Faith, Truth, and the Christian Journey Explored

 

Summary

In this engaging conversation at the Ligonier Ministries 2013 National Conference, we explore the profound themes of faith, truth, and the Christian journey. The conference is described as a family reunion for like-minded believers, where the atmosphere is both professional and friendly. This unique environment fosters deep connections among attendees, many of whom have been students of Ligonier Ministries for years. The conference serves as a platform for spiritual growth and learning, with sessions led by esteemed speakers like R.C. Sproul and Steven Lawson.

R.C. Sproul's session focused on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, emphasizing its foundational role in the Christian life. This doctrine, though well-known, needs constant reinforcement because of our natural inclination towards works-based salvation. Steven Lawson's message was particularly impactful, urging Christians to move from a defensive posture to a proactive stance in sharing the truth. His call to action was both inspiring and energizing, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith despite cultural challenges.

The discussion also touched on the complexity of explaining the Trinity to children, highlighting the importance of consistently stating the truth and immersing oneself in Scripture. This approach allows the truth of the Trinity to permeate our understanding and experience of God. Additionally, the conversation addressed the nature of good works, acknowledging that while our actions are imperfect, they are made acceptable through Christ's cleansing.

Looking ahead, the conference promises more insightful sessions, including a talk on depression and the good that can emerge from such struggles. The partnership with Ligonier Connect and the Connected Kingdom podcast aims to further enrich the learning experience for participants. Overall, the conference is a source of encouragement and inspiration, equipping attendees to return to their communities with renewed vigor and commitment to the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

1. Justification by Faith Alone: The doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to the Christian faith, yet it requires continual reinforcement. Our natural tendency is to rely on works for salvation, but true spiritual growth comes from understanding and embracing faith alone as the basis of our relationship with God. [05:23]

2. Proactive Faith in a Challenging World: Steven Lawson's message challenges Christians to move from a defensive to a proactive stance in their faith. Despite cultural and political setbacks, believers are called to stand firm and share the truth with confidence, knowing that they possess the ultimate truth in the gospel. [08:40]

3. Understanding the Trinity: Explaining the Trinity to children involves consistently stating the truth and immersing them in Scripture. This approach allows the truth of the Trinity to become an integral part of their understanding and experience of God, even if it cannot be fully explained. [12:10]

4. The Nature of Good Works: While our good works are imperfect due to our sinful nature, they are made acceptable through Christ's cleansing. This truth encourages believers to continue doing good, knowing that their efforts are valued and pleasing to God. [15:12]

5. Finding Good in Depression: Even in the midst of depression, God can bring about good and growth. By understanding the sovereignty of God, believers can see how He works all things together for good, using even the most challenging experiences to teach and refine us. [17:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Conference
- [01:00] - Personal Reflections on Attending
- [01:43] - Atmosphere of the Conference
- [02:32] - Connection Among Attendees
- [03:32] - Professionalism and Friendliness
- [04:04] - Teaching Sessions Overview
- [05:23] - Justification by Faith Alone
- [06:37] - Steven Lawson's Impactful Message
- [08:40] - Call to Proactive Faith
- [10:17] - Q&A Session Introduction
- [11:02] - Explaining the Trinity
- [13:47] - Nature of Good Works
- [16:13] - Upcoming Session on Depression
- [18:09] - Partnership with Ligonier Connect
- [20:13] - Encouragement to Attend Future Conferences

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 3:28 - "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
3. Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the main focus of R.C. Sproul's session at the conference, and why is it considered foundational to the Christian life? [05:23]

2. How did Steven Lawson challenge Christians in his message, and what was the intended impact of his call to action? [08:40]

3. What approach was suggested for explaining the Trinity to children, and why is this method effective? [12:10]

4. According to the sermon, how are our good works made acceptable to God despite their imperfections? [15:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Christians struggle with the concept of justification by faith alone, and how does this affect their spiritual growth? [05:05]

2. In what ways can Christians move from a defensive to a proactive stance in their faith, as suggested by Steven Lawson? [08:40]

3. How does immersing oneself in Scripture help in understanding complex doctrines like the Trinity, according to the sermon? [12:10]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of Christ in making our imperfect works acceptable to God? [15:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of justification by faith alone. Are there areas in your life where you tend to rely on works for salvation? How can you shift your focus to faith? [05:05]

2. Steven Lawson encouraged believers to stand firm and share the truth with confidence. Identify a situation in your life where you can take a more proactive stance in sharing your faith. What steps will you take? [08:40]

3. Consider how you explain complex theological concepts to others, especially children. How can you incorporate more Scripture into these explanations to enhance understanding? [12:10]

4. Think about a recent good work you have done. How does understanding that Christ cleanses and presents our works to God encourage you to continue doing good? [15:12]

5. The sermon mentioned finding good in depression. Reflect on a challenging experience in your life. How can you see God's sovereignty and goodness in that situation? [17:09]

6. How can you use the insights gained from this conference to inspire and encourage others in your community or church? What specific actions will you take to share what you've learned? [09:34]

7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing the messages shared at the conference. How can you engage them in a conversation about faith this week? [09:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Justification by Faith Alone
The doctrine of justification by faith alone is a cornerstone of Christian belief, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human efforts. This understanding is crucial because humans naturally gravitate towards a works-based approach to salvation, believing that their actions can earn God's favor. However, true spiritual growth and a genuine relationship with God come from embracing faith alone as the basis of salvation. This doctrine requires constant reinforcement to counteract the human tendency to rely on personal merit. By focusing on faith, believers can experience the freedom and assurance that come from knowing their salvation is secure in Christ. [05:23]

Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself trying to earn God's approval through your actions? How can you shift your focus to trusting in faith alone for your relationship with God today?


Day 2: Proactive Faith in a Challenging World
In a world filled with cultural and political challenges, Christians are called to move from a defensive posture to a proactive stance in their faith. This involves confidently sharing the truth of the gospel, knowing that it holds the ultimate truth. Despite setbacks and opposition, believers are encouraged to stand firm, drawing strength from the knowledge that they possess a message of hope and salvation. By adopting a proactive approach, Christians can effectively engage with the world around them, making a positive impact and spreading the light of Christ in dark places. [08:40]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the truth of the gospel. How can you proactively share your faith with them this week in a way that is both confident and respectful?


Day 3: Understanding the Trinity
Explaining the Trinity, especially to children, requires a consistent approach of stating the truth and immersing oneself in Scripture. While the concept of the Trinity may be complex and difficult to fully grasp, it is essential for understanding the nature of God. By regularly engaging with Scripture and teaching the truth of the Trinity, believers can allow this profound mystery to become an integral part of their understanding and experience of God. This approach helps to deepen one's faith and enrich their relationship with the triune God. [12:10]

2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV): "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the truth of the Trinity into your daily prayers and conversations with others, especially those who may struggle to understand this concept?


Day 4: The Nature of Good Works
While human actions are inherently imperfect due to sin, they are made acceptable through Christ's cleansing. This truth encourages believers to continue doing good, knowing that their efforts are valued and pleasing to God. Understanding the nature of good works helps Christians to focus on serving others and glorifying God, rather than seeking personal recognition or merit. By relying on Christ's righteousness, believers can find joy and purpose in their actions, trusting that God uses their efforts for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. [15:12]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What is one good work you can do this week to serve someone in your community? How can you ensure that your motivation is to glorify God rather than seeking personal recognition?


Day 5: Finding Good in Depression
Even in the midst of depression, God can bring about good and growth. By understanding God's sovereignty, believers can see how He works all things together for good, using even the most challenging experiences to teach and refine them. This perspective allows Christians to find hope and purpose in their struggles, trusting that God is present and active in their lives. By leaning on God's strength and seeking His guidance, believers can navigate difficult times with faith and resilience, ultimately emerging stronger and more grounded in their relationship with Him. [17:09]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced depression or a significant struggle. How did you see God working through that situation, and how can you use that experience to comfort and support others who may be going through similar challenges?

Quotes


Nathan and that's why although it seems like an old well-known Doctrine it has to keep getting preached and that's why it was such a great opening conference address just to get people back to the base of the Christian Life of the Christian church and of any and of any spiritual growth really and you're right it we we do have in us a a default towards salvation by works the most mature Christian I think struggles with this from time to time because that's logical and that's natural that that's the way the world works. [00:05:14]

and then you know you believe believe this Doctrine and it's so you might say illogical it goes against nature it goes against all business dealings and you know personal dealings and that's why we need to keep hearing it again and again because we're just continually veing away where our bias our default is towards works and therefore grounding again and again and again is it's so refreshing so wonderfully energizing and inspiring. [00:06:00]

what Steve Lawson did today was say get out the trenches get on the front foot and here's why it wasn't just a stirring call there was so much substance to it so much truth in it and you know I felt at the end of I just wanted to go to battle I wanted to stand up and go to war as it were it put it put metal in my spine and I from talking to others I think they felt the same too it was inspiring it was encouraging it was um energizing and it just said yeah we have the truth and let's go out there with it. [00:08:46]

I think the first thing is to State the truth God is one in three persons each person equal in power and godhead and wisdom um and just keep stating that through the years I'm not saying trying to explain it but just just keep stating it God is one God is three all three are God and just just keep that going second thing I'd say is just keep your children in the Bible because I feel exposure to the word of God will make that truth of the Trinity percolate into our being in a way that you know a lot of theological systematic even credle statements won't. [00:12:02]

as you expose yourself to the scriptures these truths will just become part of you and again you may not be able to explain it but the truth is in your mind is in your heart and you experience it and maybe maybe that's especially where to go with this you you may not be able to you know tell your neighbor what this is about but you know from knowing god that God is Trinity that he is one and yet there are three persons we are in relationship with each of these three persons we might not be able to explain that but that is how it works that's how we enjoy and experience God. [00:12:47]

well no we can't because we're Sinners and while we're here in this world the very best sermon I ever preach prayer I ever pray is is going to be stained and soiled with sin now that shouldn't be a reason for then saying well I'm I'm not going to do anything because I can't do anything perfectly because the wonderful thing about the Christian message is that Christ cleanses our works and presents them faultless to his father and that that's the that's the greatest encouragement to H doing good works that the Lord Jesus Takes them perfects them and presents them and this to God enjoys them. [00:14:18]

a number of places in the New Testament especially talks about our works being a sacrifice that is well pleasing to God and so he values what we do e even though they are they are imperfect even though they are soiled in stained when Christ presents them to him he takes pleasure in them he smiles at them he is thrilled by them and that should encourage us to go on doing them with all their faults that that is a great encouragement of the Gospel uh and I guess going full circle why we need to continue to remember that we're being justified by faith alone. [00:15:00]

the good that God can bring out of depression what people can learn through depression you know one of our se's great themes is is the sovereignty of God and how he works all things together for good and and so recently I've completed a a film documentary on Christians and depression and I've tried to gather together a number of clips that um show these people explaining all that they benefited from all that they learned and through that awful experience and I want to show how God can take even the worst things of our lives basically and and turn them to good and make them work together for good in our lives. [00:17:00]

I hope to speak on one aspect of depression I've got 35 minutes you know you can't cover depression in 35 minutes so what I thought I would do was I would speak about um the the good that God can bring out of depression what people can learn through depression you know one of our se's great themes is is the sovereignty of God and how he works all things together for good and and so recently I've completed a a film documentary on Christians and depression and I've tried to gather together a number of clips that um show these people explaining all that they benefited from all that they learned and through that awful experience. [00:16:40]

and I want to show how God can take even the worst things of our lives basically and and turn them to good and make them work together for good in our lives well as you say I do hope uh lots of the folks turn out to hear that session uh having read the book uh it's it's it's a message that we need to hear as Christians uh and I'm I'm encouraged that the church is thinking about uh the subject of depression and trying to pastorally deal with it in a Biblical and real and helpful way. [00:17:40]

I think they felt it was exaggeration or hyperbole you know something like that um first of all I I was so sorry Dr godre wasn't here I always enjoy his addresses and he brings such a dignity to everything he does so we we wish him well and pray for for his recovery but he had such an able substitute didn't he um we always enjoy hearing Steve Lawson but I I felt that today was certainly the best I've heard of him and yet I would still say even an hour later it was the most awesome message I've ever heard and I tell you why I say that I think it's the context um the context we're living in just now is one of Christian defensiveness. [00:08:11]

we're we're a bit battered and bruised um we're we're feeling on the back foot we're losing the culture War you might say we we're seeing defeat after defeat politically legally well we're used to being hammered in the media but you know we feel as if we're sort of in the trenches and yet we're battening down the hatches and we're in this defensive back foot posture and what Steve Lawson did today was say get out the trenches get on the front foot and here's why it wasn't just a stirring call there was so much substance to it so much truth in it and you know I felt at the end of I just wanted to go to battle I wanted to stand up and go to war as it were it put it put metal in my spine. [00:08:30]

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Transcript
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