- Home
- Speakers
- Zac Poonen
- Having No Selfishness
Having No Selfishness
Zac Poonen

Zac Poonen (1939 - ). Christian preacher, Bible teacher, and author based in Bangalore, India. A former Indian Naval officer, he resigned in 1966 after converting to Christianity, later founding the Christian Fellowship Centre (CFC) in 1975, which grew into a network of churches. He has written over 30 books, including "The Pursuit of Godliness," and shares thousands of free sermons, emphasizing holiness and New Testament teachings. Married to Annie since 1968, they have four sons in ministry. Poonen supports himself through "tent-making," accepting no salary or royalties. After stepping down as CFC elder in 1999, he focused on global preaching and mentoring. His teachings prioritize spiritual maturity, humility, and living free from materialism. He remains active, with his work widely accessible online in multiple languages. Poonen’s ministry avoids institutional structures, advocating for simple, Spirit-led fellowships. His influence spans decades, inspiring Christians to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
Download
Topic
Sermon Summary
This sermon delves into the manifestation of God's ways in Jesus' life, emphasizing unity as highlighted in Philippians chapter 2. The chapter discusses being of the same mind, love, spirit, and purpose, showcasing a comprehensive view of unity. It addresses the importance of adopting the attitude of Christ to combat sins that hinder unity, specifically selfishness and pride. The command to refrain from selfishness and pride is presented as a challenging yet essential journey towards perfection, mirroring Jesus' selfless and humble nature.
Sermon Transcription
about God's ways is what was manifested as the primary thing in Jesus' life and we can see that in Philippians in chapter 2. In Philippians chapter 2 we read, he talks about unity there, it's one of the most complete verses on unity found in the whole Bible. Philippians chapter 2 verse 2, he speaks about being in the same mind, the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. I don't think there is another verse in the whole Bible that speaks about so many aspects of unity, same mind, same love, same spirit, same purpose. And in order to get there, he says in verse 5, have this attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus. He speaks about two sins, two sins that disturb and prevent unity. Those sins are, verse 3, selfishness and pride. Here is a command, is it possible to obey it? Do nothing from selfishness, do nothing in pride. I tell you, after 50 years of being a believer, I haven't come there yet. And if you think you have, it's because you don't have light on yourself. These are two mountains. Do nothing from selfishness, that means absolutely zero in my life. That I do centered in myself. Every decision, never thinking of myself. Nothing in pride. But though it is a mountain, if you don't start climbing it, you'll never reach the peak. We have to press on. This is what it means to press on to perfection, like you see in the front of this pulpit. Perfect. Some people say to us, oh you brothers think you're perfect, I say just come and see what's written in the front of our pulpit. That's our testimony that we're not perfect. We believe in pressing on to perfection. Perfection means what? To be like Jesus, who did nothing from selfishness, who did nothing from pride.
Having No Selfishness
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download

Zac Poonen (1939 - ). Christian preacher, Bible teacher, and author based in Bangalore, India. A former Indian Naval officer, he resigned in 1966 after converting to Christianity, later founding the Christian Fellowship Centre (CFC) in 1975, which grew into a network of churches. He has written over 30 books, including "The Pursuit of Godliness," and shares thousands of free sermons, emphasizing holiness and New Testament teachings. Married to Annie since 1968, they have four sons in ministry. Poonen supports himself through "tent-making," accepting no salary or royalties. After stepping down as CFC elder in 1999, he focused on global preaching and mentoring. His teachings prioritize spiritual maturity, humility, and living free from materialism. He remains active, with his work widely accessible online in multiple languages. Poonen’s ministry avoids institutional structures, advocating for simple, Spirit-led fellowships. His influence spans decades, inspiring Christians to pursue a deeper relationship with God.