6.How God Will Wind Up Everything - Zac Poonen
The Last Days and The Lord's Coming
Summary
The sermon contrasts the superficial joy found in worldly circumstances with the deep, enduring joy of the Christian, which is independent of external events. It emphasizes that while life involves suffering and tribulation, the ultimate joy comes from the Lord's return, comparing this to the pain of labor giving way to the joy of birth. The speaker urges listeners to discern between the 'old covenant gospel' (focusing on earthly prosperity) and the 'new covenant gospel' (focusing on overcoming sin and knowing God personally), warning against being deceived by mixing the two.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Old covenant prosperity versus new covenant tribulationThe Old Testament focused on earthly prosperity and victory over physical enemies, whereas the New Testament emphasizes facing tribulation and overcoming personal sin through Jesus.
Why does God allow two types of gospels?God allows both an old covenant message of wealth and health and a new covenant message of denying self to test believers and reveal where their true treasure lies.
The danger of choosing human traditions over scriptureThose who ignore scripture and prefer human traditions or prosperity messages risk being thoroughly deceived.
The mystery of lawlessness and false assuranceThe mystery of lawlessness tells believers it does not matter if they sin because they once accepted Christ, echoing the deception of the devil.
Little antichrists in the early churchJohn wrote that many little antichrists had already arisen in his time, leaving the fellowship because they rejected the pure message of walking in the light and overcoming sin.1 John 2:18
Why God allows deception and false wondersGod allows satanic deception and false wonders to test whether people truly love the truth and desire to be saved from sin.
Loving the truth about yourselfThe ultimate protection against deception is receiving the love of the truth, accepting conviction about personal selfishness and pride, and being willing to correct unscriptural views.
The severe consequence of rejecting truthGod sends a deceiving influence to those who do not love the truth, allowing them to believe falsehoods such as false assurance of salvation or spiritual fullness.
Why God allows tribulation and sufferingTribulation is not meant to destroy believers but to produce perseverance, endurance, and proven character that resembles Jesus Christ.Romans 5:1–2
Counting trials as joy for spiritual maturityJames encourages believers to view trials with joy because tested faith produces endurance, leading to spiritual completeness and maturity.James 1:2
God's faithful limit on every testBelievers have the comforting assurance that God will never allow them to be tested beyond their ability, carefully regulating every trial for His purposes.
Satan's final fall and the reign of the antichristRevelation describes a future war in heaven where Satan is cast down to earth for a final three-and-a-half-year period of persecution through the antichrist.
The visible rapture and return of the LordJesus will descend with a shout, the dead in christ will rise, and living believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air in a very visible manner.1 Thessalonians 4:16
Satan's ultimate destiny and the new heavensAfter Christ's thousand-year reign and the final judgment, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, and God will establish a new heavens and a new earth.Revelation 20:2
Purifying ourselves in light of Christ's appearanceThose who look forward to becoming completely like Christ upon His return will actively purify themselves from unrighteousness in the present time.1 John 3:2–3
