The Spirit of the Bride and the Spirit of the Harlot
Zac Poonen explains the contrast between the spirit of sacrifice embodied by the bride (Jerusalem) and the spirit of business and compromise embodied by the harlot (Babylon), urging believers to offer pure, costly devotion to God rather than leftovers or self-centered gain.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of offering ourselves as a pure sacrifice to the Lord, highlighting the contrast between the spirit of Babylon, seeking personal gain, and the spirit of Jerusalem, characterized by sacrificial devotion. It challenges individuals to examine their motives in serving God and being part of a church, urging them to seek only to glorify God and not to gain anything for themselves.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Old Covenant and Its Limitations
- Israel's decline after captivity and revival attempts
- Malachi's rebuke of Israel's defiled offerings
- The call for pure offerings that cost something
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II. The Contrast Between Babylon and Jerusalem
- Babylon as the mother of harlots representing worldly, business-driven religion
- Jerusalem as the bride symbolizing purity and sacrifice
- The church's struggle between the spirit of business and the spirit of sacrifice
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III. The Spirit of Business vs. The Spirit of Sacrifice
- Business operates on profit and self-gain
- Many Christians unknowingly adopt a business mindset in church
- True church life requires costly self-denial and sacrifice
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IV. The Future Kingdom and Holiness
- Zechariah’s prophecy of universal holiness
- No businessmen in the house of the Lord in the final day
- The call to prepare for final judgment with a spirit of sacrifice
Key Quotes
“An offering that is pure is an offering that costs us something.” — Zac Poonen
“Babylon is a religious-cum-business system.” — Zac Poonen
“There will be no businessmen in the house of the Lord when the Lord returns.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Examine your motives for attending church to ensure they align with the spirit of sacrifice, not self-gain.
- Offer to God what costs you something valuable, not just leftovers or what is convenient.
- Reject the worldly, business-like mindset in your spiritual life and embrace costly devotion to Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the spirit of the bride represent?
The spirit of the bride represents purity, faithfulness, and a life of costly sacrifice dedicated to Christ.
What is the spirit of the harlot or Babylon?
The spirit of the harlot symbolizes a worldly, business-like approach to church life focused on self-gain and compromise.
Why does God reject offerings that cost nothing?
God desires offerings that reflect true sacrifice and devotion, not leftovers or things that cost us nothing.
How can believers avoid the spirit of Babylon in their lives?
By embracing the spirit of sacrifice, denying self-interest, and committing fully to God's purposes rather than seeking personal gain.
What is the significance of Zechariah’s prophecy about holiness?
It foretells a future when holiness will be widespread and no one with a self-serving, business spirit will be in God’s presence.