Embracing Humility: Overcoming Belief Perseverance
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the dangers of belief perseverance and the sinfulness of a made-up mind. We often pride ourselves on our mistakes, claiming they shape who we are, but this mindset can prevent us from admitting when we're wrong. This stubbornness, known as belief perseverance, leads us to cling to our beliefs even when faced with clear evidence to the contrary. This is not just a human flaw but a spiritual issue that stands against the teachings of Scripture.
Jesus exemplified humility and forgiveness, even on the cross, asking God to forgive those who crucified Him because they did not know what they were doing. This highlights the sinfulness of ignorance and the need for us to admit that we don't know everything. We must be willing to learn and grow, rather than holding onto our limited understanding.
The sermon emphasized three key points about the sinfulness of a made-up mind:
1. Believing we know everything we need to know.
2. Viewing new information as a threat to our beliefs.
3. Prioritizing our emotions over knowledge and truth.
We are encouraged to adopt a posture of humility, recognizing that only God knows everything. We should be open to new perspectives and willing to learn, even from those we disagree with. This openness allows us to develop empathy, compassion, and understanding, which are essential for living out the gospel.
The message concluded with a call to stop waging war against those we disagree with and instead reach out with grace, compassion, and love. We are challenged to commit to listening more and speaking less, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding and wisdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Danger of Belief Perseverance: Belief perseverance is the stubbornness to hold onto our beliefs even when faced with clear evidence that we are wrong. This mindset is not just a human flaw but a spiritual issue that stands against the teachings of Scripture. Jesus' example on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who crucified Him, highlights the sinfulness of ignorance and the need for humility. [05:47]
2. The Sinfulness of a Made-Up Mind: Believing that we know everything we need to know is a form of arrogance that prevents us from growing. Proverbs 15:14 teaches that intelligent people want to learn, but those satisfied with ignorance are foolish. We must be willing to admit our limitations and seek new knowledge and perspectives. [08:49]
3. New Information as a Threat: Viewing new information as a threat to our beliefs is a fear-based response. Psychologists tell us that we hold tightly to our beliefs out of fear that new information will undermine our faith and values. However, true wisdom comes from being open to new ideas and perspectives, even those that challenge us. [19:40]
4. Emotions vs. Knowledge: Our emotions often lead us astray, making us act hastily and sinfully. Proverbs 19:2 warns that zeal without knowledge is not good. We must anchor our emotions in truth and knowledge, allowing understanding to lead to wisdom. This helps us act in ways that are pleasing to God. [30:27]
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The doctrine of sola scriptura, or "Bible alone," can limit our understanding of truth. The Holy Spirit is given to us to guide us into all truth, providing wisdom and understanding that goes beyond the written word. We must be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance to truly live out the gospel. [33:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:15] - The Problem of Belief Perseverance
[03:53] - Recognizing Our Own Stubbornness
[05:47] - Jesus' Example of Forgiveness
[07:22] - Admitting Our Ignorance
[08:49] - The Sinfulness of a Made-Up Mind
[10:16] - The Importance of Continuous Learning
[12:00] - The Hypocrisy of Selective Learning
[13:44] - Personal Anecdote on Education
[15:01] - Proverbs on Wisdom and Learning
[16:52] - The Danger of Ignorance
[18:20] - Committing to Learn Something New
[19:40] - New Information as a Threat
[21:08] - The Limits of Our Knowledge
[22:29] - The Danger of a Closed Mind
[23:54] - Compassion and Understanding
[25:27] - Paul's Teachings on Humility
[27:10] - The Role of Grace
[28:33] - Emotions vs. Knowledge
[30:27] - The Certainty of Emotion
[32:07] - The Danger of Misguided Ideas
[33:42] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[34:45] - Pursuing Knowledge and Wisdom
[36:00] - Stop Waging War with the World
[37:44] - The Ministry of Compassion
[39:15] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 23:34 - "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
2. Proverbs 15:14 - "The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly."
3. Proverbs 19:2 - "Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus' prayer for forgiveness on the cross in Luke 23:34 reveal about His attitude towards those who wronged Him? [05:47]
2. According to Proverbs 15:14, what is the difference between a discerning heart and a foolish mouth?
3. How does Proverbs 19:2 describe the relationship between desire and knowledge?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' request for forgiveness for His persecutors significant in understanding the sinfulness of ignorance? [05:47]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of belief perseverance, and why is it considered a spiritual issue? [02:15]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of viewing new information as a threat to our beliefs? [19:40]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you held onto a belief despite evidence to the contrary. How did this affect your relationships and spiritual growth? [02:15]
2. How can you practice humility in your daily life to admit when you are wrong, as Jesus exemplified on the cross? [05:47]
3. What steps can you take to be more open to new perspectives and information, even if they challenge your current beliefs? [19:40]
4. Think of a recent situation where your emotions led you to act hastily. How could anchoring your emotions in knowledge and truth have changed your response? [30:27]
5. How can you rely more on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to gain wisdom and understanding beyond the written word? [33:42]
6. Identify a person or group you have been in conflict with due to differing beliefs. How can you reach out to them with grace, compassion, and love this week? [36:00]
7. Commit to learning something new every day this week. What specific topic or perspective will you start with, and how will you ensure you follow through? [18:20]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Danger of Belief Perseverance
Belief perseverance is the stubbornness to hold onto our beliefs even when faced with clear evidence that we are wrong. This mindset is not just a human flaw but a spiritual issue that stands against the teachings of Scripture. Jesus' example on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who crucified Him, highlights the sinfulness of ignorance and the need for humility. [05:47]
Belief perseverance is a dangerous mindset that can lead us away from the truth. It is the stubbornness to hold onto our beliefs even when faced with clear evidence that we are wrong. This is not just a human flaw but a spiritual issue that stands against the teachings of Scripture. Jesus exemplified humility and forgiveness, even on the cross, asking God to forgive those who crucified Him because they did not know what they were doing. This highlights the sinfulness of ignorance and the need for us to admit that we don't know everything. We must be willing to learn and grow, rather than holding onto our limited understanding.
The danger of belief perseverance is that it can prevent us from growing in our faith and understanding. When we cling to our beliefs out of pride or fear, we close ourselves off to new perspectives and insights that could help us grow. We must adopt a posture of humility, recognizing that only God knows everything. By being open to new perspectives and willing to learn, even from those we disagree with, we can develop empathy, compassion, and understanding, which are essential for living out the gospel.
Proverbs 12:15 (ESV): "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."
Reflection: Think of a belief or opinion you have held onto stubbornly. Can you ask God to help you be open to new perspectives and willing to learn from others today?
### Day 2: The Sinfulness of a Made-Up Mind
Believing that we know everything we need to know is a form of arrogance that prevents us from growing. Proverbs 15:14 teaches that intelligent people want to learn, but those satisfied with ignorance are foolish. We must be willing to admit our limitations and seek new knowledge and perspectives. [08:49]
The sinfulness of a made-up mind is rooted in arrogance and pride. When we believe that we know everything we need to know, we close ourselves off to new knowledge and perspectives. This mindset prevents us from growing and learning, which is essential for our spiritual development. Proverbs 15:14 teaches that intelligent people want to learn, but those satisfied with ignorance are foolish. We must be willing to admit our limitations and seek new knowledge and perspectives.
Admitting our ignorance and being open to learning is a sign of humility and wisdom. It allows us to grow in our understanding and develop a deeper relationship with God. By being open to new perspectives, we can gain insights that help us live out the gospel more effectively. We must prioritize knowledge and truth over our emotions and be willing to learn from others, even when it challenges our beliefs.
Proverbs 15:14 (ESV): "The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were resistant to new information. How can you cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and humility today?
### Day 3: New Information as a Threat
Viewing new information as a threat to our beliefs is a fear-based response. Psychologists tell us that we hold tightly to our beliefs out of fear that new information will undermine our faith and values. However, true wisdom comes from being open to new ideas and perspectives, even those that challenge us. [19:40]
Viewing new information as a threat to our beliefs is a fear-based response that can hinder our spiritual growth. Psychologists tell us that we hold tightly to our beliefs out of fear that new information will undermine our faith and values. However, true wisdom comes from being open to new ideas and perspectives, even those that challenge us. By being open to new information, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and our faith.
Fear of new information can lead to a closed mind and a hardened heart. It can prevent us from growing in our faith and understanding. We must be willing to confront our fears and be open to new perspectives. This openness allows us to develop empathy, compassion, and understanding, which are essential for living out the gospel. By embracing new information, we can grow in wisdom and knowledge, and become more effective witnesses for Christ.
Proverbs 18:15 (ESV): "An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."
Reflection: Think of a piece of new information that challenged your beliefs. How can you approach new ideas with an open mind and a willingness to learn today?
### Day 4: Emotions vs. Knowledge
Our emotions often lead us astray, making us act hastily and sinfully. Proverbs 19:2 warns that zeal without knowledge is not good. We must anchor our emotions in truth and knowledge, allowing understanding to lead to wisdom. This helps us act in ways that are pleasing to God. [30:27]
Our emotions can be powerful and often lead us astray, making us act hastily and sinfully. Proverbs 19:2 warns that zeal without knowledge is not good. When we allow our emotions to dictate our actions, we can make decisions that are not aligned with God's will. We must anchor our emotions in truth and knowledge, allowing understanding to lead to wisdom. This helps us act in ways that are pleasing to God and in accordance with His will.
By prioritizing knowledge and truth over our emotions, we can make decisions that are grounded in wisdom and understanding. This helps us avoid the pitfalls of acting on impulse and ensures that our actions are aligned with God's will. We must seek to understand the truth and allow it to guide our emotions and actions. This leads to a more balanced and spiritually mature life, where our decisions are rooted in wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 19:2 (ESV): "Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made based on emotions. How can you anchor your emotions in truth and knowledge to make wiser decisions in the future?
### Day 5: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The doctrine of sola scriptura, or "Bible alone," can limit our understanding of truth. The Holy Spirit is given to us to guide us into all truth, providing wisdom and understanding that goes beyond the written word. We must be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance to truly live out the gospel. [33:42]
The doctrine of sola scriptura, or "Bible alone," emphasizes the importance of Scripture in our faith. However, it can also limit our understanding of truth if we rely solely on the written word. The Holy Spirit is given to us to guide us into all truth, providing wisdom and understanding that goes beyond the written word. We must be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance to truly live out the gospel and grow in our faith.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual development, guiding us into all truth and providing wisdom and understanding. By being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can gain insights that help us live out the gospel more effectively. This openness allows us to develop a deeper relationship with God and grow in our faith. We must seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in all aspects of our lives, allowing Him to lead us into all truth.
John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: How can you be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps can you take to seek His wisdom and understanding today?
Quotes
1. "We make decisions based on limited information. We see a TikTok, we watch an online video, we watch a live TV, we watch a live stream, we watch a live analysis, we watch news story, we hear someone say something at work, and we pick up on that, and it inflames an emotion in us, and we make up our minds almost instantly about an issue, about a person, about a thing, about a story, or a group of people, and we hold tightly to all of those things." [03:53] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we posture ourselves in that way, especially as followers of Christ, when we have turned our mission into telling the world that they are wrong, telling unbelievers that they are wrong, telling people who don't see things the way we see them that they're wrong, can I tell you that that's not a mission. That's not a ministry of the gospel. Can I tell you that's not a mandate from God? I will go as far as to say that is sin." [05:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You and I have to come to a place where we're ready to recognize we don't know everything. I'll just ask, I'm going to take a very, it's unofficial. It's not something that I'm going to say. I'm going to scientifically, we won't report this to any journals or university studies. How many of you have been wrong about something before? I think that's a hundred percent. And those who aren't raising your hand, you're wrong right now, right? You've been wrong." [07:22] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We think I'll never use this information because I don't agree with this. Why would I ever really need to know any of this? Let me tell you what Proverbs 15, 14 says to answer that question. Intelligent people want to learn, but stupid people are satisfied with ignorance. You just got to love when the, not my words, right? The pastor called us stupid today. I'm never going back to that church." [15:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Wise people want to learn more. So they listen closely to gain knowledge. Intelligent, the intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them. And then intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. Same verse just said three different ways, all communicating the idea that God measures intelligence and wisdom by your willingness, by your purposefulness to open your ears and seek out new perspectives and new ideas." [16:52] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The danger of a closed mind is it can also leave good things like love, compassion, and reason on its outside. The thing about guarding our minds, like we think we're doing the thing about setting up centuries to guard our minds against thoughts, against ideas, against knowledge that we will believe somehow contaminate the truth of what we currently hold in our beliefs. The problem is that we leave a lot of things like understanding and empathy and compassion on the outside." [23:54] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you trust your own thoughts, you're a fool. But if you live in a wise way, you'll be safe from danger. Wisdom is not withholding knowledge. Wisdom is embracing knowledge. Remember that the Bible says also in Proverbs that a wise man seeks the perspective of other people. A person wants to hear the ideas and thoughts and opinions and perspectives because that's how you make decisions." [25:27] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We are not at war with politicians. We're not at war with movements. We're not at war with people who do things that seem completely contrary to the ways of God. We are not at war with them, and we need to stop waging war with the world that God said to reach with grace and compassion and love and forgiveness and empathy and true kindness, gentleness. We've got to stop waging war. We've got to stop waging war with those that God loves." [36:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You cannot love somebody that you don't know, and you cannot understand somebody that you won't listen to, and you cannot apply wisdom to something you know nothing about. Commit yourself to stop the sin of ignorance, and when you feel an emotional reaction, you just go, you know what? I clearly don't know enough about this, and what I do know about it is coming from this moron on TV." [37:44] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "How about we just spend, let's just commit to five years. It's an achievable amount for any of us. Just the next five years, shutting our mouths and opening our ears. Could we do that? A fourth of you, I think. That's a win. Jesus said, I'll cast seed here, cast seed. That'll get choked out. The Ravens will get that one, but that one's going to grow a hundredfold. So 25% of us, we're going to make a change. Amen." [39:15] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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