Zac Poonen - We Glory in Our Weakness

Zac PoonenSeptember 30, 201942mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionZac Poonen379 messages

Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: We Glory in Our Weakness Date: 09-29-2019 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message is that true Christian strength comes not from human capability or education, but from acknowledging weakness, echoing Paul's statement, "When I am weak, then I am strong." The speaker emphasizes that God's ways are different from man's, and that believers must be honest enough to walk in the light—meaning acknowledging sin—for the cleansing power of Jesus' blood to be effective. Furthermore, God's primary interest is transforming us into the image of Christ, not merely granting us comfortable external blessings.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

When I am weak, then I am strongPaul states in 2 Corinthians that God's power operates through human weakness, yet many believers secretly rely on their own capabilities and intelligence.2 Corinthians 12:10

Old Covenant strength versus New Covenant weaknessWhile Old Covenant figures like Solomon, David, and Daniel displayed outward power and protection, New Covenant believers are called to endure suffering and weakness.

Why Jesus chose ordinary disciplesJesus bypassed the prestigious scholars and Bible schools of His day, choosing fishermen like Peter, James, and John to demonstrate that human education is often a handicap.

The removal of human chaffEven highly educated and capable men like Paul had to spend time in the wilderness so God could strip away the chaff of human learning.

God's priority: transformation over comfortGod is not primarily interested in giving us comfortable lives or answering prayers for ease; His goal is to transform us to be like Jesus Christ.

The condition behind the blood of JesusMany quote the promise that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin while ignoring the condition that we must walk in the light as He is in the light.1 John 1:7

What does it mean to walk in the light?Walking in the light means being completely honest before God, acknowledging not only what we did but the selfish motives behind it without making excuses.

Cleansing from sin is kindergartenPride keeps people from confessing simple sins like gossip, and trying to pursue higher spiritual victory without first receiving cleansing from sin is useless.

The conditions for eternal lifeEternal life and security promises are given to those who meet the stated condition of hearing Christ's voice and following Him.

God's commandments are not a burdenAfter decades of walking with God, the Apostle John testified that keeping God's commandments is not a burden, and Christ's yoke is truly easy.1 John 5:3

Paul's thorn in the fleshTo prevent Paul from becoming proud due to his incredible spiritual revelations, God gave him a tormenting messenger of Satan as a gift of grace.2 Corinthians 12:7

Praying persistently and accepting God's 'no'Even though Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to remove his affliction, God chose to keep it to ensure Paul remained humble.

Being content with weaknesses and insultsUnlike Old Testament prophets who sought outward victories, New Testament believers learn to boast in their infirmities, distresses, and persecutions.

Navigating perplexity and living by faithAs believers grow older, God often leads them into seasons of perplexity and fog to teach them to live by faith rather than relying on constant clarity or physical sight.

Carrying the dying of JesusThrough affliction, perplexity, persecution, and being struck down, believers carry about the dying of Jesus so that His life may be manifested in them.2 Corinthians 4:10

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