Sonship, Faith, and Worship - Santosh Poonen - July 15, 2012
http://rlcfchurch.org/sonship-faith-and-worship River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker compares the Old Covenant to a picture or shadow of the New Covenant, which is fully realized in Jesus Christ. He warns that focusing too much on analyzing the Word (the picture) can lead to bondage, while the true joy comes from relating to the living, present reality of Jesus. The message encourages believers to keep their focus on the living Bridegroom rather than getting lost in theological analysis of the Word.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Comparing the Old and New CovenantsThe Old Covenant serves as a shadow or picture of the reality found in Jesus Christ, much like looking at a photograph of a bridegroom before seeing him face-to-face.
The Jungle of the Old CovenantTrying to please God through the Old Covenant law was like getting lost in a dense jungle because human flesh could never keep God's standard.
Why is the New Covenant standard higher?God designed the New Covenant standard to be even higher—such as forbidding lust and anger—to bring us to the end of ourselves so we realize our absolute need for help.
Jesus as our personal guideInstead of getting discouraged by the high standards, we have Jesus as our guide who walked through every circumstance without sin and holds our hand.
The first area of consideration: SonshipThrough the new birth, believers are spiritually born again as sons and daughters of God, contrasting with the servant mentality of the Old Covenant.
Comparing Moses and Jesus in God's houseMoses was faithful in God's house as a servant, but Christ was faithful as a son over His own house.
The Father finding His Son at baptismAt Jesus' baptism, the Father declared His delight, looking forward to the day when Jesus would present many other sons and daughters to Him.
The difference between an employee and a sonAn employee works for a paycheck and a bargain, whereas a son values the father's name, treasures His grace, feels secure in His love, and is entirely at home.
Unbelief in the wilderness and the definition of faithIsrael failed to enter God's rest because of unbelief, teaching us that faith is essentially resting from our own works and entering God's rest.
The greater faith of JesusThe faith of Jesus is greater because it embraces death to self, trusting that God will bring resurrection life even if outward circumstances do not change.
Jesus teaches us to worshipWith the veil torn open, believers now have the privilege to enter the most holy place in secret to gaze upon God and worship Him directly.
Gazing on the face of the FatherLike the prodigal son story focused on the forgiving face of the father, our lives are transformed when we continually gaze upon His love and grace.
