4.The Obedience Of Faith And Love - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is the transition from the 'obedience of fear' to the 'obedience of faith.' The speaker argues that Old Testament obedience was often based on fear of punishment, like a child obeying out of fear of spanking. In contrast, the New Testament calls believers to the obedience of faith, which means trusting God's guidance even when the reasons are not fully understood, trusting that God knows what is best for us. This maturity is achieved through the Holy Spirit, moving us from being like children under the law to grown sons under grace.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did God test Adam with a single commandment without giving a reason?God gave Adam only one rule and no explanation because He wanted Adam to trust Him like a child trusts a parent for their own good.
What is the difference between Old Testament obedience and New Testament obedience?Old Testament obedience operated like a tutor under the fear of punishment and hope of reward, whereas New Testament believers are mature sons who obey through faith and love.
What does it mean to walk in the obedience of faith?Paul describes his mission as bringing nations to the obedience of faith, which means trusting that everything God commands or prohibits is for our absolute best.Romans 1:5
Why we must reject fear and reward as motives for serving GodPreachers who use Deuteronomy 28 to motivate people through threats of curses or promises of material rewards are keeping believers in an Old Testament, baby-like state instead of a New Testament relationship of love.
How should giving and obedience function in a New Testament relationship?God is not a finance minister or a government tax collector, and our giving or service should stem from a bridegroom-bride relationship of love rather than contractual tithing.
Being led by the Holy Spirit instead of living under rulesBelievers who are not led by the Holy Spirit resort to living under external rules, but the Spirit enables us to obey God out of love and a clean conscience.
Taking God's commands seriously, starting with anger and slanderJust as adultery is treated as a serious sin, God commands us to put away anger, bitterness, and slander, and refusing to deal with these habits shows a lack of faith in God's best.
Do you have the Holy Spirit, and are you filled with Him?Every born-again believer has the Spirit of Christ dwelling within them, but many remain unfilled because they keep certain areas of their heart locked away from God.
The dual command in Ephesians 5:18The verse contains two commands: not to get drunk with wine, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, which happens automatically when we unlock every closed door in our heart.Ephesians 5:18
Experiencing the righteousness, peace, and joy of the KingdomTrue righteousness and peace come as the fruit of the Holy Spirit when we yield every area of our lives to Him out of love and faith.Romans 14:17
