12.Marks Of Christ's Kingdom - Zac Poonen
Kakinada Meetings 2012: The Kingdom Of God
Summary
The central message is that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ operates contrary to worldly standards of power, status, and competition. True followers are called to humble themselves, seeking to 'go down' rather than 'go up,' mirroring Christ's descent. Furthermore, the Christian battle is not against human beings or other Christians, but against spiritual forces and sin, which requires believers to be anointed by the Holy Spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The contrast with worldly greatnessJesus explains that unlike worldly leaders who act as benefactors and exercise authority, His kingdom operates on completely different principles.
Going down instead of upThe competition in Jesus' kingdom is not to climb higher and become big in the eyes of men, but to humble oneself and go lower.
The spirit of Lucifer versus the example of ChristWhile Lucifer fell by trying to elevate himself above God, Christ emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross.
Rejecting titles and human honorPharisees and worldly religious leaders love places of honor and respectful titles, but believers are all ordinary brothers under one Master.
My kingdom is not of this worldBecause Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, His servants do not fight with physical weapons or engage in human arguments and empty chatter.
Doing good instead of fighting peopleJesus went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than fighting flesh and blood.
Fighting spiritual forces, not humansOld Testament believers fought physical enemies and each other, but New Zealand and modern believers must realize that our true battle is against spiritual wickedness and Satan.
Exercising authority over demonsBelievers are given authority in Jesus' name to cast out demons, rather than falling back into old habits of fighting with other human beings.
Taking spiritual responsibility in the homeParents must lovingly guard their homes from ungodly influences like harmful music and media, acting as spiritual heads of their households.
The devil should be afraid of youBecause the One who is in us is greater than he who is in the world, believers do not need to fear the devil.
Receiving an unshakable kingdomWe are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, founded firmly on the rock, pointing forward to the day when the Lord will be King over all the earth.Zechariah 14:9
