Singing As We Take Up The Cross Daily
Zac Poonen teaches that the true Christian life is found not in miracles but in daily taking up the cross, dying to self, and following Jesus with childlike dependence and perseverance.
This sermon emphasizes the concept of something better than miracles, highlighting the call to take up the cross daily, deny oneself, despise shame, and press on to perfection. It challenges believers to prioritize giving up sin, overcoming hindrances, and running the race with endurance while looking to Jesus. The speaker urges a shift from seeking miracles to embracing the better way of dying to self and suffering for Christ, emphasizing humility, dependence on God, and being made perfect through the cross.
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Superiority of the New Covenant
- Hebrews 11 heroes did great miracles but did not receive the ultimate promise
- God has provided something better than miracles: taking up the cross
- The new covenant calls for dying to self and following Jesus daily
-
II. The Call to Take Up the Cross
- Give up all sin and hindrances to run the race with endurance
- Deny yourself and despise shame for Christ’s sake
- True Christian life is marked by suffering shame, not miracles
-
III. Childlike Dependence and Spiritual Maturity
- Intellectualism can be a handicap to spiritual revelation
- Approach God’s word like a helpless child to understand holiness and purity
- Faith is perfected through dependence on God, not self-confidence
-
IV. Meditating on the Cross and Living Crucified
- The cross means being dead to sin, self, and the world
- Celebrate the cross with joy, singing hymns even in suffering
- The cross leads to spiritual perfection and true freedom
Key Quotes
“All those wonderful things they did in Hebrews 11, there is something better than all of that.” — Zac Poonen
“The good is the enemy of the best, which is to take up the cross and be perfect.” — Zac Poonen
“The next time you have to die to yourself, sing a hymn and die.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Daily choose to deny yourself and take up your cross, trusting God’s strength rather than seeking miracles.
- Approach God’s word with humility like a child to grow in spiritual understanding and faith.
- When facing trials or insults for Christ, respond with joy and praise instead of bitterness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'something better' mean in Hebrews 11?
It refers to the new covenant experience of taking up the cross daily and dying to self, which surpasses the miracles done by Old Testament heroes.
Why does Zac Poonen emphasize childlike dependence?
Because spiritual truths are often hidden from the wise and revealed to those who approach God with humility and helplessness like little children.
How should Christians respond to suffering or shame for Christ?
Christians should joyfully accept suffering and shame by taking up the cross daily, even singing hymns as Jesus and His disciples did.
Are miracles the main evidence of true faith according to this sermon?
No, true faith is shown by perseverance in taking up the cross and following Jesus, not by seeking miracles.
What is the significance of the Lord’s Supper in this context?
It symbolizes the new covenant through Jesus’ broken body and shed blood, reminding believers to live crucified to self and the world.