Grace And Glory In The New Covenant: 2.What Grace Can Do - Zac Poonen
Grace And Glory In The New Covenant: 2.What Grace Can Do - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker argues that many Christians are missing out on the vast inheritance purchased by Christ's death and resurrection because they are blinded by worldly desires, which he compares to the greed of Adam's descendants. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires abandoning the self-centered desire for personal gain and instead adopting a spirit of self-denial, mirroring Christ's service rather than seeking earthly profit or honor.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Christians cheated out of their spiritual inheritanceMany believers live impoverished spiritual lives, enjoying only a fraction of what Christ purchased for them on the cross because the devil has blinded them.
The primary characteristic of the race of AdamUnlike Timothy who genuinely cared for others and Christ, the natural man inherited from Adam always seeks his own honor, profit, and gain regardless of who gets exploited.Philippians 2:19–21
Human compassion that avoids the crossWhen Peter rebuked Jesus for speaking of suffering and crucifixion, Jesus told him he was setting his mind on man's interests rather than God's, acting as a mouthpiece for Satan.
The fullness of the Holy Spirit and the crossMany people seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit but go astray because they miss the foundational necessity of dying to self through the way of the cross.
The surpassing greatness of God's powerThe greatest manifestation of God's power in history was not creation, but the raising of Jesus from the dead, and that same power is available to believers who humble themselves.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humbleGod actively opposes the proud, whether they are believers or unbelievers, but He pours out His unmitigated grace upon those who humble themselves under His mighty hand.1 Peter 5:5
Grace and truth came through Jesus ChristWhile Moses brought the law as a tutor, Jesus brought grace, which is far superior and empowers believers to live above sin rather than serving as a license to sin.
Sin shall not be master over youThe clear mark of living under grace rather than the law is that sin no longer rules over the believer's life.Romans 6:14
God's grace is sufficient for every thorn in the fleshWhen Paul prayed for his thorn in the flesh to be removed, God left it there but provided sufficient grace to make him serve more zealously than ever before.2 Corinthians 12:7
Jesus lived and died as a man under graceJesus grew up with the grace of God upon Him as a human being and ultimately tasted death on the cross by the grace of God, serving as our ultimate forerunner.
Comparing the old covenant gospel with the new covenantWhile the old covenant gospel focused on forgiveness of sins, healing, deliverance from hell, and material prosperity, the new covenant brings the Holy Spirit to write God's laws on our hearts so we can truly know God and overcome sin.Psalm 103:2–3
