(Clip) Seeking to Know Jesus Christ Above All
Zac Poonen challenges believers to maintain a passionate, relentless pursuit of Jesus Christ above all reputations and outward appearances.
This sermon challenges believers to examine their passion for Jesus Christ, emphasizing the danger of losing that fervor once they gain reputation or status in the church. It highlights the importance of holding on to Jesus and not letting go, regardless of one's position or recognition within the community of faith.
Full Transcript
I want to ask you, my brothers and sisters, especially those of you who don't come with any gross sin, you got a good testimony, your conscience is clear most of the time, you don't do anything evil, you don't have any bitterness against anybody, and avoiding all evil, do you have a passionate longing for Jesus Christ? To be in His presence all the time, and that when you say, Lord, where are you? I seem to have lost you, that I must find Him. And he says, I sought Him, verse 2, but I didn't find Him. And then it speaks of the watchman, these are other believers who don't have that same passion, and he asks, have you seen Him my soul loves? They couldn't help.
And then I found Him, verse 4, and when I found Him, I held on to Him, and I would not let Him go. Yeah, that's a, Lord I want you more than anything else. It starts like that sometimes in our Christian life, but then a little later, things change.
We get a little reputation in the church, and once you get a little reputation in CFC, the great danger is you begin to slacken off. Mark my words, and ask yourself if that is not true. That when you had no reputation in CFC, you were just a nobody.
You really wanted Jesus, but now you have a sort of reputation in CFC, and you're not so passionate about having the presence of Jesus now, because you're somebody. You may not be an elder, but you're somebody. May God have mercy on you.
You've lost something, brother, sister. I never want a reputation in CFC. It has no interest for me.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Examine your passion for Jesus beyond sinlessness
- Longing to be in His presence continually
- The soul's search for Christ when feeling lost
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II
- The role of other believers as watchmen
- The danger of losing passion when others don’t share it
- The importance of holding on to Jesus firmly
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III
- The risk of complacency with reputation in the church
- How status can diminish spiritual hunger
- A call to reject reputation for the sake of Christ
Key Quotes
“Do you have a passionate longing for Jesus Christ? To be in His presence all the time?” — Zac Poonen
“When you found Him, you held on to Him, and you would not let Him go.” — Zac Poonen
“Once you get a little reputation in CFC, the great danger is you begin to slacken off.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Regularly evaluate your heart’s passion for Jesus beyond just outward behavior.
- Resist the temptation to let church reputation replace your personal pursuit of Christ.
- Hold firmly to your relationship with Jesus, especially when spiritual zeal wanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zac Poonen say about having a good testimony?
He acknowledges that even those with a good testimony and clear conscience must examine if they have a passionate longing for Jesus beyond just avoiding sin.
Why is reputation in the church a danger according to the sermon?
Because gaining reputation can cause believers to slacken in their pursuit of Jesus and lose their initial passion for His presence.
What is meant by 'holding on to Jesus'?
It means to cling to Jesus with determination and not let go, maintaining a deep, personal relationship regardless of circumstances.
Who are the 'watchmen' mentioned in the sermon?
They are other believers who may not share the same passion for Jesus and thus cannot help in the soul’s search for Him.
What is the main challenge Zac Poonen presents to believers?
To seek Jesus Christ above all else, especially above reputation or status within the church community.