Exalting God: Sovereignty, Worship, and Engaging the World

 

Summary

In today's discussion, we delved into the complexities of church practices, parental responsibilities, and the sovereignty of God. We began by examining the Seeker-sensitive approach to church services, which often prioritizes attracting non-believers over the traditional heralding of God's word. This approach can dilute the sanctity of worship, turning it into a mere spectacle rather than a solemn gathering for the exaltation of God's holiness. The church's primary mission should be to magnify God's holiness and preach His word, which naturally leads to genuine conversions and spiritual growth among its members.

We also tackled the challenging topic of God's sovereignty in salvation, particularly concerning our children. It's crucial to understand that God's will is sovereign and that He works through means, including the influence of parents. However, the ultimate responsibility for a child's salvation lies with God, and our role is to faithfully raise them in the knowledge of the Lord, trusting in His righteous judgment.

The discussion further explored the role of prayer in the life of a believer, especially when dealing with suffering or unbelief in loved ones. Prayer is a powerful tool that not only intercedes on behalf of others but also transforms the one who prays. It aligns our hearts with God's will and can lead to miraculous changes in seemingly hopeless situations.

We also addressed the ethical complexities surrounding end-of-life decisions, emphasizing the need for wisdom and discernment. Christians are encouraged to seek counsel from physicians who share their values and to make informed decisions that honor God, recognizing the fine line between sustaining life and prolonging the dying process.

Finally, we discussed the importance of evangelism and the church's role in politics. Christians are called to be salt and light in the world, engaging in every sphere of life, including politics, to bring about change from the inside out. Our ultimate goal is to lead others to Christ through both our words and our actions, living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Purpose of Worship: Worship services should focus on the exaltation of God's holiness rather than conforming to worldly standards. The church's mission is to magnify God's name and preach His word, which naturally leads to genuine conversions and spiritual growth. [01:15]

2. God's Sovereignty in Salvation: While parents play a crucial role in raising their children in the faith, the ultimate responsibility for salvation lies with God. We must trust in His righteous judgment and continue to faithfully teach and model the gospel to our children. [05:37]

3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a transformative tool that not only intercedes for others but also changes the one who prays. It aligns our hearts with God's will and can lead to miraculous changes in seemingly hopeless situations. [09:11]

4. Ethical Decisions at the End of Life: Christians must seek wisdom and discernment in making end-of-life decisions, balancing the need to sustain life with the reality of the dying process. It's important to consult with physicians who share our values and make informed decisions that honor God. [17:16]

5. Engaging in the World: Christians are called to be active in every sphere of life, including politics, to bring about change from the inside out. Our ultimate goal is to lead others to Christ through both our words and actions, living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. [43:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Seeker-Sensitive Approach
- [01:15] - Purpose of Worship
- [03:28] - God's Sovereignty and Parental Responsibility
- [05:37] - Blame and God's Decree
- [08:37] - Encouraging the Suffering
- [11:22] - Altar Calls and Evangelism
- [16:30] - End-of-Life Decisions
- [21:28] - Evangelizing Unbelieving Spouses
- [25:31] - Children's Profession of Faith
- [31:12] - King David's Repentance
- [35:27] - Reaching Atheistic Children
- [38:37] - Prayer and God's Sovereign Will
- [42:18] - Church's Role in Politics
- [45:21] - Practical Evangelism Strategies

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 3:1 - "Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives."
2. James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
3. Ephesians 6:4 - "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Observation Questions:
1. What is the primary mission of the church according to the sermon, and how does the Seeker-sensitive approach potentially conflict with this mission? [01:15]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of parents in the spiritual upbringing of their children, and what is ultimately emphasized about God's role in salvation? [05:37]
3. What are some of the ethical complexities mentioned in the sermon regarding end-of-life decisions, and what guidance is given for Christians facing these decisions? [17:16]
4. How does the sermon suggest Christians should engage with the world, particularly in the realm of politics? [43:30]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the Seeker-sensitive approach to church services impact the spiritual growth of its members, and what are the potential long-term effects on the church community? [01:15]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer can transform both the person praying and the situation they are praying about? [09:11]
3. How does the sermon reconcile the tension between God's sovereignty and parental responsibility in the spiritual upbringing of children? [05:37]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of wisdom and discernment in making ethical decisions, particularly at the end of life? [17:16]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your church's approach to worship. Does it prioritize the exaltation of God's holiness, or does it lean towards a Seeker-sensitive model? How does this impact your personal worship experience? [01:15]
2. Consider your role as a parent or mentor. How can you faithfully teach and model the gospel to the younger generation while trusting in God's sovereignty for their salvation? [05:37]
3. Think of a situation in your life that seems hopeless. How can you use prayer as a tool to align your heart with God's will and seek transformation in that situation? [09:11]
4. If faced with an end-of-life decision for a loved one, what steps can you take to ensure that your choices honor God and reflect your values? [17:16]
5. How can you actively engage in your community or political sphere to be salt and light, bringing about change from the inside out? What specific actions can you take this week? [43:30]
6. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult ethical decision. How did you seek wisdom and discernment, and what was the outcome? [17:16]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can be more intentional about living out the gospel. What practical steps can you take to make this a reality? [43:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Worship as Exaltation of God's Holiness
Worship services should be centered on the exaltation of God's holiness, rather than conforming to worldly standards. The primary mission of the church is to magnify God's name and preach His word, which naturally leads to genuine conversions and spiritual growth among its members. When worship becomes a spectacle aimed at attracting non-believers, it risks diluting the sanctity of the gathering. Instead, worship should be a solemn assembly where God's holiness is magnified, leading to a deeper spiritual experience for all involved. [01:15]

"Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!" (Psalm 99:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your personal worship time is focused on exalting God's holiness rather than meeting your own preferences or expectations?


Day 2: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Salvation
While parents play a crucial role in raising their children in the faith, the ultimate responsibility for salvation lies with God. It is important to trust in His righteous judgment and continue to faithfully teach and model the gospel to children. Parents are called to be diligent in their efforts, but they must also recognize that God's will is sovereign, and He works through various means, including parental influence, to bring about salvation. This understanding can bring peace and assurance, knowing that God is in control. [05:37]

"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 ways can you actively trust God with the spiritual journey of your children or loved ones, while still fulfilling your role in their spiritual upbringing?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that not only intercedes for others but also transforms the one who prays. It aligns our hearts with God's will and can lead to miraculous changes in seemingly hopeless situations. When dealing with suffering or unbelief in loved ones, prayer becomes a means of grace that can bring about change and healing. It is through prayer that believers can find strength, guidance, and a deeper connection with God, allowing them to face challenges with faith and hope. [09:11]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems hopeless. How can you commit to praying about it daily, trusting in God's transformative power?


Day 4: Wisdom in End-of-Life Decisions
Christians must seek wisdom and discernment in making end-of-life decisions, balancing the need to sustain life with the reality of the dying process. It is important to consult with physicians who share Christian values and make informed decisions that honor God. These decisions require careful consideration and prayer, recognizing the fine line between sustaining life and prolonging the dying process. By seeking God's guidance, believers can navigate these complex situations with grace and integrity. [17:16]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself and your loved ones to make God-honoring decisions when faced with end-of-life situations?


Day 5: Engaging in the World as Salt and Light
Christians are called to be active in every sphere of life, including politics, to bring about change from the inside out. The ultimate goal is to lead others to Christ through both words and actions, living out the gospel in every aspect of life. By engaging in the world as salt and light, believers can influence society positively and reflect the love and truth of Christ. This engagement requires courage, wisdom, and a commitment to living out one's faith authentically and consistently. [43:30]

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can be salt and light in your community or workplace this week, demonstrating the love and truth of Christ?

Quotes


I think the Seeker sensitive uh approach to church really turns Church upside down on its head I think first and foremost We Gather for worship and we scatter to witness and that the worship service of the church should most resemble Heaven as opposed to most resemble the world so I think that the church gathers uh for the exaltation of the name of the Lord primarily. [00:00:57]

I think there should be a heralding of the word of God that lifts up the hearts of the saints of God and that there will be those who will come to faith in Christ um as the word is preached in fact even in the church there are tears among the wheat and the church's first mission field is its own uh membership. [00:01:36]

God works through means God if a child rejects their Christian upbringing in the face of hypocrisy on the part of the parents that hypoc hypocrisy exists by God's Sovereign efficacious decree and the failure to be uh regenerated by the Holy Spirit comes to pass on the basis of for your sake Dr spr God's non Sovereign efficacious decree. [00:04:18]

Prayer is always the first remedy first first thing to do just to gather about five or six people who will pray specifically and committedly I know that's what happened in my life when I was first injured um my church youth leader uh pulled together a group of young people who met together at her house every Thursday and for an hour they prayed. [00:09:36]

When uh someone is terminally ill there comes a point in that illness where he or she enters what is an irrevocable process of dying and the challenge for the Christian is to find a clear distinction between applying medical treatment which would sustain the life that every person has a right to you know you have a right to live or applying treatment that does nothing more then prolong the process of dying. [00:16:54]

I think the best decisions are always made within the Council of your physician um your doctor who shares your life values if you do not have a doctor a physician who shares your life values then find one find a doctor who is a believer in the Lord Jesus with whom you share those life values discuss these things with him. [00:19:24]

We are commanded to go into all the world and to preach the gospel and we are a light set upon a hill and we are to do what God has called us to do um which is to bring people to Faith in Jesus Christ um that is the way I believe that we most affect um the national landscape is change that is brought about from the inside out. [00:42:43]

I think the greatest evangelism is uh a lifestyle evangelism 7 days a week you know 24 hours a day as God uh gives us opportunity to interact in the lives of people um I think that there can be um programs that can be used in the church for equipping and for training as well as uh sending people out. [00:45:36]

Evangelism you're either taking the word of God to lost people or bringing lost people to the word uh one of the two and and we do both uh but again we we we emphasize that God has placed everyone in our church in various strategic places in the community um and that they should occupy where they live and where they are planted by God. [00:46:45]

Prayer Changes Things and prayer changes us and God uses prayer to bring his elect into salvation God changes the whole world as a result of our prayers but he doesn't change his mind because of what we tell them. [00:39:57]

I think that the way we measure the child's The credibility of a child's profession of faith is twofold just like it is for anybody else's is the profession itself uh sufficiently um sound and fitting for the child uh I was uh a church planter at the church where I now serve and as a church planter it was my uh obligation to hear professions of faith. [00:27:36]

I think she needs not to rebel against her her husband's uh, you know sit down the kids at the dinner table and you're going to hear the gospel in front of my husband I mean there are ways to be respectful of I believe your husband's wishes yet at the same time demonstrate Christ by your lifestyle and both uh um uh Steve and and RC have spoken to this. [00:55:24]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 12, 2013. Do you have any questions about it?

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