26th September 2021 - CFC Sunday Church Service | How Jesus Lived Under Grace - Zac Poonen
26th September 2021 - CFC Sunday Church Service | How Jesus Lived Under Grace - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon addresses the common misunderstanding of the word 'grace,' noting that it is often misrepresented and misused. The speaker argues that grace is not simply 'unmerited favor' in a general sense, but rather has a specific meaning that must be understood carefully. He begins by directing the congregation to examine scripture, specifically Luke chapter 2, to understand the true nature of grace and how it applies to Jesus's life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening worship through songThe congregation enters into worship by singing hymns that celebrate the sacrifice and worthiness of Jesus.
Rejoicing in salvationThe songs express deep joy because Christ's blood has purchased salvation and His Spirit lives within the believer.
A prayer of humility and focusThe speaker leads a prayer to quiet the spirit, acknowledge God's sovereignty over life, and ask for transformation through His Word.
Misunderstandings about graceGrace is often misquoted as a license for sin, but it is actually a conditional gift that God gives specifically to the humble.
How Jesus lived under graceJesus did not use His divine power or heavenly resources while on earth; instead, He lived as a man under the covering of God's grace.Luke 2:40
The proof of pride is a lack of humilityA person's failure to love enemies or their tendency to complain serves as evidence that they are not walking in the humility required to receive greater grace.
The true price of sin was not just death, but separation from GodJesus did not just pay for sin through physical death, which anyone can do, but by enduring the agony of being forsaken by God for three hours.
Jesus' divinity allowed Him to face eternal separationOnly God could endure the compression of eternity into three hours; as a divine being, Jesus was able to face the weight of eternal separation that no mere man could bear.Hebrews 2:9
Learning to grow through meditation on ScriptureJust as Jesus learned and grew in wisdom by listening and meditating on the scriptures, we must move beyond mere reading to deep meditation so that the Word becomes part of us.Luke 2:46
Why we struggle to prioritize GodThe speaker suggests that a lack of desire to read the Bible stems from God not being the priority in one's life.
Jesus as an example of studying and obeyingJesus demonstrated a commitment to studying the scriptures and submitting to His parents, providing a model for Christians to follow.
Living a life that never withersBy avoiding bad company and meditating on God's word, one can live a fresh, stable life like an evergreen tree.
God establishes all secular authoritiesEvery person in power, from presidents to police officers, is established by God, so we should pray for them rather than focusing on political affiliations.
The limits of obeying human lawWhile we should submit to authorities, we must prioritize God's commands if a human law requires us to disobey Him.
The path to receiving spiritual authorityBy learning to submit to authority in all areas of life—government, family, and the church—we prepare ourselves for God to entrust us with authority to lead others.
