God Waits for Us to Come to a Zero Point
Zac Poonen teaches that God waits for believers to come to a place of complete brokenness and humility—a 'zero point'—before He can fully work in their lives to produce Christlikeness.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being over doing, focusing on our character and inner transformation rather than accomplishments. It highlights the need to be like little children, innocent and dependent on God, and to be mature in understanding God's ways. The message stresses the significance of being broken and humble, allowing God to work in us when we come to a zero point of self-sufficiency.
Sermon Outline
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I. Being Versus Doing
- God values who we are more than what we do.
- Maturity in thinking is required, not childishness in evil.
- The Holy Spirit fills us to be, not necessarily to do.
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II. The Purpose of the Holy Spirit
- The Spirit produces Christ in us over time.
- Being filled with the Spirit is about transformation, not immediate action.
- We may be misunderstood but must remain faithful.
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III. Returning to God's Original Design
- Man was created in God's image to be, not just to do.
- Fellowship with God precedes work and service.
- Daily communion with God is essential.
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IV. The Zero Point of Brokenness
- God waits for us to reach complete brokenness before working miracles.
- Examples from Jesus’ miracles show healing comes at the zero point.
- Self-sufficiency hinders spiritual growth and ministry.
Key Quotes
“When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you shall be. Very, very important. Careless reading of scripture.” — Zac Poonen
“The Spirit came upon Mary to produce Jesus in her womb. And the Spirit has come upon you not to make you a great preacher, but to produce Jesus in you.” — Zac Poonen
“My time has not yet come until there's not a single drop of wine left. The Lord is waiting for you to come to the end of yourself.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Begin each day with intentional fellowship and listening to God before any activity.
- Seek to cultivate Christlike character rather than focusing solely on accomplishments.
- Embrace brokenness and humility as necessary steps for God’s power to manifest in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zac Poonen mean by 'zero point'?
The 'zero point' is a state of complete brokenness and humility where a person recognizes their total dependence on God.
Why is being more important than doing according to the sermon?
Because God desires our character and Christlikeness above our accomplishments or actions.
How does the Holy Spirit work in a believer's life?
The Holy Spirit works gradually to produce Jesus' character within us, not necessarily to enable immediate visible actions.
Why does God delay working miracles in our lives?
God waits until we are fully broken and dependent, like a helpless infant, before He moves powerfully.
What is the danger of self-sufficiency after being filled with the Spirit?
Self-sufficiency can lead to pride and falling away from genuine spiritual power and ministry.