Peter Valdez: A Legacy of Faith and Scripture

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Personal Conviction

Peter Valdez's journey began with a profound personal conviction to live like Jesus, which led him to sell his possessions and dedicate his life to teaching the Bible in the common language. This decision underscores the transformative impact of scripture when it is made accessible to all. Valdez's actions were not just about personal piety but about making a lasting impact on his community by ensuring that the teachings of Jesus were available to everyone, regardless of their social status or education level. His commitment to translating the scriptures into the common language was a radical move that challenged the status quo and empowered ordinary people to engage with the word of God directly. [01:45]

Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV): "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel a strong conviction to change or act differently? How can you take a concrete step today to align that area with the teachings of Jesus?

Day 2: Courageous Faith in the Face of Persecution

The Valdenzians' emphasis on voluntary poverty and public preaching challenged the established norms of the Roman Catholic Church, demonstrating the importance of living out one's faith with courage and conviction, even in the face of persecution. Their commitment to imitating Christ and the apostles often led to severe consequences, yet they persisted in their mission. This courage was not just about defying authority but about a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of the gospel and the necessity of sharing it with others. The Valdenzians serve as a powerful example of how faith can inspire individuals and communities to stand firm in their beliefs, regardless of the opposition they face. [06:04]

2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel hesitant to share your faith or live out your beliefs. What is one step you can take today to act with courage and conviction in that situation?

Day 3: The Power of Community and Shared Leadership

Despite being condemned as heretics, the Valdenzians formed an underground church structure that allowed laypeople to perform religious duties, highlighting the significance of community and shared leadership in sustaining faith movements. This approach not only empowered individuals within the community but also ensured the continuity and resilience of their movement. By decentralizing religious authority and involving laypeople in leadership roles, the Valdenzians created a dynamic and adaptable community that could withstand external pressures and continue to thrive. Their model of shared leadership and community involvement serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering all members of a faith community to contribute to its mission and growth. [10:16]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: Reflect on your role within your faith community. How can you use your unique gifts and talents to contribute to the community's mission and support others in their spiritual journey?

Day 4: Returning to the Foundational Truths of Scripture

The Valdenzians' rejection of many Roman Catholic practices and their focus on the authority of scripture in the common language illustrate the power of returning to the foundational truths of the Bible to guide one's faith and practice. By prioritizing the scriptures over established traditions, the Valdenzians sought to align their lives more closely with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. This return to the foundational truths of the Bible was not just about theological correctness but about living a life that truly reflected the values and principles of the gospel. Their example challenges us to examine our own beliefs and practices and to ensure that they are rooted in the teachings of scripture. [20:44]

Psalm 119:105-106 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you rely more on tradition or habit than on scripture. How can you seek guidance from the Bible to realign this area with God's word?

Day 5: The Resilience of Faith Communities

The enduring legacy of the Valdenzians, who persisted through persecution and left a lasting impact on the church, serves as a testament to the resilience of faith communities that prioritize the word of God and live out their beliefs with integrity. Despite facing significant challenges and opposition, the Valdenzians remained committed to their mission and values, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire believers today. Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that can be found in communities that are united by a shared commitment to the gospel and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of their faith. [31:30]

Hebrews 10:32-34 (ESV): "But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one."

Reflection: Think about a time when your faith was tested. How did your faith community support you during that time, and how can you offer similar support to others facing challenges today?

Sermon Summary

Peter Valdez, also known as Waldo, was a wealthy merchant from Lyon, France, who lived during the late medieval period. Around 1173, he was deeply moved by the story of Alexis, a man who gave up everything to follow Jesus and died in poverty. Troubled by his own dishonest business practices, Valdez sought guidance from a priest on how to live like Jesus. The priest recited Jesus' words to the rich young ruler from Matthew 19:21, prompting Valdez to sell his possessions, provide for his family, and give the rest to the poor. He also hired a priest to translate the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament into the common language, enabling him to teach others.

Valdez's teachings attracted a large following, known as the Valdenzians, who embraced voluntary poverty and sought to imitate Christ and the apostles. They emphasized the importance of understanding the Bible in the common language and were known for their public preaching, which often led to persecution by the Roman Catholic Church. Despite being condemned as heretics, the Valdenzians continued their work, forming an underground church structure that allowed laypeople to perform religious duties typically reserved for priests.

The Valdenzians were known for their modesty, humility, and dedication to living a godly life. They rejected many practices of the Roman Catholic Church, such as clerical celibacy, monasticism, and the use of Latin in liturgy, advocating instead for the authority of the scriptures in the common language. Their principled stand often led to severe persecution, but they persisted, leaving a legacy that continues to this day with Valdenzian congregations around the world.

The story of Peter Valdez and the Valdenzians highlights the enduring power of God to purify His church through movements that emphasize the centrality of His word. Their commitment to making the scriptures accessible to everyday people brought about radical change and revival in Europe, even before the Protestant Reformation.

Key Takeaways

1. Peter Valdez's transformation began with a deep conviction to live like Jesus, leading him to sell his possessions and dedicate his life to teaching the Bible in the common language. This decision underscores the power of personal conviction and the transformative impact of scripture when it is made accessible to all. [01:45]
2. The Valdenzians' emphasis on voluntary poverty and public preaching challenged the established norms of the Roman Catholic Church, demonstrating the importance of living out one's faith with courage and conviction, even in the face of persecution. [06:04]
3. Despite being condemned as heretics, the Valdenzians formed an underground church structure that allowed laypeople to perform religious duties, highlighting the significance of community and shared leadership in sustaining faith movements. [10:16]
4. The Valdenzians' rejection of many Roman Catholic practices and their focus on the authority of scripture in the common language illustrate the power of returning to the foundational truths of the Bible to guide one's faith and practice. [20:44]
5. The enduring legacy of the Valdenzians, who persisted through persecution and left a lasting impact on the church, serves as a testament to the resilience of faith communities that prioritize the word of God and live out their beliefs with integrity. [31:30]
** [31:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Introduction to Peter Valdez
[00:54] - Valdez's Transformation
[01:45] - Embracing Jesus' Call
[02:32] - Translating the Scriptures
[03:05] - The Movement Begins
[04:25] - Persecution and Expulsion
[05:18] - Apostolic Courage
[06:04] - Valdenzian Practices
[07:30] - Conflict with the Church
[09:27] - Condemnation as Heretics
[10:55] - Forbidden Scriptures
[13:23] - Godly Living
[17:12] - Expansion and Persecution
[19:56] - Critique of Church Practices
[22:38] - Pre-Protestant Beliefs
[25:29] - Legacy and Persistence
[31:30] - Emphasis on God's Word

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of Peter Valdez and the Valdenzians

Bible Reading:

Matthew 19:21 - "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Acts 4:19 - "But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.'"

Observation Questions:

What was the pivotal moment that led Peter Valdez to transform his life and follow Jesus? [01:30]
How did Peter Valdez make the scriptures accessible to the common people of his time? [02:32]
What were some of the practices and beliefs that distinguished the Valdenzians from the Roman Catholic Church? [06:04]
How did the Valdenzians respond to the persecution they faced from the Roman Catholic Church? [10:16]

Interpretation Questions:

What does Peter Valdez's decision to sell his possessions and follow Jesus tell us about the power of personal conviction and the transformative impact of scripture? [01:45]
How did the Valdenzians' emphasis on voluntary poverty and public preaching challenge the established norms of their time? [06:04]
In what ways did the Valdenzians' underground church structure highlight the significance of community and shared leadership in sustaining faith movements? [10:16]
How does the Valdenzians' focus on the authority of scripture in the common language illustrate the power of returning to foundational biblical truths? [20:44]

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when a personal conviction led you to make a significant change in your life. How did scripture play a role in that decision? [01:45]
The Valdenzians faced persecution for their beliefs. How can you stand firm in your faith when faced with opposition or criticism? [06:04]
Consider the importance of community in your faith journey. How can you contribute to a supportive and shared leadership environment in your church or small group? [10:16]
The Valdenzians prioritized making scripture accessible to all. How can you help others in your community understand and engage with the Bible? [20:44]
Think about a practice or belief in your life that might not align with biblical teachings. What steps can you take to realign your actions with scripture? [20:44]
The Valdenzians were known for their modesty and humility. How can you cultivate these qualities in your daily interactions with others? [12:39]
How can the legacy of the Valdenzians inspire you to live out your faith with integrity and resilience, even in challenging circumstances? [31:30]

Sermon Clips

Valdez decided to do exactly that, so he provided his wife with an adequate income, he put his two daughters in a Cloister, you know they would get a good upbringing and be protected there, and then he gave away the rest of everything that he owned. Now he did keep enough money to hire a priest to translate the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament to translate them into the common language. [00:19:47]

A contemporary of Peter Valdez wrote this: soon there flowed unto him a very great multitude of poor Folk, whom he taught to practice voluntary poverty and to become imitators of Christ and his Apostles. He taught them the text of the New Testament in the common language and being rebuked for his boldness he did not regard the rebuke and began to insist on his own teaching. [00:03:09]

Valdez was expelled from the city of Lyon. It's told that in his last meeting before the Archbishop of Leon the Archbishop severely threatened Valdez and warned him to stop preaching. Valdez's response was it is better to obey God than man. Now that's why he's often called Peter Valdez. [00:04:38]

They emphasize the importance of hearing and understanding the word of God, the Bible. It was from the scriptures that men and women would know Jesus Christ as the center of their faith. His followers also lived in voluntary poverty, and they were very persistent with their purpose to preach in public. [00:05:37]

The valdenzis loved the Bible, they love to memorize it. It was not unusual for ministers among the valdenzis to memorize the entire New Testament and large sections of the Old Testament. One critic of the Valdez he said that their lay people could repeat from memory large sections of the gospels, especially the teachings of Jesus. [00:06:40]

Eventually a complete underground structure rivaling the institutional Church formed along sectarian lines laymen were now permitted to hear confessions absolve since give communion and eventually to ordain church leaders. The valdenzis again well not formally splitting from the Roman Catholic Church they set up their own parallel structure of a church. [00:10:05]

They disagreed with the privileges of rank, with clerical prerogatives or you know rights, the title of Pope, with churchly incomes and endowments, with councils synods and ecclesiastical courts. They disagreed with clerical celibacy and monasticism. They criticized the method of catechism catechism uh instruction, uh the mystical interpretation of scripture, pilgrimages and processions. [00:19:49]

They also condemned candles organs Bells spiers canonical hours the Latin liturgy The Cult of images and Relics. They were critical of purgatory and prayers for the Dead, and all acts of worship that were not specifically directed by the Bible, and with all of this, they would teach the priority and the sole authority of the scriptures in the common language. [00:20:36]

The valdenzis continued faithful after the Reformation, and they were still persecuted because they lived mainly in countries and in regions that remained Roman Catholic, and there is a valdezian legacy to this very day there are valdezian churches scattered across the world including in North America and South America because they would flee because of persecution. [00:25:27]

I see in the story of the Valdez the enduring power of God to keep purifying elements within his church. Those purifying elements are often not received warmly, but it's wonderful to see that God continually does that and to see the central place with attention to and a focus upon God's word in those purifying movements within the church. [00:31:30]

To me one of the most wonderful things about the valdenzians and Peter Valdez in particular was his emphasis on the word of God for everyday people, not at a high academic sense beyond the knowledge or the ability of common people, but the word of God as much as possible for the common people that brought radical change and in many ways you could even say Revival. [00:31:57]

Well thanks so much for joining us for this shorter lecture and I hope you can join us for our next lecture in this series we're examining church history sort of in its first half up until the time of the Protestant Reformation. Thanks for joining us hope you can join us for the next one. [00:32:14]

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