All That Jesus Taught (Bible Study – 7 of 80) - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that Christians must diligently teach all that Jesus commanded, which is currently lacking in much of modern Christianity. The sermon emphasizes that the core message preached by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles was 'Repent,' which means a complete 'about turn' of the mind away from earthly pursuits toward the Kingdom of Heaven. This Kingdom is not material prosperity or physical healing, but rather the inward righteousness, peace, and joy provided by the Holy Spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What was the message of John the Baptist?John the Baptist served as the forerunner for Jesus, preaching repentance because the kingdom of heaven was at hand.Matthew 3:2
What does the word repent actually mean?Repentance means an about-turn of the mind, completely turning away from the old direction and facing a new one.
Jesus takes up the message of repentanceAfter John was imprisoned, Jesus began preaching the exact same message of repentance as He established His ministry in Capernaum.Matthew 4:12–17
What is the kingdom of God?The kingdom of God is not about eating, drinking, or material prosperity, but consists of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
When did the kingdom come with power?Jesus promised that some standing with Him would see the kingdom come with power, which was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost.Mark 9:1
The illustration of the cupForgiveness of past sins is like cleaning the outside and inside of a cup, but God's purpose is to fill that cleaned cup with the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Holy Spirit.
The difference between the Old and New CovenantsIn the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was upon people like water poured on an upside-down cup, whereas in the New Covenant, the cup is turned right-side up and filled from within.
Rivers of living water from the innermost beingJesus taught that after He was glorified and the Holy Spirit was given, rivers of living water would flow from the innermost being of believers.John 7:38–39
Repentance as the starting lineBelievers do not have to overcome sin before receiving the Holy Spirit; rather, repentance is the attitude of wanting to give up everything that dishonors God so the Spirit can help them overcome.
Preaching repentance alongside faithThe biblical message consistently couples repentance toward God with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, rather than offering a false gospel centered on material prosperity.
Turning from idols to serve the living GodRepentance involves turning away from anything that takes the place of God in the heart, allowing believers to seek His kingdom first and trust Him for earthly necessities.
