Austin CFC | Zac Poonen - Most Believers Have Missed the Overcoming Life | 2020-06-23
Summary
The central message is that many believers are content with merely being forgiven (the gospel of forgiveness) but have missed the 'overcoming life,' which involves partaking in the glory of Christ. To move beyond a defeated Christian life, one must repent—not just from sin's punishment, but from complacency and lethargy—and actively seek God with all their heart, as taught by Jeremiah 29:13.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Gospel of Forgiveness versus the Gospel of GloryMany Christians are sure of their salvation through the forgiveness of sins, but they miss the gospel of the glory of Christ, which involves partaking in His divine nature.2 Corinthians 4:3–4
Finding the Narrow Gate and the Narrow WayWhile most preaching focuses on the narrow gate of initial salvation, few believers find the narrow way that leads to abundant life.Matthew 7:13–14
The Necessity of Seeking God with All Your HeartBelievers make no spiritual progress when they are comfortable in their defeated condition, because God only lets Himself be found by those who seek Him wholeheartedly.Jeremiah 29:13
Shutting the Mouth of the AccuserThe devil constantly accuses backslidden believers before God for their secret sins and defeats, but believers can overcome him through the blood of the Lamb and by dying to self.Revelation 12:9–11
Following Jesus, Our ForerunnerJesus entered the holy place as our forerunner, meaning we can plant our feet in His footsteps and overcome just as He overcame.
Paul's Testimony of TriumphThe Apostle Paul shifted from a wretched, defeated man enslaved by lust to someone led in perpetual triumph through repentance and faith in Christ.
The Standard of Perfection in LoveJesus calls believers to be perfect in love and mercy toward others, just as our heavenly Father is perfect.Matthew 5:48
Dealing with Conscious and Unconscious SinLike an iceberg where most lies underwater, dealing with our conscious sins gradually reveals deeper areas of unchristlikeness to be overcome.1 Corinthians 4:4
Living Under GraceSin cannot master those who live under grace, because God provides the help needed to conquer temptation.Romans 6:14
Jesus Overcame as a ManJesus did not use His divine attributes to overcome sin, but instead conquered as a man filled with the Holy Spirit so He could truly sympathize with our weaknesses.Hebrews 4:15–16
The Secret of GodlinessThe great mystery of godliness is that Christ came in the flesh, was tempted like us, received grace, and conquered sin as our example.1 Timothy 3:16
The Necessity of Church FellowshipChristianity is never meant to be individualistic; personal victory is merely the first step toward building a local church body.
The Grain of Wheat PrincipleJust like a seed of wheat must fall into the ground and die to produce a harvest, a person must die to self daily to form a genuine New Covenant church.John 12:24
Overcoming Trials Through God's FaithfulnessGod is faithful and will never allow believers to be tested beyond their ability, filtering all circumstances to work for their ultimate good.1 Corinthians 10:13
Partaking of the Divine NatureThe Holy Spirit is given to make us partakers of God's nature, flowing down to the humblest hearts who yield completely to Him.
Being Brought Down to ZeroGod must strip away human strength and self-reliance, breaking leaders like Jacob, Moses, and Peter until they are reduced to zero before He can truly use them.
