Embracing the Whole Counsel of God for True Unity

Devotional

Day 1: Commitment to the Full Truth of the Gospel

Embracing the whole counsel of God requires a steadfast commitment to teaching and living out the full truth of the Gospel. This commitment is exemplified by figures like the Apostle Paul and Athanasius, who were relentless in their mission to uphold and disseminate the truth. Paul taught both publicly and privately, often with tears, deeply involved in the struggles of his people. His dedication to the truth was crucial, as it is the truth that sets us free and guides us to salvation. Similarly, Athanasius understood the significance of doctrinal propositions about Christ, recognizing that these truths are not just abstract ideas but are vital for our eternal destiny. He stood firm against heretical teachings that threatened to dilute the essence of the Gospel, understanding that propositions about Christ are essential for a true relationship with Him. [25:26]

Acts 20:27-28 (ESV): "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."

Reflection: Consider a truth of the Gospel that you find challenging to fully embrace. How can you commit to understanding and living out this truth more deeply in your daily life?

Day 2: The Danger of Minimizing Doctrine

In today's world, there is a tendency to downplay doctrine in favor of a more generalized spirituality. However, this approach is dangerous, as it can lead to a vague understanding of Christ that lacks the power to save. True unity in the church comes not from minimizing doctrine but from embracing the fullness of biblical truth. This provides a solid foundation for our faith, ensuring that we are not swayed by false teachings or superficial beliefs. Embracing the whole counsel of God means being faithful to what God has revealed for our good, rather than seeking to have all the answers. [29:13]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Reflection: Reflect on an area where you might have minimized doctrine in your understanding of faith. How can you seek a deeper understanding of biblical truth in this area today?

Day 3: Unity Through the Completeness of the Gospel

The diversity within the reformed community is a testament to the unifying power of the Gospel. By focusing on the completeness of the Gospel, we can engage with others more effectively and draw them into the richness of God's truth. This approach helps us to appreciate the diversity of traditions and denominations within the Christian faith, recognizing that they all contribute to the fullness of the Gospel. It is not about having all the answers but about being faithful to what God has revealed for our good. This fullness is what sets us apart and fuels our mission. [37:24]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Think of a person from a different Christian tradition than your own. How can you engage with them in a way that celebrates the completeness of the Gospel and fosters unity?

Day 4: The Sufficiency of God's Revelation

The whole counsel of God is complete and sufficient for our spiritual growth. It is not about having all the answers but about being faithful to what God has revealed for our good. This fullness is what sets us apart and fuels our mission. By embracing the completeness of God's revelation, we can grow spiritually and understand our faith more deeply. This approach helps us to focus on the richness of God's truth, rather than its fragmentary aspects, and enables us to engage with others more effectively. [35:14]

Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV): "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you feel spiritually stagnant. How can you rely on the sufficiency of God's revelation to grow in this area?

Day 5: Joy Rooted in Relationship with God

The joy that comes from embracing the whole counsel of God is rooted in a relationship with God the Father and the Son. This joy is both indestructible and combustible, fueling our passion and zeal for God's glory. As we live out this joy, it becomes a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. This joy is not rooted in a theological system but in a relationship with God, and it serves as a powerful testimony to the world. [50:25]

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt the joy of your relationship with God. How can you share this joy with someone else today?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, I emphasized the importance of embracing the whole counsel of God, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul and Athanasius. Paul was relentless in his mission, teaching both publicly and privately, and he did so with tears, deeply involved in the struggles of his people. This dedication to the truth is crucial, as it is the truth that sets us free and guides us to salvation. Athanasius, too, understood the significance of doctrinal propositions about Christ, recognizing that these truths are not just abstract ideas but are vital for our eternal destiny. He stood firm against heretical teachings that threatened to dilute the essence of the Gospel, understanding that propositions about Christ are essential for a true relationship with Him.

In our contemporary context, there is a tendency to downplay doctrine in favor of a more generalized spirituality. However, this approach is dangerous, as it can lead to a vague understanding of Christ that lacks the power to save. True unity in the church comes not from minimizing doctrine but from embracing the fullness of biblical truth. The whole counsel of God is complete and sufficient for our spiritual growth and understanding. It is not about having all the answers but about being faithful to what God has revealed for our good.

I also highlighted the diversity within the reformed community, which spans various denominations and traditions. This diversity is a testament to the power of the Gospel to unite people around core truths. We must seize the biblical high ground of fullness, focusing on the completeness of the Gospel rather than its fragmentary aspects. This approach can help us engage with others more effectively, drawing them into the richness of God's truth.

Finally, I spoke about the effects of embracing the whole counsel of God, particularly the joy it brings. This joy is not rooted in a theological system but in a relationship with God the Father and the Son. It is a joy that is both indestructible and combustible, fueling our passion and zeal for God's glory. As we live out this joy, it becomes a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

Key Takeaways

1. Embracing the whole counsel of God involves a commitment to teaching and living out the full truth of the Gospel, as demonstrated by Paul and Athanasius. This commitment is essential for guiding others to salvation and protecting against false teachings. [25:26]
2. The tendency to minimize doctrine in favor of a generalized spirituality is dangerous, as it can lead to a vague understanding of Christ. True unity comes from embracing the fullness of biblical truth, which provides a solid foundation for our faith. [29:13]
3. The diversity within the reformed community is a testament to the unifying power of the Gospel. By focusing on the completeness of the Gospel, we can engage with others more effectively and draw them into the richness of God's truth. [37:24]
4. The whole counsel of God is complete and sufficient for our spiritual growth. It is not about having all the answers but about being faithful to what God has revealed for our good. This fullness is what sets us apart and fuels our mission. [35:14]
5. The joy that comes from embracing the whole counsel of God is rooted in a relationship with God the Father and the Son. This joy is both indestructible and combustible, fueling our passion and zeal for God's glory and serving as a powerful testimony to the world. [50:25]
** [50:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:26] - Paul's Relentless Mission
[26:29] - Athanasius and the Importance of Doctrine
[29:13] - The Danger of Minimizing Doctrine
[33:12] - The Fullness of the Gospel
[35:14] - The Completeness of God's Revelation
[37:24] - Diversity in the Reformed Community
[40:18] - Engaging with Others Effectively
[42:07] - Praying for Fullness
[45:06] - The Joy of Embracing God's Counsel
[47:07] - The Effects of the Whole Counsel of God
[50:25] - Joy Rooted in Relationship with God
[52:10] - Outrejoicing in God's Truth
[53:04] - Living Out the Joy of the Gospel
[53:53] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Acts 20:20-31
2 John 1:9
John 15:11

Observation Questions:

How did Paul demonstrate his commitment to teaching the whole counsel of God, according to Acts 20:20-31? What specific actions did he take? [25:26]
In 2 John 1:9, what is the significance of abiding in the teaching? How does this relate to having both the Father and the Son?
According to John 15:11, what is the purpose of Jesus' teachings, and how does it relate to the concept of joy?
What examples from the sermon illustrate the dangers of minimizing doctrine in favor of a generalized spirituality? [29:13]

Interpretation Questions:

Why is it important to embrace the whole counsel of God, as demonstrated by Paul and Athanasius, in guiding others to salvation and protecting against false teachings? [26:29]
How does the diversity within the reformed community serve as a testament to the unifying power of the Gospel? What does this suggest about the nature of true unity in the church? [37:24]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between joy and a relationship with God the Father and the Son? How is this joy described as both indestructible and combustible? [50:25]
How does the sermon address the tendency to downplay doctrine in favor of a more generalized spirituality? What are the potential dangers of this approach? [29:13]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your own understanding of the Gospel. Are there areas where you might be minimizing doctrine in favor of a more generalized spirituality? How can you deepen your understanding of biblical truth? [29:13]
Consider the diversity within your own church community. How can you contribute to unity by focusing on the completeness of the Gospel rather than its fragmentary aspects? [37:24]
The sermon emphasizes the joy that comes from embracing the whole counsel of God. How can you cultivate this joy in your daily life, and how might it serve as a testimony to others? [50:25]
Think about a time when you were involved in a discussion or debate about doctrine. How did you approach it, and what might you do differently in the future to ensure the conversation is rooted in love and truth? [29:13]
Identify one specific doctrine or teaching that you find challenging or confusing. What steps can you take this week to seek clarity and understanding, perhaps through study or discussion with others? [26:29]
How can you actively engage with others in your community to draw them into the richness of God's truth, as suggested in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to initiate these conversations? [37:24]
Reflect on the concept of joy being both indestructible and combustible. How can you allow this joy to fuel your passion and zeal for God's glory in your everyday interactions? [50:25]

Sermon Clips

"I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable teaching you in public and from house to house he just went after everybody then look at verse 31 for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears this man got so involved in the pain and the unbelief and the struggles of this people he said everywhere I was crying pastors who don't cry don't have a clue what life is about so yes I don't want to overstate the case I just want to say that he chose to focus on delivering the whole counsel of god as that which absolved him of their their shipwreck if they make it." [00:25:12]

"Compare Athanasius and some aspects of the emerging church not all I mean that aspect that wing that part that minimizes doctrine that wants to say propositions about christ are not a very helpful way of loving christ when I read the story of Athanasius which I spent most of last year doing and see that he was banished exiled five times from his bishopric in Alexandria in Egypt I see a magnificent testimony to this truth loving christ includes loving true propositions about christ." [00:26:26]

"What was clear to Athanasius was that propositions about christ carried convictions that could send you to heaven or to hell there were propositions like this that he was dealing with quote there was a time when the son of god was not here's another one he was not before he was made another one the son of god is created those are propositions and they are strictly damnable and if they spread and are believed they will send the souls of those who embrace them to hell." [00:27:42]

"And therefore Athanasius labored with all his might and tears I am sure to formulate propositions that would conform to reality and lead the soul to faith and to worship into heaven I believe Athanasius and the apostle Paul would have abominated with tears the contemporary call to depropositionalizing that we hear among reformists and some in the emerging church and younger evangelicals and post-evangelicals and post-conservatives." [00:28:22]

"The fullness of the counsel is full not in comparison to what we will know in heaven but in comparison to what god through his apostles in his word has revealed for our good now that's what's full about it it's not full because it's all we'll ever know it's full because it's the apostolic design for what's good for the church under god's inspiration and we ought to care about the wholeness fullness and completeness of it." [00:35:14]

"The reformed community let's just call it the soteriological reformed faith the five points of Calvinism the doctrines of grace the communities around the country coming into a zeal and a love for these truths is so diverse and so extensive it would blow your socks off if you knew how god was doing this you got fundamentalistic type baptist believing these things and you got wild-eyed charismatics believing these things you got Presbyterians believing these things and you got pockets in the Wesleyan church believing these things it is amazing." [00:37:24]

"Let's seize the biblical high ground of fullness in other words all the other kinds of ways you conceive of controversy or difference let this one become very prominent that is we who love the historic reformed faith love it because it is fully biblical it is full and everything else is fragmentary you don't have to say first it's wrong it is but not entirely and if you focus on the defect instead of the fragmentary nature you probably will not be as successful in winning people to the fullness." [00:37:52]

"Everybody in that prayer meeting and in every church in this city of any denomination agrees Jesus is just Jesus is loving Jesus is wise and Jesus is strong I don't know of any Christian anywhere who says no he's not strong we'll know he's not wise until there's some common ground and all I want is to have the fullness of his justice and the fullness of his love and the fullness of his wisdom and the fullness of his strength." [00:42:07]

"Grant us all in this prayer meeting and in all of our churches to see the fullness of the justice of Jesus Christ and how his death in our place absorbed all of your righteous wrath so that you could justify the ungodly and be just grant o lord that we would see the beauty of how it will be perfectly just for him to cast into everlasting torment those who spurn this offer of reconciliation." [00:43:20]

"These things Jesus says these things I have spoken to you teaching I've given you a body of teaching my apostles will say the climax of it these things I have spoken to you that my joy might be in you and your joy might be full I've spoken to you what the teaching so that what you will have me and have my father so that what your joy will be indestructible and nevertheless very combustible." [00:50:25]

"That's the marvel of the joy rooted in the fullness of the whole counsel of god it is combustible with a passion and a joy and a zeal and yet combustible though it is it is indestructible it goes on forever indeed it increases more and more and more so my concluding strategy and exhortation is this we reformed lovers of the fullness of revealed truth and all that god is for us not truncated views but all that god is for us in Jesus." [00:51:07]

"Let's pray oh god as we prepare in song to bow down I pray that our bowing down and entering into you and you into us would be based on rooted in the whole counsel of god that we would not be a people who kicks against biblical and theological propositions which labor in love to hedge the truth in from damnable error oh that we might explode with a passion for your exaltation Christ and your centrality god so that the world would look and say these are not people who are rejoicing in their system these are people who land on their system like a great springboard into heaven." [00:53:53]

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