The Principle of Jesus' Life
Zac Poonen teaches that the core principle of Jesus' life is to walk in continuous dependence on the Father’s guidance through the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live victoriously and fulfill God's purpose.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking as Jesus walked, focusing on the distinction between condemnation and conviction. It highlights the need to listen to God's voice, believe in the possibility of change, and trust in God's patient guidance to overcome struggles and fulfill His purpose in our lives.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Call to Walk as Jesus Walked
- Understanding 1 John 2:6 and the command to live like Christ
- Distinction between walking like Jesus and becoming like Him
- The impossibility mindset and God's truth about obedience
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II. Jesus’ Dependence on the Father
- Jesus’ life modeled as a child dependent on the Father (John 5:19, Matthew 18:4)
- The role of listening to the Father daily (Isaiah 50:4)
- Prayer as listening more than speaking
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III. Living by the Promptings of the Holy Spirit
- The new covenant promise of personal knowledge of God (Hebrews 8:11)
- The Holy Spirit’s primary role to guide and prompt believers
- The difference between living by knowledge of good and evil vs. the tree of life
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IV. Fulfilling God's Purpose in Life
- Finishing the work God has given each believer to do
- Avoiding the trap of busyness without purpose
- God’s sovereign plan for each life (Psalm 139)
Key Quotes
“The one who says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same manner as he walked.” — Zac Poonen
“Jesus lived in relation to his Father as a little child who was just listening to the Father all the time.” — Zac Poonen
“The primary purpose of being filled with the Holy Spirit is to have the life of God within us, which prompts us to do or not to do in different situations.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Seek to cultivate a daily habit of listening to God’s voice through the Holy Spirit rather than relying solely on your own understanding.
- Practice prayer as primarily listening to God, following Jesus’ example of quiet dependence.
- Focus on fulfilling the specific work God has given you instead of comparing your ministry or activities with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really possible to live like Jesus?
Yes, Zac Poonen emphasizes that walking as Jesus walked is possible through dependence on the Holy Spirit, though becoming completely like Him is a future hope.
What does it mean to walk as Jesus walked?
It means living in continuous, conscious dependence on the Father’s guidance, listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings daily.
How does prayer fit into walking like Jesus?
Prayer should be primarily listening to God rather than speaking, following Jesus’ example of quiet dependence and attentiveness.
What is the difference between walking like Jesus and being like Jesus?
Walking like Jesus is a present conscious act of obedience, while being like Jesus refers to complete transformation that will happen when He returns.
Why do many Christians struggle to obey God's commands?
Because they often live by their own understanding of good and evil rather than by the life and promptings of the Holy Spirit.