(Clip) Do Not Fear Coming Tribulation
Zac Poonen teaches that Christians should not fear coming tribulations because Jesus promises His protection and calls them to courage and faithfulness.
This sermon addresses the false teaching in Christendom that focuses on the imminent return of Jesus as the key to holiness, cautioning against using fear-based human techniques to manipulate behavior. It emphasizes the importance of not being swayed by attractions like music, money, or psychology in churches, but to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and devotion to Christ. Jesus' words about tribulation and the call to take courage in the face of fear are highlighted, pointing to the assurance of God's care and protection even in the midst of trials.
Full Transcript
Even if you know that Jesus will not come for the next hundred years, in your entire lifetime, you will still be faithful. This is a false teaching that's been going on in Christendom for years. That the way to make people holy is teach them, Christ may come any moment.
Tell this engaged girl, your bridegroom may land up any day, so don't fool around with other men. Is that the way we keep a person as a pure virgin for Christ? These are all psychological human techniques and unfortunately, like I've often said, money, music and psychology have come into the church to replace the power of the Holy Spirit and devotion to Christ. Be careful of that.
Be careful that you're not attracted to a church by music. Be careful that you're not attracted to a church by money or by psychology and psychology can be more dangerous. You know, the human techniques by which you try to make people holy are very often by fear and one of the ways to frighten people is Christ may come.
So I want to tell you that Jesus said, in the world you will have tribulation and those were the last words, almost, that he spoke to the disciples before he prayed in John 17 and John 18, he says, let's go to the garden and he went to the garden of Gethsemane. So think of that, just before he went off to die, he said, you're going to have tribulation. So why is it that we hear so much teaching that we won't have tribulation? Or why is it we are afraid of it? In fact, he said, the world will have tribulation and as soon as you hear the word tribulation, you know fear comes.
That's why the very next words Jesus said was, take courage. Courage is the opposite of fear. What is the reason for not being afraid? It's not, there are many reasons why we can say, I'm not going to be afraid.
One is, well Jesus said, in Matthew chapter 10, that they will not be able to touch even a hair on your head. Verse 30, the hairs on your head are all numbered, therefore don't fear. That is a good reason, you know, Jesus said that in Matthew chapter 10 and verse 29, the sparrows, two sparrows are sold for a cent, yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your father.
Verse 28, therefore don't be afraid of those who kill.
Sermon Outline
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I
- False teachings about the timing of Christ's return
- Human psychological techniques vs. Holy Spirit power
- Warning against attraction to music, money, or psychology in church
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II
- Jesus' warning about inevitable tribulation
- The natural human response of fear to tribulation
- Jesus' call to courage in the face of tribulation
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III
- God's sovereign care over believers (hairs numbered, sparrows)
- Reasons not to fear even persecution or death
- Encouragement to remain faithful regardless of tribulation
Key Quotes
“Even if you know that Jesus will not come for the next hundred years, in your entire lifetime, you will still be faithful.” — Zac Poonen
“Money, music and psychology have come into the church to replace the power of the Holy Spirit and devotion to Christ.” — Zac Poonen
“Jesus said, in the world you will have tribulation... so why is it that we hear so much teaching that we won't have tribulation?” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Do not rely on emotional or psychological techniques but seek the power of the Holy Spirit for holiness.
- Remember God's intimate care and sovereignty to overcome fear in times of tribulation.
- Remain faithful and courageous regardless of when Christ returns or the trials you face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should Christians not fear tribulation?
Because Jesus promises protection and calls believers to courage, reminding them that God cares intimately for them.
Is it wrong to teach that Christ may come at any moment?
Zac Poonen warns that this teaching can become a psychological technique that may not truly foster holiness or faithfulness.
What replaces the power of the Holy Spirit in some churches?
Money, music, and psychology are often used as substitutes, which can be dangerous.
What biblical evidence shows God's care for believers?
Jesus taught that even the hairs on a believer's head are numbered and that God watches over sparrows, showing His detailed care.
How should believers respond to fear of persecution?
They should take courage, trusting in God's sovereignty and promises.