How God's Children Can Mature and Become His Sons — Zac Poonen — April 2, 2025
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker argues that true spiritual maturity is not measured by knowledge, gifted speaking, or even church attendance, but by a deep, Christ-like inner transformation. He contrasts the Corinthians, who were gifted but spiritually immature, with the calling to be holy and blameless in God's sight, which predates creation. The central message is that maturity involves a thorough, internal alignment of one's entire being with Christ, rather than merely focusing on post-death salvation.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why Paul spoke to the Corinthians as babiesPaul could not speak to the Corinthians as spiritual men despite their rich gifts and knowledge because jealousy and strife proved they were still fleshly babes.1 Corinthians 3:1
What God planned for us before Genesis 1:1Before the foundation of the world, God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in His sight and to be adopted as sons.
What is the true meaning of being blameless?Holiness means keeping a clear conscience in five areas: deeds, words, thoughts, attitudes, and motives, seeking to please God who sees everything.
God's eternal purpose and graceGod saved us and called us with a holy calling according to His purpose granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.2 Timothy 1:9
All things work together for those called to His purposeRomans 8:28 applies to those who love God supremely and are called according to His purpose to be conformed to the image of His Son.Romans 8:28–29
Mark 1: Separation from a worldly attitude of mindSons separate themselves from unrighteous partnerships and worldly attitudes, acting as temples of God rather than joining with darkness.2 Corinthians 6:14–18
Mark 2: A sense of responsibility towards God's houseLike Jesus at age twelve, mature sons take personal responsibility for their Father's business and care for others rather than leaving everything to leaders.
Mark 3: Submission to the crossSons willingly embrace the cross and die to self-will when tempted to save themselves or retaliate against mistreatment.Mark 15:30
Mark 4: Submission to God's disciplineGod disciplines those He loves as sons, and mature believers accept this correction instead of getting offended.Hebrews 12:8
Mark 5: Being a peacemakerPeacemakers actively strive to resolve conflicts and bring peace in their homes, offices, and churches.Matthew 5:9
Mark 6: Putting the flesh to death by the SpiritThose led by the Holy Spirit regularly put their self-will to death rather than living according to the flesh.Romans 8:13–14
Mark 7: Loving your enemiesSons love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and show unselfish kindness to the ungrateful and evil just as their heavenly Father does.Matthew 5:44–45
