Don't Let Past Failures Discourage You - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The central message is that Christians should never become discouraged by past failures but must instead press on toward maturity and perfection in Christ. Drawing from Philippians 3, the speaker emphasizes that acknowledging imperfection is only the first step; the crucial action is maintaining the active desire and commitment to improve. This pursuit requires a teachable heart, accepting correction from others as a loving means of growth.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God is patient with our immaturityJust as a loving father is never angry with his immature children but wants to help them grow, God is patient and provides personal tuition through the Holy Spirit.
The attitude of not being perfect yet pressing onPaul acknowledges he is not yet perfect, but refuses to sit back, comparing spiritual growth to a child with the ambition to eventually earn a PhD.
Being open to correction instead of getting offendedTrue maturity means being thankful when others lovingly point out un-Christlike areas instead of getting defensive or offended like a failing child.
Setting the right goal and seeing sin seriouslyThe goal is to become like Christ in every area of life, and we must view sin with extreme seriousness, recognizing the immense cost of Jesus' blood compared to Old Testament sacrifices.
Possessing all the land from Dan to BeershebaJust as Israel was told there was still much land to possess, believers must have a passion for every part of their inner life to be ruled by the Holy Spirit.
Stop blaming others and take the blame like ChristLike Adam who blamed his wife, we often make excuses and blame others, whereas Jesus took the blame upon Himself without pointing fingers at anyone.
Recognizing the serious sin of unbeliefFailure in faith and trusting in savings accounts rather than a loving heavenly father is an evil heart of unbelief that leads to falling away.
Why God allows the memory of past failuresAlthough God has completely blotted out our sin through Christ's blood, He allows the memory of past failures to remain like a thorn in the flesh to keep us humble.
Do not whip yourself with regretTrying to punish yourself for past failures is a heathen idea because Christ took the complete punishment, so regret should only spur you on rather than hinder progress.
Putting a curtain behind you to look only at the finish lineLike Peter whose denial kept him permanently humbled yet useful, we must drop a curtain behind our past achievements and failures and look strictly at Christ.
