Through The Bible - English - 43 (John-2) by Zac Poonen
Summary
Jesus's mission, according to John 6:38, was not merely to atone for sin but to live out the will of the Father by denying his own will, which is symbolized by taking up the cross. True spiritual power to deny the flesh and follow God's will comes only through the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the true mark of God's blessing is not prosperity or longevity, but the continuous transformation of one's character to become more like Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did Jesus come to Earth?Jesus came not to do His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him, showing that human self-will must be put to death.John 6:38
How Jesus reduced His congregationJesus did not compromise His message of the cross to keep large crowds, leaving only those willing to truly follow and deny themselves.
The true mark of God's blessingFinancial prosperity and long life are not signs of God's favor, because people of all religions experience them; the only true mark of blessing is becoming more like Jesus Christ.
Standing against sin and living by moment-by-moment guidanceThe world hates Jesus because He exposes sin, and believers must likewise live by daily, moment-by-moment direction from God rather than their own plans.
Righteous judgment versus condemning othersJesus commanded believers to judge righteously rather than by outward appearances, while refusing to act like Pharisees who are always ready to throw stones at others.John 7:24
The test of the truthTrue biblical teaching sets people free from the slavery of sin in their thoughts, words, and actions, rather than binding them with mere rules.John 8:32–34
Eternal security and the balanced Christian lifeEternal security belongs to the sheep who hear Jesus' voice and follow Him, and a healthy Christian life maintains a balance between coming into God's presence and going out to serve.
Coming to the zero point and the secret of fruitfulnessJust as Lazarus had to die before being raised, believers must come to the end of their own strength and die to self to bear much fruit.
The identifying mark of God's peopleThe true sign of being a disciple of Jesus is divine love that does not require a response and reaches across different denominations and backgrounds.John 13:34–35
The works of Jesus and Greater WorksBelievers can do the works Jesus did—beginning with everyday obedience and service—as well as Greater Works in terms of the quality of building the church as one body through the Holy Spirit.John 14:12
New Covenant obedience and cooperating with the Holy SpiritNew Covenant obedience is motivated by love rather than fear or reward, and preachers must rely on the Holy Spirit to back up their witness.
The true purpose of authority and God's loveGod gives authority to leaders solely to impart His nature and eternal life to others, anchored by the security of knowing God loves believers as much as He loved Jesus.
A kingdom not of this worldJesus declared that His kingdom is not of this world, meaning believers who fight and quarrel prove their allegiance belongs to this world.
Human power under God's sovereigntyJesus stood before Pontius Pilate with the dignity of the Son of God, reminding him that human authorities have no power except what is given by the Heavenly Father.
Coming to zero in service and dealing with comparisonThrough the final miracle of fishing, the disciples learned they must come to the end of their own strength at zero, and every believer must focus on following Christ rather than comparing their path to others.
