The Secret of Godliness - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/act-like-men-and-be-strong RLCF Men's Conference 2013 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that building the church requires understanding two key truths about Christ: His eternal deity and His full humanity. The speaker argues that merely studying scripture is insufficient; one needs revelation from the Holy Spirit to see Christ clearly. True church building, which is the pillar and support of the truth, depends on recognizing that Christ lived fully in the flesh while remaining pure in spirit, which is the great mystery of godliness.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Seeing the real Jesus through revelationJust as Peter needed revelation from the Father to recognize Jesus, we need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to who Jesus truly is beyond mere scripture study.Matthew 16:15
The great mystery of godlinessThe pillar of the truth is the mystery that Christ was revealed in the flesh and kept a pure spirit, showing us that overcoming sin is possible.1 Timothy 3:15
Walking as Jesus walkedBelievers are commanded to walk as Christ walked, and dismissing this as impossible is simply believing a lie of the devil.1 John 2:6
According to your faithGod operates on the uniform principle that we receive from Him according to what we believe He is able to do for us.Matthew 9:27
Tempted in all points like usBecause Jesus was tempted in every way like us without sinning, we can approach the throne of grace with boldness to receive help.Hebrews 4:15–16
The difference between mercy and graceMercy helps us after we have fallen and broken our bones, whereas grace is the divine help received right before we slip into sin.
Jesus lived under graceJesus walked on this earth under the umbrella of God's grace from childhood to His death on the cross, proving sin had no dominion over Him.Luke 2:40
Saved from sin, not just forgivenJesus came to save His people from their sins rather than leaving them in a perpetual cycle of falling and seeking mere forgiveness.
Walking on the water of temptationJust as Peter stepped out to walk on water, believers can overcome the law of sin and death by keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus.
Follow me, do not just admire meJesus never asked us to merely admire His holiness or humility; He commanded us to follow His exact path as our Forerunner.
Living without a heavenly credit cardJesus did not cheat by using hidden divine resources; He faced life with human limitations, relying entirely on the Holy Spirit.
The root of all sinJesus rebuked Peter sharply because having a mind set on human interests rather than God's turns a person into an instrument of Satan.Matthew 16:23
Seeking our own interests among co-workersEven among dedicated workers, Paul found that most people unfortunately sought their own interests rather than the interests of Christ.
The blessed exchangeIn His final prayer, Jesus modeled a total surrender where everything He had belonged to the Father and everything the Father had became His.John 17:10
