Grounding Faith: Majesty, Truth, and Theological Foundations

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound depths of biblical and theological questions, guided by the insights of Dr. Stephen Nichols. We began by discussing the influence of significant figures like John MacArthur and the impact of books on his ministry. This led us to reflect on the importance of intentionality in our theology and church practices, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in our faith.

We delved into the majesty of God, a concept that transcends human understanding yet is crucial for our spiritual growth. The majesty of God is not just an abstract idea but a reality that should shape our worship and daily lives. We also touched on the significance of early church writings, acknowledging their value while recognizing the necessity of measuring them against Scripture.

The conversation shifted to the emotionalism prevalent in modern churches. While emotions are a God-given aspect of our humanity, they should not dictate our understanding of truth. Instead, our faith should be grounded in the unchanging Word of God, which remains true regardless of our feelings.

We also explored the historical development of Reformed theology, particularly the differences between the Westminster Confession and the Three Forms of Unity. These confessions highlight the diversity within the Reformation while underscoring the shared commitment to the core tenets of the faith.

Finally, we addressed the authority of the Apostle Paul's writings, affirming their God-breathed nature and their foundational role in the New Testament. Paul's authority is not self-derived but rooted in his divine calling as an apostle, a truth that remains relevant for us today.

Key Takeaways:

- The Majesty of God: Understanding the majesty of God involves recognizing His transcendence and holiness. This awareness should lead us to a deeper worship and reverence, acknowledging that while God is knowable, He is also beyond our full comprehension. [03:00]

- Emotionalism vs. Truth: Emotions are an integral part of our humanity, but they should not be the measure of truth. Our faith must be anchored in Scripture, which provides a stable foundation regardless of our emotional state. This balance allows us to experience genuine joy and sorrow in a way that honors God. [19:05]

- Reformed Theology's Diversity: The Reformation produced various confessions, such as the Westminster Confession and the Three Forms of Unity, reflecting different branches of Reformed thought. Despite their differences, these confessions share a commitment to the core principles of the Reformation, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture. [56:05]

- Authority of Paul's Writings: The Apostle Paul's letters are authoritative because they are inspired by God. Paul's authority is not based on personal merit but on his divine calling as an apostle. This understanding reinforces the importance of his writings in shaping Christian doctrine and practice. [59:54]

- Books and Spiritual Growth: The books we read can significantly shape our theology and spiritual life. Engaging with well-chosen, theologically sound literature can deepen our understanding of God and His Word, providing a framework for living out our faith in a meaningful way. [45:18]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:23] - Introduction of Dr. Stephen Nichols
[00:50] - Insights from John MacArthur
[02:20] - How to Ask Questions
[03:00] - The Majesty of God
[04:26] - Favorite Classic Works
[06:20] - Who Was Martin Bucer?
[08:18] - Credence in Early Church Writings
[10:17] - Does God Love the Sinner?
[12:57] - Reformed and Paedobaptism
[15:05] - Calvin and the Septuagint
[17:13] - Emotionalism in the Modern Church
[22:23] - Zwingli's Impact on the Reformation
[26:25] - Writing on the Blues
[29:52] - R.C. Sproul's Biography
[37:27] - Development of Piety
[41:50] - Libraries of Influential Theologians
[46:19] - Loving Truth Without Becoming a Pharisee
[50:59] - The Sinner's Prayer
[56:05] - Reformed Confessions in America and Europe
[59:54] - Authority of Paul's Letters

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 104:1-2 - "Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent."
2. 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."
3. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - "And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the majesty of God, and what are some of the attributes associated with it? [03:00]
2. What role do emotions play in the modern church according to the sermon, and how should they be balanced with truth? [19:05]
3. What are the key differences between the Westminster Confession and the Three Forms of Unity as discussed in the sermon? [56:05]
4. How does the sermon affirm the authority of the Apostle Paul's writings? [59:54]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does understanding the majesty of God lead to deeper worship and reverence in one's life? [03:00]
2. How can believers ensure that their faith is anchored in Scripture rather than being swayed by emotionalism? [19:05]
3. What does the diversity within Reformed theology, as highlighted in the sermon, teach us about unity and diversity in the church? [56:05]
4. Why is it important to recognize the divine inspiration of Paul's letters, and how does this understanding impact Christian doctrine and practice? [59:54]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent worship experience. How did your understanding of God's majesty influence your worship? What can you do to deepen this understanding? [03:00]
2. Think about a time when your emotions influenced your perception of truth. How can you ensure that your faith remains grounded in Scripture during emotional highs and lows? [19:05]
3. How can you engage with theological literature to enhance your spiritual growth? Identify one book that you plan to read this month and share why you chose it. [45:18]
4. Consider the diversity within your own church community. How can you contribute to unity while respecting different theological perspectives? [56:05]
5. Reflect on the authority of Scripture in your life. Are there areas where you struggle to submit to its teachings? How can you address these challenges? [59:54]
6. Identify a specific way you can incorporate the teachings of Paul's letters into your daily life. What practical steps will you take to apply these teachings? [59:54]
7. How can you balance emotional expression with a commitment to truth in your personal faith journey? Share a specific example of how you plan to achieve this balance. [19:05]

Devotional

Day 1: The Majesty of God Transcends Understanding
Understanding the majesty of God involves recognizing His transcendence and holiness. This awareness should lead us to a deeper worship and reverence, acknowledging that while God is knowable, He is also beyond our full comprehension. The majesty of God is not just an abstract idea but a reality that should shape our worship and daily lives. As we reflect on His greatness, we are reminded of our own limitations and the vastness of His divine nature. This understanding calls us to approach God with humility and awe, allowing His majesty to transform our hearts and minds. [03:00]

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." (Psalm 145:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally incorporate a sense of God's majesty into your daily worship and prayer life today?


Day 2: Anchoring Faith Beyond Emotions
Emotions are an integral part of our humanity, but they should not be the measure of truth. Our faith must be anchored in Scripture, which provides a stable foundation regardless of our emotional state. This balance allows us to experience genuine joy and sorrow in a way that honors God. In a world where emotionalism can often overshadow truth, it is crucial to ground our beliefs in the unchanging Word of God. By doing so, we ensure that our faith remains steadfast, even when our feelings fluctuate. [19:05]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a recent situation where your emotions led you away from biblical truth. How can you realign your response to be more grounded in Scripture today?


Day 3: Embracing Diversity in Reformed Theology
The Reformation produced various confessions, such as the Westminster Confession and the Three Forms of Unity, reflecting different branches of Reformed thought. Despite their differences, these confessions share a commitment to the core principles of the Reformation, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture. This diversity within Reformed theology highlights the richness of the Christian tradition and encourages believers to appreciate the different perspectives that contribute to a fuller understanding of the faith. [56:05]

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage with and learn from different theological perspectives within the Christian tradition to deepen your own faith journey?


Day 4: The Divine Authority of Paul's Writings
The Apostle Paul's letters are authoritative because they are inspired by God. Paul's authority is not based on personal merit but on his divine calling as an apostle. This understanding reinforces the importance of his writings in shaping Christian doctrine and practice. By recognizing the God-breathed nature of Paul's letters, believers can confidently rely on them as a foundation for their faith and a guide for living a life that honors God. [59:54]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a passage from Paul's letters that has impacted your life. How can you apply its teachings more fully in your daily walk with Christ?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of Theological Literature
The books we read can significantly shape our theology and spiritual life. Engaging with well-chosen, theologically sound literature can deepen our understanding of God and His Word, providing a framework for living out our faith in a meaningful way. By intentionally selecting books that challenge and inspire us, we can grow in our knowledge of God and be better equipped to serve Him in our daily lives. [45:18]

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." (Proverbs 1:5, ESV)

Reflection: Choose a theologically sound book to read this month. How can you incorporate its teachings into your spiritual practices and daily life?

Quotes

"The psalmist says, 'God dwells in light inaccessible.' We can use any word. I remember talking to R.C. about this and he said, 'You know, the word I used was, "holiness."' But there's a lot of words we can use – 'glory,' 'transcendence,' 'majesty.' What we're talking about here is the Godness of God. It's an awkward expression. This is the most perfect Being, God. And there's a sense in which He has revealed Himself and we know who He is." [00:03:05]

"Sometimes we even say 'God is awesome.' In the old days, they would say, 'God is terrible,' right? It's not how we use that word today, but to say 'the majesty of God' is one of the ways we expressed the Godness of who God is." [00:03:53]

"So the early church is interesting just because of its proximity to the New Testament. It does not mean it's always right. And I think there's an assumption there that the closer you get to the source, the more pure. Well, that's not necessarily the case. There's a lot of danger zones as we get into the early church." [00:08:18]

"Now having said that, I've got to be very grateful for the three main areas where the early church helps us: canon development, the Christological controversies, which then spill over into the Trinitarian heresies, and giving us a solid understanding of how the Scriptures came together and how we are to understand the Scriptures as the Word of God." [00:08:40]

"There's a difference between emotion and emotionalism, and when you get into emotionalism, now all of a sudden, the barometer for what's true or what's real is how I feel about it, and if I feel excited about this, this is good. If I don't feel excited about this, this is bad. And we can even judge doctrine that way." [00:18:31]

"Sometimes in emotionalism, we can say, 'Well, you know, I don't want to be hypocrite. I don't really feel like praying today. The last thing I want to do is be a hypocrite, so I'm not going to pray.' Well, just start praying, right? It's our duty, it's our obligation, so just start praying and see what comes of that." [00:19:14]

"And the other thing I think is, you got to be very careful. You know when Edwards preached Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Eleazer Wheelock. And you knew I was going to bring up Edwards a lot tonight. Eliezer Wheelock, who was a minister, he went on to found Dartmouth College, right? He was in the audience that night, the sermon was preached in Enfield, Connecticut, and he was taking notes and observing." [00:19:47]

"Listen, if this is the truth and the truth of God's Word, you're going to see its inestimable value and it's going to impact you. So, Pharisees weren't interested in the truth, they didn't want the truth. They actually wanted to avoid the truth. So go ahead, stick with the truth, get as much truth as you can because true truth, as Francis Schaeffer said, all its going to do is drive you to worship." [00:46:19]

"So, to be Reformed is to have a classical understanding of who God is. This comes to us from the creeds, to have an orthodox classical understanding of Christology, again from the creeds. We've got the Solas from the Reformers, an unmitigated commitment to the sovereignty of God and the decrees of God. I think it affects a certain hermeneutic, I think eventually you're going to end up being covenantal, if you're Reformed, and have a covenantal view of Scripture and a covenantal hermeneutic." [00:13:49]

"Paul's authority is not based on personal merit but on his divine calling as an apostle. This understanding reinforces the importance of his writings in shaping Christian doctrine and practice." [00:59:54]

"Books were hugely influential on him, hugely influential on Al Mohler. I've never been with Al where he hasn't gone to a used bookstore and come back with an armload of books. And, books were hugely influential on R.C.. It's because, you know, books really do shape us. And that's why it's important what we read, that we read good books." [00:45:18]

"Think about the framework that can give you. And that's what I come away with. Every time I talk to these guys, I mean they read a book, they want to know their view on…this was Derek Thomas. He wanted to know his view on baptism. He came out of more of a believer's baptism. It was a book that he read that led him to Scripture that led him to his view of baptism." [00:45:18]

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Transcript
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