The Humility of the Exemplary Man - Zac Poonen - April 25, 2020
RLCF Men's Conference 2020 - 'Act Like Men and Be Strong' http://rlcfchurch.org/act-like-men-be-strong River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true manhood and discipleship are modeled after Jesus Christ, not worldly standards. The speaker emphasizes that believers must look to Jesus, who lived a life of daily sacrifice, to run the Christian race. This requires embracing the reproach and shame associated with following Christ, rather than seeking popularity or worldly approval.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Act like men and stand firmThe speaker introduces the theme verse from 1 Corinthians urging believers to act like men, not in worldly strength, but by following Jesus.1 Corinthians 16:13
Something better than Old Testament miraclesDrawing from Hebrews, the speaker explains that God has provided something better in the New Covenant than the external miracles and physical feats of the Old Testament.
Taking up the cross dailyJesus overcame by denying His own will and taking up the cross every single day, setting an example for believers to follow.
Suffering the reproach of ChristTrue discipleship involves facing rejection and going outside religious compromises to bear Christ's reproach.
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus and PaulWhile Old Testament figures sometimes faltered, New Covenant believers are called to follow the footsteps of Jesus and the godly examples of those who emulate Him.
The practical choice of the crossFailing to take up the cross daily in practical situations like relational conflict makes a person an enemy of the cross.Galatians 5:24
Washing feet as the Father's characterAt the Last Supper, Jesus took the place of a slave to wash His disciples' feet, showing that seeing Jesus means seeing the humble heart of the Father.
The humble lineage of JesusThe New Testament begins with a genealogy that includes four women with troubled or outsider backgrounds, showing that Jesus came to identify with sinners.Matthew 1:1–3
Born in a stable to counter prideJesus chose to be born in a lowly stable to counter the pride that originated with Lucifer and plagues humanity.
Rejecting religious titlesJesus instructed His disciples never to accept exalted religious titles, emphasizing that believers are simply brothers and servants.
Following Christ's example in sufferingPeter describes how Christ suffered without threatening or insulting in return, leaving an example for believers to follow.
Entrusting oneself to the righteous judgeWhen facing false accusations and mistreatment, believers must keep silent and continually entrust themselves to God, who judges righteously.
A concluding call for the Holy Spirit's powerThe speaker closes with a call to prayer, acknowledging that living this life and walking as Jesus walked is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit.
