Spiritual Blindness – Cause and Cure | Clip 2 | Derek Prince
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The speaker discusses different groups within the Christian community and their sets of rules and beliefs.
Holiness Background Rules
- Holiness background individuals have a list of mainly negative rules, particularly concerning women's attire and behavior.
- Pentecostal movement inherits many practices from holiness teachings, including strict rules on diet, entertainment, and clothing.
Outdated Religious Rules
- Emphasizes that righteousness does not solely rely on following outdated religious rules.
- Illustrates how some past religious rules became obsolete with technological advancements like television.
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The speaker reflects on the inadequacy of human-made religious rules and provides examples to highlight their limitations.
Inadequacy of Human-Made Rules
- Criticizes outdated religious rules such as restrictions on radio usage and makeup choices due to evolving societal norms.
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Exploring the concept of righteousness and faith in relation to God's grace.
Understanding Righteousness and Faith
- The scripture highlights Abraham's belief in God, emphasizing that righteousness is attributed through faith, not actions.
- Emphasizes the significance of ceasing works and relying on faith for receiving God's righteousness.
- Discusses Fundamentalists who prioritize doctrinal correctness, leading to insecurity if challenged.
- Challenges the notion that security in God is solely based on being doctrinally correct.
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Addressing uncertainties in religious doctrines and the importance of humility.
Uncertainties in Doctrines
- Acknowledges uncertainties regarding prophetic events like the rapture and tribulation.
- Highlights the diversity of interpretations among individuals regarding religious doctrines.
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Differentiating between spiritual practices and true righteousness.
Spiritual Practices vs. Righteousness
- Distinguishes between spiritual routines and genuine righteousness obtained through faith.
- Introduces the concept of "Kitchen Counter Scrubbers" who equate cleanliness with righteousness but emphasizes it does not define true righteousness.
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Caution against self-righteousness and its implications on attitudes towards others.
Self-Righteousness Awareness
- Warns against self-righteous attitudes leading to despising others who do not adhere to personal rules.
The Importance of Acceptance and Love
The speaker emphasizes the significance of being Christ-centered, highlighting that in Christ, believers are complete and lack nothing. Acceptance is key, not based on personal merit but on what Christ has done.
Being Complete in Christ
- Christ is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending.
- Believers are accepted in Jesus Christ by God's grace, not by their own efforts.
- Accepting others reflects how we perceive God's acceptance of us.
Acceptance and Understanding Others
The speaker discusses accepting others without judgment or despising them based on differences. Drawing from Romans 14:3, he highlights the importance of embracing diversity within faith communities.
Embracing Differences
- Paul addresses dietary rules in Romans 14:3 to emphasize acceptance.
- God receives those we may despise; believers should follow suit.
Receiving Others with Grace
The focus shifts to how Christians should receive one another as Christ received them. Emphasizing that change follows acceptance, the speaker underscores the need for unconditional love towards others.
Receiving Others as Christ Did
- Believers are urged to receive one another as Christ received them.
Jesus as the Standard of Righteousness
Jesus is both the standard and judge of righteousness, emphasizing the importance of measuring ourselves against Him.
Jesus as the Ultimate Standard
- Paul emphasizes rejecting any standard other than Jesus Christ for righteousness.
- Paul highlights that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not by following a set of rules.
- The pursuit of righteousness is ongoing; believers should continually strive to grow closer to Christ.
- Believers should focus on attaining Jesus Christ as their ultimate goal and standard.
God's Righteousness: Progressive and Acceptance-Based
God's righteousness is progressive, rooted in acceptance, and involves a continuous journey towards spiritual growth.
Progressive Nature of God's Righteousness
- Believers are called to work out their salvation while relying on God working within them.
- Emphasis on God enabling believers to will and act according to His good pleasure.
- Growth in righteousness mirrors a child growing up in a loving father's home environment.
Acceptance-Based Righteousness
- Acceptance by God serves as the foundation for pursuing righteousness.
- Despite imperfections, acceptance motivates believers to align with God's will rather than earning approval.
The Journey Towards Spiritual Maturity
The Christian journey involves continual growth and transformation into the likeness of Christ through the Holy Spirit's work.
Continuous Transformation
- Believers are urged to grow into all aspects of Christ-likeness through truth spoken in love.
The speaker discusses the concept of continuous transformation and growth in spirituality.
Continuous Transformation