Exploring Faith: Sabbath, Leadership, and God's Sovereignty
Summary
In this engaging Q&A session, I had the opportunity to address a variety of theological and practical questions from believers across the country. We began with a light-hearted exchange about golf and the weather, setting a friendly tone for the deeper discussions that followed. One of the key topics was the observance of the Sabbath and its transition from Saturday to Sunday, which I explained as a reflection of the early church's practice of gathering on the Lord's Day to celebrate the Resurrection. This change was not seen as a violation of biblical law but rather an adaptation to honor the cyclical principle of rest and worship.
Another significant question concerned the role of women in church leadership. I emphasized the importance of understanding the apostolic teachings, particularly Paul's writings, which restrict women from holding positions of judicial authority. However, I also shared my personal experience of remaining in a denomination that allowed such ordinations until I was required to participate against my conscience.
The discussion on the nature of Christ's ability to sin was particularly thought-provoking. I shared my belief that, as the second Adam, Jesus had the human ability to sin but chose not to, thus maintaining His sinlessness. This perspective underscores the reality and intensity of His temptations.
We also explored the complex issue of God's love for non-believers. I clarified that while God exhibits benevolence and providence towards all, His salvific love is reserved for those in Christ. This distinction is crucial in understanding the biblical portrayal of God's love and wrath.
Finally, the topic of free will and God's sovereignty was addressed. I explained that while God's sovereignty determines the ultimate outcome of events, it does not negate human free will. Humans have the ability to choose according to their desires, but these desires are influenced by their fallen nature.
Key Takeaways:
- The transition of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday reflects the early church's practice of celebrating the Resurrection on the Lord's Day. This change honors the principle of rest and worship without violating biblical law. [05:09]
- The role of women in church leadership is a complex issue. While apostolic teachings restrict women from judicial authority, personal conscience and denominational policies play a significant role in how this is navigated within different church contexts. [07:55]
- Jesus, as the second Adam, had the human ability to sin but chose not to, highlighting the reality of His temptations and His sinlessness. This understanding deepens our appreciation of His obedience and sacrifice. [16:41]
- God's love is multifaceted, encompassing benevolence and providence for all, but His salvific love is reserved for those in Christ. This distinction is vital for understanding the biblical portrayal of God's love and wrath. [39:51]
- God's sovereignty and human free will coexist, with God's sovereignty determining ultimate outcomes while humans choose according to their desires. This balance respects human agency while affirming God's ultimate authority. [35:01]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:38] - Light-hearted Introduction
[01:16] - Health Update
[01:52] - First Question Introduction
[02:34] - Golf and Lapsarian Significance
[04:29] - Sabbath Observance
[06:32] - Women in Church Leadership
[09:56] - Non-Profit Church Status
[12:15] - Assurance of Salvation
[14:43] - Christ's Ability to Sin
[17:21] - Theonomy and Cultural Impact
[20:40] - Sign Gifts and the 'Perfect'
[26:45] - Old Testament Believers and Christ
[31:03] - Justification and Catholic Doctrine
[33:43] - Free Will and God's Sovereignty
[37:42] - God's Love for Non-Believers
[41:57] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 20:7 - "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight."
2. 1 Timothy 2:12 - "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet."
3. Hebrews 4:15 - "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
Observation Questions:
1. What reasons were given for the transition of the Sabbath observance from Saturday to Sunday? [05:09]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of women in church leadership according to apostolic teachings? [07:55]
3. What was the perspective shared about Jesus' ability to sin and how does it relate to His role as the second Adam? [16:41]
4. How does the sermon distinguish between God's benevolence and His salvific love? [39:51]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the early church's practice of gathering on the first day of the week influence our understanding of Sabbath observance today? [05:09]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that personal conscience and denominational policies impact the role of women in church leadership? [07:55]
3. How does the concept of Jesus having the ability to sin, yet choosing not to, deepen our understanding of His temptations and sinlessness? [16:41]
4. What implications does the distinction between God's general benevolence and His specific salvific love have for our understanding of His character? [39:51]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own practice of Sabbath. How can you incorporate the principle of rest and worship into your weekly routine, regardless of the specific day? [05:09]
2. How do you navigate situations where your personal beliefs may conflict with your church's policies, especially regarding leadership roles? [07:55]
3. Consider a time when you faced temptation. How can Jesus' example of choosing not to sin guide you in similar situations? [16:41]
4. How do you perceive God's love in your life? Are there areas where you struggle to understand or accept His love? [39:51]
5. In what ways can you acknowledge God's sovereignty while exercising your free will in daily decisions? [35:01]
6. How can you engage in conversations with non-believers about God's love in a way that is both truthful and compassionate? [39:51]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God's providence. How can you express gratitude for His benevolence this week? [39:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Observing the Sabbath in a New Light
The transition of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday is a reflection of the early church's practice of gathering on the Lord's Day to celebrate the Resurrection. This change is not a violation of biblical law but an adaptation to honor the cyclical principle of rest and worship. The early Christians saw Sunday as a day to commemorate Jesus' victory over death, which brought a new dimension to their faith and practice. By observing the Sabbath on Sunday, believers are reminded of the hope and renewal that the Resurrection brings. [05:09]
"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his." (Hebrews 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a meaningful practice of rest and worship into your Sunday routine to honor the Resurrection?
Day 2: Navigating Women's Roles in Church Leadership
The role of women in church leadership is a complex issue that requires understanding apostolic teachings, particularly Paul's writings, which restrict women from holding positions of judicial authority. However, personal conscience and denominational policies play a significant role in how this is navigated within different church contexts. It is important to approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for differing interpretations, while also considering one's own convictions and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. [07:55]
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children." (Titus 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you support and encourage the women in your church community, regardless of their roles?
Day 3: The Sinlessness of Christ
Jesus, as the second Adam, had the human ability to sin but chose not to, highlighting the reality of His temptations and His sinlessness. This understanding deepens our appreciation of His obedience and sacrifice. Jesus' choice to remain sinless despite facing real temptations underscores His perfect nature and His role as our Savior. It is a reminder of the strength and resolve required to resist sin and the grace that empowers us to follow His example. [16:41]
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)
Reflection: What temptations are you currently facing, and how can you draw strength from Christ's example to overcome them?
Day 4: Understanding God's Love for All
God's love is multifaceted, encompassing benevolence and providence for all, but His salvific love is reserved for those in Christ. This distinction is vital for understanding the biblical portrayal of God's love and wrath. While God cares for all creation, His redemptive love is uniquely experienced by those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. This understanding calls believers to share the message of salvation with others, extending God's love to those who have yet to know Him. [39:51]
"The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made." (Psalm 145:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's love to someone in your life who has not yet experienced His salvific love?
Day 5: Balancing Free Will and God's Sovereignty
God's sovereignty and human free will coexist, with God's sovereignty determining ultimate outcomes while humans choose according to their desires. This balance respects human agency while affirming God's ultimate authority. Understanding this relationship helps believers trust in God's plan while taking responsibility for their choices. It encourages a life of faith that is both active in decision-making and reliant on God's guidance and provision. [35:01]
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing, and how can you seek God's guidance while exercising your free will?
Quotes
Well, there’s a lot in there, but traditionally, the reason why the church moved from Saturday worship to Sunday worship, is that we do know from the New Testament that the Christian community came together on the Lord’s Day, which was Sunday. And there they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles and to corporate worship and the celebration of the Eucharist and so on. [00:04:57]
The primary meaning that is usually understood by the verb ‘authentain’, means judicial or juridical authority, governing authority. And so, if you have women elevated to a juridical position of authority, then I think you have a conflict with the apostolic teaching. Now, having said that, let me just add that people will often acknowledge that, yes, in the first century, Paul did prohibit women from holding offices that were of a judicial nature. [00:07:45]
I personally don’t think it is. I got in trouble in the denomination in which I was ordained, but I served for several years in that denomination, when the church had allowed and encouraged the ordination of women to judicial offices. My problem came when they passed a decree that all ministers had to participate in that ordination process. That’s where I have to get off the train, because I said, I have a conscientious objection to this. [00:08:55]
I personally believe He was. I believe that Jesus as the new Adam, did have the potest peccare, the ability to sin, the moral ability, the power, to sin if He chose to do so. And He was not already in the state of glorification where He would be non potest peccare, the impossibility of sinning. And so, I think that the temptation that Jesus experienced was real and genuine, and He had, at least theoretically speaking, humanly speaking, the human ability to sin if He wanted to. [00:16:21]
I think I can do that very clearly. We don’t believe that God’s sovereign government of the universe is reduced to rule and government of mythical fates. That’s what fatalism means. Now, nor is it determinism in the sense of mechanistic determinism, which says that the people are reduced to role of inhuman robots, that God simply pulls their strings, and so on. [00:33:57]
In the third chapter of the Westminster Confession of Faith it says that God has, for all eternity, immutably, determined whatsoever comes to pass – semicolon – but not in such a way that denies secondary causes or does violation to the will of the creature, so that Reformed theology, historically, has always argued that human beings, even in their fallen state, still have what was called a free will. [00:34:41]
We distinguish among at least different types of the love of God. We can talk about, what we call, God’s love or His goodwill, His benevolence, that is, that God has a kind disposition to all men. There is also, with respect to God’s providential activity, where God causes his rain to fall upon the just as well as upon the unjust, and in that sense it is not only benevolence, but it’s also God not just having a good attitude towards people, but what He does in carrying out His good works. [00:38:04]
The ultimate question of God’s will and love is that love, or what we call love of complacency, that’s a little bit misleading because when I talk to you about complacency, people mean ‘well, I’m feeling complacent, I’m at ease, I can put my feet up and relax.’ That’s not what the love of complacency means theologically. The love of complacency is that love that God has for Christ and for all those who are in Christ Jesus. [00:39:09]
The question is not, when did you become a Christian, it’s are you a Christian. You have already articulated, Peter, that you are a believer and you know Whom you have believed, and you know that you put your trust in Christ. It’s just not all that significant knowing when that day occurred. God bless you. [00:12:49]
Regeneration is instantaneous. You’re not partially regenerate, you’re not partially born again. You either are born again or you aren’t. And so, there is a moment in which you move from being a non-believer to a believer, but we have to make a distinction between the actual conversion and the experience of that conversion. In fact, people may be converted before they are aware of their conversion, whereas other people never know at what time they were converted. [00:13:19]
I believe that a miracle is something that is done in the outward perceivable world, that only God can do. It is an action contra naturam – against nature, and not just contra peccatum – against sin, but against nature. I say, in that narrow sense, I believe that the sign gifts have ceased, for this simple reason, that in the New Testament, the signs were given to authenticate the credentials of agents of revelation, just as they were in the Old Testament. [00:20:26]
The supernatural signs were given to the prophets to confirm that they were teachers sent from God. Just like Nicodemus, I think, he was sound when he said to Jesus, ‘Teacher we know that you are a teacher sent from God or You would not be able to do the things that You do.’ And the New Testament, when trying to authenticate and vindicate it’s claim to final revelation, appeals to those sign gifts that were wrought by the agents of revelation in the new covenant, namely the apostles. [00:21:08]
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