2. The Works That Jesus Did-- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
RLCF Spring Conference 2009: 'True Godliness' https://rlcf.church/media/series/true-godliness --- http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true spiritual change and the ability to do 'greater works' than Jesus are achieved through the gift of the Holy Spirit, not merely through external miracles. Jesus's works encompassed his entire life, not just the three and a half years of recorded miracles. The ability to do greater works refers to an internal transformation—becoming one with Christ—which is impossible without the Spirit's indwelling.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did Jesus introduce the Holy Spirit only on the final night?Throughout three and a half years of ministry, Jesus never taught His disciples about the gift of the Holy Spirit until the night of the Last Supper, because true internal change required the Spirit's arrival after He departed.
What did Jesus mean by doing greater works?When Jesus promised that believers would do greater works than He did, He was not referring to physical miracles like raising the dead, but rather to the permanent transformation of inner lives and true unity among believers.
The connection between Jesus going to the Father and the helperJesus explained that His departure to the Father was necessary so He could ask Him to send the Helper, enabling believers to accomplish the works He did.
Submitting to imperfect authorityDuring His thirty years in Nazareth, Jesus practiced the work of subjecting Himself to imperfect parents and authorities, mirroring His lifelong commitment to do His Father's will instead of His own.Luke 2:51
Growing in wisdom under graceJesus was the first human being to walk under New Testament grace, which enabled Him to grow steadily in wisdom rather than relying on worldly measures of blessing like health and wealth.
Tempted in every point yet without sinJesus experienced the full range of human temptations across every stage of life without ever sinning, proving that He can truly sympathize with our struggles.
Why Jesus did not heal everyoneJesus did not heal every sick person He encountered, such as the lame man at the temple gate, because He acted solely on specific promptings from His Father rather than blindly reacting to human need.
Finishing the assigned workDespite the massive suffering and need across the ancient world, Jesus remained entirely focused on completing the specific plan and work His Father gave Him.
Managing resources and choosing the path of sacrificeThough funds were available in the disciples' bag, Jesus chose humility and self-denial, sleeping on the Mount of Olives rather than spending money for personal luxury.
Overcoming the modern spirit of rebellionA widespread spirit of rebellion against authority prevents many Christians from experiencing true fellowship and learning how to submit to one another as Christ did.
Mutual submission in the home and body of ChristTrue Christian relationships require mutual submission out of reverence for Christ, respecting the personal boundaries and dignity that God has placed around individuals.
The Holy Spirit as a helper to keep commandmentsThe primary purpose of the Holy Spirit is not emotional display or speaking in tongues, but serving as a divine helper to empower believers to keep all of Christ's commandments.
