Faith in Action: Evangelism, Prayer, and Theology

 

Summary

In our recent gathering, we delved into the profound themes of evangelism, prayer, and the study of theology, exploring how these elements intertwine with our faith and daily lives. We began by addressing a question from Matthew 22:14, "For many are called, but few are chosen," and discussed its implications for evangelism. This verse is not a deterrent but rather an encouragement for evangelism, as it assures us that God’s sovereign election guarantees the success of the Gospel. Our role is to faithfully proclaim the message, trusting that God will work in the hearts of the elect.

We then explored the essence of prayer, emphasizing that it is the chief exercise of faith. Prayer is not merely a ritual but a profound expression of our faith, fueled by the Word of God. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, our faith is strengthened, and our prayer life is enriched. We also discussed the importance of modeling prayer within our families and communities, highlighting that prayer is often caught rather than taught. The act of praying together fosters a deeper connection with God and with each other.

The discussion also touched on the sovereignty of God and human responsibility, a complex yet vital aspect of our faith. We acknowledged the mystery of how God's sovereignty and human free will coexist, affirming that both are true and essential to our understanding of God’s nature and our role in His creation.

Finally, we examined the study of theology, cautioning against allowing it to become an end in itself. Theology should lead us to glorify God and deepen our relationship with Him. It is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a journey that should culminate in worship and a greater love for God. As we study, we must remain humble, recognizing that true understanding comes from God and leads us to a place of worship and dependence on Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Evangelism and Sovereignty: The assurance of God’s sovereign election should embolden us in evangelism. Knowing that God guarantees the success of the Gospel liberates us from the need to manipulate or entertain. Our responsibility is to faithfully proclaim the message, trusting God to work in the hearts of the elect. [08:39]

- Prayer as Faith's Expression: Prayer is the chief exercise of faith, expressing our trust in God. It is fueled by Scripture, which strengthens our faith and enriches our prayer life. By immersing ourselves in the Word, we create a fertile ground for a vibrant and meaningful prayer life. [11:21]

- Modeling Prayer in Community: Prayer is often caught rather than taught. By modeling prayer within our families and communities, we foster a culture of prayer that encourages others to engage deeply with God. This communal aspect of prayer strengthens our bonds and deepens our collective faith. [14:33]

- Sovereignty and Free Will: The coexistence of God’s sovereignty and human free will is a profound mystery. Both truths are essential to our understanding of God’s nature and our role in His creation. Embracing this mystery allows us to rest in God’s control while taking responsibility for our actions. [27:05]

- Theology Leading to Worship: The study of theology should lead us to glorify God and deepen our relationship with Him. It is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a journey that culminates in worship and a greater love for God. True theological study humbles us and draws us closer to God. [39:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:31] - Introduction to Q&A
- [07:54] - Understanding Matthew 22:14
- [10:13] - Encouraging Prayer in Families
- [13:42] - Practical Aspects of Prayer
- [15:47] - The Role of Pastoral Prayer
- [18:59] - Truths for a Healthy Prayer Life
- [21:08] - The Purpose of Prayer
- [26:49] - Sovereignty and Free Will
- [29:16] - Regeneration and Faith
- [36:22] - Theology as Worship
- [42:47] - Theological Puberty
- [45:02] - Preaching and Seeing Jesus
- [47:38] - Closing Remarks and Next Session Preview

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 22:14 - "For many are called, but few are chosen."
2. Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
3. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 - "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Matthew 22:14 mean when it says, "For many are called, but few are chosen"? How was this verse explained in the sermon regarding evangelism? [08:39]

2. How does Romans 10:17 relate to the role of Scripture in strengthening faith and enriching prayer, as discussed in the sermon? [11:21]

3. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between God's sovereignty and human responsibility? How are these concepts described as coexisting? [27:05]

4. What examples were given in the sermon about how prayer can be modeled within families and communities? [14:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the assurance of God’s sovereign election impact the way believers approach evangelism? What mindset should this create in those sharing the Gospel? [08:39]

2. In what ways does immersing oneself in Scripture fuel and enrich one's prayer life, according to the sermon? How does this process work practically? [11:21]

3. How can the mystery of God's sovereignty and human free will coexist without contradiction, and what does this mean for a believer's daily life? [27:05]

4. How should the study of theology lead to worship and a deeper relationship with God, rather than becoming an intellectual pursuit? [39:37]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own approach to evangelism. How can the understanding of God’s sovereign election change the way you share your faith with others? [08:39]

2. Consider your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more Scripture into your prayers to deepen your faith and connection with God? [11:21]

3. Think about a time when you struggled with the concept of God's sovereignty and human free will. How can embracing this mystery bring peace and responsibility into your life? [27:05]

4. In what ways can you model prayer within your family or community to encourage others to engage deeply with God? What practical steps can you take this week? [14:33]

5. How can you ensure that your study of theology leads to worship and a greater love for God, rather than just an intellectual exercise? What changes might you need to make in your study habits? [39:37]

6. Identify one aspect of your life where you can better align with God's purposes through prayer. What specific prayer or action can you take to enter into His purpose more fully? [24:09]

7. How can you cultivate a culture of prayer in your community or church, and what role can you play in fostering this environment? [14:33]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereign Call in Evangelism
Evangelism is a profound act of faith, rooted in the assurance of God's sovereign election. This assurance should embolden believers to share the Gospel without fear of failure or rejection. The verse from Matthew 22:14, "For many are called, but few are chosen," serves as a reminder that while the call to salvation is extended to many, it is God who ultimately chooses and works in the hearts of the elect. This understanding liberates believers from the pressure to manipulate or entertain, allowing them to focus on faithfully proclaiming the message of Christ. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He will accomplish His purposes through our obedience. [08:39]

"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel? How can you trust God to work in their heart as you share your faith with them today?


Day 2: Prayer as the Heartbeat of Faith
Prayer is not just a ritualistic practice but the very heartbeat of a believer's faith. It is through prayer that we express our trust and dependence on God, allowing His Word to fuel and strengthen our faith. Immersing ourselves in Scripture creates a fertile ground for a vibrant prayer life, as the truths of God's Word shape our prayers and align our hearts with His will. Prayer is an intimate conversation with God, where we bring our praises, confessions, and requests before Him, knowing that He hears and responds. By prioritizing prayer, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God and experience His presence in our daily lives. [11:21]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What specific Scripture can you meditate on today to enrich your prayer life? How can you incorporate this into your daily routine?


Day 3: Cultivating a Culture of Prayer
Prayer is often more effectively caught than taught, meaning that it is through observing and participating in prayer with others that we truly learn its value and power. By modeling prayer within our families and communities, we create a culture that encourages others to engage deeply with God. This communal aspect of prayer not only strengthens our bonds with one another but also deepens our collective faith. When we pray together, we invite God's presence into our midst, fostering unity and spiritual growth. As we model prayer, we demonstrate its importance and inspire others to make it a central part of their lives. [14:33]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally model prayer in your family or community this week? What steps can you take to encourage others to join you in prayer?


Day 4: Embracing the Mystery of Sovereignty and Free Will
The coexistence of God's sovereignty and human free will is a profound mystery that challenges our understanding. Both truths are essential to our comprehension of God's nature and our role in His creation. Embracing this mystery allows us to rest in God's control while taking responsibility for our actions. It is a delicate balance that requires faith and trust in God's perfect plan. By acknowledging that God's ways are higher than our own, we can find peace in the knowledge that He is in control, even when circumstances seem uncertain. This understanding encourages us to live faithfully, knowing that our choices matter in the grand tapestry of God's sovereign will. [27:05]

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to reconcile God's sovereignty with your free will? How can you trust God more deeply in this area today?


Day 5: Theology as a Pathway to Worship
The study of theology should lead us to glorify God and deepen our relationship with Him. It is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a journey that culminates in worship and a greater love for God. True theological study humbles us, reminding us of our dependence on God for understanding and wisdom. As we delve into the depths of God's character and His works, we are drawn into a place of awe and reverence, where our knowledge transforms into worship. This journey of discovery should inspire us to live lives that reflect God's glory and to share His truth with others. [39:37]

"Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever." (Psalm 111:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: How can your study of theology lead you to a deeper worship of God today? What specific aspect of God's character can you meditate on to inspire your worship?

Quotes


The assurance of God’s sovereign election should embolden us in evangelism. Knowing that God guarantees the success of the Gospel liberates us from the need to manipulate or entertain. Our responsibility is to faithfully proclaim the message, trusting God to work in the hearts of the elect. [00:08:39]

Prayer is the chief exercise of faith, expressing our trust in God. It is fueled by Scripture, which strengthens our faith and enriches our prayer life. By immersing ourselves in the Word, we create a fertile ground for a vibrant and meaningful prayer life. [00:11:21]

Prayer is often caught rather than taught. By modeling prayer within our families and communities, we foster a culture of prayer that encourages others to engage deeply with God. This communal aspect of prayer strengthens our bonds and deepens our collective faith. [00:14:33]

The coexistence of God’s sovereignty and human free will is a profound mystery. Both truths are essential to our understanding of God’s nature and our role in His creation. Embracing this mystery allows us to rest in God’s control while taking responsibility for our actions. [00:27:05]

The study of theology should lead us to glorify God and deepen our relationship with Him. It is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a journey that culminates in worship and a greater love for God. True theological study humbles us and draws us closer to God. [00:39:37]

We know going in that if we will preach the gospel, we leave the results with God, but Christ did not die in vain. There will be a response because all for whom he died will come to faith in Christ. [00:09:15]

The primary way to make people voluntarily, willingly enrich and deepen and prolong their prayer lives is to soak them in scripture. Think of how Daniel is prompted to pray by reading the scriptures. Scripture reading and prayer always go together; one will always be the fuel for the other. [00:11:59]

Modeling prayer is such an important component of our engagement and fellowship with one another. I too remember my father and my mother praying, and if the encouragement to our children is that we want them to pray, unfortunately, telling them to pray doesn't seem to work very well. [00:14:43]

God creates a universe in which we have free agency. He didn't create a universe where we are all robots. We make decisions, and we are responsible for those decisions, and God holds us accountable for our actions and inactions. [00:28:09]

Theology itself can become a thing of intellectual pride. I work in seminary where often the joke is seminaries are cemeteries where once you walk in, you are so intellectually engaged in theological discussions your spirit gets quashed as a result of it. [00:39:57]

The more you come to know who God is in the word, one cannot help but to end up where Isaiah ended up, recognizing the perfection and the holiness of God and recognizing in turn how sinful and depraved our minds and hearts are and to prostrate himself before him. [00:40:59]

True healthy study of theology must lead you to say he must increase, I must decrease. As Dr. Reeves is talking, it reminded me of a class that I had one time. My preaching prop was at Clowney. He had retired, he had come out, and we were studying. [00:44:47]

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Transcript
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