The Gospel Of Christ's Glory (video)
Zac Poonen teaches that true Christian life involves removing the mask of pretense through the Holy Spirit to clearly see and be transformed by the glory of Jesus Christ.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of not hiding behind masks of pretense but seeking to be transformed into the likeness of Christ by the Holy Spirit. It challenges believers to focus on the gospel of the glory of Christ, to be open and transparent in their lives, and to serve others as slaves for Jesus' sake, not seeking personal honor or recognition.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Old Covenant Mask and Its Declining Glory
- Moses wore a veil to hide fading glory
- Old covenant life marked by decreasing inner glory
- Mask symbolizes pretense and spiritual decline
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II. The Holy Spirit Removes the Mask
- Turning to the Lord and Holy Spirit throws away the mask
- Being filled with the Spirit means living without pretense
- Distinction between spiritual health and maturity
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III. Seeing and Being Transformed by the Glory of Jesus
- Without mask, we see Jesus’ glory clearly
- The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, not Himself
- Transformation from one degree of glory to another
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IV. The Inner Life vs. External Christian Life
- External activities are like leaves; fruit is character
- Desire for inner life reveals deeper aspects of Jesus
- Overcoming temptation is central to Jesus’ inner life
Key Quotes
“One mark of being filled with the Spirit is, there is no mask in our life. You are not living a life of pretense anymore.” — Zac Poonen
“The Holy Spirit will glorify Christ. Any ministry or person that draws attention to himself or even draws attention to the Spirit is wrong.” — Zac Poonen
“If you want to see Jesus, throw away the mask from your life. You'll see him very clearly.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Remove any mask of pretense in your life to experience the Holy Spirit’s transforming power.
- Focus daily on Jesus to be progressively changed into His likeness.
- Pursue inner spiritual growth beyond external religious activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the mask represent in the sermon?
The mask represents pretense and hiding the fading inner glory in the old covenant life.
How does the Holy Spirit affect a believer's life?
The Holy Spirit removes the mask of pretense, enabling believers to see Jesus clearly and be transformed into His likeness.
Is being filled with the Holy Spirit the same as being spiritual?
No, being filled with the Holy Spirit means spiritual health, but maturity and spirituality develop over time.
Why is focusing on Jesus important according to the sermon?
Keeping eyes fixed on Jesus helps believers run the race of faith and be transformed by His glory.
What is the difference between external and inner Christian life?
External life focuses on activities and appearances, while inner life involves character and deeper spiritual transformation.