Don't Ever Lose Heart or Feel Condemned -- Zac Poonen -- January 6, 2021
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/dont-ever-lose-heart-or-feel-condemned River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message urges believers not to lose heart or become discouraged, drawing parallels from Paul's endurance through trials. The core message emphasizes that God has a singular purpose for our lives: to be conformed to the image of Christ, which surpasses earthly achievements. Furthermore, the speaker instructs listeners that when reading scripture, they must seek to see the glory of Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit removes the veil that obscures this vision.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
We do not lose heartPaul faced many trials and persecutions, yet he twice declared that he did not lose heart, a temptation every believer faces.
God works all things together for our goodGod controls the universe and promises to make everything work together for our good, which is to be conformed to the image of His Son.
The ministry of the Spirit in the WordThe true ministry of the new covenant is having the veil removed by the Holy Spirit so that we can look into the mirror of God's Word and see the glory of Jesus.
Seeing Jesus in all the scripturesJesus explained to the disciples on the road to Emmaus how all the scriptures, from Moses through the prophets, concerned Himself.
Responding to insults with forgivenessWhen the Pharisees called Jesus demon-possessed, unlike the old covenant where harsh judgment fell on opponents, Jesus brought forgiveness.
Not drawing attention to yourself when ignoredWhen people failed to invite Jesus to stay after His ministry, He quietly spent time with His Father instead of seeking human sympathy or drawing attention to Himself.
Judging ourselves like IsaiahWhen Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, he stopped pointing out the sins of others and cried out 'woe is me,' modeling how believers should judge themselves daily.
Judgment begins with us firstBelievers belong to a kingdom where they put others first in everything except judgment, where they must judge themselves first.
There is no condemnation in ChristThough our flesh will continue to serve the law of sin until Christ returns, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.Romans 8:1
Immediate cleansing instead of broodingSpending a whole day in self-condemnation and discouragement after slipping up dishonors the blood of Christ; we must confess immediately and move on.
Putting a 'no entry' sign on discouragementBelievers must strictly guard their lives against entering the roads of discouragement and self-condemnation throughout the year.
Continuing to become more christ-likeThough we will not be completely like Christ until He comes, the Holy Spirit is committed to helping us peel away the self-life day by day.
