God Builds His Church Through the Meek - Santosh Poonen - January 5, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/god-builds-church-through-meek River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true meekness, as exemplified by Jesus, leads to inheriting the 'earth' which refers not to material possessions, but to the people and nations for God's kingdom. The speaker emphasizes that this inheritance is gained through inner humility, gentleness, and brokenness, rather than through external achievements or gifts. He prays that the church's influence will grow by demonstrating this quiet, Spirit-filled meekness.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to inherit the earth?The speaker examines Matthew 5:5, warning that seeking material riches or earthly success under the guise of meekness misses the true spiritual inheritance God promises.Matthew 5:5
Inheriting the nations as a possessionUsing Psalm 2, Poonen shows that Jesus prayed for the nations and peoples of the earth as his inheritance, which is the same spiritual inheritance promised to humble believers.
Why God blesses usGod blesses his people through meekness so that the ends of the earth may learn to fear him, spreading the pure aroma of Christ rather than relying on external impressiveness.Psalm 67:7
Living soberly in the dying seconds of timePeter's warning that the end of all things is near calls believers to be completely sober in spirit and unhindered by earthly pleasures as time draws to a close.1 Peter 4:7
Suffering unjustly finds favor with GodBelievers are called to patiently endure when they suffer for doing what is right, following the direct steps and personal example left behind by Jesus Christ.
Clothed in the righteousness of JesusThrough the cleansing blood of Christ, believers stand before God having committed no sin and justified as if they had never sinned.
No deceit found in his mouthThe speaker challenges Christians to take sin seriously, completely abandoning lying, gossip, backbiting, sarcasm, and any form of deceitful speech.
The meekness of silence and no self-defenseLike a lamb led to slaughter, Jesus did not revile in return when reviled and uttered no threats while suffering, setting a pattern of absolute non-retaliation.
Entrusting oneself to the righteous judgeTrue meekness involves continually entrusting oneself to God the Father rather than seeking revenge, vindication, or relying on human back-up plans.
Meekness and trust as our strengthThe true strength of the church lies not in numbers or outward talents, but in repentance, rest, meekness, and complete trust in God.Isaiah 30:15
The outpouring of the Spirit brings peace and meeknessWhen the Holy Spirit is poured out, wilderness areas become fertile fields, producing enduring peace, righteousness, meekness, and holy confidence.Isaiah 32:15–17
Power perfected in weaknessReflecting on Paul's thorn in the flesh, the speaker stresses that God cannot use a person until they genuinely learn to boast in their weakness.
A prayer of dedication for the new yearPoonen leads the congregation in prayer, asking God to number their days, fill them with the Holy Spirit, remove all self-reliance, and establish a pure testimony.
