Brothers Q&A -- Zac Poonen -- August 12, 2026
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons-brothers-qa-aug2026 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
In this Q&A session, Zac Poonen addresses questions from brothers in the church, providing biblical guidance on matters of faith, discipleship, and Christian living. The discussion covers various aspects of following Christ and living out biblical principles in practical ways.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How to find victory over persistent sinResponding to a question about losing heart during struggles with sin, the speaker shares that his breakthrough came from understanding the true nature of Jesus as our High Priest.
Jesus sympathizes with our spiritual weaknessesJesus is a High Priest who can sympathize with our spiritual weaknesses because He was tempted in every way that we are, yet remained without sin.Hebrews 4:15–16
The danger of treating the blood of Christ as commonAs believers grow in knowledge, they must avoid the trap of treating Christ's sacrifice as something cheap or common, which leads to a lack of fear regarding sin.
Understanding the suffering that leads to holinessTrue Christian joy comes from a clear conscience achieved through the inward suffering of putting the flesh to death. External persecution does not make one holy; only the internal struggle against sin produces holiness.1 Peter 4:1
How to move biblical truth from the mind to the heartObedience is the key to letting God's truth penetrate the spirit. When we yield our will to His commands, grace flows into our hearts.
Resolving conflicts and maintaining authority in the homeDisagreements should be resolved privately and never in front of children. A husband maintains godly authority not by being a dictator, but by living a life of integrity and being willing to apologize for his mistakes.
How to handle mistakes and avoid condemnation in marriageBy being willing to apologize for mistakes, a husband can build respect and show his family that even humans make errors. He warns against using exaggerated or untrue statements that bring unnecessary condemnation to a spouse.
Helping children navigate sexual temptationParents should share their own struggles with sin to show that overcoming temptation requires the power of the Holy Spirit. He advises teaching children to avoid situations or people that lead them toward temptation.
The nature of true church fellowship and submission to eldersTrue fellowship involves encouraging one another spiritually, whereas friendship can be merely horizontal. Regarding church authority, the speaker argues that members should submit to the decisions of elders in church matters, just as one obeys parents or workplace rules.
Respecting authority in the churchChurch members should not demand access to private elder discussions, as doing so is a sign of rebellion similar to a child challenging parents.
Distinguishing between permanent commands and cultural customsWe can distinguish between eternal biblical commands and temporary cultural practices by looking at the depth of scriptural instruction provided for each.
Developing a shepherd's heartHaving a desire to care for others is a sign of God's calling; anyone can be a shepherd to those younger or less mature in the faith.
Responsibilities within marriageThe speaker explains that in marriage, a wife's body belongs to her husband and a husband must guard his eyes from lusting after others because his eyes belong to his wife.
Winning family members to ChristTo win a biological relative to Christ, one should use love as a magnet rather than pushing them away through overly aggressive preaching.
The necessity of exposing corruption in the churchDiscussing ungodly practices or financial corruption in other organizations is not gossip if it serves to protect the church and uphold God's word.
