Righteousness In Christ by the Holy Spirit (Clip)
Zac Poonen explains that true righteousness comes not from human effort but through the Holy Spirit working within believers in Christ.
This sermon emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. In the Old Covenant, righteousness was achieved through human effort, lacking the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Even prominent figures like John the Baptist, Elijah, and Elisha struggled with impure thoughts, highlighting the absence of inner transformation. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their external righteousness, revealing the importance of the Holy Spirit for true purity.
Full Transcript
The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. In the Old Covenant, they didn't have righteousness in the Holy Spirit. It was a human righteousness that came through personal struggle and effort, and they lived pretty good lives.
But no Old Testament person had victory in his thought life. Even John the Baptist, he couldn't overcome dirty thoughts, or Elijah or Elisha. They were very good outwardly, but they didn't have an inner life.
It's just not possible. It was a righteousness, it was an external righteousness. Jesus said that to the Pharisees, you clean the outside of the cup, the inside is filthy.
That was because they didn't have the Holy Spirit. And anyone who didn't have the Holy Spirit, didn't have the Holy Spirit,
Sermon Outline
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I
- The Kingdom of God defined as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit
- Old Covenant righteousness was external and based on human effort
- No Old Testament saint had victory in their inner thought life
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II
- Jesus' teaching on Pharisees' external cleanliness but inner filth
- The necessity of the Holy Spirit for true inner righteousness
- Difference between human righteousness and righteousness by the Spirit
Key Quotes
“The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” — Zac Poonen
“In the Old Covenant, they didn't have righteousness in the Holy Spirit. It was a human righteousness that came through personal struggle and effort.” — Zac Poonen
“Jesus said that to the Pharisees, you clean the outside of the cup, the inside is filthy.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Rely on the Holy Spirit for true righteousness rather than your own efforts.
- Recognize that external religious behavior is insufficient without inner transformation.
- Seek victory in your thought life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kingdom of God according to Zac Poonen?
It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Why was Old Testament righteousness insufficient?
Because it was external and based on human effort without the Holy Spirit's inner work.
Did Old Testament saints have victory over sinful thoughts?
No, even great men like John the Baptist and Elijah struggled with inner victory.
What did Jesus say about the Pharisees' righteousness?
He said they cleaned the outside of the cup but the inside was filthy.