New Covenant Faith - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true faith is based only on what God has explicitly promised in Scripture, not on things believers desire or that are merely given to them. He points to Genesis 15:6, noting that this is the first instance in the Bible where the word 'believed' appears, referencing Abraham's faith in God's promise despite his circumstances. The core message is to distinguish between God's promises and other blessings to avoid deception regarding the nature of faith.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Comparing faith to vessels in the rainChristians experience different levels of faith and blessing depending on the size of the spiritual vessel they bring before God.
Seeking things God has actually promisedMany believers try to muster faith for things God has never promised in Scripture, missing the primary things He wants to give.
The first mention of faith in the BibleThe word believe appears for the first time in Genesis 15:6 regarding Abraham, not when asking for personal wishes, but believing God's specific promise.
Where scriptural faith comes fromFaith does not come from inner human desires or trying to work it up, but from hearing the New Testament word of Christ.Romans 10:17
God's promises are like signed checksEvery New Testament promise is a check signed by Jesus Christ, and we sign the back of it by saying amen, meaning we are certain it will happen.
Commands contain hidden promises and powerGod never commands the impossible; every New Testament command comes with the divine power and grace needed to obey it.
Rejoicing in the Lord alwaysPhilippians 4:4 commands believers to rejoice in the Lord always, a standard that Paul practiced even while suffering in a dark prison.Philippians 4:4
Living like New Testament Christians instead of IsraelitesBelievers who fail to obey New Testament commands live like Old Testament Israelites, relying on human effort rather than the Holy Spirit.
The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joyThe true kingdom of God is not about material wealth or external rules, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.Romans 14:17
Inward righteousness through the SpiritWhat the old covenant law could not do regarding internal holiness, God accomplished through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.Romans 8:3
Grace came through Jesus ChristWhile the law was given through Moses, genuine grace and truth that sets people free came through Jesus Christ.John 1:17
Superabundant grace for every good deedGod is able to make all grace abound toward believers so they have total sufficiency and abundance for every good work.
Peace and freedom from anxietyTrue kingdom peace means being anxious for nothing, a life made possible under the New Covenant established after Pentecost.Philippians 4:6
Setting minds on things aboveSince believers are raised with Christ, they must focus on heavenly things rather than earthly kingdoms and physical preoccupations.
Do not let the enemy rob your spiritual inheritanceMany Christians settle for partial blessings like speaking in tongues while losing 98 percent of their inheritance of inward victory and joy.
