God's Highest Purpose for His People - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life involves moving beyond mere forgiveness to embrace the fullness of the New Covenant and the Holy Spirit. He shares his personal testimony of moving from a life of spiritual defeat to one of consistent upward growth through divine filling. He distinguishes between mere understanding of scripture and true revelation, which fosters humility and deep devotion to God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Living an up-and-down Christian lifeMany Christians are satisfied with an inconsistent life of repeated sin and forgiveness, robbed of their true spiritual birthright.
Hit rock bottom and found the Holy SpiritAfter years of preaching while struggling with secret defeat and discouragement, the speaker reached rock bottom and was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Seeking revelation rather than mere understandingTrue spiritual growth comes from receiving divine revelation in the scriptures from the Holy Spirit, which makes a person humble and god-fearing.
Saved from our sinsJesus was given His name because He saves His people from their sins, going far beyond mere forgiveness to deliver believers from defeat.
Grace means sin will not rule over youUnder the New Covenant, grace acts as a protective roof so that sin no longer has mastery or ruling power over the believer.Romans 6:14
Experiencing hell on the crossDuring the final three hours on the cross, Jesus bore our sin and experienced total forsakenness by God, crying out to Him as Judge rather than Father.
Fullness of joy in God's presenceThe true mark of God's presence in the believer's spirit is a continuous fullness of joy, pointing to the indwelling Holy Spirit.Psalm 16:11
The helper sent to help us obeyThe Holy Spirit is given as a permanent helper to empower believers to keep Jesus' commandments, which internalize righteousness into our thoughts and attitudes.John 14:16
Overcoming to sit on the throneJust as Jesus had to overcome during His earthly life to sit with the Father on His throne, He calls believers to be Overcomers to share in His glory.Revelation 3:21
Proving the fear of God through total surrenderAbraham demonstrated true reverence for God by being willing to offer his only son, proving that nothing on Earth is more precious than God.
Rejoicing and praying alwaysA Spirit-filled life is marked by rejoicing in the Lord 24 hours a day and maintaining a constant, helpless dependence on God in prayer.Philippians 4:4
God gives grace to the humbleGod resists the proud but pours out His more-than-sufficient grace to those who humbly recognize their total need for Him.1 Peter 5:5
Clearing the heart to receive the SpiritBefore seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit, believers must forgive anyone who has hurt them and be ready to make amends for their own wrongs.
