Rediscovering Faith: Lessons from the Reformation

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we journeyed through the historical landscape of the Reformation, a pivotal period in church history that reshaped the Christian faith. We began by considering the challenges faced by believers who, for centuries, engaged with church teachings in a language they did not understand. This disconnect was emblematic of broader issues within the church, such as corruption and the selling of indulgences, which necessitated a profound transformation. The Reformation was not merely a historical event but a movement driven by a deep desire to return to the teachings of Jesus and the essence of the Gospel.

We explored the lives of key figures like John Wycliffe, Johannes Gutenberg, Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin, each contributing uniquely to the Reformation's momentum. Wycliffe's translation of the Bible into English and Gutenberg's invention of the printing press democratized access to the Scriptures, empowering believers to engage with God's Word directly. Luther's revelation of justification by faith alone challenged the prevailing church doctrines, igniting debates that would forever alter the religious landscape. Zwingli and Calvin furthered these reforms, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the importance of living under His rule.

The Reformation was marked by both unity and division, as reformers sought to align church practices with biblical teachings. This period highlighted the tension between the cross and the kingdom, underscoring the need for a balance between salvation and living under God's rule. The Anabaptists, with their emphasis on believer's baptism and separation of church and state, added another layer to this complex tapestry.

As we reflect on this history, we are reminded of our own role in God's kingdom. The Reformation challenges us to consider how we are serving King Jesus today. Despite our limitations and struggles, God chooses to use us as His representatives on earth. We are called to engage with the needs around us, to live out our faith in tangible ways, and to contribute to the building of His kingdom. This is our vocation, a life centered on self-sacrificial love under the rule of a servant King.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Language and Access to Scripture: The Reformation underscored the importance of believers having direct access to the Scriptures in their own language. This access empowers individuals to engage with God's Word personally, fostering a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. It challenges us to value and prioritize Scripture in our own lives, recognizing its transformative power. [43:45]

2. Justification by Faith Alone: Martin Luther's revelation that justification is an act of God's grace, received as a gift rather than through human effort, was revolutionary. This truth invites us to rest in God's grace, freeing us from the burden of striving for acceptance. It calls us to live in the assurance of our salvation, allowing this grace to transform our lives and relationships. [54:02]

3. The Balance of the Cross and the Kingdom: The Reformation highlighted the need to balance the message of the cross with the call to live under God's kingdom. This balance challenges us to not only focus on personal salvation but also to actively participate in God's work in the world. It invites us to embody the values of the kingdom, serving others with love and humility. [01:05:59]

4. The Role of the Priesthood of All Believers: The Reformation emphasized the priesthood of all believers, affirming that every Christian has a role in God's kingdom. This truth empowers us to embrace our unique gifts and callings, contributing to the church's mission in diverse ways. It challenges us to see our everyday lives as opportunities to serve and represent Christ. [01:08:29]

5. The Call to Radical Discipleship: The Reformation reminds us that following Jesus often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing radical discipleship. This call challenges us to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly pursuits, to engage in acts of service and love that reflect Christ's heart. It invites us to live with courage and conviction, trusting in God's guidance and provision. [01:03:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Introduction to the Reformation
- [00:03:00] - Language and Access to Scripture
- [00:06:00] - Corruption in the Church
- [00:09:00] - The Role of Key Reformers
- [00:12:00] - Martin Luther's Revelation
- [00:15:00] - The Printing Press and Its Impact
- [00:18:00] - The Cross and the Kingdom
- [00:21:00] - The Anabaptists and Their Beliefs
- [00:24:00] - The Priesthood of All Believers
- [00:27:00] - The Call to Radical Discipleship
- [00:30:00] - Reflection on Our Role in God's Kingdom
- [00:33:00] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Reformation and Our Role in God's Kingdom

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:8-10 (The Beatitudes)
2. 1 Corinthians 15:58
3. Psalm 90:17

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Observation Questions:

1. What were some of the key issues within the church that led to the Reformation, as discussed in the sermon? [43:45]

2. How did the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg impact the Reformation and the accessibility of the Bible? [50:07]

3. What was Martin Luther's revelation about justification, and how did it challenge the prevailing church doctrines of his time? [54:02]

4. How did the Anabaptists' beliefs differ from other reformers, and what was their emphasis on church and state? [01:03:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "justification by faith alone" change the way believers understand their relationship with God and their own salvation? [54:02]

2. In what ways did the Reformation highlight the tension between the message of the cross and the call to live under God's kingdom? How can this tension be seen in today's church? [01:05:59]

3. What does the "priesthood of all believers" mean, and how does it empower individuals within the church to contribute to God's mission? [01:08:29]

4. How did the Reformation's emphasis on language and access to Scripture transform the personal faith journey of believers? [43:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own access to Scripture. How can you prioritize engaging with God's Word in your daily life to deepen your relationship with Him? [43:45]

2. Martin Luther's revelation about justification by faith alone invites us to rest in God's grace. How can you let go of striving for acceptance and live in the assurance of your salvation this week? [54:02]

3. The Reformation challenges us to balance personal salvation with active participation in God's work. What is one tangible way you can serve others in your community this month? [01:05:59]

4. Consider the idea of the "priesthood of all believers." What unique gifts or callings do you have that can contribute to the church's mission? How can you use them this week? [01:08:29]

5. The call to radical discipleship often requires stepping out of comfort zones. What is one area in your life where you feel called to embrace radical discipleship, and what steps can you take to pursue it? [01:03:15]

6. Reflect on the historical figures of the Reformation. How can their courage and conviction inspire you to stand firm in your faith amidst challenges today? [46:55]

7. How are you currently serving King Jesus, and what is your contribution to His kingdom? Identify one new way you can serve or contribute in the coming weeks. [46:55]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Scripture Access
The Reformation highlighted the critical importance of believers having direct access to the Scriptures in their own language. This access was revolutionary, as it allowed individuals to engage with God's Word personally, fostering a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. The translation of the Bible into vernacular languages and the invention of the printing press democratized the Scriptures, empowering believers to explore their faith independently. This movement challenged the church's monopoly on biblical interpretation and encouraged personal spiritual growth. Today, we are reminded to value and prioritize Scripture in our own lives, recognizing its transformative power and the profound impact it can have on our faith journey. [43:45]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make Scripture a more integral part of your daily routine, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's Word this week?


Day 2: Resting in God's Grace
Martin Luther's revelation that justification is an act of God's grace, received as a gift rather than through human effort, was a cornerstone of the Reformation. This truth invites believers to rest in God's grace, freeing them from the burden of striving for acceptance and earning salvation through works. It calls us to live in the assurance of our salvation, allowing this grace to transform our lives and relationships. Embracing justification by faith alone encourages us to trust in God's love and mercy, leading to a life of gratitude and service. [54:02]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving for acceptance or approval? How can you begin to rest in God's grace and let go of these burdens today?


Day 3: Balancing the Cross and the Kingdom
The Reformation emphasized the need to balance the message of the cross with the call to live under God's kingdom. This balance challenges believers to not only focus on personal salvation but also to actively participate in God's work in the world. It invites us to embody the values of the kingdom, serving others with love and humility. By living out our faith in tangible ways, we contribute to the building of God's kingdom on earth, reflecting the heart of Jesus in our actions and relationships. [01:05:59]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve others in your community this week, embodying the values of God's kingdom in your daily life?


Day 4: Embracing the Priesthood of All Believers
The Reformation affirmed the priesthood of all believers, emphasizing that every Christian has a role in God's kingdom. This truth empowers individuals to embrace their unique gifts and callings, contributing to the church's mission in diverse ways. It challenges us to see our everyday lives as opportunities to serve and represent Christ, recognizing that we are all called to be active participants in God's work. By embracing our roles as priests, we can make a meaningful impact in our communities and the world. [01:08:29]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you have that can be used to serve others and advance God's kingdom? How can you begin to use them more intentionally this week?


Day 5: The Call to Radical Discipleship
The Reformation reminds us that following Jesus often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing radical discipleship. This call challenges believers to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly pursuits, engaging in acts of service and love that reflect Christ's heart. It invites us to live with courage and conviction, trusting in God's guidance and provision as we seek to follow Him wholeheartedly. Radical discipleship is about living a life centered on self-sacrificial love under the rule of a servant King. [01:03:15]

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith and embrace radical discipleship? What practical steps can you take to respond to this call today?

Quotes

Imagine sitting and listening to the songs, the scriptures, and sometimes even the preaching in a language that was not your own. In the fourth century, the official language of the church became Latin. And it would remain that way for the next thousand years or so. [00:42:34] (24 seconds)


The Reformation brought out the best and the worst of our humanity. And so the church would eventually split into distinct directions. The Protestant church in Europe finally takes its final stand away from what became known as the Roman Catholic Church. [01:05:54] (20 seconds)


In some instances the cross took preference and the emphasis was about salvation to the extent that they rejected this idea of even practicing helping others to do the same. Or any idea of living under God's rule focusing on salvation and the reading of scriptures and going around in those circles without any motivation to do anything about God's kingdom. [01:07:32] (29 seconds)


The flip side is true where the kingdom without a cross was about struggle for power without living Jesus' invitation to serve instead of being served. So here's a question. What do you think God saw in the Reformation? [01:08:36] (17 seconds)


I think one common thread throughout this period was the willingness of people to engage in the needs they saw before them. Some of these people were academic. Others were practical. Some traveled while others didn't ever leave their region. Some were leaders. Others were lay people. [01:08:59] (22 seconds)


God is building his kingdom and we know that we live in a time where we anticipate his final redemption, his manifestation through the new new heaven and the new earth, the new creation. So we continue to work with him. He chooses to use you and me. [01:09:53] (20 seconds)


This priesthood of all believers, we have been tasked with representing the kingdom. Despite my physical inabilities, my illness, despite my mental struggles, despite my relational issues, my troubles at work, despite my brokenness and the sense of hopelessness that sometimes I experience, God continues to choose to use me and to use you for his kingdom. [01:10:17] (31 seconds)


I'll finish with this quote from Tom Wright and Mike Bird in a book called Jesus and the Powers. Perhaps the single greatest threat is not the rise of secularism or the emptying of churches but the apathy and indifference of the churches that are still here. [01:10:44] (20 seconds)


People too self-absorbed and too affluent to care for anything outside their own social media bubble, beyond their own circle of friends and beyond the view of their front lawns. Too many so-called disciples committed to Jesus to the point of convenience, not to the point where their discipleship costs them anything. [01:11:44] (23 seconds)


Yet Jesus bids us all to come and follow him, to leave worldly trinkets behind and to do hard things, to do crazy things and impossible things for no other reason than that he is our king walking alongside us, suffusing our earthly endeavors with the enemy of the Spirit. [01:12:25] (28 seconds)


What will you do for the kingdom? Will you stand with me as I pray? Heavenly Father, King Jesus, ever-present Spirit, we want to thank you for the people that have come before us as we exploring these echoes of faith throughout our church history. [01:13:18] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
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