Grace And Glory In The New Covenant: 6.A Tongue Of Fire - Zac Poonen
Grace And Glory In The New Covenant: 6.A Tongue Of Fire - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker explains that the Holy Spirit's gift is not to replace law but to provide a higher law—the law of life in Christ Jesus—which sets believers free from the law of sin and death. This law makes the conscience highly sensitive, convicting believers of even minor sins, unlike the unregenerate conscience. To maintain this sensitivity, believers must remain wholehearted and actively listen to the Spirit's prompting in all areas of life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the law of the Spirit?The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus delivers us from the law of sin and death by bringing Christ's life within us.Romans 8:2
Rules versus inner lifeJust as lepers need rules because they cannot feel physical danger, the old covenant needed many rules, but believers today have the sensitive life of Christ.
A progressively sensitive conscienceAs we walk whole-heartedly with the Lord, our conscience becomes like a weighing machine that registers even the smallest amounts of sin and unrighteousness.
Avoiding old testament excusesBelievers must never look to old covenant figures or scriptures to find comfort or excuses for personal sin.
Defining sin as coming short of God's gloryThe ultimate new covenant definition of sin is anything unchristlike or anything we cannot do in fellowship with Jesus.
Becoming God's mouthBy returning to the Lord and extracting the precious from the worthless, we are promised the privilege of becoming God's mouthpiece.Jeremiah 15:19
The symbol of tongues of fireThe tongues of fire at Pentecost symbolized that the Holy Spirit desires to control our speech and make our mother tongue a tool for righteousness.
A mouth and wisdom from GodGod promises to give His people a mouth and a wisdom that adversaries cannot refute when we rely entirely on Him.Luke 21:15
Accountability for every idle wordJesus warns that every careless and idle word spoken will be brought into account on the day of judgment.
Being careful with words before GodBelievers must guard their steps and their speech when addressing God in prayer or worship, ensuring they mean every word they sing.
The ultimate test of true religionJames teaches that if a person cannot control their tongue, their religious practice and perceived spirituality are entirely worthless.James 1:26
