New Covenant Servants: 3.Doing Christ's Works And Greater Works - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses the nature of new covenant service, emphasizing that true service must flow from love and result in becoming more Christ-like. He focuses on John 14:12, arguing that believers are called to do works greater than those Jesus performed, which requires diligent study of scripture. Ultimately, he teaches that following Christ means denying one's own will and willingly embracing the cross, mirroring Jesus's life of submitting to the Father's will.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What are the works that Jesus did?John 14:12 states that believers will do the works that Jesus did and even greater works, a truth that requires diligent study of the scriptures to fully understand.John 14:12
Jesus' one-line autobiographyJesus summarized His entire life's mission as coming from heaven not to do His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him, carrying that cross daily.
Christ tempted in the flesh like usJesus truly became a man and was tempted in all points as we are yet without sin, possessing a human will that He had to deny to accomplish God's purposes.
Doing God's will in God's timeJesus did not heal everyone or rush into situations; He waited for the Father's specific timing, just as He did in His daily work and carpentry.
Finishing the work given by GodGlorifying God means finishing the specific task He has given you to do, rather than pursuing our own agendas or trying to please people.John 17:4
The one thing needfulLike Mary who sat at Jesus' feet to listen while Martha was distracted by many serving tasks, we are called to prioritize listening to the Lord.
A God who speaksWalking with God begins with realizing He is a God who speaks, awakening our ears morning by morning to receive His word as disciples.
Doing God's will as it is done in heavenJust as angels in heaven wait upon the Lord and execute His word precisely without independent striving, we must learn to do His will through constant inner listening.
What are the greater works?Jesus spoke of believers doing greater works than He did, which points to the impossibility He faced in making His 11 disciples truly one before the Spirit came.
Evangelism and building the bodyEvangelism is not just getting souls saved for heaven, but making people functioning members of Christ's body on earth through deep, transformative ministry.
Different functions in the body of ChristEvery believer has a unique, specific function and burden in the body, and we must faithfully do our own part without jealousy or comparing ourselves to others.
Displaying God's wisdom through unity in diversityGod allows differences and doctrinal disagreements among believers so that the church can display the supernatural wisdom of loving one another despite not seeing eye to eye.
Recognizing we are not indispensableNone of us is indispensable to God's work, which went on before us and will continue after us; we should serve with gratitude, humility, and joy.
