God's Eternal Purpose: Through the Power of the Spirit - Zac Poonen
Austin CFC conference, session 2. July 12-13, 2014
Summary
The central message is that God's eternal purpose for humanity is to be a testament to His kingdom, which requires reflecting the true Christ. The speaker emphasizes that merely having an external experience of the Holy Spirit (like those in the Old Testament) is insufficient; true fullness comes when the Spirit dwells *within* the believer's heart, a possibility opened by Jesus' sacrifice. This internal filling empowers believers for boldness and witness.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is God's eternal purpose?God's eternal purpose before creating the world was to have a race of people on earth who would serve as a true testimony for Him, especially in the presence of the devil.
Praying for strength in the inner manRecognizing our human helplessness to live out this calling, Paul prays that believers would be strengthened with the power of the Holy Spirit in their inner man.
The Holy Spirit upon versus withinIn the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon people externally rather than dwelling within them because hearts were not yet cleansed by the blood of Christ.
Rivers of living water from the innermost beingJesus spoke of the Spirit coming to dwell within believers so that rivers of living water flow from their innermost being, which was not yet possible before Christ was glorified.John 7:38–39
Inside versus outsideThe fundamental difference between the Old and New Covenants is that the Old Covenant focused on external appearances and sacrifices, while the New Covenant focuses on the inward life and hidden devotion to God.
What Jesus said about the PhariseesEven though the Pharisees had correct doctrine and clean external testimonies, Jesus rebuked them for having filthy inner lives full of greed and self-indulgence.Matthew 23:2–3
The baptism of the Holy Spirit and the tongueSeeking the genuine baptism of the Holy Spirit means desiring a life under the control of God, symbolized by a tongue brought under the fire of the Holy Spirit.
The requirement of thirstJesus invites those who truly thirst for righteousness—rather than material blessings—to come to Him and receive the inward working of the Holy Spirit.
Always rejoicing and giving thanksThe New Covenant enables believers to live out commands like rejoicing always and giving thanks in everything, which are impossible under human strength alone.
Being ready when the Lord appearsBelievers should examine their inner lives so they can stand with boldness rather than shrinking away in shame when Jesus returns.1 John 2:28
Come to Me if you are fed up with defeatJesus calls those who are sick and tired of their own defeated, grumbling lives to come to Him so He can give them rest and victory over sin.
A prayer to stand on higher groundThe message closes with a prayer inviting listeners to respond to God's call, leave behind doubt and fear, and plant their feet on higher spiritual ground.
