Jesus Came to Remove the Root of Sin - Zac Poonen
Summary
Jesus came to address the root of sin, which the Old Covenant could only manage by cutting off the visible 'fruit' of sin. The speaker explains that the true origin of sin lies in the heart, stemming from pride, as seen in the fall of the angel described in Ezekiel 28. True spiritual progress requires allowing Jesus to deal with this internal root, rather than remaining satisfied with superficial religious observance or outward good works.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The axe laid to the rootJohn the Baptist introduced Christ's ministry by declaring that the axe is laid to the root of the tree, contrasting the new covenant with the old covenant law.Matthew 3:10
How sin first entered the universeLooking back before creation, an archangel became proud of the beauty, wisdom, and position God gave him, falling and becoming Satan.Genesis 1:1
The inward heart of prideSatan's fall began with inward pride in the heart, expressing self-will through repeated statements of what he wanted to do.
Jesus chose the opposite pathIn contrast to Satan's self-will, Jesus described His life by continually coming down from heaven to do His Father's will instead of His own.John 6:38
The characteristics of SatanJesus identified the Pharisees with their father the devil, whose nature includes murder, lying, and speaking from his own nature as a liar.John 8:44
Lying at the start of covenantsAaron lied when the old covenant was initiated at Mount Sinai, and lying was the first sin judged in the early New Covenant church with Ananias.Exodus 32:24
Rebellion is like witchcraftWhen King Saul rebelled against God's direct command regarding the amalekites, Samuel told him that rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft.1 Samuel 15:23
Submitting to delegated authorityGod establishes authorities in the home, society, and church, and children learn to submit to God by obeying their parents.
Jesus submitted to imperfect authorityAs a perfect boy and man, Jesus lived in subjection to imperfect parents and authorities, setting a pattern for believers to follow.Luke 2:51
Respecting rulers without maligning themPaul instructed Titus to remind believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, such as the emperor Nero, and to malign none of them.Titus 3:1–2
Jesus endured rejection as an ordinary manJesus humbled Himself completely, accepting misunderstanding, poverty, and suffering without fighting back or defending His own rights.
The destiny of becoming like ChristGod predestined believers to be conformed to the image of His Son, requiring daily self-denial and judgment of pride, self-will, and lying.Romans 8:29
Stop fighting with human beingsOur struggle is not against flesh and blood, so believers must stop fighting human beings and instead gain authority over Satan.Ephesians 6:12
