The Goal Of All Preaching - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that God desires believers to grow spiritually and diligently seek Him with all their hearts, as this is the purpose for which we are on earth. The speaker emphasizes that spiritual growth requires active pursuit, comparing it to running a race with a clear aim, and encourages listeners to embrace the purpose for which Christ has laid hold of them. True commitment requires voluntary cooperation, contrasting it with the automatic obedience of celestial bodies.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek himMany believers remain spiritually stagnant for decades, but God rewards those who seek him with all their hearts.
Running like Paul with a single goalPaul accomplished a great deal because he did not run without an aim and pressed toward the goal for the prize of the upward call.1 Corinthians 9:26
God wants children, not robotsGod could have programmed us like planets to obey automatically, but he desires children who voluntarily choose him above all else.
Choosing the profitable over the lawfulWhile all things may be lawful, a mature spiritual person selects only what is truly profitable and edifying in light of eternity.1 Corinthians 6:12
The danger of missing God's plan and crownEven individuals chosen by God can miss their calling and lose their crown if they fail to walk wholeheartedly in His will.
The goal of our instruction is love, a good conscience, and a sincere faithAll true teaching and preaching are directed toward a specific goal defined by Paul in his letter to Timothy.
Maintaining a good conscience toward God and menA good conscience must be maintained daily by immediately confessing secret sins and resolving conflicts with others without delay.
Sincere faith rooted in God's promises and humilitySincere faith focuses on spiritual victory over sin rather than material wealth, and it is invariably accompanied by deep humility.
A pure heart and love for one anotherA pure heart leaves no room for anything or anyone above God, and it ultimately produces genuine love for people free from jealousy.
