The Utter Importance of Humility - Zac Poonen - April 6, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/rlcf-mens-leadership-seminar-2019 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true spiritual outpouring, or the 'rivers of living water,' comes from the innermost being of those who truly believe and trust in God, rather than from external, spectacular acts. The speaker advises against seeking a visible or spectacular ministry, urging instead to focus on quietly fulfilling God's will in everyday life, mirroring the simple, consistent service of Jesus. Following Christ means following Him in His daily life, not just in His miracles.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean for rivers of living water to flow?Jesus stood and cried out in John 7, offering rivers of the Holy Spirit to anyone willing to pay any price for true thirst.John 7:37
Beware of seeking spectacular gifts over God's willMany perform miracles in Jesus' name yet are rejected because gifts do not equal a changed heart or a hidden, faithful life of obedience.
Follow Christ's life, not someone else's ministryWishing for another person's public ministry is honor-seeking and pride; instead, we are called to follow Jesus in His everyday, humble life.
The Shepherd's guidance and the overflowing cupPsalm 23 pictures the Lord leading us into quiet pastures, restoring our souls, and causing our cups to overflow with His goodness.
How God brings us to a place of abundanceThe overflowing cup in Psalm 23 connects to Psalm 66, where God brings abundance through trials, testing, and restrictive circumstances.
The origin of the first sin in the universeThe very first sin was not murder or adultery, but pride, which arose in Lucifer's heart because of his beauty, wisdom, and position.
Why God hides His truth from the clever and wiseRevelation comes through humility like a little child rather than intellectual cleverness, because proud people cannot pass through the narrow eye of the needle.Matthew 11:25
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humbleScripture repeatedly warns that God actively resists proud people while giving greater grace to the humble, making humility the only defense against the devil.James 4:6
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceitBelievers are called to have the humility of mind described in Philippians, regarding everyone else as more important than themselves.
Jesus washed His disciples' feet as an exampleKnowing the Father had given all things into His hands, Jesus took the towel and basin to wash feet, demonstrating how His followers should serve quietly.
Learning from a God who hides HimselfJust as God quietly hides His greatness in this universe, we should learn to serve and clean up dirt without seeking human recognition or self-promotion.
The three secrets of the Christian lifeFrom Christ's descent from God to man, slave, and criminal, the three absolute secrets of the Christian life are humility, humility, and humility.Philippians 2:5–8
