Building A New Covenant Church: 2.Revelation Necessary To Build The Church - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker argues that the true nature of the church is not found in buildings or denominations, but in a group of people redeemed by Christ's blood who are disciples. He contrasts the 'old covenant' practices with the 'new covenant' principles established by Jesus, emphasizing that true understanding comes not from study or knowledge, but from divine revelation. This revelation is necessary to live out truths concerning sin, marriage, and the relationship between Christ and the church.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Upon what rock is the church built?Jesus builds His church not upon Peter, but upon the confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, which comes through revelation from God.Matthew 16:18
Revelation versus human biblical studyThe scribes and Pharisees studied the scriptures intently yet missed Jesus entirely, while illiterate fishermen recognized Him through spiritual revelation.
Knowing spiritual truths in our heads versus by revelationMany Christians intellectually know truths like Christ dying for their sins, but lack the life-changing revelation that produces a hatred for sin.
The mystery of Christ and the churchThe New Testament introduces the concept of mysteries, such as the relationship between Christ and the church, which cannot be grasped by natural cleverness.Ephesians 5:31–32
The great mystery of godlinessLiving a godly life is another great mystery that requires paying the price of wholehearted devotion to find, rather than relying on superficial understanding.1 Timothy 3:16
Understanding things through the Holy SpiritJesus told His disciples they could not bear certain truths until the Holy Spirit came to dwell within them and guide them into all truth.John 16:12–13
Avoiding extremes regarding the Holy SpiritBelievers should not turn away from the Holy Spirit due to fanatical extremes, but instead look to Jesus as the ultimate example of being filled with the Spirit.
Removing the veil through the SpiritWithout the revelation of the Holy Spirit, a thick veil remains between our hearts and the scriptures, blinding us even when we read the Bible.2 Corinthians 3:14–18
God's thoughts and ways are higher than oursBecause human thoughts and ways are vastly lower than God's, relying on our own clever minds is the greatest hindrance to understanding spiritual things.Isaiah 55:8–9
Keeping the human mind in its proper placeThe human mind is an excellent servant but a terrible master; it must remain subject to the headship of the Holy Spirit.
Mysteries granted to wholehearted disciplesKnowing the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven is a gift granted to those who place Jesus as number one and forsake all worldly attachments.Matthew 13:11–12
Truth hidden from the clever and revealed to babesJesus praised the Father for hiding spiritual truths from the proud and intelligent while revealing them to humble babes.Matthew 11:25
The secret of the Lord for those who fear HimThe secret of living a godly life is reserved for those who reverence God and hate sin, allowing Him to whisper His truths to them.Psalm 25:14
Searching out the concealed matters of GodJust as valuable minerals are hidden deep beneath the earth, it is the glory of kings to search out the spiritual secrets that God has concealed in scripture.
Christ as our wisdom and righteousnessJust as our righteousness is like filthy rags, our human wisdom is useless, requiring Christ to become both our righteousness and our wisdom.1 Corinthians 1:30
