4th March 2018 - Starting Well But Finishing Badly - Zac Poonen
4th March 2018 - Starting Well But Finishing Badly - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon begins with praise and worship, leading into a discussion based on 1 Corinthians 10. Paul warns the Corinthian Christians by referencing the Israelites who failed to enter the Promised Land, despite experiencing many miraculous events. The central message is that merely participating in religious rituals or experiencing spiritual blessings is insufficient; one must heed the warnings and live in obedience to God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening worship songsThe service begins with the congregation singing hymns of adoration to God's holiness and majesty.
A prayer for faithfulnessThe congregation sings a prayer asking God for help to be faithful, to suffer patiently in secret, and to serve others.
The blessing of dwelling with GodReflecting on Psalm 84, the speaker expresses the joy and blessing of being a child of God who is justified and cleansed.
A call to praise God for His faithfulnessThe speaker begins by inviting the congregation to thank God for His continuous blessings, His presence, and His work in their lives.
The warning of the Corinthian ChristiansDrawing from 1 Corinthians 10, the speaker notes that the Corinthians were a carable people, much like the Israelites who experienced miracles but displeased God.
Trusting God's faithfulness in temptationThe speaker encourages believers to trust that God will never allow a trial to exceed their strength and will always provide a way of escape through humility.
The faithfulness of JoshuaJoshua was a mighty leader who remained faithful to God's law until the end of his life, providing stability for Israel.Joshua 1:5–7
The decline after the leaders diedAfter Joshua and the elders who knew him passed away, the Israelites drifted into idolatry because they lacked strong, faithful leadership.Judges 2:7–11
Saul's failure to stay within his callingDespite early victories against the Philistines, Saul lost his kingdom because he stepped outside his appointed boundary by offering a sacrifice he was not called to perform.1 Samuel 13:4–14
God looks at the heart rather than outward appearanceReflecting on 1 Samuel 16, the speaker explains that while man focuses on height and looks, God chooses those whom others might despise based on their inner devotion.1 Samuel 16:7
The peril of relaxing after years of faithfulnessAfter twenty years of successful leadership and writing Scripture, David's spiritual sharpness declined when he chose to stay home from battle instead of leading his men.
Paul's compassionate and selfless ministryThe speaker highlights Paul's intense devotion in Ephesus, where he preached with tears and worked with his own hands to serve the church without seeking profit.Acts 20:17–35
How churches are destroyed from withinInternal division occurs when leaders develop favorites and create cliques, even if the church appears unified outwardly.
The warning to the church in EphesusDespite having many good works and sound doctrine, the church in Ephesus was rebuked for leaving their first love.
The difficulty of being a Christian in the last daysIn the end times, many will possess a form of godliness and correct language but lack true power, driven instead by self-love and greed.
