Living with Conviction in a Hostile World
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound insights of C.S. Lewis, particularly his critique of modern education as articulated in his lectures during World War II. Lewis warned that the educational system was producing "men without chests," individuals who possess knowledge and emotions but lack the courage and moral conviction that should connect the two. This metaphor serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of nurturing the heart, the seat of courage and conviction, in our spiritual and intellectual lives.
We find ourselves in a time that demands conviction, a time when Christian beliefs are increasingly met with hostility rather than respect. This is a period where the presence or absence of conviction is more apparent than ever. The societal shift towards secularism and the erosion of absolute truths challenge us to hold fast to our faith. The world around us may view us as regressive, but we are called to stand firm in our convictions, even if it means facing persecution or losing societal status.
Hebrews 11 provides a powerful narrative of faith, illustrating the lives of those who lived with conviction, trusting in promises they did not see fulfilled in their lifetimes. These figures, described as those "of whom the world was not worthy," exemplify the kind of faith that is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction that shapes one's entire being. This chapter challenges us to examine our own convictions and to ensure they are rooted in the truth of the Gospel.
In a world that often values positional leadership over convictional leadership, we are reminded of historical figures like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, who led with deep-seated beliefs and changed the course of history. Similarly, our faith should propel us to live lives of conviction, not swayed by the shifting sands of cultural trends but anchored in the eternal truths of Scripture.
As we navigate these challenging times, let us be inspired by the examples of faith in Hebrews 11 and strive to be men and women of conviction, holding fast to the truths of the Gospel and living lives that reflect the worthiness of the Lamb.
Key Takeaways:
- C.S. Lewis's critique of modern education as producing "men without chests" highlights the need for courage and moral conviction, which are essential for a holistic Christian life. This metaphor serves as a reminder to nurture our hearts, ensuring our knowledge and emotions are guided by strong convictions. [03:58]
- We live in a time that demands conviction, where Christian beliefs are increasingly met with hostility. This period challenges us to hold fast to our faith, even if it means facing persecution or losing societal status. Our convictions must be rooted in the truth of the Gospel, not swayed by cultural trends. [05:54]
- Hebrews 11 provides a narrative of faith, illustrating the lives of those who lived with conviction, trusting in promises they did not see fulfilled. These figures exemplify a faith that is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction that shapes one's entire being. [12:46]
- Historical figures like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher exemplify convictional leadership, driven by deep-seated beliefs that changed the course of history. Similarly, our faith should propel us to live lives of conviction, anchored in the eternal truths of Scripture. [16:01]
- In a world that often values positional leadership over convictional leadership, we are reminded of the importance of living lives that reflect the worthiness of the Lamb. Our convictions should be so fundamental that they shape our beliefs, emotions, and actions, ensuring we remain faithful to the Gospel. [22:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Singing with God's People
- [00:37] - C.S. Lewis's Wartime Lectures
- [01:12] - The Abolition of Man
- [02:32] - Men Without Chests
- [03:58] - The Heart of Courage
- [05:01] - A Time for Conviction
- [06:39] - Hostility Towards Christian Conviction
- [08:18] - Challenges in Medicine and Law
- [09:51] - Faith and Conviction
- [12:46] - Heroes of Faith in Hebrews 11
- [17:11] - Convictional Leadership
- [22:03] - The Nature of Convictions
- [25:49] - Faith as Assurance and Conviction
- [33:51] - The Doctrine of Creation
- [41:40] - The Apostle Paul's Conviction
- [45:49] - Men and Women of Conviction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-40
- Romans 8:38-39
- Philippians 1:6
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Observation Questions:
1. What does C.S. Lewis mean by "men without chests," and how does this metaphor relate to the current state of education and moral conviction? [02:32]
2. According to the sermon, how does Hebrews 11 illustrate the concept of faith and conviction? [12:46]
3. What examples of convictional leadership were mentioned in the sermon, and how did these leaders impact history? [16:01]
4. How does the sermon describe the societal shift towards secularism and its impact on Christian beliefs? [32:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of "men without chests" challenge us to evaluate the role of courage and moral conviction in our own lives? [03:58]
2. In what ways does Hebrews 11 challenge believers to live with a faith that is more than just intellectual assent? [12:46]
3. How can the examples of historical leaders like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher inspire Christians to lead with conviction today? [16:01]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between secularism and the erosion of absolute truths in society? [32:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your convictions were challenged. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [05:54]
2. Hebrews 11 describes faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. How can you cultivate this kind of faith in your daily life? [10:33]
3. Consider the societal pressures that may cause you to compromise your Christian beliefs. What practical steps can you take to stand firm in your convictions? [06:39]
4. How can you nurture the "heart" or "chest" in your spiritual life to ensure your knowledge and emotions are guided by strong convictions? [03:58]
5. Identify a leader in your life who exemplifies convictional leadership. What qualities do they possess that you can emulate in your own leadership roles? [16:01]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of being willing to face persecution for one's faith. How prepared do you feel to make sacrifices for your beliefs, and what support do you need from your community to do so? [07:25]
7. How can you engage with those around you who may view Christian beliefs as regressive, and what strategies can you use to communicate your convictions effectively? [06:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Nurturing the Heart of Courage
In a world where knowledge and emotions often dominate, C.S. Lewis's critique of modern education as producing "men without chests" serves as a powerful reminder of the need for courage and moral conviction. This metaphor highlights the importance of nurturing the heart, the seat of courage and conviction, to ensure that our knowledge and emotions are guided by strong convictions. In our spiritual and intellectual lives, it is essential to cultivate a heart that is courageous and morally grounded, allowing us to live a holistic Christian life. [03:58]
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you feel your convictions are weak. How can you begin to nurture courage and moral conviction in that area today?
Day 2: Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Hostility
We live in a time that demands conviction, where Christian beliefs are increasingly met with hostility. This period challenges us to hold fast to our faith, even if it means facing persecution or losing societal status. Our convictions must be rooted in the truth of the Gospel, not swayed by cultural trends. As the world around us shifts towards secularism and the erosion of absolute truths, we are called to stand firm in our beliefs, trusting in the eternal truths of Scripture. [05:54]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific situation where you feel pressured to compromise your faith. How can you stand firm in your convictions in that situation today?
Day 3: Faith Beyond Intellectual Assent
Hebrews 11 provides a powerful narrative of faith, illustrating the lives of those who lived with conviction, trusting in promises they did not see fulfilled in their lifetimes. These figures exemplify a faith that is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction that shapes one's entire being. This chapter challenges us to examine our own convictions and to ensure they are rooted in the truth of the Gospel, allowing our faith to transform every aspect of our lives. [12:46]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you are still waiting to see fulfilled. How can you live with conviction and trust in that promise today?
Day 4: Convictional Leadership in a Changing World
In a world that often values positional leadership over convictional leadership, historical figures like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher exemplify the power of leading with deep-seated beliefs. Similarly, our faith should propel us to live lives of conviction, anchored in the eternal truths of Scripture. As we navigate these challenging times, let us be inspired by these examples and strive to be men and women of conviction, holding fast to the truths of the Gospel. [16:01]
"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: Think of a leadership role you hold, whether at work, home, or in your community. How can you lead with conviction and love in that role today?
Day 5: Living Lives Worthy of the Gospel
As we reflect on the worthiness of the Lamb, we are reminded of the importance of living lives that reflect our convictions. Our beliefs, emotions, and actions should be so fundamentally shaped by the Gospel that we remain faithful, regardless of the cultural trends around us. Let us strive to be individuals whose lives are a testament to the eternal truths of Scripture, ensuring that our convictions guide us in every aspect of our lives. [22:03]
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how your daily actions reflect your faith. What is one specific change you can make today to live a life more worthy of the Gospel?
Quotes
Lewis was convinced that whatever grade school children were reading was inevitably shaping their hearts and whatever would shape their hearts would shape the worldview in the mind of the next generation. [00:01:28]
Lewis said in this modern age our educational system is producing men without chests. It's a very strange metaphor. What do you mean? He was thinking of an ancient even medieval understanding of the human being made up of head and stomach and chest made up of brain and stomach and heart. [00:02:35]
We are producing creatures without courage. They are knowing creatures, but they're not thinking creatures, and they are feeling creatures where those feelings are absolutely severed from the facts because what must make the human being morally effective and morally real is a heart. [00:03:59]
We live in a time in which Christian conviction, where it is found, biblical conviction, where it is found, is going to be met not just with something akin to amazement on the part of the society around us but outright hostility. [00:05:54]
We're about to find out where the Christians are in this society. We're about to find out that the moment is fast approaching when we're going to find out where the Christians are in the United States of America. [00:07:03]
Which is more important to us, that our sons and daughters become doctors and lawyers or that we remain true to all the scripture reveals? [00:09:34]
Convictions are settled truths that possess us. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. [00:25:49]
The writer of the book of Hebrews, inspired by the Holy Spirit, here reminds us of the courage there's mark to people of God that these are not men without Ches. These are those who had their faith and trust placed entirely in the one true and living God. [00:12:46]
Winston Churchill was made Prime Minister of Great Britain similarly in terms of prime ministers you take someone like Margaret Thatcher. Margaret Thatcher was a convictional politician. She wanted to do something in the way to get that done was to become the head of her party and prime minister of English. [00:16:01]
Convictional leadership and I pointed out that we all have beliefs we hold those beliefs, but we don't hold the convictions. The convictions hold us. They are the things about which we are so certain and so assured that we don't know ourselves without these convictions. [00:22:03]
The faith that is conviction that rests in God they are described as men of whom the world was not worthy. May we be begged by God's grace may we be by God's grace alone men and women of whom the world is not worthy not because there is any worthiness in us but because worthy is the lamb and that is our conviction. [00:45:49]
Every syllable of scripture resound as conviction in our hearts we pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord amen. [00:46:49]
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