What Your Part Is In Christ's Body
Zac Poonen teaches that every believer has a vital role in Christ's body, emphasizing love, personal growth, and active participation as essential to building up the church.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the body of Christ in the New Covenant, where every believer is given the Spirit to prophesy and contribute to the growth of the church. It highlights the significance of each individual's role in the body, no matter how small, and the need for personal growth through a daily walk with God and obedience to difficult commands like loving others sacrificially.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The New Covenant emphasizes building the body of Christ, not just overcoming sin
- Every believer has a unique and essential function in the body
- Even small parts like joints are vital for the body’s health and growth
-
II
- Personal walk with God is key to being a healthy member of the body
- Daily hearing from God and prayer are essential spiritual disciplines
- Confession, forgiveness, and clear conscience enable spiritual hearing
-
III
- Jesus’ example of prayer with loud crying and tears shows the seriousness of overcoming temptation
- Sin must be taken seriously despite the cleansing power of Christ’s blood
- Spiritual maturity involves progressing beyond basic commands to deeper love
-
IV
- The greatest command is to love one another as Jesus loved us
- Loving even those who hate or hurt us is the highest spiritual challenge
- The Lord’s Supper symbolizes our covenant to pursue this love
Key Quotes
“The body of Christ grows building itself up in love.” — Zac Poonen
“If you have such an inferiority feeling... Christ lives in your heart, you have a function, definitely.” — Zac Poonen
“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Commit to actively using your spiritual gifts, no matter how small, to build up the church body.
- Develop a daily habit of listening to God’s word and praying with a clear conscience.
- Pursue the command to love others sacrificially, even those who are difficult to love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a function in the body of Christ?
Every believer, regardless of their gifts or knowledge, has a unique role that contributes to the growth and health of the church.
How can I grow spiritually according to this sermon?
By maintaining a personal walk with God, hearing His word daily, praying persistently, and keeping a clear conscience through forgiveness and confession.
Why is love considered the most difficult commandment?
Because it requires loving others as Jesus loved us, including those who hate or hurt us, which surpasses basic obedience and demands sacrificial grace.
What hinders believers from hearing God’s voice?
Unforgiveness and unresolved conflicts can dull our spiritual hearing and prevent us from receiving God’s guidance.
How should believers approach difficult commands in Scripture?
They should pursue them as goals to grow into over time, not be discouraged by current inability, but keep striving in faith and perseverance.