Why God Delays Victory - Zac Poonen - March 13, 2012
http://rlcfchurch.org/act-like-men-and-be-strong River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker contrasts the Old Covenant, which functioned as a 'Ministry of condemnation' through strict laws, with the New Covenant, which is a 'Ministry of righteousness.' While the law's purpose was to show humanity its need for a Savior, attempting to live by its standards leads to constant condemnation. The New Covenant, established by God, promises internal transformation—writing God's law on the heart—leading to liberation rather than condemnation.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Old Covenant as a Ministry of CondemnationThe apostle Paul contrasts the old covenant, described as a ministry of death and condemnation written on stones, with the new covenant ministry of righteousness.
Married to the Law versus Married to ChristLiving under the law is like having a husband who makes impossible demands without lifting a finger to help, inevitably leaving us struggling and condemned.
Recognizing the Spirit of Exodus 20The Ten Commandments in Exodus consist entirely of thou-shalt and thou-shalt-not demands that bring man to condemnation rather than providing power to obey.Exodus 20:3–17
The Liberating Contrast of Hebrews 8While the first covenant was faulty and led to endless self-condemnation, the new covenant replaces thou-shalt demands with God's empowering statements of I will.Hebrews 8:7–12
Learning from Biblical Parables of Long DelayBiblical accounts like the 38 years in the wilderness, the man sick for 38 years, Lazarus's delay, and the disciples fishing all night illustrate how God waits until we stop struggling.
Inheriting Promises Through Faith Plus PatienceInheriting God's promises requires both faith and patience working together like electrical wires, proven through persistence rather than giving up.
Preventing Spiritual Pride Through FailureIf God granted victory too soon, we would quickly fall into deeper pits of pride and take credit for accomplishments we did not earn.
The Danger of Producing Ishmael Through Human EffortAbraham's attempt to produce a son through Hagar represents trying to conquer sin by our own determination, which only results in religious pride rather than true divine victory.
The Three Stages: Difficult, Impossible, and DoneGod brings us through stages from difficult to impossible so that our self-confidence is shattered and true victory can be accomplished by His grace.
Hating Iniquity Even When Still StrugglingEven if we have not completely conquered iniquity, a true born-again person can honestly say they hate sin and concur with God's law in the inner man.Hebrews 1:9
The Cry of the Wretched ManWhile immature believers judge others for their faults, the truly godly person looks at their own heart and cries out like Paul, recognizing their absolute need for a Savior.
Being Merciful Because of Varying Levels of LightJust as an older child should not look down on a younger one for not knowing complex subjects, we must be merciful to others based on the varying degrees of light God has given us.
Peeling Away the Layers of SelfishnessSelfishness is like a massive onion; God faithfully reveals and peels back one layer at a time through our experiences and ongoing fellowship with Him.
No Condemnation and Daily RenewalGod did not send His Son to condemn the world, and He renews us day by day just as He created the world gradually over six days until everything is declared very good.2 Corinthians 4:16
