Embracing Unity and Holiness in the Church

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we explored the profound themes of unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity as drawn from John 17. These elements are foundational to understanding the church's identity and mission. The term "catholic," often misunderstood due to its association with Roman Catholicism, was clarified as meaning "universal," emphasizing the church's global and inclusive nature. This universality is an extension of the church's unity and apostolic foundation, highlighting the importance of transcending denominational and national boundaries to embrace a shared faith in Christ.

We also delved into the challenges of maintaining the church's catholicity in a culturally diverse and politically charged environment. The discussion underscored the need for the church to prioritize its identity in Christ over national or cultural affiliations, ensuring that worship remains centered on the gospel rather than becoming a platform for political or cultural expressions. This is particularly relevant in contexts where patriotism and faith are often conflated, potentially obscuring the church's primary allegiance to Christ.

Furthermore, we examined the role of creeds and confessions in safeguarding doctrinal integrity. These historical documents serve as vital tools for teaching and uniting believers around core theological truths, especially in the face of heresies and doctrinal ambiguities. The importance of clarity and precision in these statements was emphasized, as they help prevent the dilution of essential Christian doctrines.

Lastly, we addressed the personal and pastoral implications of "respectable sins" such as discontent, impatience, and envy. These sins, though often overlooked, can undermine our faith and ministry. Learning contentment, as Paul did, is a journey of trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even amidst life's challenges. This trust fosters a deeper peace and reliance on God, enabling us to serve faithfully and joyfully.

Key Takeaways:

- Unity and Catholicity: The church's unity and catholicity are deeply interconnected, with catholicity emphasizing the universal nature of the church. This universality calls us to transcend denominational and national boundaries, fostering a global community of believers united in Christ. [00:51]

- Worship and National Identity: In a world where patriotism and faith can be conflated, it's crucial for the church to maintain its primary identity in Christ. Worship should focus on the gospel, avoiding the temptation to become a platform for political or cultural expressions. [03:10]

- Creeds and Confessions: These documents are essential for maintaining doctrinal integrity, especially in the face of heresies. They provide clarity and unity, helping believers understand and affirm core theological truths. [18:01]

- Respectable Sins: Sins like discontent and impatience, though often overlooked, can significantly impact our faith and ministry. Learning contentment involves trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, fostering peace and reliance on Him. [56:00]

- Cultural Engagement: While it's important to communicate the gospel in culturally relevant ways, we must ensure that cultural engagement does not compromise the church's universal message. The gospel's relevance is inherent, and our task is to faithfully proclaim it. [15:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Exploring Unity and Holiness
- [00:51] - Understanding Catholicity
- [01:23] - Clarifying the Term "Catholic"
- [03:10] - Worship Beyond National Identity
- [04:21] - The Role of Patriotism in Worship
- [06:02] - A Story of Christian Identity
- [08:17] - Removing Flags from Worship
- [13:01] - Contextualizing the Gospel
- [15:23] - The Importance of Creeds
- [18:01] - Responding to Heresy
- [20:48] - Affirmations and Denials
- [30:02] - Doctrine Unites
- [35:35] - Teaching Statements of Faith
- [56:00] - Learning Contentment
- [59:18] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 17:20-23
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2
- Philippians 4:11-13

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 17, what does Jesus pray for concerning the unity of believers, and how does this relate to the concept of catholicity? [00:25]

2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between patriotism and worship, and what example was given to illustrate this point? [03:10]

3. What role do creeds and confessions play in maintaining doctrinal integrity according to the sermon? [18:01]

4. What are some of the "respectable sins" mentioned in the sermon, and how do they affect our faith and ministry? [56:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of catholicity challenge the church to transcend denominational and national boundaries, and what practical steps can be taken to foster this unity? [00:51]

2. In what ways might the conflation of patriotism and faith obscure the church's primary allegiance to Christ, and how can this be addressed in worship settings? [03:10]

3. Why is it important for creeds and confessions to be clear and precise, and how do they help prevent the dilution of essential Christian doctrines? [18:01]

4. How does learning contentment, as Paul did, involve trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, and what impact does this have on our personal and pastoral lives? [56:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you observed instances where national identity was emphasized over Christian unity? How can you encourage a focus on the gospel in your community? [03:10]

2. Consider the role of creeds and confessions in your faith journey. How have they helped you understand and affirm core theological truths? Are there any specific creeds you find particularly meaningful? [18:01]

3. Identify a "respectable sin" such as impatience or discontent that you struggle with. What steps can you take to address this in your life, and how can you seek accountability within your small group? [56:00]

4. Think about a time when you felt discontent in your ministry or personal life. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Paul's journey of contentment to apply in future situations? [56:00]

5. How can you actively participate in fostering a sense of catholicity within your church, ensuring that cultural engagement does not compromise the church's universal message? [15:23]

6. Reflect on a recent worship service you attended. Was the focus primarily on the gospel, or were there elements that seemed to prioritize cultural or political expressions? How can you contribute to keeping Christ at the center of worship? [03:10]

7. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family or community?

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity
The church's unity and catholicity are deeply interconnected, with catholicity emphasizing the universal nature of the church. This universality calls us to transcend denominational and national boundaries, fostering a global community of believers united in Christ. The term "catholic" is often misunderstood due to its association with Roman Catholicism, but it fundamentally means "universal." This universality is an extension of the church's unity and apostolic foundation, highlighting the importance of transcending denominational and national boundaries to embrace a shared faith in Christ. In a world that often emphasizes division, the church is called to be a beacon of unity, demonstrating that our primary identity is found in Christ, not in our cultural or national affiliations. [00:51]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a person from a different cultural or denominational background within your church. How can you reach out to them this week to foster unity and understanding?


Day 2: Worship Beyond Borders
In a world where patriotism and faith can be conflated, it's crucial for the church to maintain its primary identity in Christ. Worship should focus on the gospel, avoiding the temptation to become a platform for political or cultural expressions. The church must prioritize its identity in Christ over national or cultural affiliations, ensuring that worship remains centered on the gospel. This is particularly relevant in contexts where patriotism and faith are often conflated, potentially obscuring the church's primary allegiance to Christ. By keeping worship focused on the gospel, the church can avoid becoming a platform for political or cultural expressions, maintaining its true purpose and mission. [03:10]

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your own worship practices. Are there any cultural or political influences that might be overshadowing your focus on Christ? How can you realign your worship to be more gospel-centered?


Day 3: The Guardrails of Faith
Creeds and confessions are essential for maintaining doctrinal integrity, especially in the face of heresies. They provide clarity and unity, helping believers understand and affirm core theological truths. These historical documents serve as vital tools for teaching and uniting believers around core theological truths, especially in the face of heresies and doctrinal ambiguities. The importance of clarity and precision in these statements is emphasized, as they help prevent the dilution of essential Christian doctrines. By grounding ourselves in these creeds and confessions, we can safeguard our faith and ensure that we remain true to the teachings of Christ. [18:01]

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (2 Timothy 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to read a creed or confession that is meaningful to you. How does it help you understand and affirm your faith? What steps can you take to incorporate its truths into your daily life?


Day 4: Overcoming Respectable Sins
Sins like discontent and impatience, though often overlooked, can significantly impact our faith and ministry. Learning contentment involves trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, fostering peace and reliance on Him. These sins, though often overlooked, can undermine our faith and ministry. Learning contentment, as Paul did, is a journey of trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even amidst life's challenges. This trust fosters a deeper peace and reliance on God, enabling us to serve faithfully and joyfully. By addressing these "respectable sins," we can grow in our faith and become more effective in our ministry. [56:00]

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." (Philippians 4:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a "respectable sin" in your life, such as impatience or discontent. How can you begin to address it this week by trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness?


Day 5: Faithful Cultural Engagement
While it's important to communicate the gospel in culturally relevant ways, we must ensure that cultural engagement does not compromise the church's universal message. The gospel's relevance is inherent, and our task is to faithfully proclaim it. In engaging with culture, the church must be careful not to compromise its universal message. The gospel is inherently relevant, and our task is to faithfully proclaim it in ways that resonate with the cultural context without diluting its core truths. By doing so, we can effectively communicate the gospel's transformative power while maintaining its integrity. [15:23]

"I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:22-23, ESV)

Reflection: Think about how you engage with culture in your daily life. Are there ways you can share the gospel more effectively without compromising its message? What practical steps can you take to ensure your cultural engagement remains faithful to the gospel?

Quotes

R.C. Sproul: Yes, I would. That is an application. It’s certainly not mentioned specifically by our Lord in that prayer, where the other things, the other three do feature prominently in His concern. But again, I think it is as you would say a subset of the unity of the church and of our understanding of the church. [00:47:27]

R.C. Sproul, Jr.: I was going to ask maybe a helpful pastoral, practical question on catholicity that I think is important for us to consider, and that is how does – and you may have a particular challenge here being in Washington, D.C. – how do we make sure that the reality of the catholicity of the church is communicated in our worship services when we live in a country that’s so quick to conflate what may be a perfectly legitimate commitment to patriotism with the Christian faith? Isn’t… Isn’t it important for us to remember that when we gather together for corporate worship, we don’t come as Americans, we come as Christians? [00:30:11]

Steve Lawson: Well, I have pastored a church in the past when I was at Dauphin Way that, you know, we had extravaganzas that were patriotic. Well, for me I wanted as I found myself in that situation, which was a time for me to formulate certain convictions, one, I wanted us… for the preeminence of Christ, the centrality of the Word of God. I mean, this is a worship service of the Lord on the Lord’s Day, and this is not a patriotic rally. [00:04:31]

R.C. Sproul: When we went to Romania from Hungary, we were warned to be careful when we got to the border of Romania because we could run into significant hostility from the border guards. And we were in a train that I think was a pre-World War II train. It was pretty difficult. And we got to the border, and we stopped, and these two rough looking guards came in and ordered us to open up our suitcases. And so we brought our suitcases down from the upper hold there, and we were about to open them, when the head guard came on, and he was even bigger than the other two. And one of our women in the party had her Bible in a brown paper bag. And the head guard saw that, and he said, “What is that?” And she opened the bag, and we thought, oh, here we go. And he grabbed the Bible, and he opened it up to the text, and he pointed to me, and he said, “Read what this says.” And he said, “You not American. You’re not American. You’re not American.” And we said, “Oh my, what is this? We got our passports. Of course, we’re Americans.” He said, “No, you’re not American.” “You no American,” he said, “I no Romanian.” He said, “Read what it says.” We are citizens of the commonwealth of heaven. And he said, “I’m a Christian.” And he turned to the other guys, he said, “These people are Christians. They’re alright. Let them go.” I mean, what a taste of benevolent providence that was. But I mean, but that’s the way I have always felt. I love my country, and if you… as you lived in Europe and I lived in Europe, only when you, I think, and when you live in a different country that you really begin to appreciate the profound blessings that we enjoy in this country. But my loyalty, ultimately is to the King of the kings. It is to Christ and to His kingdom, not to the government of any particular nation in this world. [00:06:13]

Mark Dever: Okay, which pushes us on then to the next message, where I led us in thinking about creeds and confessions and their utility. I’m just curious, Steven, in your experience with Baptist churches, have you found a hostility to creeds and confessions or have you found they understand we were all started with each congregation having a statement of faith, and there’s no problem having a statement of faith? [00:15:24]

R.C. Sproul: In church history, I think the chief driving force for the creation of confessional statements and creeds has been the appearance of heresy. Whenever heretics arise like the Arians, that produced the Nicene Council and so on, or the Monophysites in the 5th century, and you see these radical distortions of the Biblical message, to protect the church and the people in it from the impact of heresy, the church is forced to sharpen with greater precision its explanation of what they mean by their statements. Like… Like somebody says, “I have no creed but Jesus.” And I’d say, “Okay, who is Jesus?” Once they begin to say anything, they’re into theology, they’re into doctrine, they’re making some kind of theological commitment to their understanding of the person and work of Christ. And so the church has to have these things, or you’re susceptible to every kind of heresy that comes down the road. And… And again, the church will get along for a long time with ambiguous understandings of certain doctrines until the heretics take it in this direction, and you’re forced now to precision and to deny the antithesis of what the Bible affirms. We say this and not this. [00:17:38]

R.C. Sproul: Let me just say one of the historic dangers that we’ve seen in this is the use of the studied ambiguity in creeds or in confessional statements. The studied ambiguity is an attempt to use language that is intentionally ambiguous, so that both sides in a dispute can affirm it in good conscience. We ran into this with the ECT initiative where I remember being with Jim Kennedy at the time in a discussion with the… with one of the two architects of the document, and the Roman Catholic architect made the public statement that here we have this agreement that we’ve handed out, but of course, we don’t both mean the same thing by the words that are used. And the Protestant guy seconded the motion and in front of Jim Kennedy. And Jim Kennedy said, “Now, wait a minute. Let me see if I understand this. You guys are saying that you have this Evangelical and Catholic document where you’re affirming your agreement, and that you have a unity in the gospel on these sort of things, and you both signed this, and you both say that you both don’t mean the same thing by the words that you agree on.” And Jim Kennedy said, “Isn’t that fraud?” So the elephant was in the room. But that’s exactly… and Rome’s great at that sort of thing. That’s what happened at Regensburg with the attempt to nullify the Reformation by using language that anybody could affirm. [00:22:00]

R.C. Sproul, Jr.: I wanted to emphasize a couple of things about it. One, it’s not only that confessions… that doctrine doesn’t divide, but doctrine – let’s affirm the antithesis – doctrine unites. That we have to have, and this is probably frankly a little easier for the Presbyterians than the Baptists. We have to have some communal sense of shared convictions that keep us together, and it should build unity among us. Here we are gathered together, and we even have this here with Baptists and Presbyterians because we have a shared set of… [00:30:20]

R.C. Sproul: I think the one that was most important – they were all important, but if you were to ask me the one that’s more important for pastors, it’s discontent, because when I’m not content with what I have, when I envy somebody else, what I’m saying is that God, “Why have You bestowed that blessing on that person and not upon me?” My discontent is an affront to God. It’s an act of unbelief, really. And I’m despising the hand of God’s providence when I’m not content with where I am and with what I have. And yet that the other thing that Steve pointed out I thought so wonderfully, he mentioned in the text Paul doesn’t just say, “Be content.” But Paul said, “I had to learn.” I mean, contentment is not something that comes automatically with conversion. It’s an acquired… the more we understand the sovereignty of God and the goodness of God, the more we understand that every good and perfect gift we have comes from Him, the more… the easier it is to become content. [00:56:00]

R.C. Sproul: You know, the thing is, is when that first hit the scene, again, it’s chief architecture… architect made the statement that he was trying to create a theistic view that was between process theology and orthodox Christianity. So by his own statement, he understood that the doctrine of God he was espousing departed from Christian orthodoxy. [00:33:24]

R.C. Sproul: Jim Boice used to say that the problem with the church today was that we were trying to do the Lord’s work in the world’s way, listening too much to the marching of the beat of Madison Avenue. I remember once reading a book about that thick on advertising. When we first started to distribute Ligonier tapes, and we had to write advertising copy, and I read this big thick book of all the tried and true and tested techniques that absolutely generate a greater response. And there were certain principles that you had to use if you wanted optimal response to your ad, like you had to guarantee a successful outcome of the use of the project… product, for example, when we say get this tape on the holiness of God, and it will change your life. And I used to sit down with the people that would write this copy, and I’d say, hey, I got to reject 50% at least of the tried and true techniques that work. We know that they work from the testing, but I cannot give people a guarantee that this tape is going to change their life, other than it just cost them $4 or something that they’ve lost, because they may read it, and it might go… or listen to it, and it might go right past them and have no benefit, salutary benefit for them what’s… at all. [00:46:31]

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Transcript
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