11th February 2018 - Setting Our Mind On God's Interest - Zac Poonen
Setting Our Mind On God's Interest - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker encourages the congregation to align their focus with God's interests, drawing parallels from the heavenly worship described in Revelation 4. The central message is that believers should actively praise and worship God, recognizing His supreme worthiness, as this is how they can be in tune with heaven. The sermon concludes with a prayer for divine guidance and the ministry of the Word.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening worship songsThe service begins with congregational singing, including 'The Power of Jesus Name' and other hymns of praise.
Songs of praise and invitation to the Holy SpiritThe worship continues with upbeat songs of praise like 'Clap Your Hands Together' and a prayerful invitation for the Holy Spirit to inhabit the house.
Reflecting on Christ as the Servant KingThrough song, the congregation meditates on Jesus's mission to serve and His sovereignty, followed by a reading of Revelation 4:9-11 regarding the eternal worship of God.
Praising the worthy LambThe speaker begins by describing the heavenly worship where all glory and honor are given to the Lamb who was slain.
The importance of early spiritual trainingUsing the example of how parents in India zealously pursue early education for their children, the speaker urges believers to show equal zeal for their children's spiritual education.
Recognizing when we are stumbling blocksThe speaker explains that setting our minds on human comfort rather than God's interests makes us a stumbling block, and we should welcome God's strong rebukes to correct our course.
The lack of discernment in the spirit-filledMany people who claim to be spirit-filled lack discernment because their minds have not been renewed under the New Covenant.
Living by the Word of GodTrue Christian life is founded on living not just by physical bread, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Resisting the world's moldWe must resist being squeezed into the world's mold of seeking money and pleasure, ensuring our lives are transformed by a renewed mind.
Resisting the world's influenceWe must resist the worldly mindset that justifies unrighteousness and actively protect our children from being polluted by bad habits and values.
The necessity of a renewed mindTo understand God's law, we must renew our minds to think as God thinks, using the Scriptures to discover His true heart.
Following the Spirit rather than legalismTrue spiritual maturity involves following the Spirit of Christ rather than falling into legalism or worldly indifference, seeking revelation through humility.
The danger of spiritual declineJust as historical movements like the Lutheran or Methodist churches can drift from their original purpose, the book of Judges shows how Israel declined when people followed their own desires.
The desire to serve God's peopleTrue leadership is not about seeking honor or position, but a trustworthy desire to shepherd God's people with humility and gratitude.
A call to practical surrenderBelievers are called to move from being spectators to active servants by dedicating their minds, bodies, and daily time to God's interests.
