselves.
Growing more sensitive to inner filthAs we grow closer to God over the years, we become increasingly sensitive to subtle inner wrong attitudes and motives rather than just coarse sins.
The expanding circle of overcoming temptationGod allows us to be tempted in different areas so that as we overcome them through our own responsibility, our Christ-likeness gradually increases.
Learning from the senior ox under the yokeJesus invites us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him as the senior ox how to plow a straight furrow in life.
Jesus learned obedience through sufferingEven as a son, Jesus learned obedience through the inner suffering of denying His own human will to do the Father's will.
Staying in the kindergarten of immaturityCarnal Christians remain sitting in spiritual kindergarten for decades, boasting only of entering school rather than progressing in the school of obedience.
Learning through mistakes and confessionJust as students learn mathematics by making mistakes and correcting them, believers must quickly agree with God when the Holy Spirit convicts them.
The danger of justifying yourself before menJesus warned the Pharisees against the spiritual ruin of trying to prove to people that they never did anything wrong.Luke 16:15
Forgetting what lies behind and pressing onLike the Apostle Paul, true believers recognize they are not yet perfect, but they make it their one pursuit to press on toward the ultimate goal.Philippians 3:12
Choosing the church with the highest standardJust as we seek the most hygienic hospital and the best school for our health and education, we should seek out the church that preaches the highest standard of spirituality.
