Rediscovering Faith: Lessons from the Reformation

 

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound impact of church history, particularly focusing on the Reformation and Martin Luther's pivotal role. Our journey began with a brief overview of the Middle Ages, highlighting the church's evolution from a life preserver of classical teachings to an institution entangled with political power and moral decay. This historical context set the stage for understanding the Reformation's necessity and Luther's courageous stand against the church's corrupt practices, such as the sale of indulgences.

Luther's life story is a testament to the transformative power of God's Word. From his humble beginnings to his dramatic vow during a thunderstorm, Luther's journey led him to challenge the church's authority by nailing his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg church door. His theses emphasized repentance, the limitations of penance laws, and the importance of practical acts of love over purchasing indulgences. These actions sparked a movement that emphasized five key principles: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Sola Gratia (Grace alone), Sola Fide (Faith alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone).

The Reformation teaches us the enduring power of God's Word and the importance of grounding our faith in Scripture. Unlike Luther's time, we have unprecedented access to the Bible, yet we often struggle with distractions and busyness. Therefore, we must intentionally carve out time for God's Word, obey His voice, and muster the courage to act on His commands. Luther's example reminds us that true discipleship requires a commitment to hearing and obeying God's Word, even when it demands sacrifice and courage.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of God's Word: The Reformation underscores the transformative power of Scripture. Luther's emphasis on Sola Scriptura reminds us that the Bible should be our primary source of authority. In a world filled with distractions, we must prioritize time for God's Word, allowing it to shape our lives and guide our decisions. [52:52]

2. Repentance as a Lifestyle: Luther's first thesis highlights that repentance is not a one-time act but a continuous lifestyle. True repentance involves a daily turning away from sin and a commitment to live in alignment with God's will. This ongoing process keeps our hearts humble and receptive to God's guidance. [47:33]

3. Obedience to God's Call: Luther's immediate response to God's call during the thunderstorm exemplifies the importance of obedience. When God speaks, we must act without delay, trusting that His plans are better than our own. Delayed obedience can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from experiencing God's blessings. [59:17]

4. Courage in the Face of Opposition: Luther's stand at the Diet of Worms teaches us the necessity of courage in our faith journey. Obeying God's Word often requires us to stand against societal norms and face potential backlash. True discipleship demands that we remain steadfast, trusting God to sustain us through challenges. [01:02:24]

5. The Importance of Practical Love: Luther's critique of indulgences emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through practical acts of love. Instead of seeking to buy God's favor, we should focus on serving others and meeting their needs. This aligns our actions with the heart of the Gospel and reflects God's love to the world. [49:14]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[28:27] - Introduction and Prayer
[29:32] - Discovering History in Mainz
[30:44] - Series Overview: Spiritual Lessons from History
[31:39] - Quick Review of Medieval History
[32:30] - Early Middle Ages: Life Preserver
[33:39] - High Middle Ages: Entanglement and Decay
[34:49] - Corruption in the Church
[35:48] - The Great Schism and Humanism
[37:12] - Reformation Context
[38:42] - Martin Luther's Story
[40:16] - The Power and Wealth of the Church
[41:53] - The Practice of Indulgences
[45:16] - Luther's Vow and Monastic Life
[46:49] - Luther's 95 Theses
[49:54] - The Trial at Worms
[51:23] - Five Emphases of the Reformation
[52:52] - The Power of the Word of God
[54:37] - Modern Access to the Bible
[56:15] - Application: Hurry and Simplify
[59:17] - Application: Obedience
[01:00:56] - Application: Courage
[01:04:10] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:06:33] - Communion
[01:24:59] - Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:16-17 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
3. James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the key corrupt practices in the church that Martin Luther opposed, as mentioned in the sermon? [34:49]
2. What are the five key principles of the Reformation that were emphasized in the sermon? [51:23]
3. How did Martin Luther's experience during the thunderstorm influence his life and decisions? [45:16]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Luther's 95 Theses? [46:49]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) challenge the way we view other sources of authority in our lives? [52:52]
2. In what ways does Luther's emphasis on repentance as a lifestyle (Thesis 1) differ from a one-time act of repentance? [47:33]
3. How can Luther's immediate obedience to God's call during the thunderstorm serve as a model for our own responses to God's commands? [59:17]
4. What does Luther's courage at the Diet of Worms teach us about standing firm in our faith despite opposition? [01:02:24]

#### Application Questions
1. Prioritizing God's Word: In today's busy world, what practical steps can you take to prioritize time for reading and meditating on God's Word? [54:37]
2. Living a Life of Repentance: Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you need to practice continuous repentance? How can you make repentance a regular part of your spiritual routine? [47:33]
3. Immediate Obedience: Think of a recent time when you felt God was calling you to do something. Did you respond immediately, or did you delay? What can you do to improve your responsiveness to God's voice? [59:17]
4. Courage in Faith: Identify a situation in your life where you need to stand firm in your faith. What steps can you take to muster the courage needed to face this challenge? [01:02:24]
5. Practical Acts of Love: Luther emphasized the importance of practical acts of love over purchasing indulgences. What are some specific ways you can demonstrate practical love to those around you this week? [49:14]
6. Avoiding Distractions: What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on God's Word? How can you minimize or eliminate these distractions? [57:38]
7. Encouraging Others: How can you encourage someone in your small group or community to be courageous and obedient in their faith journey? [01:04:10]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Scripture
Description: The Reformation underscores the transformative power of Scripture. Martin Luther's emphasis on Sola Scriptura reminds us that the Bible should be our primary source of authority. In a world filled with distractions, we must prioritize time for God's Word, allowing it to shape our lives and guide our decisions. Luther's life story is a testament to the transformative power of God's Word. From his humble beginnings to his dramatic vow during a thunderstorm, Luther's journey led him to challenge the church's authority by nailing his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg church door. His theses emphasized repentance, the limitations of penance laws, and the importance of practical acts of love over purchasing indulgences. These actions sparked a movement that emphasized five key principles: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Sola Gratia (Grace alone), Sola Fide (Faith alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone). [52:52]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you carve out intentional time each day to immerse yourself in God's Word, allowing it to guide your decisions and shape your life?


Day 2: Repentance as a Continuous Lifestyle
Description: Luther's first thesis highlights that repentance is not a one-time act but a continuous lifestyle. True repentance involves a daily turning away from sin and a commitment to live in alignment with God's will. This ongoing process keeps our hearts humble and receptive to God's guidance. Repentance is a daily practice that requires us to constantly evaluate our actions and thoughts, seeking to align them with God's will. It is not merely about feeling sorry for our sins but about making a conscious effort to change our ways and live a life that reflects God's love and grace. [47:33]

Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice daily repentance? How can you make a conscious effort to turn away from sin and align with God's will today?


Day 3: Immediate Obedience to God's Call
Description: Luther's immediate response to God's call during the thunderstorm exemplifies the importance of obedience. When God speaks, we must act without delay, trusting that His plans are better than our own. Delayed obedience can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from experiencing God's blessings. Obedience to God's call requires us to trust in His plans and act promptly, even when it demands sacrifice and courage. It is through immediate obedience that we can fully experience God's guidance and blessings in our lives. [59:17]

James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

Reflection: Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you have been delaying? What steps can you take today to act on His call without hesitation?


Day 4: Courage in the Face of Opposition
Description: Luther's stand at the Diet of Worms teaches us the necessity of courage in our faith journey. Obeying God's Word often requires us to stand against societal norms and face potential backlash. True discipleship demands that we remain steadfast, trusting God to sustain us through challenges. Courage in the face of opposition is essential for living out our faith authentically. It requires us to trust in God's strength and remain firm in our convictions, even when faced with adversity. [01:02:24]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to stand firm in your faith despite opposition. How can you draw strength from God to remain courageous and steadfast?


Day 5: The Importance of Practical Love
Description: Luther's critique of indulgences emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through practical acts of love. Instead of seeking to buy God's favor, we should focus on serving others and meeting their needs. This aligns our actions with the heart of the Gospel and reflects God's love to the world. Practical love involves actively seeking ways to serve and support others, demonstrating God's love through our actions. It is through these acts of love that we can truly reflect the heart of the Gospel and make a positive impact on those around us. [49:14]

1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could use a practical act of love today. What specific action can you take to serve and support them, reflecting God's love in a tangible way?

Quotes

### Quotes for outreach

1. "So just queue up the picture here. Each time we visited Europe, we've been really struck by God. We've been struck by just the depth of the history, the richness of the history, mostly Christian history or church history throughout Europe. So here is St. John's Church in Mainz, Germany, where I did some theological studies. And this is actually a real church that people are actively meeting in from Sunday to Sunday." [28:27] (34 seconds) ( | | )

2. "So As people who are continuing to meet in the succession of history. Granville Chapel, we're celebrating our 75th anniversary this coming year. But imagine a church 1,200 years old, right? Imagine if this church were still here 1,200 years later and they're excavating and they're finding things in the font or something like that. There's just this richness of history and heritage. The awareness of the past." [30:44] (30 seconds) ( | | )

3. "So what can we learn from this period in history, these 500, 700 years that have just kind of blown through? The primary thing, I think, is the power of the word of God. As I mentioned, part of what was going on at the time was this renaissance, this wanting to go back to the sources, wanting to go back to the classical world. And part of this was wanting to rediscover the beginnings of the Bible or the New Testament." [52:52] (31 seconds) ( | | )

4. "So I'll just leave you with those three applications. One is make space for the Word of God in your life. Two is when you hear that message, be obedient. Be obedient. And three is when it's hard, take courage. Take courage. Keep on walking the walk of discipleship." [01:03:47] (26 seconds) ( | | )

5. "So we practice what we call an open table in which people are welcome to come, all believers and those who want to come to Jesus are welcome to come and take the bread and the blood of Jesus. If this is your first time receiving of the blood and of the body of Jesus in faith, then we ask that you would tell somebody. Maybe share with one of our staff members or share with one of the persons that you're familiar with." [01:08:04] (28 seconds) ( | | )

### Quotes for members

1. "So here's our outline for today. I want to begin with a real quick review of medieval history. And I mean real quick. So it's going to feel like a sprint through it, right? Like last week, Jason really took us through. And it was more like an Iron Man triathlon type of a thing, which we were able to kind of go through all of those thousand years. I'm just going to sprint right through it. And we're going to review some of that just to set the context for today as we talk about Reformation and Luther and the Reformation." [31:39] (34 seconds) ( | | )

2. "So Martin Luther, Martin Luther was born to a humble family. He and his five siblings, three brothers, two sisters, were the children of a father. And he died fast. Go to your mother and see if you can find your father, the one who died. And then he was born again, Martin Luther, who was working class, copper miner. But Luther was sent to study law. So this is outside of his regular family industry. And he finishes his bachelor's in three semesters and he goes on to do his masters. He finishes that. He achieves second in his class. So it's this bright career of law in front of him." [43:48] (40 seconds) ( | | )

3. "So he nailed these 95 theses to that castle wall in Wittenberg, wanting to dispute or wanting to discuss and debate these things with the clergy and the professors at Wittenberg. But what happens is that, as I mentioned, actually these theses are not discussed, but what happens is this process that eventually leads to this trial at Wittenberg. So Wittenberg's trial warring against the clergy begins through this sc verdade." [49:54] (36 seconds) ( | | )

4. "So these are pictures, again, that we took while we were in Germany. This is in Worms, the town of Worms. And I mean, it's commemorative. It's all about Luther, that town now. They remember him as larger than life. He was more than just a spiritual and religious reformer. He was really a cultural icon for all of Germany. And so there's that statue of him. It's huge in the center of the city. And there's Luther on top, and then the other reformers around him sitting down." [01:00:56] (29 seconds) ( | | )

5. "So I don't know what it is that God may be speaking to you in your life, but it may not be easy to do. It may take courage to do. It might not be the kind of life and death situation that Luther was faced with, but we all have the things that we face in our own lives, things that are difficult, that are challenging. Discipleship is challenging. Following Jesus is challenging. It might make you look bad in front of others. You might have to take a pay cut for this. There might be some kind of sacrifice for an obedience to the Lord Jesus." [01:02:24] (40 seconds) ( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?