Foundations of Faith: Discipleship, Discernment, and Doctrine

 

Summary

In our gathering tonight, we explored a wide range of theological questions, reflecting on the depth and breadth of Christian doctrine and practice. We began by discussing the importance of discipleship within the local church, emphasizing the necessity of being an active member, regularly attending worship, and engaging in fellowship with other believers. This communal aspect of faith is crucial for spiritual growth and accountability.

We also tackled the topic of false teachings, particularly those that focus on health and prosperity as the core of the gospel. It's essential to recognize that while God cares for our physical and financial needs, the true promises of the gospel are centered on the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Christ. This understanding helps us discern teachings that deviate from the core message of Christianity.

The conversation then shifted to the significance of reading and understanding the Bible in context. We highlighted the importance of reading Scripture in its entirety, allowing the context to illuminate the meaning of individual verses. This approach prevents misinterpretation and helps us grasp the full narrative of God's redemptive work throughout history.

We also delved into the nature of God's election and predestination, affirming that salvation is entirely a work of God. This doctrine, while challenging, underscores the sovereignty of God and the assurance that those whom He calls will be brought to faith. It is a humbling reminder of God's grace and mercy in our lives.

Finally, we discussed the relevance of the Old Testament and the importance of maintaining a robust theological foundation through creeds and confessions. These historical documents provide a rich framework for understanding and articulating our faith, ensuring that we remain grounded in biblical truth.

Key Takeaways:

- Discipleship in Community: Being part of a local church is vital for spiritual growth. Regular worship, submission to church leadership, and fellowship with other believers are essential components of discipleship. These practices help shape our lives according to God's Word and provide accountability and encouragement. [02:55]

- Discernment of False Teachings: The gospel's core is not about health and wealth but about the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Christ. Recognizing this helps us discern teachings that deviate from the true message of Christianity, ensuring we remain anchored in biblical truth. [04:10]

- Contextual Bible Reading: Understanding Scripture requires reading it in context. This approach prevents misinterpretation and allows us to see the full narrative of God's redemptive work. Reading chapters and books in their entirety helps us grasp the intended meaning of individual verses. [09:24]

- God's Sovereignty in Salvation: Salvation is entirely a work of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and grace. This doctrine assures us that those whom God calls will be brought to faith, highlighting the depth of His mercy and the assurance of our salvation. [19:59]

- Value of the Old Testament and Creeds: The Old Testament and historical creeds provide a rich theological foundation. They help us understand the continuity of God's redemptive plan and articulate our faith with depth and clarity, ensuring we remain grounded in biblical truth. [27:25]

YouTube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Introduction to Ask Ligonier
- [00:47] - Special Guest Introduction
- [02:00] - Lightning Round Begins
- [02:34] - Discipleship in the Local Church
- [03:38] - False Teachers and Prosperity Gospel
- [04:30] - Influential Books Outside the Bible
- [05:23] - Importance of Reading the Scholastics
- [07:07] - Baptists and Anabaptists
- [09:07] - Interpreting Scripture Tips
- [11:45] - Preaching the Psalms
- [15:16] - Validity of Baptism
- [19:36] - God's Role in Election
- [23:32] - Creeds vs. Mission Statements
- [25:36] - Studying the Law of God
- [28:21] - Growing in Reading Discipline
- [30:19] - Building a Relationship with God
- [32:21] - Anxiety About Heaven
- [34:15] - Working Out Salvation
- [36:40] - Social Media's Impact on the Church
- [38:46] - Lightning Round 2 Begins
- [44:34] - Relevance of the Old Testament
- [49:06] - Understanding John's Use of Logos
- [51:08] - Importance of the Adamic Covenant
- [53:12] - Reformed vs. Non-Reformed Theology
- [55:20] - Working on the Lord's Day
- [58:24] - What Must Someone Do to Be Saved?

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 7:15-20 - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits."
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key components of discipleship within the local church as discussed in the sermon? ([02:34])
2. How does the sermon describe the core message of the gospel in contrast to the prosperity gospel? ([03:38])
3. What is the significance of reading the Bible in context according to the sermon? ([09:24])
4. How does the sermon explain the doctrine of God's sovereignty in salvation? ([19:59])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest we can discern false teachings, and why is this important for maintaining biblical truth? ([03:38])
2. In what ways does understanding the context of Scripture help prevent misinterpretation, and how does this relate to the full narrative of God's redemptive work? ([09:24])
3. How does the doctrine of election and predestination, as discussed in the sermon, provide assurance of salvation? ([19:59])
4. Why does the sermon emphasize the value of the Old Testament and historical creeds in maintaining a robust theological foundation? ([27:25])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current involvement in your local church. Are there areas where you can be more active in discipleship, such as attending services or engaging in fellowship? What steps can you take to improve in these areas? ([02:34])
2. Have you encountered teachings that focus on health and prosperity as the core of the gospel? How can you ensure that your understanding of the gospel remains centered on the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Christ? ([03:38])
3. When reading the Bible, do you often consider the context of the passages? What practical steps can you take to improve your contextual understanding of Scripture? ([09:24])
4. How does the understanding of God's sovereignty in salvation affect your view of grace and mercy in your life? Are there ways you can remind yourself of this assurance daily? ([19:59])
5. How familiar are you with the Old Testament and historical creeds? What resources or practices can you incorporate into your study to deepen your understanding of these foundational elements of faith? ([27:25])
6. Think of a time when you might have been influenced by false teachings. How did you respond, and what can you do differently in the future to stay anchored in biblical truth? ([03:38])
7. Identify one aspect of your spiritual life that could benefit from a stronger theological foundation. What specific action can you take this week to build that foundation? ([27:25])

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Community in Discipleship
Being part of a local church is essential for spiritual growth and accountability. Regular worship, submission to church leadership, and fellowship with other believers are vital components of discipleship. These practices help shape our lives according to God's Word and provide the support and encouragement needed to grow in faith. Engaging in a community of believers allows us to learn from one another, share our burdens, and celebrate our victories together. It is within this community that we find the strength to persevere in our spiritual journey. [02:55]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to encourage or support in their faith journey?


Day 2: Discernment Against False Teachings
The gospel's core is not about health and wealth but about the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Christ. Recognizing this helps us discern teachings that deviate from the true message of Christianity, ensuring we remain anchored in biblical truth. While God cares for our physical and financial needs, the true promises of the gospel are centered on spiritual redemption and eternal life. This understanding is crucial in a world where many teachings may distort the gospel's message for personal gain or popularity. [04:10]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Reflection: Are there teachings or beliefs you hold that may not align with the core message of the gospel? How can you seek clarity and truth in these areas?


Day 3: The Importance of Contextual Bible Reading
Understanding Scripture requires reading it in context. This approach prevents misinterpretation and allows us to see the full narrative of God's redemptive work. By reading chapters and books in their entirety, we can grasp the intended meaning of individual verses and avoid taking them out of context. This practice enriches our understanding of the Bible and helps us apply its teachings accurately in our lives. [09:24]

Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure you are reading and understanding the Bible in its full context this week?


Day 4: Embracing God's Sovereignty in Salvation
Salvation is entirely a work of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and grace. This doctrine assures us that those whom God calls will be brought to faith, highlighting the depth of His mercy and the assurance of our salvation. It is a humbling reminder that our salvation is not based on our efforts but on God's gracious choice and action. This understanding should lead us to a deeper trust in God's plan and a greater appreciation for His grace in our lives. [19:59]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does understanding God's sovereignty in your salvation change the way you view your relationship with Him and others?


Day 5: The Value of the Old Testament and Creeds
The Old Testament and historical creeds provide a rich theological foundation. They help us understand the continuity of God's redemptive plan and articulate our faith with depth and clarity, ensuring we remain grounded in biblical truth. These resources offer insights into God's character and His dealings with humanity throughout history, enriching our understanding of the New Testament and the gospel message. [27:25]

Romans 15:4 (ESV): "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the teachings of the Old Testament and historical creeds into your daily study to deepen your understanding of God's redemptive plan?

Quotes


Well, the critical thing is to be part of the church, to be a member in the church, to attend the services of the church regularly, because by the public worship of God we are formed by the Word of God. In the church we have fellowship with the people of God, we have elders who supervise our lives and to whom we need to submit. [00:02:44]

So, I think the combination of the discipline of elders, the discipline of attending worship regularly, listening carefully to the preaching of the Word, joining in the praise of God, and then fellowshipping with the people of God so that the people of God encourage us and help shape our lives, those things together are the three things that occur to me in a lightning sort of way. [00:03:04]

But I think those who major in health and wealth as the message of the gospel are indeed false teachers. Jesus does care about us in all the circumstances of our lives. Jesus certainly wants to hear our prayers about our health needs as well as our financial needs, but the sure promises of the gospel are not about health, because we're all going to die one day. [00:03:50]

They're not about wealth, because we can't take it with us. But it is very much about the forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ, which lasts forever. [00:04:10]

Well, the critical thing is to read the Scripture in context. I suppose if there was one tip, that's it. I think Christians so often run amok when they lift a verse out of context and they absolutize it in some way or other. To return again and again to the context of Scripture is critical. [00:09:25]

And therefore, I think it's very important to read chapters at a time, if one can possibly do that, so that we see the context of a verse in the chapter but also in the book. And so to read and reread and meditate and reflect and ask, "How does this verse or this passage that I'm particularly interested in relate to what surrounds it?" [00:09:44]

It's because we believe that no one would come to faith, no one would seek God, no one would choose God, unless God had not only from eternity decided to seek them, but that He would also seek them in time and change their hearts and give them the gift of faith. If faith is a gift, then it's not something that depends on us and our action, but it's God's action and I think the Scripture testifies to that over and over again. [00:19:56]

The spiritual profit of knowing about Judas is to know that Jesus did not fail with Judas. Judas did not frustrate the plan of Jesus or the plan of the Father. Jesus always succeeds in what He's doing, and that's important for us to be comforted that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion in the day of the Lord. [00:22:44]

We believe that the New Testament fulfills all that the kings and prophets and priests of Israel look forward to and that those writings in all their different forms, whether the law or the history or the poetry or the prophets help us to see the meaning of the Old Testament more deeply. [00:27:36]

So, the more we can know about the Old Testament, the deeper our appreciation of Christ and His work and the way in which the New Testament fulfills the Old Testament. [00:27:54]

I think churches that do that are often doing it out of what they see as a good motive, out of a desire to avoid formalism, out of a desire to, as some of them see it, to be stuck with language that is old-fashioned and antiquated and doesn't communicate. I think often they're trying to stress the importance of evangelism and missions for the life of the church and feel that some of the classic theological formulations and creeds haven't done that adequately. [00:23:33]

I think often they are losing more than they are gaining in the process. And now if you move from theology to history, you're moving from revelation to evaluation, human evaluation. But as the historian in me would observe that the harder it seems to me that biblical churches in America have tried to be evangelistic and mission-minded, the smaller the churches have become. [00:24:33]

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Transcript
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