The Old Man, The Old Covenant, and the New Covenant - Zac Poonen - July 22, 2018
http://rlcfchurch.org/old-man-old-covenant-new-covenant River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker compares the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, using the analogy of Moses failing to lead Israel into Canaan, while Jesus, like Joshua, leads believers into the promised life. He defines sin not just as breaking a law, but as anything contrary to the perfect life lived by Jesus Christ. The central message is that believers must press on toward Christlikeness, understanding that the goal is to become like Jesus, which is possible through the grace of the New Covenant.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Seeing sin seriously through the crossChristians need to understand sin more seriously, which is best done by meditating on the cross and realizing the eternal hell Jesus experienced when forsaken by the Father for three hours.
What is the definition of sin?While scripture defines sin as transgressing the law or knowing what is right and not doing it, the highest definition in scripture is falling short of the glory of God, which is the perfect life that Jesus lived.
Saved from sin, not just from hellChrist came not only to forgive sins and save us from hell, but to save his people progressively from their sins so we can become like Jesus Christ.Romans 8:29
Discipline in the Christian raceJust like athletes discipline themselves to win a prize, believers must be disciplined in their attitude toward sin and run to win so they can hear well done from Jesus.
Following Jesus in his hidden yearsJesus lived a faithful life at home and work in Nazareth for thirty years without doing miracles or preaching, yet the Father was well pleased with him.
The three marriages of Romans six, seven, and eightRomans chapters six, seven, and eight picture our spiritual journey as going through three marriages: first to the old man before conversion, second to the law, and third to Christ.Romans 6:6
The frustration of marriage to the lawMany Christians make the mistake of marrying the law, which demands impossibly high standards of perfection without offering any help, leading only to failure and discouragement.
Released from the law to be married to ChristGod breaks our marriage to the law through death and resurrection so we can be married to Christ under the new covenant and bear fruit for God.Romans 7:4
Working together with Jesus in the new covenantUnder the new covenant, Christ has the same high standards as the law, but he helps us in every single thing, working together with us progressively toward perfection.
You shall versus I willWhile the old covenant gave demands through the Ten Commandments using 'you shall', the new covenant is built on better promises where God says 'I will' put His law in our minds and hearts.
Doing our small part while God does the restIn every miracle, Jesus asks us to do a small, easy part like rolling away the stone or casting the net, while He does the difficult work.
Receiving grace through humilityGod gives grace exclusively to the humble to strengthen them to do His will, while pride causes us to slip and fall into sin.1 Peter 5:5
Preaching the full Word and hygienic doctrineBelievers are warned that people will eventually reject sound, hygienic doctrine that deals with sin and instead accumulate teachers who tickle their ears with myths.
