The Gospel Is The Power Of God - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker contrasts the Old Covenant's focus on external sin with the New Covenant's emphasis on inward sin and heart purity. He argues that the Gospel encompasses more than just forgiveness of sins; it involves inheriting a spiritual inheritance purchased by Christ's sacrifice. The central message is that the Christian life must focus on sin and spiritual freedom, which is far more valuable than material wealth or even physical healing.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Proclaiming the superior New CovenantGod raised up this church to proclaim the New Covenant, which is far superior to the old covenant because its emphasis is on inward sin rather than external actions.
Going beyond forgiveness to our spiritual inheritanceTaking only the forgiveness of sins from Christ's work is like settling for a tiny fraction of a massive inheritance while letting the devil cheat us out of the rest.
Dealing with sin rather than secondary mattersThe primary message of Jesus and the New Testament is dealing with sin and purity, not physical healing or material prosperity.
Jesus demonstrating how man is supposed to liveJesus lived the most wonderful life on Earth, demonstrating authority over sin and showing how believers are supposed to live after their sins are forgiven.
God deals with both the guilt of past sin and a corrupt natureMan has two main problems: past guilt and a corrupt nature, and God's solution involves both complete forgiveness and ultimate cleansing.
Overcoming Satan's accusations by the bloodBelievers must never allow the memory of past sin to make them feel guilty, but must overcome Satan's accusations by standing on the cleansing blood of Jesus.
Standing before God righteous through justificationJustified means being declared completely righteous by being clothed in the righteousness of Christ rather than relying on one's own good deeds.
Having peace with God through faithTrue peace with God comes through being justified by faith, which produces humility and removes any tendency to look down on other believers.Romans 5:1
The gospel as the power of God for salvationThe gospel is not just a message of forgiven sins, but the very power of God to deliver believers from the habits and sins that bind them in secret.Romans 1:16
God wants children, not robotsGod does not force anyone to overcome sin or go to heaven because He desires willing children rather than programmed robots.
Dying and rising with ChristThrough union with Christ in His death and resurrection, our old desire to sin was crucified and a new man that does not want to sin was placed inside us.
Moving from the marriage to the law to union with ChristBelievers must die to the demanding husband of the law so they can be married to Christ, who helps them fulfill God's righteous standards from the inside out.
Walking in the life of the Holy SpiritWhat the law could never do, God accomplished by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin, allowing the righteous requirements of the law to be fulfilled through the Spirit.
Jesus tempted in the flesh just like usThe secret of godliness is found in Christ coming as a man, being tempted in every way like we are, and yet remaining entirely without sin so He can help those who are tempted.
The whole secret of the Christian lifeBy constantly looking unto Jesus when tempted and drawing strength from His attitude, believers can overcome discouragement, lust, anger, and love of money.
