Creeds, Doctrine, and the Path to Genuine Worship
Summary
In our time together, we explored the profound significance of Creeds and confessions in the life of a believer. These are not just historical documents but living testimonies that unite us in the foundational truths of our faith. We began by acknowledging that everyone has a Creed, whether they admit it or not. The words "I believe" are central to our identity as Christians, encapsulated in the term "Credo." Creeds and confessions serve as a map, guiding us through the complexities of faith and helping us discern truth from error. They are not meant to divide but to unite us in the core doctrines that have been affirmed throughout church history.
We delved into the importance of Doctrine, emphasizing that it is not merely an academic pursuit but a vital aspect of our spiritual life. Doctrine is not an end in itself; it proceeds from God, teaches us about God, and leads us back to God. This understanding should lead us to worship, repentance, and a life of service. We must be wary of indifferentism towards Doctrine, as it is the breeding ground for heresies. Our faith must be deeply rooted in the truths of Scripture, and our lives should reflect the transformative power of these truths.
Romans 11 and 12 provided a framework for understanding how Doctrine leads to doxology and practical living. Paul’s doxology in Romans 11:33-36 reminds us of the depth and richness of God's wisdom and knowledge, urging us to respond in worship. Romans 12 then calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, a reasonable service that encompasses our entire being. This is not just about going through the motions but engaging in genuine, heartfelt worship that reflects our inner attitudes and motivations.
As we navigate the challenges of our time, let us hold fast to the Creeds and confessions that have been passed down to us. They are a testament to the faithfulness of God and a guide for our journey. May we be known as a people who are doctrinally sound, deeply humble, and profoundly loving, reflecting the character of our Savior in all we do.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Role of Creeds and Confessions: Creeds and confessions are not just historical artifacts but vital tools that unite us in the foundational truths of our faith. They provide a map for navigating the complexities of belief, helping us discern truth from error and fostering unity among believers. [09:25]
2. Doctrine as a Pathway to God: Doctrine is not an end in itself but a means to lead us back to God. It proceeds from God, teaches us about Him, and should result in worship, repentance, and service. Indifference to Doctrine can lead to spiritual decay and heresy. [24:06]
3. Living Sacrifices and Genuine Worship: Romans 12 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, engaging in genuine worship that reflects our inner attitudes. This involves our whole being, not just our minds or spirits, and is a reasonable service to God. [35:05]
4. The Danger of Indifferentism: Indifferentism towards Doctrine is the mother of all heresies. It leads to a shallow faith that is easily swayed by cultural trends. We must be vigilant in teaching and adhering to sound Doctrine, ensuring that it permeates every aspect of our lives. [21:45]
5. Doctrine Leading to Doxology: The study of Doctrine should lead us to doxology, a response of worship and adoration for the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge. This understanding transforms our lives, leading us to live out the imperatives of the Gospel with humility and love. [28:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:18] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
- [05:08] - Reading from Romans 11
- [07:07] - The Importance of Faith and Belief
- [09:25] - The Role of Creeds and Confessions
- [11:44] - The Nature of True Faith
- [13:03] - Scripture as the Ultimate Authority
- [15:04] - The Dangers of Liberalism
- [18:06] - Creeds as Maps for Faith
- [20:15] - The Indispensability of Doctrine
- [23:29] - Doctrine and Eternal Consequences
- [25:18] - Doctrine Leading to Worship
- [27:45] - The Gospel in Romans
- [30:42] - The Sovereignty of God
- [33:25] - Living Sacrifices and Spiritual Worship
- [39:36] - Genuine Worship and Inner Attitudes
- [46:40] - Closing Prayer and Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 11:33-36
- Romans 12:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul emphasize about God's wisdom and knowledge in Romans 11:33-36, and how does this lead to a response of worship? [05:47]
2. In Romans 12:1-2, what does Paul mean by presenting our bodies as "living sacrifices," and how is this described as a "reasonable service"? [33:25]
3. According to the sermon, how do Creeds and confessions serve as a map for our faith journey? [18:40]
4. What is the danger of indifferentism towards Doctrine as mentioned in the sermon, and how does it relate to the health of the church? [21:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of Doctrine as a pathway to God challenge the notion that theology is merely an academic pursuit? [24:06]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Creeds and confessions can foster unity among believers rather than division? [09:52]
3. How does the concept of being a "living sacrifice" in Romans 12:1-2 relate to the idea of genuine worship that reflects our inner attitudes? [35:05]
4. What are the implications of Doctrine leading to doxology, and how does this understanding transform a believer's life according to the sermon? [28:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal Creed or confession. How does it align with the historical Creeds and confessions mentioned in the sermon? Are there areas where you feel your beliefs are constantly changing? [08:31]
2. Consider the role of Doctrine in your spiritual life. How can you ensure that your study of Doctrine leads you back to God and results in worship, repentance, and service? [24:06]
3. In what ways can you present your body as a living sacrifice in your daily life? What specific actions can you take this week to engage in genuine worship that involves your whole being? [33:25]
4. How can you guard against indifferentism towards Doctrine in your church community? What steps can you take to promote sound teaching and adherence to biblical truths? [21:45]
5. Think about a time when you experienced division in the church. How might a shared understanding of Creeds and confessions have helped to foster unity in that situation? [09:52]
6. Identify one area of your life where you struggle to apply the imperatives of the Gospel. What practical steps can you take to live out these teachings with humility and love? [32:22]
7. How can you cultivate a heart of worship that responds to the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge as described in Romans 11:33-36? What specific practice can you incorporate into your routine to nurture this response? [05:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Creeds and Confessions as Living Testimonies
Creeds and confessions are not merely historical documents; they are living testimonies that unite believers in foundational truths. These statements of faith serve as a map, guiding Christians through the complexities of belief and helping them discern truth from error. They are designed to foster unity among believers, not division, by affirming core doctrines that have been upheld throughout church history. By acknowledging that everyone has a creed, whether they admit it or not, believers can embrace these tools as vital components of their spiritual journey. [09:25]
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the creeds or confessions you are familiar with. How do they help you navigate your faith journey and discern truth from error today?
Day 2: Doctrine as a Journey Back to God
Doctrine is not an end in itself but a pathway that leads believers back to God. It originates from God, teaches about Him, and should result in worship, repentance, and service. Indifference to doctrine can lead to spiritual decay and heresy, as it creates a shallow faith easily swayed by cultural trends. By deeply rooting faith in the truths of Scripture, believers can ensure that their lives reflect the transformative power of these truths. Doctrine should inspire a life of worship and service, drawing believers closer to God. [24:06]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a doctrine that has significantly impacted your faith. How can you allow this truth to lead you into deeper worship and service today?
Day 3: Living Sacrifices and Genuine Worship
Romans 12 calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, engaging in genuine worship that reflects their inner attitudes. This involves the whole being, not just the mind or spirit, and is considered a reasonable service to God. Genuine worship is not about going through the motions but engaging in heartfelt worship that aligns with one's inner motivations. By offering themselves as living sacrifices, believers can experience a transformation that encompasses their entire being, leading to a life of spiritual worship. [35:05]
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you present yourself as a living sacrifice today? How can your daily actions reflect genuine worship?
Day 4: The Perils of Indifferentism
Indifferentism towards doctrine is the mother of all heresies, leading to a shallow faith that is easily swayed by cultural trends. Believers must be vigilant in teaching and adhering to sound doctrine, ensuring that it permeates every aspect of their lives. By recognizing the dangers of indifferentism, Christians can commit to a faith that is deeply rooted in the truths of Scripture, allowing these truths to guide their beliefs and actions. This commitment to sound doctrine is essential for maintaining a vibrant and authentic faith. [21:45]
"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you may have been indifferent to doctrine. How can you actively seek to deepen your understanding and commitment to sound doctrine today?
Day 5: Doctrine Leading to Doxology
The study of doctrine should lead believers to doxology, a response of worship and adoration for the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge. This understanding transforms lives, leading believers to live out the imperatives of the Gospel with humility and love. By allowing doctrine to inspire worship, believers can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater appreciation for His wisdom. This transformation encourages a life of humility and love, reflecting the character of the Savior in all aspects of life. [28:38]
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)
Reflection: How can you allow your study of doctrine to lead you into deeper worship and adoration of God today? What practical steps can you take to live out the Gospel with humility and love?
Quotes
The truth is that everyone has a Creed, but for most people, their Creeds are constantly changing. Their Creeds change according to their own emotions, whims, and fancies. Their Creeds change based on the last sermon they heard, the last book they read. Their Creeds are constantly changing. [00:08:28]
Creeds and confessions have a way of helping to unite us because when I have a brother who's baptistic and I know that he adheres to a particular historic Creed, I know what he believes. I know what he has adhered to, what he has confirmed that he believes, and so we can have a respectful discussion. [00:10:07]
Creeds help us to know when we hear something that might sound strange, that might sound new and fresh, we can look at that teaching, we can look at that interpretation, and we can look at it in light of our Creeds and confessions. Creeds and confessions don't deal with everything; they don't answer everything. [00:10:38]
Doctrine is something that many Christians, when they hear that, they sort of push back. Some of you might have been some of those Christians at one time. I remember in college I had a professor who told us that if you're in Ministry, you are either going to be a student of theology or you're going to be a student of scripture. [00:19:59]
Indifferentism about Doctrine is the mother of all heresies, according to JW Alexander. Indifferentism about Doctrine is running rampant in the church, people in the church today because it starts with their pastors who essentially teach them that they don't really need to know doctrine. [00:21:31]
Doctrine proceeds from God, it teaches us about God, and it leads us back to God. The reason that statement stunned me is because I had been under the impression that theology was more or less an end in itself, that theological Pursuit and Theological study and knowing theology was as if it was some end in of itself. [00:24:14]
If the doctrine that we say we affirm, if the doctrine that we cling to doesn't lead us back to God, if it doesn't lead us to worship God, if it doesn't lead us to our knees in Repentance before God, if it doesn't lead us to a life of service to God, our Doctrine is not biblical. [00:25:03]
Paul writes, therefore, 12:1, I appeal to you therefore, Brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a Living Sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. [00:33:25]
The overarching point here is that it's our whole being. It's our whole being just as the Lord taught us from the beginning that we're to love the Lord Our God not just with our minds and not just with our hearts but with our souls, with our entire being we are to love him. [00:35:09]
The more we rightly understand Doctrine, the more we rightly understand the depths and the beauty of the scripture, the more we understand the depths of reformed theology, and the more we understand and love our confessions of faith. [00:43:14]
If you think the doctrine to which you adhere can lead to a life of not applying that Doctrine, then that doctrine that you think you adhere to will lead to your death because the doctrine of scripture leads to a life of the application of that Doctrine, a life of striving for humility. [00:44:19]
We who are reformed in our Doctrine ought to be the most humble people that our Christian friends know. We ought to be the most repentant people our unbelieving neighbors know. We ought to be a people who are the most charitable and the most gracious and also the most dogmatic and the most unyielding. [00:45:10]
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