7.Our Bodies Belong To Christ - Zac Poonen
Kakinada Meetings - 2011: A Bridal Relationship With Christ
Summary
The speaker contrasts the Old Testament understanding of obedience under the Law—which focused on earthly rewards and curses (like Deuteronomy 28)—with the New Testament reality of a bridal relationship with Christ. True discipleship, he argues, is characterized by perfect love, which eliminates fear, rather than obeying out of fear of punishment or desire for earthly blessings. He warns that preaching the 'Old Testament gospel' is a false gospel.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Servants, children, and a mature relationshipWhile Israel related to God as servants or children driven by rewards and punishments under the law, God desires a mature bridal relationship.
There is no fear in loveTrue love for God leaves no room for fear of punishment, contrasting the mature believer with those who obey merely out of obligation.1 John 4:18
The Old Testament gospel of Deuteronomy 28Deuteronomy 28 outlines the old covenant life under the law, promising physical blessings for obedience and physical curses for disobedience, which many preachers falsely promote today.
Tithing and the false gospel of material returnOld Testament tithing focused on agricultural produce rather than money, and using Malachi to frighten believers into giving for financial return is a false teaching.
New Testament giving under graceInstead of compulsory tithing under threats, New Testament giving is voluntary, given cheerfully without compulsion.2 Corinthians 9:7
Better promises of the New CovenantThe New Covenant enacted through Jesus offers better promises, including having God's laws written on our hearts and the forgiveness of sins.Hebrews 8:6
A body you have prepared for meWhen Jesus entered the world, He declared that God did not desire sacrifices and offerings, but instead prepared a body for Him to accomplish God's will.Hebrews 10:5
Presenting your body as a living sacrificeIn view of God's mercies described in Romans, believers are urged to present their bodies as living sacrifices to prove and do the perfect will of God.
Grace is higher than lawJust as a college professor teaches at a higher standard than a kindergarten teacher, Jesus brought a much higher standard through grace than Moses did through the law.John 1:17
The analogy of marriage and authority over the bodyJust as a married person's body belongs entirely to their spouse according to Corinthians, a Christian's body belongs completely to Jesus Christ.
Surrendering every member of our body to ChristGiving our body to Jesus means submitting our tongue, eyes, hands, and time completely to His control 24 hours a day.
The Holy Spirit filling the surrendered bodyWhen a believer fully yields their body as a sacrifice, the Holy Spirit fills them to become His temple and empowers their life and witness.
