The New Covenant Explained Simply — Zac Poonen — May 1, 2024
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/the-new-covenant-explained-simply River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the New Covenant, noting that many aspects of the Bible are overlooked in modern preaching. He advises preaching simply, like Jesus did, and warns against the temptation to impress people with knowledge rather than genuinely helping them. A core message is the necessity of transparency and honesty in Christian life, contrasting it with hypocrisy.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why focus on the New Covenant?The speaker explains that one of his main themes for fifty years has been the difference between the old and new covenants because it is rarely taught in Christendom.
Patterning preaching after JesusInstead of trying to impress people with knowledge or complex theological jargon, the speaker resolved to pattern his preaching after the simple illustrations and stories that Jesus used.
Walking in the light through transparencyJesus heavily condemned hypocrisy, which means acting or pretending to be more holy than we really are, and instead calls us to live transparent, honest lives.
The old covenant compared to an X-rayHebrews 8 explains that the old covenant law was like an X-ray that showed people their sin and faults, but it could not cure them or give them the ability to obey.
God's law written in the mind and heartUnder the New Covenant, God puts His law into our minds by giving us a desire to please Him, and writes it in our hearts by giving us the ability to carry it out through the Holy Spirit.
Knowing the Lord personally from the least to the greatestUnlike the old system where people had to rely on prophets, the New Covenant allows everyone—starting from the least to the greatest—to know God personally as a father.Hebrews 8:11
God speaking to young SamuelThe story of God bypassing high priest Eli to speak directly to young Samuel illustrates how God delights in speaking to humble, simple hearts.
Avoiding discouragement and self-condemnationDiscouragement and self-condemnation are like no-entry road signs because Romans 8:1 declares there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Mercy and complete forgiveness of sinsThe third and foundational part of the New Covenant in Hebrews 8:12 is that God is merciful to our iniquities and remembers our sins no more.
The parable of the unforgiving servantJesus told a story of a king who forgave a massive debt, warning through Matthew 18 that God will hand us over to torturers if we refuse to genuinely forgive others from our hearts.
Trusting God's provision and honoring HimSharing personal testimony of trusting God for decades without asking humans for money, the speaker encourages believers to seek God's kingdom first and remember that those who honor God will be honored.
