Work Out What God Works In - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that Christians must actively strive to conform their lives to the likeness of Christ, which involves daily self-examination and growth in humility, compassion, and purity. Paul urges believers to obey God's word even when the preacher is absent, emphasizing that this diligent effort is what it means to 'work out their salvation with fear and trembling.' True devotion is characterized by fearing God's word, not man.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Having the attitude of ChristThe ultimate goal for every born-again Christian is to be predestined and conformed to the likeness of Jesus in every area of life.
Working out your salvationPaul instructs believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, which means taking God's word with utmost seriousness.
God looks to the one who trembles at His wordGod favors those who are humble, contrite, and tremble when they violate His word, unlike critical observers who do nothing for His kingdom.Isaiah 66:1–2
God works in to will and to doWe can work out our salvation because God first works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to accomplish His good pleasure.
Becoming dull of hearingBelievers fail to mature because they repeatedly ignore the voice of their conscience, eventually killing their sensitivity to God's promptings.Hebrews 5:11–12
Hearing God directlyThe highest privilege is to hear God speak directly to the heart every day, which is superior even to dreams and visions.
Repairing the conscienceThe Holy Spirit repairs our conscience when we are born again, making it sensitive to small sins rather than just major moral failures.
Needing the power of the Holy SpiritLiving the Christian life is so difficult that God provided the mighty power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome failure.
Jesus praying with strong crying and tearsDuring His earthly life, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with crying and tears to be saved from spiritual death and the defilement of sin.Hebrews 5:7
Faith in God's eagerness to blessTrue faith is believing that God is even more eager to bless us than we are to receive His blessing, leading us to respond to Him.
