Body Life And Not Individual Life
Zac Poonen teaches that true Christian fellowship and body life arise only when believers crucify their selfish nature and live in the new covenant reality of unity through the cross of Christ.
This sermon emphasizes the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, highlighting the importance of fellowship and the need to crucify the old selfish nature daily. It stresses the significance of accepting both the cleansing power of Christ's blood for sins and the crucifixion of the old man for victory in life and relationships. The message underscores the necessity of self-examination, judging oneself, and building true fellowship based on humility, honoring others, and unity in the body of Christ.
Sermon Outline
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I. Old Covenant Individualism
- Prophets and leaders walked alone with God
- No fellowship due to enmity in the flesh
- Self was the center of life
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II. New Covenant Fellowship
- Crucifixion of the old man enables unity
- Jesus abolished the dividing wall of enmity
- Fellowship requires mutual crucifixion of self
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III. Practical Application of Fellowship
- Daily crucifixion of the flesh is essential
- Self-examination before breaking bread
- Judging oneself leads to true unity
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IV. The Test of Fellowship
- Fellowship must exist in closest relationships
- Psychology cannot replace the cross
- True fellowship is continuous and practical
Key Quotes
“Just like the blood of Jesus took care of man's sin, the crucifixion of the old man took care of man's selfish nature.” — Zac Poonen
“If two people both deal with the enmity in their flesh and then a dividing wall will never be built, not even for a second, then they'll have fellowship.” — Zac Poonen
“True fellowship is a 24-hour thing. Nothing can disturb my fellowship with another person if I die on the cross and the other person dies on the cross.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Daily crucify your selfish nature by applying the truths of the cross in your life.
- Practice self-examination regularly, especially before participating in communion or fellowship.
- Seek to build genuine fellowship by cooperating with others who also live by the cross.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Old and New Covenant in terms of fellowship?
The Old Covenant was characterized by individual life before God with no true fellowship due to the enmity in the flesh, whereas the New Covenant enables believers to have fellowship by crucifying their old selves through Christ.
Why is crucifying the old man important for Christian relationships?
Crucifying the old man removes selfishness and enmity, breaking down the dividing wall between believers and allowing genuine fellowship to flourish.
Can psychology help build true Christian fellowship?
No, psychology cannot break down the spiritual dividing wall; only the cross of Christ and mutual crucifixion of self can establish true fellowship.
How can believers maintain daily fellowship with others?
By daily applying the cross to their lives, confessing sin, crucifying the flesh, and judging themselves rather than others.
What is the significance of breaking bread together in fellowship?
Breaking bread symbolizes entering into the brokenness of Christ on the cross and requires self-examination to maintain true fellowship.