Embracing Grace: Navigating Faith, Forgiveness, and Technology

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into the profound and often challenging questions that arise in our faith journey. We began by exploring the paradox of being commanded to do what we cannot do on our own, such as awakening spiritually or repenting and believing. This paradox highlights our dependence on God's grace and the necessity of His intervention in our lives. We also discussed the importance of finding a church that faithfully preaches the Word of God, even if it requires significant sacrifices, such as moving or traveling long distances.

The reality of demonic activity was another topic of interest, emphasizing the need for discernment and the assurance that Christians, united with Christ, cannot be possessed by demons. We also addressed the complexities of pastoral leadership in a transitioning church, particularly when moving towards Reformed theology, and the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in such transitions.

The necessity of Christ's blood for our salvation was affirmed, underscoring the justice of God and the impossibility of salvation through any other means. We also touched on the role of the Holy Spirit in baptism, emphasizing the Trinitarian nature of salvation. Forgiveness was another key theme, where we distinguished between the willingness to forgive and the actual conferring of forgiveness, which requires repentance from the offender.

We discussed the appropriateness of asking God for signs, cautioning against testing God and instead encouraging trust in His revealed Word and the counsel of wise believers. The role of women in teaching within the church was clarified, affirming their significant contribution outside the pulpit, particularly in teaching other women and children.

Finally, we addressed the challenges of sharing the gospel in the workplace and on university campuses, emphasizing the need for wisdom, integrity, and readiness to give an answer for our hope. We concluded with a reflection on the impact of technology on gospel communication, recognizing both its potential and its pitfalls.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dependence on God's Grace: We are often commanded to do what we cannot do on our own, such as awakening spiritually or repenting. This paradox highlights our dependence on God's grace and the necessity of His intervention in our lives. It is a reminder to cry out to God, acknowledging our inability and seeking His strength. [01:39]

2. The Reality of Demonic Activity: While the New Testament affirms the reality of Satan and demonic forces, Christians are assured that they cannot be possessed by demons. This understanding calls for discernment and a focus on Christ's victory over evil, rather than a preoccupation with demonic activity. [04:31]

3. The Necessity of Christ's Blood: The shedding of Christ's blood was necessary to satisfy divine justice and secure our salvation. This underscores the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love in providing a way for us to be reconciled to Him. It challenges us to trust in God's revealed plan of salvation rather than speculate on alternative possibilities. [09:07]

4. Forgiveness and Repentance: Forgiveness requires a willingness to forgive, but actual forgiveness is conferred when there is repentance. This distinction is important in maintaining justice and integrity in relationships, while also being ready to forgive when genuine repentance occurs. [14:03]

5. Technology and the Gospel: Technology offers both opportunities and challenges for gospel communication. While it can extend the reach of the gospel, it also carries the risk of spreading harmful content. Christians must use technology wisely, recognizing it as a tool for stewardship rather than an end in itself. [47:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - The Paradox of Spiritual Awakening
- [01:39] - Finding a Faithful Church
- [02:40] - Understanding Demonic Activity
- [05:27] - Navigating Church Transitions
- [07:26] - The Necessity of Christ's Blood
- [11:12] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Baptism
- [12:06] - Forgiveness and Repentance
- [15:29] - Asking God for Signs
- [19:03] - Women's Role in Teaching
- [23:22] - Sharing the Gospel at Work
- [25:21] - Defending Truth on Campus
- [30:22] - Struggling with Homosexuality
- [35:16] - Addressing Justification Heresies
- [44:45] - Technology and Gospel Communication

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 3:1-3
2. 1 Peter 3:15
3. Titus 2:3-5

---

Observation Questions:

1. In Revelation 3:1-3, what is the command given to the church in Sardis, and how does it relate to the paradox of spiritual awakening discussed in the sermon? [00:25]

2. According to the sermon, what are the two major mistakes people make regarding demonic activity, and how does this relate to the assurance given to Christians? [04:31]

3. How does the sermon describe the necessity of Christ's blood for salvation, and what theological debate does it reference? [09:07]

4. What role does the sermon suggest women have in teaching within the church, and how is this supported by Titus 2:3-5? [20:08]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the paradox of being commanded to do what we cannot do on our own highlight our dependence on God's grace, and what does this imply about our spiritual efforts? [01:39]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that technology can both aid and hinder the communication of the gospel, and how should Christians approach this duality? [47:35]

3. The sermon discusses the importance of finding a church that faithfully preaches the Word of God. What sacrifices might this entail, and why are they considered necessary? [02:17]

4. How does the sermon distinguish between the willingness to forgive and the actual conferring of forgiveness, and what implications does this have for personal relationships? [14:03]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt unable to spiritually awaken or repent on your own. How did you experience God's grace in that situation, and how can you seek His strength in similar situations in the future? [01:39]

2. Have you ever encountered a situation where demonic activity was sensationalized or denied? How can you maintain a balanced understanding of spiritual warfare in your daily life? [04:31]

3. Consider the sacrifices you might need to make to be part of a church that faithfully preaches the Word of God. Are there any changes you feel called to make in your church involvement or attendance? [02:17]

4. Think about a relationship where forgiveness is needed. How can you prepare your heart to forgive, even if the other person has not yet repented? What steps can you take to maintain justice and integrity in that relationship? [14:03]

5. How do you currently use technology in your efforts to share the gospel? Are there any changes you could make to ensure that your use of technology is wise and effective? [47:35]

6. In what ways can you support and encourage women in your church to teach and mentor others, particularly in roles outside the pulpit? How can you apply the principles from Titus 2:3-5 in your community? [20:08]

7. Reflect on your workplace or university environment. How can you be prepared to share the gospel with wisdom and integrity, and what specific steps can you take to be ready to give an answer for your hope? [23:22]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Dependence on Divine Grace
In our spiritual journey, we often encounter the paradox of being commanded to do what we cannot achieve on our own, such as awakening spiritually or repenting. This paradox serves as a profound reminder of our dependence on God's grace and the necessity of His intervention in our lives. It is a call to humility, acknowledging our limitations and crying out to God for His strength and guidance. By recognizing our inability, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace, which enables us to fulfill His commands. This dependence is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength we find in God. [01:39]

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge your dependence on God's grace today? How can you actively seek His strength in those areas?


Day 2: Discernment in the Face of Spiritual Realities
The reality of demonic activity is affirmed in the New Testament, yet Christians are assured that they cannot be possessed by demons. This understanding calls for discernment and a focus on Christ's victory over evil, rather than a preoccupation with demonic activity. It is essential to remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing the spiritual battles we face while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who has already triumphed over darkness. By doing so, we can live confidently in the freedom and protection that comes from being united with Christ. [04:31]

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate discernment in your spiritual life to recognize and resist the influence of evil while focusing on Christ's victory?


Day 3: The Profound Necessity of Christ's Sacrifice
The shedding of Christ's blood was necessary to satisfy divine justice and secure our salvation. This underscores the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love in providing a way for us to be reconciled to Him. It challenges us to trust in God's revealed plan of salvation rather than speculate on alternative possibilities. By embracing the necessity of Christ's sacrifice, we are invited to reflect on the gravity of sin and the incredible love that God has shown us through Jesus. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of our salvation and a commitment to live in response to His grace. [09:07]

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight." (Ephesians 1:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the necessity of Christ's sacrifice impact your view of sin and God's love? How can this understanding shape your daily walk with God?


Day 4: The Interplay of Forgiveness and Repentance
Forgiveness requires a willingness to forgive, but actual forgiveness is conferred when there is repentance. This distinction is important in maintaining justice and integrity in relationships, while also being ready to forgive when genuine repentance occurs. It is a call to hold a posture of grace and readiness to forgive, while also upholding the importance of repentance in the process of reconciliation. By understanding this interplay, we can navigate relationships with both compassion and truth, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy. [14:03]

"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who has wronged you and is seeking forgiveness? How can you balance grace and truth in your response to them?


Day 5: Navigating Technology in Gospel Communication
Technology offers both opportunities and challenges for gospel communication. While it can extend the reach of the gospel, it also carries the risk of spreading harmful content. Christians must use technology wisely, recognizing it as a tool for stewardship rather than an end in itself. By approaching technology with discernment and intentionality, we can harness its potential to share the gospel effectively while avoiding its pitfalls. This requires a commitment to integrity and wisdom in our digital interactions, ensuring that our online presence reflects the truth and love of Christ. [47:35]

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use technology today to share the gospel in a way that is both effective and faithful to the message of Christ? What steps can you take to ensure your digital interactions reflect your faith?

Quotes


We are commanded in Scripture to do what we cannot do. So, we are commanded to repent and believe when we don't have the ability to repent and believe. "I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me. It was not I that found, O Savior true; no, I was found of thee." [00:25:21]

Yes, yes, I mean, the devil's greatest guile and victory is to lead us to deny his existence. The New Testament is clear about the reality of Satan and the demonic, but we are prone to make two really big mistakes. One is to sensationalize this, as if we have the ability to see what isn't given to us to see and thus to go around diagnosing demonic activity when biblically, according to a biblical theology, we know the source of evil. [00:28:09]

Scripture says that the blood is life, and therefore if Jesus is to be our substitute, He must take the penalty of the curse, which is death. So, there's that part of it. I'm always deeply suspicious of questions that begin with, "Could God have … ?" and however that goes. And the answer is that we have Scripture, and we must trust that what Scripture says is the only way that salvation can be possible. [00:07:39]

I admire that, and I don't want to detract from that, but the fact is that God doesn't forgive until you repent. So until we have a new heart we are children of wrath, even as others. I would make a distinction, and have made, between a willingness to forgive and actually conferring forgiveness, which I'm not sure what that is, and sometimes that goes into the realm of some kind of mystical rite. [00:12:46]

I think it's our immaturity and our sinful nature that asks God to show me something, to demonstrate something, to show up, and to give me a sign. It doesn't really show that sort of trust. We're called to ask, and to seek, and to knock, and to continue to ask, and to seek, and to knock, to continue to go before Him. [00:17:52]

If we are called to a certain profession then we, I think, represent our Christian testimony and represent our being both in the image of God as Creator and in the image of Christ as Redeemer, by doing our job, by applying our self fully to our job. If we're using company time, as it were, to literally steal from our employer when we should be doing our job and instead evangelizing, then that's not necessarily a martyr's consequence or a noble thing to lose one's job for. [00:23:02]

The academic world has always been the leading edge of social and intellectual change. The social and intellectual change in our country has been trending on campuses for more than two generations now in an aggressively secular way. That is now at a velocity to where the liberals and the hippies of the 1960s and 70s, and the baby boomers, who thought they were very liberal, they are now scared of their own students, who are shutting down even people who are on the left, because they're not on the left enough. [00:27:06]

Modern people, including modern Christians, tend to have a reflexive naïveté about technology. We live in an age of technological marvels, where things are happening so fast that we tend to forget that throughout even most of Christian history, there was no printing press. We live in an age in which when we're talking about technology, especially communication technology, we have no idea what we will be talking about eighteen months from now. [00:44:54]

Of course the biblical worldview with Genesis 3 reminding us constantly of the pervasiveness of sin, will remind us there is no opportunity that does not come without an opportunity for sin. And so, we have to understand that every technology we have is a stewardship. By the way, there are some technologies that are just evil. And so, there are technologies that have a greater danger of evil and a lesser danger of evil. [00:45:40]

Jacques Ellul, a very significant French Christian philosopher of the last century, you know, just pointed out that a part of our essential Christian stewardship is an understanding of how our use of technology reveals our souls and shapes our souls. That's a very good word, but without hesitation we use these technologies to proclaim the gospel. Right now theological education, just to give you an example, theological education has jumped over the great firewall of China. [00:47:30]

There are people right now who are able to avail themselves. There are people who otherwise would never be able to have access to the teaching, either of Ligonier Ministries, or of Southern Seminary, or all of our churches and institutions. And no firewall can effectively keep them out. So, there's something to appreciate here, a stewardship to exercise. But we can never be technophiles. We can never be those who love technology for technology's sake, nor are naïve about what technology can bring. [00:48:03]

He went in Acts 17 to Mars Hill, where there was constant idolatrous nonsense. We are told that those who were there wanted nothing but to hear something new every day. And Paul didn't say, "Well, I'm not going to go there, because the next speaker could get up and espouse idolatry." Because the next speaker undoubtedly did, but the Apostle Paul went, and he preached Christ. [00:48:49]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 12, 2018. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?