Embracing the Eternal: Understanding the Unseen in Faith

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound theme of "Things Unseen," inspired by Paul's teaching that the unseen things are eternal and most significant. This concept challenges our usual perception, where visible things seem more real and powerful. The podcast, "Things Unseen," is structured around weekly themes that delve into Christian doctrine, personal reflections, and the practicalities of living a Christian life. The aim is to stimulate reflection on the unseen investments and experiences that shape our spiritual journey.

As we embark on a new year, a central resolution for Christians should be to know Christ more deeply. This pursuit is rooted in Paul's words from Philippians 3, where he expresses a desire to know Christ and share in His sufferings. Practically, this involves immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, to understand Jesus' character and teachings. It's crucial to focus on Jesus rather than merely identifying with biblical characters. Additionally, recognizing Christ's character in fellow believers and learning from their Christlikeness can further our spiritual growth.

We also discussed the importance of understanding different Christian characters, as illustrated by John Newton's letters. Newton's portrayal of Mr. Austerus, a character marked by austerity, serves as a caution against sanctification by vinegar, where strength and commitment can become harsh and uninviting. This reflection encourages us to examine our own lives for similar traits and strive for a more compassionate and Christlike demeanor.

Furthermore, we touched on the significance of the Abrahamic covenant and its fulfillment in Christ. The covenant's promise, realized in Jesus, extends to all nations, emphasizing the unity of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. This understanding dispels the notion of separate covenants for different groups and highlights the singular path of salvation through Christ.

Lastly, we addressed the role of the Holy Spirit, often misunderstood in modern Christianity. The focus should not solely be on the gifts of the Spirit but on the fruit of the Spirit, which transforms us into Christ's likeness. This transformation is a gradual process, emphasizing character development over dramatic displays of spiritual gifts.

Key Takeaways:

- The unseen things, as taught by Paul, are eternal and most significant. This challenges our perception of reality, urging us to focus on spiritual investments and experiences that shape our faith journey. [00:55]

- Knowing Christ more deeply involves immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, to understand His character and teachings. This focus helps us grow in Christlikeness and recognize His presence in our lives. [02:46]

- John Newton's letters, particularly the character of Mr. Austerus, remind us to avoid sanctification by vinegar, where strength and commitment become harsh. Instead, we should strive for a compassionate and inviting demeanor. [07:35]

- The Abrahamic covenant, fulfilled in Christ, emphasizes the unity of salvation for all nations. This understanding dispels the notion of separate covenants and highlights the singular path of salvation through Jesus. [26:40]

- The Holy Spirit's role is often misunderstood, with an overemphasis on spiritual gifts. The focus should be on the fruit of the Spirit, which gradually transforms us into Christ's likeness, emphasizing character development. [42:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Introduction to "Things Unseen"
- [00:55] - The Eternal Significance of Unseen Things
- [01:39] - Weekly Themes and Personal Reflections
- [02:17] - Resolving to Know Christ More
- [02:46] - Knowing Christ Through Scripture
- [04:06] - Avoiding the "Find Waldo" Method
- [05:33] - Recognizing Christ in Others
- [06:11] - Practicing the Presence of Christ
- [07:01] - John Newton's Letters and Christian Characters
- [08:29] - The Danger of Sanctification by Vinegar
- [09:36] - Favorite Scottish Theologian: Thomas Boston
- [11:04] - The Fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant
- [13:01] - The Importance of Sharing the Gospel
- [15:44] - Advice for Seminary Students
- [19:52] - Developing Reading Habits
- [22:36] - The Offense of the Cross in Galatians
- [25:54] - Is the Abrahamic Covenant Still Operative?
- [27:59] - Understanding Biblical Covenants
- [30:51] - Favorite Book of the Bible: John's Gospel
- [33:45] - The Call to Preach
- [35:08] - The Influence of John Owen
- [37:55] - Navigating Reformed Theology and Friendships
- [41:19] - Misunderstandings About the Holy Spirit
- [44:01] - Understanding Infant Baptism
- [49:13] - Speculations on the New Heavens and New Earth
- [52:14] - The Difference Between Soul and Spirit
- [56:06] - Devotional Habits and Resources
- [59:55] - Studying the Psalms
- [01:03:55] - Encouraging Pastors and Church Leaders

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Things Unseen"

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 4:18 - "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2. Philippians 3:10 - "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
3. Galatians 3:13-14 - "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says that the unseen things are eternal and most significant? How does this challenge our usual perception of reality? [00:55]
2. According to Philippians 3, what are the steps Paul outlines for knowing Christ more deeply? [02:46]
3. How does John Newton's character, Mr. Austerus, serve as a cautionary tale for Christians? What does "sanctification by vinegar" mean? [07:35]
4. How is the Abrahamic covenant fulfilled in Christ, and what does this mean for both Jews and Gentiles? [26:40]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might focusing on unseen spiritual investments and experiences shape a believer's faith journey? What are some examples of these unseen investments? [00:55]
2. In what ways can immersing oneself in the Gospels help a believer grow in Christlikeness? How does this differ from merely identifying with biblical characters? [04:06]
3. What are the potential dangers of exhibiting a harsh and uninviting demeanor in one's spiritual life, as illustrated by Mr. Austerus? How can believers strive for a more compassionate demeanor? [08:29]
4. How does the understanding of the Holy Spirit's role, focusing on the fruit rather than the gifts, impact a believer's spiritual growth and character development? [42:53]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there unseen spiritual investments you have been neglecting? How can you prioritize these in the coming weeks? [00:55]
2. What specific steps can you take to immerse yourself more deeply in the Gospels this month? How might this change your understanding of Jesus' character? [02:46]
3. Consider a time when you may have been "sanctified by vinegar." How can you cultivate a more inviting and compassionate demeanor in your interactions with others? [08:29]
4. How does the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant in Christ influence your view of unity within the church? What actions can you take to promote this unity? [26:40]
5. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit you want to develop further. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate this aspect in your daily life? [42:53]
6. Think of a fellow believer whose Christlike character you admire. What specific qualities do they exhibit, and how can you learn from their example to grow in your own faith? [05:33]
7. Is there a specific distraction in your life preventing you from focusing on Jesus? What changes can you make this week to minimize that distraction and deepen your relationship with Him? [04:06]

Devotional

Day 1: The Eternal Significance of the Unseen

In a world where the visible often takes precedence, the unseen aspects of life hold eternal significance. Paul's teachings remind us that the unseen things are the most important, challenging our perception of reality. This perspective encourages us to invest in spiritual experiences and relationships that shape our faith journey. By focusing on the eternal, we can find deeper meaning and purpose in our lives, beyond the temporary and material. [00:55]

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one unseen spiritual investment you can make today that will have eternal significance?


Day 2: Knowing Christ Through Scripture

To know Christ more deeply, immerse yourself in the Scriptures, particularly the Gospels. This practice helps you understand Jesus' character and teachings, fostering growth in Christlikeness. By focusing on Jesus rather than merely identifying with biblical characters, you can recognize His presence in your life and the lives of others. This journey of knowing Christ is a lifelong pursuit that enriches your spiritual walk. [02:46]

"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." (Philippians 3:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time this week to immerse yourself in the Gospels and deepen your understanding of Jesus' character?


Day 3: Avoiding Sanctification by Vinegar

John Newton's letters, particularly the character of Mr. Austerus, serve as a caution against sanctification by vinegar, where strength and commitment become harsh and uninviting. This reflection encourages you to examine your own life for similar traits and strive for a more compassionate and Christlike demeanor. By embracing kindness and empathy, you can reflect Christ's love to those around you, making your faith more attractive and inviting. [07:35]

"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: Is there an area in your life where your strength and commitment have become harsh? How can you cultivate a more compassionate demeanor today?


Day 4: The Unity of Salvation in Christ

The Abrahamic covenant, fulfilled in Christ, emphasizes the unity of salvation for all nations. This understanding dispels the notion of separate covenants and highlights the singular path of salvation through Jesus. By recognizing this unity, you can appreciate the inclusivity of the Gospel and the shared journey of faith among believers from diverse backgrounds. This perspective fosters a sense of community and belonging within the body of Christ. [26:40]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity and inclusivity within your faith community, recognizing the shared path of salvation through Christ?


Day 5: The Transformative Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit's role is often misunderstood, with an overemphasis on spiritual gifts. The focus should be on the fruit of the Spirit, which gradually transforms you into Christ's likeness, emphasizing character development over dramatic displays of spiritual gifts. This transformation is a lifelong process that requires patience and dedication, ultimately leading to a more Christlike character that reflects His love and grace to the world. [42:53]

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)

Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you feel is most lacking in your life right now, and what steps can you take to cultivate it more fully?

Quotes



Well, the name is derived from Paul's teaching that the things that are seen are temporal and it's the things that are unseen that are eternal, and it's that flip of our usual way of thinking about things; seen things seem very real, very powerful. And Paul is reminding us, actually, it's the things that are unseen that are most important, and it's the things that are unseen in our lives that affect and effect the way we live in the things that are seen. [00:41:35]

Well, you know, that really comes out, I think, of Paul's words in Philippians chapter 3 where it seems to me he almost gives us his life text, "I want to know Christ, the part of His resurrection, share the fellowship of His sufferings and become like Him." And, I think, there are several ways in which we do that. First of all, we do that by getting to know Him in the Scriptures. I think, even as Christians, we often forget that the only access point we have to learning about Jesus is actually found in the pages of the Scriptures. [00:46:30]

So, I am very keen to encourage Christians when they read the Gospels to keep their eyes fixed on Him and to meditate on Him. And for me a big part of that has been what the author of Hebrews says in Hebrews 13 that He's the same yesterday, today, and forever, which as I sometimes say, that's not a long way of saying Jesus is eternal. It’s a very particular way of saying He is exactly the same today as He was in the yesterday of the author of Hebrews, by which he means what he calls the days of His flesh or the days of His ministry in the Gospels. [00:45:12]

And so, what Newton does in this letter is he goes through a number of characters that he gives these Latin names to and he, kind of, pokes them in the hope that they will see themselves in these pictures, because, you know, that is often the tragedy of the ways in which our Christian lives get warped. We are the only ones who don't see it. And that letter is really... it's a very challenging thing to read, but it's also very clever. [00:08:44]

So, is the Abrahamic covenant still in operation? Well, it's still in operation in the sense that it has now been fulfilled, that the promise has been realized, that God has actually kept the promise that He gave to Abraham. And this is why, for example, again in Galatians—which I am now mixing up with Genesis obviously—in Galatians 3:13 Paul says that Christ became a curse for us in order that the blessings of the covenant that were promised to Abraham might now come to the Gentiles. [00:26:40]

And I would say that actually has been one of the distortions, maybe the biggest distortion of the twentieth and twenty-first century, and the result of that has been that the biblical focus on the fruit of the Spirit has been minimized and the role of the gifts of the Spirit has been maximized, but actually over the whole piece of the New Testament there are only a few places where these special gifts of the Holy Spirit are actually even mentioned and the dominant focus of the New Testament is on the fruit of the Spirit in transforming us into the likeness of the character of Christ. [00:42:53]

And so, getting through the whole Bible each year I think is a helpful practice. I've also, in addition to that, focused from time to time on certain books and given them more concentrated study. The material I actually recommend, I think I find myself recommending most, is actually Tabletalk, Nathan, for two reasons. One is because it does give you that help of a disciplined program of Bible reading. It gives you help in the notes that help you to expound and understand and apply the text, and there are also some great articles that go along with it. [00:56:06]

I think the really important thing for us to think about is that is true, but we do not have access to all that God sovereignly does. And so, the starting position for us is what does the Bible actually have to say about human nature, about human beings? And what it essentially says is that by nature every single human being is in rebellion against God and therefore under His wrath. So, the place I would go to think about that would be what Paul says in Romans 1 verses 18 to 32 and then into chapter 2 where he describes the principles of God's judgment. [00:15:44]

I think it's very easy for seminary students to be caught up in the wonders of getting good grades in theology, and I think the really important thing is that when you're studying it you're getting to know God better. And I think students need to know that for many students studying is very depressing. Not every student in seminary loves sitting for hours reading books. And so, then I think it's really important to remember that maybe a third or even more of your seminary education has got to do with your fellow students. [00:19:52]

I think a great deal of confusion arises in our minds because we may think of like soul as one part of our being and spirit as another part of our being and body as another part of our being, whereas the Bible, I think, originally thinks of us as being a unified person who is made for two environments, made for this environment is a living being, is a soul, and the animals are also living beings in that sense, souls, and we're sharing this environment, but the difference between us and the animals is that we are also made for communion with God. [00:52:14]

So, I think it's a matter of expressing concrete encouragement for the ways in which they serve us, for the struggles through which they go. Really, it's not an easy business today being a minister. It can be relentlessly difficult. It's glorious, but it is not necessarily easy, and ministers need all the encouragement they can get. And, you know, I know I've often thought I think I have had more encouragement from my congregations than probably the vast majority of ministers, and I long that every minister would have the kind of encouragement. [01:03:55]

So, I would say a great tool for us in keeping friendships and in helping our friends is our own study of the way in which Jesus Himself taught these things about the grace of God, about the depravity of man, about the nature of the atonement, about the sovereignty of God. It's all in the Gospels, and I think that will enable you to maintain friendships, or if you lose them, they will be lost because alas, people won't listen to Christ Himself. And that is very sore, but I think it does mean that you have not been the offensive one. [00:37:55]

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