Our position In Christ - Zac Poonen (Telugu)
Message given by Zac Poonen at Hyderabad Meetings 2009
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that the Christian life must be characterized by keeping God's Word constantly in mind, acting as a sign on one's hand, and teaching it continually to one's children in all aspects of life. Furthermore, the speaker contrasts the Old Testament focus on long life with the New Testament emphasis on finishing the work God has given us, warning against seeking worldly desires from God, which can lead to spiritual weakness.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Living according to God's word in our homesGod commanded the Israelites in Deuteronomy to keep His words in their hearts, teach them diligently to their children at all times, and mark their homes with them.
Finishing the course versus living a long lifeWhile long life was a major blessing in the Old Testament, the New Testament emphasizes finishing the work and ministry God has given us, much like the apostles did.
The danger of demanding extended lifeKing Hezekiah prayed for fifteen more years of life, which resulted in the birth of Manasseh, the most wicked king of Judah; this shows that pushing our own will can bring tragic consequences.
Following Jesus in humility and sufferingOur leader is Jesus who died in humiliation on the cross, not David who died in great honor; therefore, we should not seek earthly prestige or grand funerals.
Days of heaven upon the earthWhen we honor God's word and teach it in our homes, our days on earth and our family environments can become like a little heaven.
Christ in you versus being in ChristEphesians and Colossians highlight two wonderful truths: Christ lives inside us to help us, and we are placed in Christ, connecting us to all our brothers and sisters.
Being the apple of God's eyeBecause Christ is in us, we are the apple of God's eye, meaning anyone who harms us touches the pupil of His eye and God Himself will deal with them.
Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the worldGod chose us and placed us in Christ before the creation of the universe, meaning our spiritual address is already in heavenly places even while our bodies are on earth.
Crucified, buried, and seated with ChristScripture teaches that we were spiritually crucified, buried, raised, and seated together with Christ in heavenly places.
Viewing earthly things from a heavenly perspectiveWhen we view life from our heavenly position in Christ, earthly possessions and temptations lose their strong grip on us.
Bringing heaven into our homes by refusing to fightJust like there is no fighting in heaven, we must stop fighting with family members, spouses, and people around us, living out Christ's love instead.
Our warfare is not against flesh and bloodIn the New Testament, we do not fight with human beings, religions, or flesh and blood; our struggle is against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.
Authority over demons through a clean lifeTo have power over demons and cast them out easily, we must maintain a clean life and completely stop fighting with human beings.
Trusting God when people fail usWhen people fail to do what we expected or make mistakes, we should not complain or fight, but instead trust God and let Him honor us.
