All That Jesus Taught (Bible Study – 53 of 80) - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker uses Peter walking on water to illustrate that overcoming the 'law of sin and death' requires crying out to the Lord when one is beginning to sink, not after reaching rock bottom. He emphasizes that true faith must be based on what God has commanded, not on self-generated ideas. The core message is to trust in the grace available through God's word and to emulate Jesus' life by humbly obeying His commands.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Crying out to the Lord when you begin to sinkThe time to ask God for help is not after hitting rock bottom, but the very moment you feel yourself slipping under pressure or temptation.Matthew 14:30
Every command has grace attached to itGod's word is the word of his grace, meaning that whenever God gives a command, he also provides the necessary resources and grace to keep it.Acts 20:32
Why do you transgress the commandment of God for your tradition?The Pharisees prioritized the tradition of the elders over the heart of God, ultimately clashing with Jesus because he valued God's word above human rules.
Invalidating God's word to honor human rulesJesus points out how religious traditions allowed children to neglect supporting their needy parents by claiming their money was given to God instead.Matthew 15:4
New Testament giving versus Old Covenant tithingIn the New Covenant, giving is not a fixed 10 percent income tax like under the old system, but a cheerful response driven by a loving relationship with God.2 Corinthians 9:7
What proceeds out of the mouth defiles a manJesus clarifies that ceremonial hand-washing and avoiding certain foods do not defile a person spiritually; rather, the evil things coming from the heart defile them.
Every plant that my heavenly father did not plant will be rooted upWhen disciples worry that the Pharisees are offended, Jesus dismisses human traditions and ungodly works, stating they will eventually be pulled up.
Leaving behind blind guidesBelievers must be careful not to follow blind religious leaders who teach human traditions instead of God's word, lest they both fall into a pit.
