Reformed Understanding: Christ, Sin, and Compassionate Ministry
Summary
In our time together, we explored the concept of being "Reformed and always reforming," emphasizing the importance of continually returning to the Word of God. This is not about creating new doctrines but deepening our understanding of existing ones. We discussed how the Reformed world has grappled with issues like concupiscence and same-sex attraction, recognizing that even our desires can be sinful and need repentance. This ongoing reformation is about aligning more closely with Scripture and historical church teachings.
We also delved into the mystery of Christ's nature, particularly His incarnation. The key takeaway is that Jesus, in becoming man, did not lose any of His divine attributes. He added humanity to His deity, remaining fully God and fully man. This understanding is crucial for maintaining a correct Christology, as emphasized by the early church creeds.
The Apostles' Creed's phrase "He descended into hell" was examined, with insights from historical perspectives and theological interpretations. This phrase underscores the completeness of Christ's experience of death, which is central to His role as Savior.
We addressed the challenge of fighting sin, acknowledging its allure due to the pleasure it offers. However, as Christians, we are called to seek eternal rewards over temporary gratification. This battle is a testament to the war against the world, the flesh, and the devil, reminding us of our need for Christ's strength.
Finally, we touched on the sensitive topic of ministering to those affected by transgender therapies and surgeries. The church's role is to offer compassion without affirming sin, pointing individuals to the grace and healing found in Christ. This approach is rooted in the understanding that all are marred by sin and in need of redemption.
Key Takeaways:
1. Reformation and Scripture: Being "Reformed and always reforming" means continually returning to Scripture, not inventing new doctrines. This process involves deepening our understanding of existing beliefs, such as the nature of sin and temptation, to align more closely with biblical teachings. [01:41]
2. Christ's Dual Nature: Jesus' incarnation did not diminish His divinity. He remained fully God while becoming fully man, adding humanity to His deity. This understanding is vital for maintaining a correct view of Christology, as emphasized by the early church creeds. [06:35]
3. Understanding the Apostles' Creed: The phrase "He descended into hell" in the Apostles' Creed highlights the completeness of Christ's experience of death. This understanding is crucial for recognizing the depth of His sacrifice and His role as Savior. [10:36]
4. The Battle Against Sin: Sin is tempting because it offers immediate pleasure, but Christians are called to seek eternal rewards. This ongoing battle against sin is a testament to the war against the world, the flesh, and the devil, reminding us of our need for Christ's strength. [14:13]
5. Compassionate Ministry: In ministering to those affected by transgender therapies, the church must offer compassion without affirming sin. This approach points individuals to the grace and healing found in Christ, recognizing that all are marred by sin and in need of redemption. [36:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - Introduction and Questions
[01:41] - Reformed and Always Reforming
[03:10] - Consensus on Sin and Temptation
[04:57] - Christ's Immutability and Incarnation
[06:35] - Jesus' Dual Nature
[09:03] - Apostles' Creed and Descent into Hell
[11:53] - One Baptism and Church Unity
[13:22] - The Struggle Against Sin
[15:52] - The Source of Sin and Christ's Victory
[17:17] - Assurance and God's Presence
[19:33] - The Essence of Being a Christian
[22:32] - Favorite Teachings and Spiritual Gifts
[26:08] - Sovereignty and Human Accountability
[28:53] - Predestination vs. Determinism
[31:08] - New Creation and Revelation 21
[33:08] - Navigating Ethical Concerns with Compassion
[38:57] - Scriptures for Comfort and Assurance
[41:09] - Discerning a Call to Ministry
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 2:5-8 - Discusses Jesus' incarnation and His humility.
2. Psalm 121:3-4 - Speaks of God's constant vigilance and care.
3. Genesis 1:27 - Refers to the creation of humanity in God's image, relevant to discussions on gender and identity.
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "Reformed and always reforming" mean in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to returning to Scripture? [01:41]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of Jesus' dual nature, and what example from the Bible is used to illustrate this? [06:35]
3. What historical insights were provided about the phrase "He descended into hell" from the Apostles' Creed? [09:03]
4. According to the sermon, why is sin so tempting, and what is the Christian's call in response to this temptation? [13:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that the church should approach the topic of same-sex attraction and concupiscence in light of Scripture? [03:10]
2. In what ways does the sermon emphasize the importance of maintaining a correct view of Christology, and why is this significant for believers today? [08:17]
3. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "He descended into hell," and what does this reveal about the completeness of Christ's sacrifice? [10:36]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the church in ministering to those affected by transgender therapies, and how should this be balanced with biblical truth? [33:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own understanding of being "Reformed and always reforming." How can you ensure that your beliefs are continually aligned with Scripture rather than cultural trends? [01:41]
2. Consider the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man. How does this understanding impact your daily walk with Christ and your view of His role in your life? [06:35]
3. The sermon discusses the allure of sin due to its immediate pleasure. Identify a specific sin that tempts you with immediate gratification. How can you seek eternal rewards instead? [14:13]
4. How can you show compassion to those affected by transgender therapies while still upholding biblical truths? What practical steps can you take to minister to them effectively? [36:32]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of not affirming sin while being compassionate. How can you apply this principle in your interactions with friends or family members who may be living in ways contrary to biblical teachings? [34:43]
6. Reflect on the idea that all are marred by sin and in need of redemption. How does this perspective influence your view of yourself and others in your community? [37:24]
7. How can you use the insights from this sermon to engage in meaningful conversations with others about the nature of sin, temptation, and redemption in Christ? [35:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Continual Reformation through Scripture
In the journey of faith, being "Reformed and always reforming" is a call to continually return to the Word of God. This process is not about creating new doctrines but about deepening our understanding of existing beliefs. It involves a constant alignment with Scripture and historical church teachings, particularly in understanding the nature of sin and temptation. By doing so, believers can better navigate the complexities of modern issues, such as concupiscence and same-sex attraction, recognizing that even our desires can be sinful and require repentance. This ongoing reformation is a testament to the dynamic nature of faith, urging believers to seek a closer alignment with biblical teachings. [01:41]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one belief or doctrine you hold that you feel needs deeper exploration through Scripture? How can you begin this journey today?
Day 2: The Mystery of Christ's Dual Nature
The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a profound mystery that underscores His dual nature. In becoming man, Jesus did not lose any of His divine attributes; instead, He added humanity to His deity. This understanding is crucial for maintaining a correct view of Christology, as emphasized by the early church creeds. Recognizing Jesus as fully God and fully man is essential for grasping the depth of His sacrifice and His role as Savior. This dual nature is a cornerstone of Christian faith, reminding believers of the unique and unparalleled nature of Christ's mission on earth. [06:35]
"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' dual nature as fully God and fully man impact your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen this understanding?
Day 3: The Depth of Christ's Sacrifice
The phrase "He descended into hell" from the Apostles' Creed highlights the completeness of Christ's experience of death. This understanding is crucial for recognizing the depth of His sacrifice and His role as Savior. By fully experiencing death, Jesus conquered it, offering believers the hope of eternal life. This aspect of the creed serves as a reminder of the profound nature of Christ's sacrifice and the victory over sin and death that it represents. It calls believers to reflect on the magnitude of what Christ endured for humanity's redemption. [10:36]
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you meditate on the depth of Christ's sacrifice this week? How does this understanding influence your daily walk with Him?
Day 4: The Ongoing Battle Against Sin
Sin is alluring because it offers immediate pleasure, yet Christians are called to seek eternal rewards over temporary gratification. This ongoing battle against sin is a testament to the war against the world, the flesh, and the devil. It serves as a reminder of the need for Christ's strength in overcoming these temptations. By focusing on eternal rewards, believers can find the motivation to resist the fleeting pleasures of sin and pursue a life that honors God. This struggle is an integral part of the Christian journey, highlighting the importance of relying on Christ's strength. [14:13]
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific sin or temptation you struggle with. How can you actively seek Christ's strength to overcome it today?
Day 5: Compassionate Ministry in a Complex World
In ministering to those affected by transgender therapies and surgeries, the church is called to offer compassion without affirming sin. This approach points individuals to the grace and healing found in Christ, recognizing that all are marred by sin and in need of redemption. The church's role is to provide a space of love and truth, guiding individuals towards the transformative power of the Gospel. This ministry requires a delicate balance of compassion and truth, emphasizing the need for grace in addressing complex issues. [36:32]
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you show compassion to someone struggling with their identity while still upholding biblical truth? What practical steps can you take to embody this balance in your interactions?
Quotes
When we talk about being Reformed and always reforming, we are talking about always going back to the Word. Right? So, it is not new theology that we are developing. It's not new doctrine that we are developing as something that is distinct and separated from what the church has held to, but there are deeper understandings that happen as we're always reforming. [00:01:41]
The Reformed world has had to wrestle through that as we think about, "Okay, what does it look like when you are tempted in such a way and you are wrestling with that temptation? Is that temptation, that desire, is that itself sin?" And that's something the Reformed world has had to wrestle through over the last ten years. [00:02:38]
When we speak of the Son of God—and this is the great error of that Philippians 2 passage that people wander into called the "kenosis passage," that idea of Him emptying Himself. People say, well, He emptied Himself of His sovereignty or He emptied Himself of His omniscience. No, He didn't. Christ Jesus is the God-Man, truly God, truly man, one person. [00:06:01]
He lost nothing of His deity when He became man; still sovereign, still omniscient, lost nothing. The example I often use is when Jesus was out on the Sea of Galilee with the disciples and He falls asleep there in the stern of the boat and He rests His head on that pillow. And the disciples wake Him up. [00:06:21]
The phrase with the least history is that one, the "descended into hell." So, it's just interesting from a historical perspective, that phrase, but I am very interested to hear what you have to say on this. I've always appreciated Calvin's take on "He descended into hell" to stress not necessarily going to the 1 Peter 3 text or sometimes you go to the Ephesians text of "descended into the earth, even to the lower parts," but to stress the way that Jesus truly experienced death in its fullness. [00:09:56]
Sin, it's pleasurable, right? That's the temptation of it. There is not a sin that's offered to you and I that doesn't please in some way. It's just that it's a calculation that we are often making as Christians, that we're delaying gratification and that we understand that the immediate pleasure that sin offers is not worth the cost because it doesn't give glory to our Savior and we are seeking those things that are everlasting. [00:13:03]
The Christian sees is that that sin, the pleasure that it is offering is momentary. We're not beasts, and so we can seek the higher and the better and the lasting thing. Whereas, you know, if I put you a steak before my dog—I don't have a dog, but if I had a dog and I put a steak before the dog—and I told the dog, "Don't eat that steak, that rare steak, and I'll give you three," and then I say, "Make a choice," he is going for the steak because he is a beast. [00:14:33]
I think we do need to navigate between two poles here of not affirming, but also not, sort of being disgusted at or not wanting anything to do with. And so, to express it as not affirming but kind and compassionate, I very much appreciate how we are coming at this. I think we just have to remember in these things that we cannot affirm, we are not helping anyone by affirming them in their sin. [00:34:11]
When we think of same-sex issues or transgenderism, let's be very clear here, this is a violation of God's Word and it is a violation of natural law theory. So, we should be clear here, this is in the created order that gender is not a social construct and homosexuality is not God's design in the natural order. This is before we get out of Genesis 1 and 2, these issues. [00:34:55]
How do you minister to people damaged by...And I think if we see repentance and brought back into the church, then this is where we can show that kindness, show that compassion by certainly making these folks feel welcome in the churches. And I think of this—it's not entirely related—but I think of the woman, you know, with the issue of blood and she says, "If I can only touch the hem of His garment." [00:36:40]
We belong to the family of God. Like, we are all marred by sin, we are all scarred by sin; God in His grace has spared some of us from the physical marring of our sins, but we are all marred by sin and we are all part of this family. So, when Jesus says to that woman, "Daughter," and, you know, she was a leper, she was estranged from her family. [00:37:57]
The psalmist says this—David, when he is suffering as he often was—He says this in Psalm 56. He says, "You have kept count of my tossings and put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me." Your tears aren't lost on God. The tears of His children are never lost on Him. [00:39:03]
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