Living Under God's Sovereignty: A Calvinistic Perspective

 

Summary

In this fourth lecture of our series on Calvinism and the Christian Life, we explore the profound implications of living a life shaped by Calvinistic principles. At the heart of Calvinism is the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, which leads to a life of intellectual humility, grace-constrained adoration, and wholehearted devotion. This understanding of God's sovereignty is not merely theoretical but deeply practical, influencing how we live individually and as a church community. A Calvinistic church is marked by a public acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, a delight in His grace, and a commitment to living "koram Deo"—before the face of God. This means that the ultimate verdict on our lives is God's, not man's, freeing us from the tyranny of seeking human approval.

Calvinism also emphasizes the holiness of God and His ultimate purpose to conform us to the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Our salvation is not the end goal but a means to glorify Christ. This transformation is evidenced by our obedience to God's commandments, which are not burdensome but a joyful expression of our union with Christ. Calvinism teaches that the law of God remains a central concern, guiding us in a life of holiness and obedience.

Furthermore, Calvinism insists on scriptural worship, rejecting the fads and fashions of the moment in favor of worship that is regulated by God's Word. This is known as the regulative principle, which asserts that God has prescribed how He is to be worshiped. While there may be cultural and customary variations in worship practices, the core must always be aligned with Scripture. The focus is on what pleases God, not what is accessible or appealing to the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Living "Koram Deo": Calvinism teaches us to live before the face of God, seeking His approval above all else. This perspective liberates us from the need for human validation and empowers us to live with integrity and purpose, knowing that God's verdict is the only one that truly matters. [05:20]

- Holiness and Conformity to Christ: God's ultimate purpose is to conform us to the likeness of His Son. Our salvation is a means to this end, and our lives should reflect the holiness of Christ. This transformation is not optional but essential, as it glorifies Christ and fulfills God's purpose for us. [08:53]

- Obedience to God's Commandments: Calvinism emphasizes the importance of God's law as a guide for holy living. Our union with Christ compels us to obey His commandments joyfully, recognizing that they are not burdensome but a reflection of His character and will for our lives. [12:19]

- Scriptural Worship: Worship in a Calvinistic context is regulated by Scripture, not by cultural trends or personal preferences. This ensures that our worship is God-centered, reverent, and aligned with His revealed will, rather than being shaped by the transient fads of the world. [20:18]

- The Regulative Principle: This principle asserts that God has prescribed how He is to be worshiped, and our practices must align with His Word. While there may be variations in expression, the core of our worship must be rooted in Scripture, ensuring that it pleases God above all else. [21:55]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Introduction to Calvinism
[00:38] - Intellectual Humility
[00:53] - Grace-Constrained Adoration
[01:11] - Wholehearted Devotion
[02:06] - God's Sovereignty in the Church
[03:33] - Living "Koram Deo"
[04:10] - Calvinism's Preeminent Concern
[05:03] - God's Verdict Over Man's
[06:19] - Historical Context of Calvinism
[08:16] - Holiness and Conformity to Christ
[10:13] - Obedience to God's Commandments
[11:36] - The Role of the Law
[13:59] - Union with Christ and Obedience
[17:16] - The Spirit and the Law
[18:18] - Scriptural Worship
[20:18] - The Regulative Principle
[21:55] - Love and Worship Practices
[23:21] - Conclusion and Next Lecture Preview

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 11:34 - "Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"
2. 1 Corinthians 4:3 - "It is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court."
3. Leviticus 11:44 - "Be holy, for I am holy."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the phrase "koram Deo" mean, and how does it relate to living a life seeking God's approval above human validation? [05:20]

2. How does Calvinism view the role of God's commandments in the life of a believer, according to the sermon? [12:19]

3. What is the regulative principle of worship, and how does it differ from worship influenced by cultural trends? [20:18]

4. How does the sermon describe the ultimate purpose of our salvation in relation to Christ's likeness? [08:53]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might living "koram Deo" change a person's perspective on seeking approval from others? What are the potential challenges and benefits of this mindset? [05:20]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that obedience to God's commandments is a joyful expression rather than a burden? How does this perspective align with the teachings of Jesus? [12:19]

3. How does the regulative principle of worship ensure that worship remains God-centered? What might be some practical implications for a church community? [20:18]

4. The sermon emphasizes that our salvation is not the ultimate goal but a means to glorify Christ. How does this understanding affect a believer's daily life and priorities? [08:53]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you sought human approval over God's. How might living "koram Deo" have changed your approach or decision in that situation? [05:20]

2. Consider the commandments of God that you find most challenging to follow. How can you begin to view them as a joyful expression of your faith rather than a burden? [12:19]

3. Think about your church's worship practices. Are there elements that might be more influenced by cultural trends than by Scripture? How can you encourage a shift towards more scripturally grounded worship? [20:18]

4. In what ways can you actively pursue holiness in your daily life, reflecting the likeness of Christ? Identify one specific area where you can focus on this transformation. [08:53]

5. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's sovereignty in your life? What steps can you take to acknowledge His control in both personal and communal aspects of your faith journey? [02:06]

6. Identify a specific commandment of God that you can focus on this week. What practical steps will you take to align your actions with this commandment, and how will you measure your progress? [12:19]

7. How can you support your church community in embracing the regulative principle of worship? What role can you play in fostering a worship environment that is God-centered and scripturally aligned? [20:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Living "Koram Deo" - Seeking God's Approval Above All

Living "Koram Deo" means living one's life in the presence of God, under His authority, and for His glory. This concept is central to Calvinism, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and the importance of seeking His approval above all else. By living "Koram Deo," individuals are liberated from the need for human validation and are empowered to live with integrity and purpose. This perspective encourages believers to focus on God's verdict, which is the only one that truly matters, freeing them from the tyranny of seeking human approval. This way of living fosters a deep sense of peace and purpose, as believers align their lives with God's will and seek to honor Him in all they do. [05:20]

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking human approval over God's? How can you begin to shift your focus to living "Koram Deo" today?


Day 2: Holiness and Conformity to Christ - God's Purpose for Our Lives

Calvinism teaches that God's ultimate purpose is to conform believers to the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. This transformation is not optional but essential, as it glorifies Christ and fulfills God's purpose for us. Our salvation is not the end goal but a means to glorify Christ through our lives. This transformation is evidenced by our obedience to God's commandments and our pursuit of holiness. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we are called to reflect His character and live in a way that honors Him. This process of sanctification is a lifelong journey, requiring us to continually seek God's guidance and strength. [08:53]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to grow in holiness and become more like Christ in your thoughts, words, and actions?


Day 3: Obedience to God's Commandments - A Joyful Expression of Union with Christ

Calvinism emphasizes the importance of God's law as a guide for holy living. Our union with Christ compels us to obey His commandments joyfully, recognizing that they are not burdensome but a reflection of His character and will for our lives. This obedience is not about legalism but about living in a way that honors God and reflects our relationship with Him. As we obey God's commandments, we demonstrate our love for Him and our desire to live according to His will. This joyful obedience is a testament to our faith and a witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel. [12:19]

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a specific commandment of God that you find challenging to obey? How can you seek God's help to joyfully follow His will in this area?


Day 4: Scriptural Worship - Aligning Our Worship with God's Word

In a Calvinistic context, worship is regulated by Scripture, not by cultural trends or personal preferences. This ensures that our worship is God-centered, reverent, and aligned with His revealed will. The regulative principle asserts that God has prescribed how He is to be worshiped, and our practices must align with His Word. While there may be cultural and customary variations in worship practices, the core must always be aligned with Scripture. This focus on scriptural worship helps believers to maintain a God-centered approach, ensuring that worship is pleasing to God and not shaped by the transient fads of the world. [20:18]

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your personal and corporate worship is aligned with Scripture and truly God-centered?


Day 5: The Regulative Principle - Worship That Pleases God

The regulative principle is a key aspect of Calvinistic worship, asserting that God has prescribed how He is to be worshiped, and our practices must align with His Word. This principle ensures that worship is not shaped by personal preferences or cultural trends but is rooted in Scripture. While there may be variations in expression, the core of our worship must be aligned with God's revealed will, ensuring that it pleases Him above all else. This approach to worship fosters a deep sense of reverence and awe, as believers seek to honor God in all aspects of their worship. [21:55]

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you evaluate and adjust your worship practices to ensure they are pleasing to God and aligned with His Word?

Quotes


The gospel of God's grace is designed to bring us to the place of unconditional ISM to the place where we gladly and freely constrained by the gospel of God's grace in Christ give ourselves wholy and without Reserve to the god of our salvation. [00:01:26]

A church where Calvinism as it is called is at its heart will be a church marked by an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty there will be this glad open public acknowledgment that from him through him and to him are all things that the sovereignty of God the Divine good pleasure of God lies at the very heart and core of the creation. [00:02:06]

Calvinism has one preeminent concern in its life and in the explication of its life as a church and that is to live before God's face to glorify God if you like because calvinist recognized that the only verdict that matters in life is God's verdict. [00:04:36]

We live before the face of God we seek his approbation and ultimately the approbation of no other but fourthly Calvinism shapes all of Life by the revelation of God's holiness God said to his people Leviticus 11:44 quoted by Peter in 1 Peter 1:16 be holy for I am holy. [00:08:00]

Calvinism seeks to shape all of life not least the life of the church as the corporate Body of Christ by the holy Commandments of God the biblical calvinist is therefore an obedience loving believer Calvin wonderfully Blended Union with Christ and obedience to Christ throughout his ministry. [00:10:10]

The law of God does not have a peripheral concern in Calvinism it has a central concern because it was a central concern of the Lord Jesus Christ do not think Matthew 5:17 that I've come to abolish the law and the prophets no I've not come to abolish them I have come to fulfill them. [00:11:04]

The law so far as it is a rule of Life a bridal to keep us in the fear of the Lord a Spur to correct the sluggishness of our flesh is as much in force as ever and is simply echoing the teaching of Christ listen to how the Apostle John puts it so strikingly in his first letter. [00:13:37]

Union with Christ brings us into Union with the one who perfectly in our Place kept God's Commandments and set before us a pattern for life and it's that pattern for life that the Holy Spirit comes by his ministry of replication as Calvin calls it to impress Upon Our Lives. [00:15:14]

Calvinism is content and satisfied with scriptural worship this is another Storm Center in Evangelical Christianity Today submission to the unconditional sovereignty of God is seen practically in submission to the authority and sufficiency of his holy word and this means that Calvinists seek to have their love lives and the life of their churches contoured by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. [00:17:56]

Our worship as the people of God can never and must never be shaped and informed by the fads and Fashions of the moment but by the abiding priest precepts and principles of God's word it was CS Lewis who said fads and Fashions come and go but they mainly go they mainly go. [00:18:41]

The regulative principle the principle of worship that is regulated Alone by the word of God that is to say God has not left us to devise our own way of worship any more than he has left us to devise our own way of justification we wouldn't dream of devising a doctrine of justification that fitted in with the prevailing attitudes and mindsets and fads and Fashions of the present day. [00:19:37]

Calvinism seeks to absolutely enthrone at the heart of its life the regulative principle that Worship Is defined styled in full formed by the word of God and in our next lecture we'll pick up more on these notes that Define Calvinism. [00:23:44]

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Transcript
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