All That Jesus Taught (Bible Study – 3 of 80) - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that making disciples requires teaching people to *do* everything Jesus commanded, not just knowing about it. The speaker draws a distinction between merely teaching knowledge and teaching practical obedience, using the example of swimming. He warns against selectively obeying commandments, citing Jesus' warning that canceling even the least commandment can result in being considered 'least in the Kingdom of Heaven.'
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The second half of the Great CommissionAfter leading people to faith and baptism, the Great Commission commands us to teach disciples to do everything that Jesus commanded.Mark 16:15
What is the church's true priority?It is sad when churches focus more on entertaining music than on building Christlike quality in their members.
The difference between teaching and teaching to doTeaching all that Jesus commanded means explaining truth theoretically like a subject, whereas teaching them to do it requires living it out first so you can show others how to obey.
Are some commands more important than others?In both the Old and New Testaments, Jesus indicated an order of priority where certain commands are considered greater than others.Matthew 5:19
Daniel's commitment to the least commandmentsDaniel was accepted and honored by God because he determined in his heart not to defile himself, even regarding dietary laws that were not part of the Ten Commandments.Daniel 1:8
Being great or least in the Kingdom of HeavenJesus warned that anyone who annuls the least of His commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 5:19
Our attitude toward obedienceOur attitude toward the smallest commands of God reveals our true love for Jesus and our position in His kingdom.
Are the Epistles just human opinions?If the writings of Paul, Peter, and James were merely human opinions, they would not belong in the Bible as the word of God.
Jesus promised further teaching through the Holy SpiritJesus told His disciples at the Last Supper that He had many more things to say to them that they could not bear at the time, which the Holy Spirit would later guide them into.John 16:12–13
Dismissing New Testament commands is dangerousWriting off New Testament commands as mere cultural artifacts of that time opens the door for people to compromise on fundamental moral standards.
Instant obedience like a soldierJust as military personnel must obey both major and minor commands instantly, the Lord expects His church to obey every single command without debate.
The very first words Jesus spokeAfter His baptism and wilderness temptation, the first words Jesus uttered declared that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Existing versus truly livingWhile physical food is necessary for mere existence, spiritual life requires feeding on every word, promise, and commandment that God speaks.
A concluding prayer for the word of GodWe cannot fulfill the Great Commission without valuing and seeking to live by all the teachings, promises, and commands that God has given us.
