Grounding Faith: Embracing Grace and Understanding Sovereignty
Summary
In our discussion today, we delved into the complexities of theological understanding and the importance of grounding our faith in sound doctrine. We began with a light-hearted exploration of the etymology of "Six-burgh," a playful nod to the Pittsburgh Steelers' historic achievement, but quickly transitioned into more profound matters of faith. One of the key issues addressed was the tension between embracing the doctrines of grace and facing opposition from loved ones who may not share the same theological perspective. It is crucial to approach such situations with patience and grace, remembering that our journey to understanding these doctrines often takes time and is guided by the Holy Spirit.
We also examined the nature of God's sovereignty and human freedom, emphasizing that God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. This balance is a mystery that requires faith, as both truths are clearly presented in Scripture. Furthermore, we discussed the significance of understanding the difference between God's love for the world and His specific plan of redemption for His people. This understanding helps us reconcile seemingly contradictory passages and deepens our appreciation for God's redemptive work.
The role of the church in educating and equipping believers, especially the younger generation, was another focal point. We must be diligent in teaching sound doctrine and preparing our youth to face the challenges of a world increasingly influenced by secular and pagan ideologies. This includes understanding the lie of paganism and the truth of the gospel, as well as the importance of covenant theology in grasping the overarching narrative of Scripture.
Finally, we touched on the importance of personal Bible study and the necessity of being deeply rooted in God's Word. A superficial engagement with Scripture is insufficient for spiritual growth and maturity. We are called to be diligent students of the Bible, seeking to understand and apply its truths in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing the doctrines of grace requires patience and grace towards others who may not share the same understanding. It is important to remember that our journey to understanding these doctrines is often gradual and guided by the Holy Spirit. [04:23]
- God's sovereignty and human freedom coexist in a mysterious balance that requires faith. Both truths are clearly presented in Scripture, and we must accept them even if we cannot fully comprehend how they fit together. [15:38]
- Understanding the difference between God's love for the world and His specific plan of redemption for His people helps reconcile seemingly contradictory passages and deepens our appreciation for God's redemptive work. [09:12]
- The church plays a crucial role in educating and equipping believers, especially the younger generation, to face the challenges of a world influenced by secular and pagan ideologies. This includes understanding the lie of paganism and the truth of the gospel. [22:46]
- Personal Bible study is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. A superficial engagement with Scripture is insufficient, and we are called to be diligent students of the Bible, seeking to understand and apply its truths in our lives. [46:59]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - The Origin of Six-burgh
[01:56] - Embracing Doctrines of Grace
[03:36] - Free Will and Grace
[04:54] - Apologetics and Paganism
[06:08] - Calvinism vs. Arminianism
[07:14] - Reconciling God's Love and Hate
[09:12] - Understanding John 3:16
[11:21] - The Rich Young Ruler
[12:22] - God's Sovereignty and Human Freedom
[14:38] - God's Sovereign Grace
[16:48] - The Challenge of Paganism
[19:07] - Educating the Next Generation
[22:46] - Contending for the Truth
[24:20] - The Role of the Church
[27:04] - Covenant Theology Explained
[30:30] - The Nature of Christ
[36:30] - The Second Adam
[39:04] - Covenant Theology in Practice
[44:24] - The Importance of Bible Study
[48:03] - The Manhattan Declaration
[54:35] - Christless Christianity in Churches
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 3:16-18
2. Romans 1:25
3. Psalm 11:5
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the relationship between God's sovereignty and human freedom? What is the mystery that requires faith according to the sermon? [15:38]
2. What is the significance of understanding the difference between God's love for the world and His specific plan of redemption for His people, as discussed in the sermon? [09:12]
3. How does the sermon suggest believers should approach the doctrines of grace when facing opposition from loved ones? [04:23]
4. What role does the sermon attribute to the church in educating and equipping believers, especially the younger generation? [22:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding God's sovereignty and human freedom can deepen one's faith? How might this understanding affect a believer's daily life? [15:38]
2. How does the sermon propose believers reconcile seemingly contradictory passages about God's love and His plan of redemption? What impact does this have on one's view of God's redemptive work? [09:12]
3. What are the potential challenges and benefits of embracing the doctrines of grace, especially when facing opposition from loved ones, as highlighted in the sermon? [04:23]
4. According to the sermon, why is it crucial for the church to focus on educating the younger generation about the truth of the gospel and the lie of paganism? [22:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to understand the balance between God's sovereignty and human freedom. How did you navigate that tension, and what did you learn from it? [15:38]
2. Consider a passage in the Bible that you find difficult to reconcile with others. How can the sermon’s approach to understanding God's love and redemption help you gain clarity? [09:12]
3. Have you ever faced opposition from loved ones regarding your theological beliefs? How did you handle it, and what would you do differently after hearing the sermon? [04:23]
4. In what ways can you contribute to the church's mission of educating and equipping the younger generation? Identify one specific action you can take this month. [22:46]
5. How often do you engage in personal Bible study, and what steps can you take to deepen your engagement with Scripture? Consider setting a specific goal for your Bible study routine. [46:59]
6. Think of a young person in your life who might be influenced by secular or pagan ideologies. How can you support them in understanding the truth of the gospel? [22:46]
7. Identify one aspect of the doctrines of grace that you find challenging. What resources or conversations could help you gain a better understanding of this doctrine? [04:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Patience and Grace in Theological Differences
Embracing the doctrines of grace can be a challenging journey, especially when faced with opposition from loved ones who may not share the same theological perspective. It is important to approach these situations with patience and grace, understanding that the journey to understanding these doctrines is often gradual and guided by the Holy Spirit. This process requires humility and a willingness to listen and engage in meaningful dialogue, recognizing that each person's spiritual journey is unique. [04:23]
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a loved one who holds different theological views. How can you show them patience and grace this week in your conversations or interactions?
Day 2: The Mystery of Sovereignty and Freedom
The coexistence of God's sovereignty and human freedom is a profound mystery that requires faith. Both truths are clearly presented in Scripture, and believers are called to accept them even if they cannot fully comprehend how they fit together. This balance challenges us to trust in God's wisdom and plan, acknowledging that His ways are higher than our ways. Embracing this mystery can deepen our faith and reliance on God, knowing that He is in control while we are responsible for our choices. [15:38]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to reconcile God's sovereignty with your own freedom? How can you trust God more in this area today?
Day 3: Understanding God's Love and Redemption
Understanding the difference between God's love for the world and His specific plan of redemption for His people helps reconcile seemingly contradictory passages and deepens our appreciation for God's redemptive work. This understanding allows believers to see the broader narrative of Scripture and the depth of God's love and justice. It challenges us to reflect on the nature of God's love and how it is expressed through His plan of salvation, encouraging us to respond with gratitude and worship. [09:12]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding God's specific plan of redemption change your perspective on His love for you personally?
Day 4: The Church's Role in Equipping Believers
The church plays a crucial role in educating and equipping believers, especially the younger generation, to face the challenges of a world influenced by secular and pagan ideologies. This includes understanding the lie of paganism and the truth of the gospel, as well as the importance of covenant theology in grasping the overarching narrative of Scripture. The church must be diligent in teaching sound doctrine and preparing believers to contend for the faith in a world that often opposes it. [22:46]
"These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's mission to educate and equip the next generation? What specific steps can you take this week?
Day 5: The Necessity of Personal Bible Study
Personal Bible study is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. A superficial engagement with Scripture is insufficient, and believers are called to be diligent students of the Bible, seeking to understand and apply its truths in their lives. This requires intentionality and discipline, as well as a desire to know God more deeply through His Word. Engaging with Scripture in a meaningful way can transform our hearts and minds, equipping us to live out our faith in everyday life. [46:59]
"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." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: What specific changes can you make to your daily routine to prioritize personal Bible study? How will you hold yourself accountable to this commitment?
Quotes
Roger Nicole, a Swiss theologian, once observed that we all are by nature Arminian or semi-Pelagian. And it takes a tremendous amount of exposure to the Word of God to overcome that natural bias against the doctrines of grace. We’ve been indoctrinated in this country, from… particularly in America from a very early age to a humanistic understanding of anthropology, and particularly with respect to our understanding of freedom. [00:02:29]
But we have that idea that we have the ability, the moral ability, unaided, unaided by the vanquishing power of grace to bring us to saving faith, and so it takes a lot to overcome that, and so I think that the first thing a person who is excited about their discovery of the doctrines of grace that they learn quickly to be patient with their friends and with their family, and when you remember how long it took them to get past the difficulties that are there. [00:03:44]
And when you see that paganism, the spiritual one-ism as I like to call it, is fundamentally Arminian in the sense that the Gnostics believed that they were – this is a fancy word – abasileutos. That’s the privative “a” and basileutos, which is king, that they were without a king. In other words, that the essence of this kind of spirituality that is taking over the world today is the notion that you are a free spirit and that you have the inner divine in your heart, and thus nobody can dominate over you. [00:04:59]
One thing that I think everybody at least in Reformed circles would agree on is that we don’t have our verses and Arminians have their verses. They’re all God’s verses. We have to… We have to not cancel one set of passages because these passages are really, really true or vice versa. Some… Whatever we come up with has to make sense of all of the passages. [00:07:04]
You hear this all the time that God’s sovereignty ends where human freedom begins. Have you heard that? If that’s true, that’s not just the end of Reformed theology, that’s the end of Christianity because if God’s sovereignty ends where my freedom begins, then obviously the one who is sovereign would be me, not God. No, I have freedom. God gave us freedom, and it’s real freedom. [00:12:02]
And there is no ultimate explanation of how you put them together. They are just sitting there in Scripture. And it’s part of our faith to believe those two things at the same time. Now, I don’t think that that is a refusal to be thoughtful. If indeed the God whom we worship is so far beyond us that we can never understand Him in His deep mystery, I’m not surprised frankly that we have these kinds of intractable, logical problems in Scripture. [00:15:38]
I think we Christians should be known as folks who really know the issues. How can we bring truth to this world unless we’ve wrestled with these issues? And I don’t think it’s that complicated. That’s why I’ve been slipping in these two terms of one-ism and two-ism. I’ve been using them now for a time, and I’ve just tried to be as simple as possible because I’m good at that – simple things. [00:20:06]
I am struck how many of my friends’ children are no longer walking with the Lord. I don’t know your experiences about this, but when I grew up that wasn’t the case. And I’m seeing in this generation so many of the children of Christian people are no longer walking with the Lord. And I’m just wondering if we prepared them for the kind of world in which they now find themselves, or if the power and the intimidation of the world I was trying to describe is so great that they can’t stand up against it. [00:22:03]
John Piper says it well when he says that we not only have to believe the truth, and it’s not enough even to defend the truth, but we must contend for the truth. That doesn’t mean that we are to be by nature contentious people, but if you don’t, then these mouths will stay forever quiet. [00:23:09]
You know, what does the Psalmist say at the beginning, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord”… or in the Word of the Lord really. “And in that law doth he meditate day and night.” Not 15 minutes a day, but the whole idea of the man who will be like a tree planted by rivers of living water, bringing forth his fruit in his season, that differs from the chaff, which the wind drives away, is that the godly person is grounded and rooted deeply in the Word of God. [00:44:24]
The Word of God was given by God for our instruction, for our edification, for our improvement in righteousness, and it was meant to be understood. And we are called to be babes in evil, but in understanding we are called to be men, to be mature. And the early Christians were rebuked and admonished by the apostle for being satisfied with milk. And that’s all you can digest in 15 minutes a week. You don’t really get to the meat of the Word of God in that little bit of time. It just can’t be done. [00:45:42]
Our Lord said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and everything else will be added on to… that this is a priority to come to an understanding of the things of God, and that means in His Word deeply, regularly. [00:46:59]
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