Honoring Dr. R.C. Sproul: Legacy of Faith and Courage

 

Summary

In our discussion tonight, we delved into the life and legacy of Dr. R.C. Sproul, a theologian whose work has profoundly impacted the Christian faith. We began by exploring Dr. Sproul's unique sense of humor and his dedication to his wife, Vesta, as seen in his first book, "The Symbol." This humor and dedication were hallmarks of his character, reflecting his deep love for both theology and those around him.

We then transitioned to a historical reflection on the Diet of Worms, a pivotal moment in church history where Martin Luther stood firm in his beliefs, famously declaring, "Here I stand, I can do no other." This event underscored the importance of sola Scriptura, the principle that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for Christians. This principle was a cornerstone of Dr. Sproul's teachings and remains vital for the church today.

Our conversation also touched on the significance of theological education for all believers, not just those in vocational ministry. Theology is not merely an academic pursuit but a means of knowing God more deeply. Dr. Sproul's life exemplified this, as he consistently emphasized the importance of sound doctrine and the need for clarity in theological matters.

We discussed the challenges Dr. Sproul faced, particularly during the Evangelicals and Catholics Together controversy, where he stood firm on the doctrine of justification. His courage in these moments serves as an inspiration for us to uphold theological integrity.

Finally, we reflected on Dr. Sproul's final sermon, where he prayed for an awakening to the sweetness, loveliness, and glory of the gospel. This prayer encapsulates his life's work and his desire for the church to truly know and relish the triune God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of Humor and Dedication: Dr. Sproul's life was marked by a unique sense of humor and deep dedication to his loved ones, reflecting the joy and commitment that should characterize our Christian walk. His humor was not just for entertainment but a way to connect with others and make theology accessible. [00:38]

- Sola Scriptura as a Foundation: The principle of sola Scriptura, highlighted by Martin Luther's stand at the Diet of Worms, remains crucial for the church. It reminds us that Scripture alone is our ultimate authority, guiding us in all aspects of faith and practice. [04:25]

- Theology for All Believers: Theology is not just for academics or clergy but for every believer. It is the study of God and His Word, essential for understanding our faith and living it out daily. Dr. Sproul's teachings encourage us to embrace theology as a vital part of our Christian life. [06:56]

- Standing for Truth with Courage: Dr. Sproul's stand during the Evangelicals and Catholics Together controversy exemplifies the need for courage in upholding theological truth. His willingness to face challenges for the sake of the gospel inspires us to remain steadfast in our convictions. [11:55]

- Awakening to the Gospel's Beauty: Dr. Sproul's final prayer for an awakening to the gospel's sweetness, loveliness, and glory calls us to a deeper appreciation of God's nature. It challenges us to move beyond superficial knowledge and truly relish the beauty of our faith. [49:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Dr. R.C. Sproul
- [00:38] - Dr. Sproul's Humor and Dedication
- [02:00] - The Diet of Worms Explained
- [03:46] - Martin Luther's Stand
- [05:00] - Influential Books on Theology
- [06:56] - Theology for Everyone
- [08:43] - Christological Clarity
- [10:38] - Challenges in Ministry
- [12:34] - Dr. Sproul's Kindness
- [14:34] - Writing Dr. Sproul's Biography
- [16:17] - Machen's Message Today
- [18:16] - Importance of Sola Scriptura
- [19:57] - Church Membership's Necessity
- [21:17] - Impact of the Lockdown on Church
- [23:04] - Origin of Catechesis
- [24:11] - Theological Revolution
- [26:08] - Lightning Round Questions
- [35:34] - Martin Luther's Conversion
- [36:00] - The Aseity of God
- [38:14] - Faith as a Gift
- [40:41] - Friendship with James Boice
- [44:57] - Instilling Confidence in Scripture
- [46:12] - Dr. Sproul's Love for Moby Dick
- [48:55] - Dr. Sproul's Final Sermon

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Life and Legacy of Dr. R.C. Sproul

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:16-17 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
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. Ephesians 4:15 - "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Observation Questions:
1. What aspects of Dr. Sproul's character were highlighted in the sermon, and how did they reflect his approach to theology and relationships? [00:38]
2. How did the Diet of Worms and Martin Luther's stand for sola Scriptura influence Dr. Sproul's teachings? [04:25]
3. What challenges did Dr. Sproul face during the Evangelicals and Catholics Together controversy, and how did he respond? [11:55]
4. What was the essence of Dr. Sproul's final sermon, and what did he pray for the church? [49:35]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Dr. Sproul's sense of humor and dedication to his wife, Vesta, illustrate the importance of joy and commitment in the Christian life? [00:38]
2. In what ways does the principle of sola Scriptura serve as a foundation for Christian faith and practice, according to the sermon? [04:25]
3. Why is theological education important for all believers, not just those in vocational ministry, as emphasized by Dr. Sproul? [06:56]
4. How does Dr. Sproul's courage in standing for theological truth during controversies inspire believers today? [11:55]

Application Questions:
1. Dr. Sproul's humor was a way to connect with others and make theology accessible. How can you use humor or another personal trait to make your faith more relatable to others? [00:38]
2. Sola Scriptura emphasizes the authority of Scripture. How can you ensure that Scripture remains the ultimate authority in your daily decisions and actions? [04:25]
3. Dr. Sproul believed theology is for everyone. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of theology and apply it to your life? [06:56]
4. Reflect on a time when you had to stand for truth in a challenging situation. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now, inspired by Dr. Sproul's example? [11:55]
5. Dr. Sproul's final prayer was for an awakening to the gospel's beauty. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the gospel in your personal life? [49:35]
6. Think of a person in your life who may not fully understand the gospel's sweetness and loveliness. How can you share this aspect of your faith with them this week? [49:35]
7. Dr. Sproul's life was marked by dedication to sound doctrine. Identify one area of your faith where you feel uncertain. How can you seek clarity and understanding in this area? [06:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Joyful Dedication in Christian Living
Dr. R.C. Sproul's life was marked by a unique sense of humor and deep dedication to his loved ones, reflecting the joy and commitment that should characterize our Christian walk. His humor was not just for entertainment but a way to connect with others and make theology accessible. This approach to life and faith encourages believers to find joy in their relationships and commitments, seeing them as opportunities to reflect God's love and grace. By embracing humor and dedication, Christians can create a welcoming and engaging environment for sharing the gospel. [00:38]

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate joy and dedication into your daily interactions to reflect Christ's love to those around you?


Day 2: Scripture as the Ultimate Authority
The principle of sola Scriptura, highlighted by Martin Luther's stand at the Diet of Worms, remains crucial for the church. It reminds us that Scripture alone is our ultimate authority, guiding us in all aspects of faith and practice. This foundational belief was central to Dr. Sproul's teachings and serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize the Bible in their spiritual journey. By holding Scripture as the highest authority, Christians can navigate life's challenges with confidence and clarity, knowing they are grounded in God's truth. [04:25]

"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: In what ways can you ensure that Scripture remains the ultimate authority in your life, especially when faced with difficult decisions?


Day 3: Embracing Theology for Spiritual Growth
Theology is not just for academics or clergy but for every believer. It is the study of God and His Word, essential for understanding our faith and living it out daily. Dr. Sproul's teachings encourage us to embrace theology as a vital part of our Christian life. By engaging with theological concepts, believers can deepen their relationship with God and gain a clearer understanding of His will. This pursuit of knowledge is not merely academic but a transformative journey that shapes our character and actions. [06:56]

"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: What steps can you take to incorporate theological study into your daily routine, and how might this deepen your understanding of God?


Day 4: Courage in Upholding Theological Truth
Dr. Sproul's stand during the Evangelicals and Catholics Together controversy exemplifies the need for courage in upholding theological truth. His willingness to face challenges for the sake of the gospel inspires us to remain steadfast in our convictions. In a world where truth is often compromised, believers are called to stand firm in their faith, even when it is unpopular or difficult. This courage is rooted in a deep trust in God's Word and a commitment to living out its principles with integrity. [11:55]

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you might need to stand firm in your faith. How can you prepare yourself to respond with courage and love?


Day 5: Awakening to the Gospel's Beauty
Dr. Sproul's final prayer for an awakening to the gospel's sweetness, loveliness, and glory calls us to a deeper appreciation of God's nature. It challenges us to move beyond superficial knowledge and truly relish the beauty of our faith. This awakening involves a heartfelt response to the gospel, leading to a life transformed by the love and grace of God. By seeking to understand and experience the fullness of the gospel, believers can cultivate a vibrant and authentic faith that impacts every aspect of their lives. [49:35]

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the gospel in your daily life, and what impact might this have on your relationship with God?

Quotes


"This is for laypeople." The Symbol is on the Apostles' Creed, his first book, 1973. And he says, "This book is for laity and it's not going to get into theological obfuscation," and then there's a footnote. And you go down to the footnote and the footnote is a Latin expression, and it says sub ubi semper ubi, which in Latin means "under where," the preposition, "under where," and then "always" the preposition "where." But in English it comes out as "always where under where." And so, it just shows his humor that he would that in his very first book on theology. [00:32:44]

"My conscience is captive to the Word of God. To go against conscience is neither safe for us nor open to us. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen." For that, Luther is condemned as a heretic, but that is the plank, the Reformation plank of solo Scriptura, that our consciences are captive to the Word of God. It really is, I would even say, maybe more significant in terms of what actually is happening there, probably more significant even than the posting of the Ninety-Five Theses. [00:52:15]

Yeah, theology is for everyone. I believe R.C. said that and in fact he wrote a book, Everyone's a Theologian. It comes back to what theology is, and, sort of, shame on academic theologians for making it a purely academic thing and even having such a language that sort of scares people off and talking to themselves. That was never the intent of theology. You go back to the Reformers and certainly they were capable academics, but they were populists. They took the message to the people. They were writing heavy-duty theologically robust catechisms for children. Luther was teaching children every day in his home. They were about teaching the church theology because ultimately theology belongs to the church. [00:06:56]

One of them came at a cost of some friendships, and it was the challenge he faced in the mid-nineties with Evangelicals and Catholics Together. And you know these were longtime friends. These were folks he had been associated with for over twenty years and had spent a lot of time with and had been foxhole buddies with on other issues. And then we come to Evangelicals and Catholics Together and there's this latitude granted on the role that justification, the doctrine of justification, plays in the gospel, let alone discussing the importance of imputation in the role of justification and the role of the gospel. Well, R.C. is very clear on this that this is essential to the gospel. [00:10:48]

Yeah, you know, I think there's something about Dr. Sproul, and it's theological. He thought every single person deserves respect and dignity. And how much we need this right now! I mean, we really need this. Every single person needs respect and dignity because every single person is made in the image of God. There's a theological reason for this, and we need to stress that. I think from that it propelled him to have a genuine compassion and kindness for people. Not that he would ever want to, you know, massage the truth in order to maintain a friendship. We have examples where he was willing to take a stand for the truth, but there was not a mean-spiritedness to him. [00:12:42]

Oh, it is our foundation. So, you know, we can talk about the primacy of the doctrine of God, and certainly that's true. But in one sense, the authority question is really where we need to start because it's from that authority that we construct all of our doctrines. And so, the doctrine of Scripture, if that, think of a domino chain. So, if the doctrine of Scripture falls in the wrong direction, every single one of your dominoes is going to fall in the wrong direction. So, yeah, it's so important. [00:18:28]

So, I think this is probably ricocheting all through culture right now because of the lockdown, and it's very easy for bad habits to settle in and take root. And I think we're going to see this in these next months, and some pastors report on this that people just aren't coming back to church. This I think is an extreme weakness for the American church especially. We've always had a weak ecclesiology, especially American evangelicalism. But to lose sight of the importance of the means of grace, the preaching of the Word, and the offering of the sacraments, or as our Baptist friends like to say, "the ordinances," and just praying together and singing together, what we call genuine fellowship, you know, the importance of that. [00:19:43]

Oh yeah. So, this is a cultural revolution. We've got to go back, so 1968 to 1972, and you know this is interesting. I mean, Kent State, this is not far from the study center just across the border. So, you think of all the political unrest that's happening on campuses. You think of the war protests. Now, we also throw into the mix in the seventies the sexual revolution. This is the Woodstock era. This is the hippie era. This is the LSD era. I mean, this is a significant moment of cultural upheaval and cultural revolution. So, that's what's happening culturally. [00:24:11]

Without hesitation, this is what he says, without hesitation the aseity, some say "as-ai-ty" of God. It actually goes back to Thomas' five ways, and one of those ways is that God is a necessary being. God is the only being that exists in Himself without anything else, a-se, without anything else. That is what "aseity" means. He exists in Himself as a necessary being, not a being that is needing something else or what we would say a "contingent" being. You and I, we are contingent beings. We need prior being to come into being. God is outside of the chain of being. He is a necessary being. [00:36:00]

So, two things about faith. This is a very important idea that is a distinction of Reformed theology. Regeneration precedes faith. That probably is the central pivotal notion if you're going to understand Reformed theology and Reformed doctrines of grace. So, regeneration is the Spirit's work of bringing us to life. It was the Spirit of God that was uniquely involved in creation as the breath of God, the ruach of God in Hebrew, the Spirit of God. You see it in Ezekiel's dry bones. So, once again, the breath of God goes out over the dry bones and the dry bones take on sinew and muscles and tendons and come to life. [00:38:14]

I think one is by example, by showing that you do, by showing that you find it to prove itself, and I think that's what we see that as we live the Christian life we see God's Word does not in fact return void but it always accomplishes the purpose that He set it to accomplish. You know, I was thinking about this. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul says to Timothy, he's talking about that, "You have been acquainted with the sacred writings from the time of your youth." And it's as if Paul is saying, "They've never let you down and they never will let you down." But in that same context, Paul says, "And remember from whom you've been taught." [00:44:57]

"So I pray with all my heart that God will awaken each one of us to the sweetness, the loveliness, the glory of the gospel declared by Christ." What did Dr. Sproul mean by that prayer? NICHOLS: First of all, two thoughts: sad, this is the final question. I am enjoying this. Second thought: That's his final sentence. So, "sweetness" is a word he got from Jonathan Edwards. Jonathan Edwards got that word from the psalmist. Calvin said this: The knowledge of God that is saving is the sensus suavitatis, "a sense of sweetness," a sense of the sweetness of God. This is the psalmist who wants to relish God, the triune God. [00:49:35]

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Transcript
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