Zac Poonen - Being Perfect In Mercy

Zac PoonenNovember 29, 202137mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionZac Poonen379 messages

Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: Being Perfect In Mercy Date: 11/28/21 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message is that Christians are called to strive for perfection, specifically mirroring the perfection of God, which is not a promise but a command. The speaker warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing that one's true life and commitment must align with outward profession, and that deep study of scripture is necessary to understand these commands. He concludes by noting that while perfect sinlessness is not expected on earth, believers are called to be perfect in love, mirroring God's mercy.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

What is the greatest danger for those pursuing holiness?The greatest danger for believers pursuing the new covenant is hypocrisy, where individuals maintain a false impression of spiritual success while slipping up in private life, much like the pharisees of old.

Do you take Jesus's command in Matthew 5:48 seriously?Jesus commands believers to be perfect as their heavenly father is perfect, which is a standard to be actively pursued rather than a passive promise of future perfection.Matthew 5:48

Digging into Scripture by the sweat of your browJust as people apply diligence to their earthly jobs or cooking, believers must seriously study Scripture to uncover the hidden answers and spiritual bread God has provided.

Comparing scripture with scripture to find the answerBy comparing Matthew 5:48 with its parallel in Luke chapter 6, we discover that the specific area where God expects us to be perfect on earth is in mercy.Matthew 5:48

Being perfect in mercy means making allowance for othersThe one area where perfection is required on earth is mercy, which means making allowance for the limitations, personalities, and understanding of others, especially in marriage.

Our mercy is tested by people who are different from usGod's standard of mercy is one hundred percent, meaning we must be merciful even to parents, family members, or strangers who are different from us or difficult to deal with.

Meditating on God's incredible mercyGod displays astounding mercy even toward wicked figures in the Old Testament like King Ahab, reminding us not to wipe out or judge hypocrites with our natural self-righteousness.

The danger of the pharisaical prayerIn Luke 18, the pharisee prayed to himself and thanked God that he was not like other men, demonstrating an unmerciful, self-righteous attitude that God rejects in favor of the humble tax collector.

The greatest danger for those pursuing holinessWhen building the church in Bangalore, a verse was placed behind the pulpit reminding everyone that the greatest danger for those pursuing holiness is being unmerciful to those who disagree with them.

Protecting children from the spirit of the phariseeParents must be careful not to spoil their children by comparing them to others or building pharisaical pride, instead teaching them that all their natural gifts and abilities come purely from God's grace.

Examining the inside of the cupIn Matthew 23, Jesus acknowledged that the pharisees had correct doctrines and good external testimonies, but denounced them because the inside of their cup was full of hypocrisy, wrong attitudes, and impure motives.Matthew 23:25

Doing all for the glory of GodBelievers must judge their inner life, thoughts, attitudes toward money and people, and hidden motives, ensuring that even the most elementary tasks are done entirely for the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31