(Clip) Seeking To Remain Hidden
Zac Poonen emphasizes the spiritual value of humility and seeking to remain hidden rather than pursuing personal glory, following the example of Jesus and the counsel given to Baruch in Jeremiah.
This sermon focuses on the humility and selflessness exemplified by Baruch in Jeremiah chapter 45, who served as a secretary to the prophet Jeremiah. It highlights the importance of not seeking great things for oneself but rather seeking to be hidden, following the example of Jesus in humility.
Full Transcript
There was a man called Baruch in Jeremiah chapter 45. He was the one who was writing Jeremiah's prophecies, and that's a great honor to be a secretary of a prophet. You're not a prophet yourself.
Jeremiah is a famous man, and a lot of people like to be known as, I know this famous man quite well. So Jeremiah had to tell him very frankly, Jeremiah 45 verse 5, Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't seek them. Praise God for a prophet who will tell you to your face, you are seeking great things for yourself.
Don't seek them. Seek to be hidden. Let's remember that.
That's the way that Jesus went, and that's the way we have to go.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Baruch, Jeremiah's secretary
- The honor and challenges of serving a prophet
- Baruch's desire for personal greatness
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II
- Jeremiah's frank counsel to Baruch
- The warning against seeking great things for oneself
- The call to seek to remain hidden
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III
- Jesus as the ultimate example of humility
- Following Jesus' path of hiddenness
- Practical implications for believers today
Key Quotes
“Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't seek them.” — Zac Poonen
“Seek to be hidden. Let's remember that.” — Zac Poonen
“That's the way that Jesus went, and that's the way we have to go.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Cultivate humility by avoiding the desire for personal recognition in your service to God.
- Follow Jesus' example by living a life that seeks to glorify God rather than oneself.
- Heed godly counsel and be willing to accept correction that leads to spiritual growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Baruch in the Bible?
Baruch was Jeremiah's secretary who wrote down the prophet's messages but was not a prophet himself.
What does it mean to seek to remain hidden?
It means to avoid seeking personal fame or recognition and instead live humbly and faithfully in God's service.
Why did Jeremiah warn Baruch against seeking great things?
Jeremiah wanted Baruch to focus on serving God faithfully rather than pursuing selfish ambitions.
How is Jesus an example in this sermon?
Jesus exemplified humility by not seeking personal glory but fulfilling God's will quietly and obediently.
What practical lessons can believers learn from this message?
Believers are encouraged to embrace humility, avoid pride, and serve God without seeking recognition.