Understanding the New Covenant — Zac Poonen — May 3, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/understanding-the-new-covenant River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker urges Christians to read the Word of God carefully and take sin and reverence for Christ seriously, warning against becoming too familiar with Jesus. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires a foundation of the 'fear of God' before fully embracing grace, comparing this to a child who appreciates a king's favor after years of poverty. The central message is to live with deep reverence, humility, and a serious commitment to one's calling, understanding the profound gifts of the New Covenant.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Matthew 11:11 and the greatness of John the BaptistJesus states that John the Baptist was the greatest person born among women up to his time, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him.
John the Baptist's deep reverence for JesusJohn considered himself unworthy even to untie the sandals of Jesus, showing a level of reverence and lack of casual familiarity that many modern Christians lack.Matthew 3:11
The early apostles and the foundation of the fear of GodThe early apostles grew up learning the fear of God from their Jewish upbringing, which provided a solid foundation when they later encountered the grace of God.
Playing the fool with sin due to a lack of reverenceMany believers treat sin casually—such as anger, lust, or internet pornography—because they have never truly learned the fear of God or humility before Jesus.
God rewards those who diligently seek HimGod is a rewarder of those who pursue Him wholeheartedly, contrasting the zealousness people show in business and science with the casual attitude of many Christians.
Why the New Covenant makes believers greater than John the BaptistOld Covenant figures like John the Baptist did not receive all that was promised because God provided something better for us under the New Covenant.
First New Covenant blessing: Complete forgiveness of past sinsUnder the New Covenant, God promises not to remember our past sins anymore, cleansing them completely by the blood of Jesus so we can live without condemnation.
Coming short of God's glory and being justified by graceAll have sinned and come short of God's 100 percent standard, but God declares us justified as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Second New Covenant blessing: Knowing God personally as FatherFrom the least to the greatest, believers in the New Covenant know God personally and have the immense privilege of calling Him dad.Hebrews 8:11
Third New Covenant blessing: God's laws in our mind and heartGod writes His laws in our minds by giving us the desire to do His will, and in our hearts by giving us the strength and ability to carry it out.
God at work inside us to will and to workGod works inside believers to give them the desire and the power to accomplish His good pleasure, a miracle far greater than external signs or wonders.Philippians 2:13
Working out our salvation with fear and tremblingBecause God is at work within us, we must actively cooperate with Him—like taking His yoke upon us—rather than acting as passive robots.
The Holy Spirit taking away the veil to reveal Christ's gloryWhen we turn to the Lord, the Holy Spirit removes the veil so we can see the glory of Jesus and transform us into His likeness from one degree of glory to another.
Bearing the dying of Jesus in our bodiesWe cooperate with the Holy Spirit by constantly carrying about the dying of Jesus in our bodies—saying no to our own self-will so His life can be manifested in us.
Concluding call to forgiveness and prayerThe message closes with an invitation to forgive everyone from the heart and pray for God to fulfill His New Covenant work in every believer.
