Grace And Glory In The New Covenant: 7. Looking Upward, Inward and Outward - Zac Poonen
Grace And Glory In The New Covenant: 7.Looking Upward, Inward and Outward - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon draws lessons from Isaiah 6 and the story of King Uzziah, warning that prosperity and success can lead to dangerous pride. The speaker advises believers to maintain humility by 'keeping their face in the dust before God,' always recognizing themselves as ordinary brothers, and focusing more on the depth of Christ's love for them than on their own efforts. He emphasizes that true spiritual maturity involves esteeming every brother and adhering strictly to biblical standards.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Seeing the Lord high and exalted like IsaiahIsaiah saw a vision of God on His throne in the year King Uzziah died, reminding believers of the danger of pride when blessed by God.
The first vision: looking upwardA spiritual person first looks upward to see God in His holiness, which humbles human pride and teaches the priority of worship over service.
The four steps of approaching GodTrue worship progresses from prayer and thanksgiving to praise and finally adoration, which many contemporary churches confuse with simpler expressions.
Worshipping the Father in spirit and in truthJesus explains that true worshippers worship in spirit and truth, requiring the baptism of the Holy Spirit to enter the most holy place.John 4:23
Desiring nothing on earth but JesusA true worshipper shares the heart posture of Psalm 73, desiring no one in heaven or on earth besides the Lord.Psalm 73:25
The second vision: looking inwardWhen a believer looks upward and beholds God's glory, they are naturally led to look inward and recognize their own hidden sin rather than focusing on others.
From pointing out others' faults to 'Woe is me'Instead of pronouncing woes on others like Isaiah did previously, seeing the Lord causes Isaiah to cry out 'woe is me' regarding his unclean lips.
Cleansing and the fire from the altarAs soon as Isaiah confesses his sin, a burning coal from the altar cleanses his mouth, setting his tongue on fire for God's service.
The third vision: looking outwardOnce a believer has looked upward and inward, God commissions them to look outward and willingly volunteer to represent Him to others.
Overcoming human preferences and cultural dividesGod calls believers out of their comfort zones to fellowship with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and social levels, just as described in Colossians.
Welcoming all people into fellowship without prejudiceChurches must avoid exclusivism and warmly receive anyone seeking Christ, guarding against the institutional decay that causes God to remove His presence.
