Finishing With Sin
The sermon emphasizes the importance of stopping sinning and the possibility of a sin-free life through the power of the new covenant.
Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of stopping conscious sinning as the first step in the race of faith. He emphasizes the shift from the old covenant, where there was no exhortation to stop sinning, to the new covenant, where freedom from condemnation and ceasing from sin are key messages. Through verses from Paul, John, and Peter, he highlights the call to 'stop sinning' and 'cease from sin', stressing the need to not continue in sin even once. Poonen shares that this message is not burdensome but rather a joyful liberation for those tired of sin's captivity, echoing Jesus' mission to release the captives of sin and set free those oppressed by Satan.
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The first step in this race is to stop sinning consciously. Under the Law, there was no exhortation to stop sinning. But under the new covenant, all the apostles are agreed that the twofold message of the gospel is exactly as Jesus put it : freedom from condemnation and ceasing from sin.
Paul says, "Stop sinning" (1 Cor. 15:34). John says, "I am writing these things to you that you may not sin" (1 Jn. 2:1). Peter also exhorts us to `cease from sin' (1 Pet. 4:1).
After explaining justification by faith in Romans 5, Paul asks this question, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may increase?" (Rom. 6:1). And again (with greater force this time), "What then? Shall we sin even once?" (Rom. 6:15 -Literal). The answer in both cases is a resounding `No'. We should seek not to sin even once, any more.
Does that sound like a heavy, burdensome message? It can be burdensome only to those who want to keep on sinning! But it's a joyful message of liberation to those who are sick and tired of sin's captivity. Any prisoner would be delighted if he heard a message that he could be free. That wouldn't sound burdensome to him, would it?
Jesus was anointed to proclaim "release to the captives (of sin) and to set free those who are trodden down (by Satan)" (Lk. 4:18).
The glorious new-covenant promise is : "Sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law (the old covenant), but under grace (the new covenant established by Jesus)" (Rom. 6:14). The first step to victory is to believe that such a life is possible for you.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Stopping Sinning
- A. The twofold message of the gospel: freedom from condemnation and ceasing from sin
- B. The apostles' emphasis on stopping sinning
- II. The New Covenant's Promise
- A. Sin shall not be master over you
- B. You are under grace, not law
- III. The First Step to Victory
- A. Believing that a sin-free life is possible
- B. The power of the new covenant
Key Quotes
“We should seek not to sin even once, any more.” — Zac Poonen
“Sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law (the old covenant), but under grace (the new covenant established by Jesus).” — Zac Poonen
“Any prisoner would be delighted if he heard a message that he could be free.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Believe that a sin-free life is possible for you.
- Seek to stop sinning and live a life under the power of the new covenant.
- Remember that sin shall not be master over you, but you are under grace.