(Clip) How To Find Godly People In the Christian World
Zac Poonen teaches that true godly men are recognized by their humility, genuine love for others, holiness in life, and godly family relationships rather than by their preaching gifts or financial interests.
This sermon focuses on identifying the marks of a godly man. It emphasizes the importance of humility, genuine care for others, a proper attitude towards money, preaching and living in holiness, having a loving relationship with one's spouse, and raising God-fearing children. The speaker highlights that true godliness is not solely based on preaching abilities but on living a life that reflects Christ's love and character.
Full Transcript
Marks of a godly man These are some of the things I look for to recognize a real man of God. Number one, is he a humble person. That's the primary mark of a godly man.
He will make you feel important and equal to him. That is how Jesus even spoke to adulteresses and bad people. Secondly, what is his attitude to money? Any preacher who is even slightly interested in your money is not a godly man.
Any church that is interested in collecting your money, most important, is not a godly church. And I would ask also, does he preach holiness and live in holiness? And if he is married, I would ask, how does he live with his wife? Are his children God fearing? Why do I say that? Because our children know us better than everybody in the church. So if a man's children are not following the Lord, it's probably because they have not seen the Father following the Lord in the house.
So those are the marks of a really godly man. And I don't care whether he has got preaching gifts or other gifts, those are secondary. Because there are many godly people who cannot preach well.
But they live well. So these are some of the primary marks. I would also say that he is a man who really can love people.
He can love his enemies, he can love brothers. Even though he may not agree with people in other churches, he loves believers in other churches also. That is a really godly man.
Those are the type of people I would like to fellowship with.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Humility as the primary mark of a godly man
- Making others feel important and equal
- Jesus' example in treating sinners with respect
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II
- Attitude towards money as a test of godliness
- Warning against preachers and churches focused on money
- True godly men are not motivated by financial gain
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III
- Preaching and living holiness as essential marks
- Godly men demonstrate holiness in family life
- Children’s godliness reflects the father’s example
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IV
- Ability to love people including enemies and other believers
- Loving across church differences
- Fellowship preference with truly godly men
Key Quotes
“The primary mark of a godly man is humility.” — Zac Poonen
“Any preacher who is even slightly interested in your money is not a godly man.” — Zac Poonen
“If a man's children are not following the Lord, it's probably because they have not seen the Father following the Lord in the house.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Evaluate the humility and love demonstrated by those you consider spiritual leaders.
- Be cautious of ministries overly focused on financial gain rather than holiness.
- Strive to live a godly example in your family, knowing it impacts your children's faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important mark of a godly man?
Humility is the primary mark of a godly man, as it reflects Christlike character.
Why is attitude towards money important in identifying godly men?
Godly men are not motivated by financial gain, and any preacher or church focused on money is not truly godly.
How does family life reflect a man's godliness?
If a man's children are not following the Lord, it often indicates the father is not living a godly example at home.
Are preaching gifts the main indicator of godliness?
No, many godly people may not preach well but live godly lives, which is more important.
How should godly men treat believers from other churches?
Godly men love believers from other churches even if they disagree with them.