Examining the Authenticity of Our Faith in Christ
Summary
In our journey through the book of Romans, we have arrived at a pivotal question that demands our attention and introspection: By what standard do we judge authentic Christianity? This question is not merely academic; it is a matter of eternal significance. As we delve into Romans Chapter 2, we are confronted with the stark reality that our confidence in salvation does not necessarily align with the truth of our spiritual state. The salvation confidence matrix presented to us serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing the peril of being in the top right quadrant—where one falsely believes they are in right standing with God.
The heart of the matter is the authenticity of our faith. Jonathan Edwards, in his seminal work "Religious Affections," challenges us to examine the signs of genuine Christian faith. Emotional highs, eloquent talk about God, or even moments of fear followed by comfort do not necessarily equate to salvation. Edwards implores us to look beyond these superficial indicators to the deeper affections of the heart that signify true conversion.
Christianity, unlike cults, invites scrutiny and investigation. It is a faith that is open to questions because God desires for us to have an authentic relationship with Him, not a counterfeit one. The Christian faith stands firm in its integrity, beckoning us to examine the foundations of our beliefs. Last week, we discussed the nature of man and the consequences of rejecting God, which leads to a hardened heart. Yet, God has revealed Himself through creation, His Word, and most importantly, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The sermon today is a clarion call to examine the standards by which we judge our faith. Are we living in the moralist camp, relying on our church attendance or good deeds, or are we grounded in a genuine relationship with Christ? The danger of a lukewarm Christian life is real, and it is imperative that we reevaluate the foundation of our faith. We must not abuse God's grace but allow it to lead us to true repentance.
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, but it is the forgiveness found in Jesus that dispels that fear. The most comforting words we can hear are "It has been taken care of." Jesus has taken care of the wrath of God that we deserved. Our response to this truth should be one of humility and gratitude, leading us to a life transformed by His grace.
As we respond to the Word of God, let us be mindful of the judgment to come. God's judgment will be perfect, without partiality, and based on the motives of our hearts. This sobering truth should provoke us to action, to live lives that reflect the grace and forgiveness we have received in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Authentic Christianity is not measured by external expressions or emotional experiences, but by the affections of the heart that align with the character of Christ. A genuine believer's life is marked by a transformation that goes beyond mere words or feelings. [49:33]
- The Christian faith is robust and invites investigation because it is grounded in truth. We must always be ready to examine the foundations of our faith, ensuring that our confidence is not misplaced but rests solely on the work of Christ. [35:13]
- The fear of God is essential, but it is the forgiveness offered through Jesus that transforms that fear into a relationship of love and trust. Understanding and accepting this forgiveness is the cornerstone of a vibrant Christian life. [01:04:57]
- A lukewarm Christian life is a dangerous state to be in. It is crucial to be vigilant and to continually assess the authenticity of our faith, ensuring that we are not merely going through the motions but are actively growing in our relationship with God. [50:08]
- The reality of God's judgment should not lead us to despair but to action. We have the answer in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and our lives should be a testament to the grace and truth that we have embraced. [57:28]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 2:1-16
- Matthew 7:21-23
- Proverbs 9:10
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 2:1-16, what is the basis of God's judgment? How does this differ from human judgment?
2. In Matthew 7:21-23, what does Jesus say about those who call Him "Lord" but do not do the will of His Father? How does this relate to the concept of authentic faith?
3. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." How does this verse connect to the sermon’s message about the fear of God and forgiveness? [01:04:37]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the "salvation confidence matrix" help us understand the difference between perceived and actual salvation? Why is the top right quadrant considered the most dangerous? [37:02]
2. What does Jonathan Edwards mean by "affections of the heart" in his book "Religious Affections"? How do these affections serve as indicators of genuine faith? [33:10]
3. The sermon mentions that Christianity invites scrutiny and investigation. How does this openness to questioning strengthen the integrity of the Christian faith? [33:51]
4. How does the fear of God transform into a relationship of love and trust through the forgiveness offered by Jesus? [01:04:37]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you might be relying on external expressions or emotional experiences rather than a genuine relationship with Christ? How can you shift your focus to the deeper affections of the heart? [33:10]
2. The sermon warns against a lukewarm Christian life. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is active and growing rather than stagnant? [49:03]
3. How can you regularly examine the foundations of your faith to ensure that your confidence is not misplaced but rests solely on the work of Christ? What practical steps can you take to do this? [34:54]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not abusing God's grace but allowing it to lead to true repentance. Can you identify any areas in your life where you might be taking God's grace for granted? How can you address this? [50:25]
5. How does understanding the reality of God's judgment motivate you to live a life that reflects the grace and forgiveness you have received in Christ? What specific actions can you take this week to live out this truth? [57:03]
6. The sermon mentions that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, but it is the forgiveness found in Jesus that dispels that fear. How can you cultivate a healthy fear of God while also embracing the comfort of His forgiveness? [01:04:37]
7. Think of a time when you judged someone else. How did that judgment align with the standards by which you judge your own faith? How can you practice more humility and grace in your interactions with others? [44:03]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of authentic Christianity, the importance of examining the foundations of our faith, and the transformative power of God's grace and forgiveness.
Devotional
Day 1: Heart's Affection Reflects True Faith
Genuine faith is not a surface-level phenomenon; it is deeply rooted in the affections of the heart. Authentic Christianity goes beyond the external expressions of faith—such as emotional experiences or verbal declarations—and is characterized by a heart that is transformed to align with the character of Christ. This transformation is evident in the way one lives, loves, and interacts with the world. It is a faith that is lived out in the day-to-day actions, decisions, and thoughts, reflecting a heart that is truly changed by the grace of God. The authenticity of one's faith is not in the highs and lows of emotional experiences but in the consistent pursuit of Christlikeness, even in the mundane aspects of life. [49:33]
"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: How does the fruit of the Spirit manifest in your daily interactions, and what steps can you take to cultivate these qualities more deeply in your life?
Day 2: Faith Welcomes Scrutiny
The robust nature of the Christian faith is such that it not only withstands scrutiny but invites it. Believers are encouraged to examine the foundations of their faith to ensure that their confidence is not based on personal achievements or religious rituals but rests solely on the redemptive work of Christ. This process of examination is not to cast doubt but to affirm the truth upon which one's faith is built. It is a call to be vigilant, to be seekers of truth, and to be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within. The integrity of the Christian faith is found in its openness to questions and its foundation in historical and spiritual truths. [35:13]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" - 2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you actively test the foundations of your faith this week to ensure they are firmly rooted in Christ?
Day 3: Transformative Forgiveness
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, but it is the transformative forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ that turns that fear into a relationship of love and trust. Understanding and accepting this forgiveness is not just a one-time event but the cornerstone of a vibrant Christian life. It is the knowledge of this forgiveness that dispels fear and instills a sense of humility and gratitude, leading to a life that is continually being transformed by His grace. This transformation is marked by a growing love for God and others, a deeper trust in His promises, and a life that seeks to honor Him in all things. [01:04:57]
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Romans 8:1 ESV
Reflection: How does the assurance of forgiveness in Christ Jesus shape the way you approach your relationship with God and others?
Day 4: Vigilance Against Complacency
A lukewarm Christian life is a dangerous state to be in. It is a life that is neither hot nor cold, neither fully committed nor entirely disengaged. This state of complacency is a subtle threat that can creep into one's spiritual life, leading to a faith that is merely going through the motions without genuine growth or passion. It is crucial to be vigilant, to continually assess the authenticity of one's faith, and to ensure that one is actively growing in a relationship with God. This means being intentional about spiritual disciplines, seeking to understand God's Word more deeply, and allowing His Spirit to convict and guide. [50:08]
"Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!" - Lamentations 3:40 ESV
Reflection: What are some signs of complacency in your spiritual life, and what practical steps can you take to rekindle your passion for God?
Day 5: Living in Light of Judgment
The reality of God's perfect and impartial judgment should not lead to despair but to action. Believers have the answer in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and their lives should be a testament to the grace and truth that they have embraced. Living in light of God's judgment means living with an awareness of the motives of one's heart and seeking to align them with God's will. It is a life that is lived with integrity, love, and a desire to glorify God in all things. The knowledge of the coming judgment should provoke a sense of urgency to live out the gospel in every aspect of life. [57:28]
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." - 2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV
Reflection: How does the anticipation of standing before the judgment seat of Christ influence your daily choices and the motives behind them?
Quotes
- "It invites people to come and observe the truth and come to their own conclusions. Unlike cults, cults try to hide things." [35:13](Download | Download)
- "By what standard do you judge authentic Christianity? By what standard do you judge your faith today?" [47:22](Download | Download)
- "Those who live a lukewarm Christian faith, very often walk the thin line between the moralist group and the new believer group." [49:10](Download | Download)
- "The realization, the acceptance, the belief, 'I am a sinner.' Sin grieves God, and not only does it grieve God, I deserve the judgment of my sin." [01:01:41](Download | Download)
- "Fear of God is the first step of understanding him, but you know what causes that fear to go away? Forgiveness." [01:04:57](Download | Download)
- "God's wrath is real, but so is the forgiveness that he has given through his son." [01:05:59](Download | Download)
- "God will judge based on the motives of why we do Christian stuff in our lives." [56:26](Download | Download)
- "The reality is God will judge. He is a holy God who judges evil, and this judgment will be perfect. It will be without impartiality." [58:20](Download | Download)
- "We are forgiven. And we hold the righteousness of Jesus. That is the only reason why we are escaping the wrath and judgment of God." [45:02](Download | Download)
- "As you experience that life of grace, as you experience that life of freedom and freeing yourself from your sin through the Spirit of God, you slowly change the way that you look at people." [46:16](Download | Download)
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