Through The Bible - English - 37 (Matthew-2) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker argues that many Christians mistakenly live under the 'Old Covenant' mindset, basing their understanding of sin and righteousness on the failures of Old Testament figures. True Christian life, or the 'New Covenant,' requires setting one's mind on heavenly things and focusing on Jesus Christ's example rather than finding excuses for sin in scripture. The gospel's focus is overcoming sin through faith, not demanding immediate, miraculous deliverance from every difficulty.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are you living under the old covenant?Believers whose minds are set on earthly things like property, money, and prosperity are living under the old covenant, much like the Jews.
Why did John the Baptist doubt?John the Baptist doubted Jesus while in prison because he expected earthly deliverance and judgment on Herod, revealing his old covenant mindset.
Making excuses for sin using old covenant figuresChristians often excuse their own failures by pointing to the sins of Old Testament figures like David or Moses, instead of looking to Jesus who never sinned.
The greatness of John and the New Covenant privilegeWhile John was the greatest under the old covenant, the least in the New Covenant can rise higher because they possess the Holy Spirit.
Doing violence to possess the kingdomEntering the kingdom requires being a person of peace externally while doing fierce inward violence against sin, Satan, and anything that hinders loving God.
Truth hidden from the clever and revealed to babesNew covenant truths cannot be discovered merely through intellectual study, but are revealed by God to those with pure and teachable hearts.
Finding rest for your soulsJesus offers rest to those who are weary of themselves and their defeated lives, calling them to take His yoke and learn gentleness and humility.
Giving an account for every idle wordBelievers will give an account on the judgment day for every careless word they speak, emphasizing the need for a tongue controlled by the Holy Spirit.
The parables of the kingdom and true discipleshipJesus spoke parables showing how outward religious expansion often leads to corruption, while true discipleship requires giving up everything for the kingdom.
Walking on water by looking to JesusJust as Peter walked on water by keeping his eyes on Jesus, believers can overcome the law of sin through faith and supernatural grace.
Every plant not planted by God will be rooted upHumanly devised religious works and ministry ideas will ultimately perish; only what originates from God through waiting on Him will remain.
The rock of revelation and the attacking churchJesus builds His church on the rock of divine revelation, and this triumphant church actively attacks the gates of hell rather than hiding in defense.
Humility as the fundamental requirementTo enter and live in God's kingdom, believers must humble themselves and maintain the dependent, teachable attitude of a little child.
The severe warning about unforgivenessJesus warns through a parable that refusing to forgive others from the heart results in God revoking forgiveness and reinstating past sins.
The Great Commission to make disciplesBased on Christ's total authority, believers are commissioned to go and make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey all of His commands.
