Reviving Gospel Preaching: Lessons from the Reformation

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into the profound impact of preaching through entire books of the Bible, a practice that was central to the Reformation. This approach ensures that we address the full counsel of God, tackling even the most challenging and controversial topics. By doing so, we are not merely devotional in our preaching but are compelled to confront the razor-sharp truths of Scripture. This method aligns with the Reformers' belief in "sola Scriptura" and "tota Scriptura," emphasizing not just Scripture alone but all of Scripture.

Furthermore, we explored the revival of preaching the doctrines of grace, which is inevitable when one preaches verse by verse through the Bible. The doctrines of grace, such as the sovereignty of God in salvation, were foundational to the Reformation and provided the church with strength and conviction. These doctrines highlight the high view of God and His sovereignty, which in turn elevates our worship and understanding of salvation.

We also discussed the nature of regeneration and being born again, emphasizing that while the terms may be used differently in the New Testament, they essentially refer to the same transformative experience for the individual. This transformation is a participation in the cosmic renewal that Christ inaugurated.

The conversation then shifted to the profound mystery of Christ's experience on the cross, where He bore the wrath of God in our place. This act of substitutionary atonement is central to understanding the nature of sin's punishment and the depth of Christ's sacrifice.

Lastly, we addressed the need for another Reformation today, recognizing that the church requires not just moral reform but a revival of gospel preaching. The Reformation was not merely a reaction to moral corruption but a God-given awakening centered on the necessity of a Savior. This is the heart of what we need today—a return to the preaching of the gospel as the engine for the church's purification and growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Preaching through entire books of the Bible forces us to confront the full counsel of God, addressing even the most controversial topics. This approach ensures that we are not selective in our teaching but are faithful to the entirety of Scripture. [01:11]

2. The doctrines of grace, such as the sovereignty of God in salvation, provide the church with strength and conviction. These doctrines elevate our understanding of God's sovereignty and our worship, emphasizing that salvation is entirely of the Lord. [02:51]

3. Regeneration and being born again are two ways of describing the same transformative experience. This transformation is a participation in the cosmic renewal that Christ inaugurated, highlighting the individual's new life in Christ. [05:24]

4. Christ's experience on the cross, where He bore the wrath of God, is central to understanding the nature of sin's punishment. This act of substitutionary atonement underscores the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the seriousness of sin. [08:11]

5. The need for another Reformation today is not just about moral reform but a revival of gospel preaching. The Reformation was a God-given awakening centered on the necessity of a Savior, and this is what the church desperately needs today. [32:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Introduction to Controversial Preaching
- [00:40] - Revival of Controversial Preaching
- [01:47] - Revival of Doctrines of Grace
- [02:51] - Strength from Doctrines of Grace
- [04:07] - Regeneration vs. Being Born Again
- [06:01] - Christ's Separation on the Cross
- [08:11] - Nature of Sin's Punishment
- [10:05] - Apostles' Conversion Before Pentecost
- [13:20] - God's Hatred of Sin and Love for Sinners
- [17:22] - Terms of Peace in the Gospel
- [20:14] - Expiation vs. Propitiation
- [23:39] - Parable of the Prodigal Son
- [26:30] - Free Will and Bondage of the Will
- [32:02] - Need for Another Reformation Today

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. John 3:3-8
3. Romans 1:18

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest is the benefit of preaching through entire books of the Bible? [01:11]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between regeneration and being born again? [05:24]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Christ's experience on the cross? [08:11]
4. What does the sermon identify as the primary need for the church today? [32:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "sola Scriptura" and "tota Scriptura" influence the way we approach controversial topics in the Bible? [01:11]
2. In what ways do the doctrines of grace provide strength and conviction to the church, according to the sermon? [02:51]
3. How does the sermon explain the mystery of Christ's separation from God on the cross, and what does this reveal about the nature of sin's punishment? [08:11]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the role of gospel preaching in the church's need for another Reformation? [32:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal Bible study habits. How can you incorporate the practice of reading entire books of the Bible to ensure you are receiving the full counsel of God? [01:11]
2. The sermon emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. How does this understanding affect your view of God's role in your life and your worship practices? [02:51]
3. Consider your own experience of being "born again." How does this transformation impact your daily life and interactions with others? [05:24]
4. The sermon discusses the seriousness of sin and Christ's sacrifice. How does this understanding influence your approach to sin in your own life? [08:11]
5. The need for another Reformation is highlighted in the sermon. What steps can you take to contribute to a revival of gospel preaching in your community? [32:02]
6. How can you engage in conversations about controversial topics in the Bible with others, ensuring that you remain faithful to the entirety of Scripture? [01:11]
7. Reflect on the role of gospel preaching in your church. How can you support or participate in efforts to prioritize gospel-centered teaching and outreach? [32:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Confronting the Full Counsel of God
Preaching through entire books of the Bible ensures that we confront the full counsel of God, addressing even the most challenging and controversial topics. This approach prevents selective teaching and encourages faithfulness to the entirety of Scripture. By engaging with all of Scripture, believers are compelled to face the razor-sharp truths that may be uncomfortable but are necessary for spiritual growth. This method aligns with the Reformers' belief in "sola Scriptura" and "tota Scriptura," emphasizing the importance of Scripture alone and all of Scripture. [01:11]

"For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." (Acts 20:27, ESV)

Reflection: What is one challenging or controversial topic in Scripture that you have avoided? How can you begin to engage with it more deeply this week?


Day 2: Strength from the Doctrines of Grace
The doctrines of grace, such as the sovereignty of God in salvation, provide the church with strength and conviction. These doctrines elevate our understanding of God's sovereignty and our worship, emphasizing that salvation is entirely of the Lord. By preaching verse by verse through the Bible, the revival of these doctrines becomes inevitable, as they were foundational to the Reformation and continue to offer the church a high view of God and His sovereignty. This understanding not only strengthens the church but also deepens individual believers' faith and worship. [02:51]

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." (Ephesians 1:11, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding God's sovereignty in your salvation change the way you worship and live your daily life?


Day 3: Transformation through Regeneration
Regeneration and being born again are two ways of describing the same transformative experience. This transformation is a participation in the cosmic renewal that Christ inaugurated, highlighting the individual's new life in Christ. While the terms may be used differently in the New Testament, they essentially refer to the same profound change that occurs when one becomes a believer. This new life is not just a personal renewal but a part of the larger work that Christ is doing in the world, inviting believers to live in the reality of His kingdom. [05:24]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the cosmic renewal that Christ has inaugurated in your daily life?


Day 4: Understanding Substitutionary Atonement
Christ's experience on the cross, where He bore the wrath of God, is central to understanding the nature of sin's punishment. This act of substitutionary atonement underscores the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the seriousness of sin. By bearing the wrath of God in our place, Christ provided a way for humanity to be reconciled with God, highlighting the profound mystery and depth of His love. Understanding this aspect of the cross is crucial for grasping the gravity of sin and the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice. [08:11]

"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, ESV)

Reflection: How does the understanding of Christ's substitutionary atonement affect your view of sin and your relationship with God?


Day 5: The Need for a New Reformation
The need for another Reformation today is not just about moral reform but a revival of gospel preaching. The Reformation was a God-given awakening centered on the necessity of a Savior, and this is what the church desperately needs today. Recognizing that the church requires not just moral reform but a return to the preaching of the gospel as the engine for the church's purification and growth is crucial. This revival of gospel preaching is essential for addressing the spiritual needs of the church and the world. [32:02]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to contribute to a revival of gospel preaching in your community or church?

Quotes

"The third point is, it is a revival of controversial preaching. Because when you preach sequentially verse by verse through entire books in the Bible, you are forced to address the hard issues of Scripture. You cannot avoid anything, you can't skirt topics or issues. It guarantees that you address the full counsel of God." [00:42:42]

"So the Reformers believed in not only sola Scriptura, but tota Scriptura; not only 'Scripture alone,' but 'all of Scripture.' And so by preaching through the entire books in the Bible, they were committed to preaching all of Scripture. The fourth heading is a revival of preaching the doctrines of grace." [01:36:57]

"And so, they had such an enormously high view of God, that salvation is of the Lord, that they understood that original sin, the bondage of the will, total depravity, unconditional election, the definiteness of atonement, the effectual grace of God, the perseverance of grace. It's what was a significant part of making it a strong church." [03:14:09]

"Christ's experience on the cross, where He bore the wrath of God, is central to understanding the nature of sin's punishment. This act of substitutionary atonement underscores the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the seriousness of sin. It is not that you are able, the wicked in Revelation 6 cry for the mountains the rocks to, 'Fall on us and hide us from the wrath of the Lamb.'" [08:11:00]

"Reeves: And that story that the Reformation was really just a reaction to moral corruptions, moral problems five hundred years ago completely misunderstands everything Luther from the very beginning is saying the Reformation is about, which is not about moral self-improvement, but the fact that we can't do that and therefore, we need a Savior, not merely an example to tell us to do better." [31:22:57]

"The problem is the preaching of the gospel. This is what we so desperately need. That's going to be the engine for the purification and growth of the church. And that's what we mean by saying we need another Reformation today." [32:02:57]

"Reeves: If I might add two more things, first would be, particularly in this sort of society, we are not holding to these truths for the sake of merely defending a culture we are brought up with or a tradition we are born into. I was not born into this theological tradition. I have been persuaded by Scripture of these glorious truths, and I'm letting Scripture, and I have let Scripture, shatter my natural assumptions of what I was brought up with." [38:48:00]

"Lawson: Yeah, the only thing I would add, as I think about the question, and it's hard to know exactly the context, but it really does always come back to the authority of Scripture. And you know if I was pastoring, let's say, here, and I was up against, you know, secular thinking culture, I mean I would do a series on how we got the Bible." [40:11:30]

"I would be teaching the inspiration, the authority, the inerrancy, the infallibility, the invincibility, the immutability. Ferguson: That's 318 sermons. Lawson: Ha, ha. The perspicuity of Scripture. I really would, such that I would bind the conscience of the listeners. The only people who can hear me are the people who are sitting under my preaching or that I'm allowed to meet, but I would want to be equipping my congregation with an extraordinary overconfidence in the Word of God and its power to work and such that whenever we open the Bible and whenever we teach the Bible that's the first word, that's the final word, that's every word." [40:46:09]

"So, you know, the culture is wrong. Society is wrong. Romans 3 says, 'Let God be found true, let every man be found a liar.' So, I would want to have that as concrete in the foundation of my ministry in my church, but for those who are under my preaching for them to have such a high regard for Scripture that whenever the Scripture speaks, every mouth is closed." [41:53:94]

"Spurgeon said, 'I would rather preach one word out of the Scripture than 50,000 words of the philosophers.' He said, 'If we want more conversions, we need to put more of Scripture into our preaching.' He said, 'If we want to see more revivals, then we must revive our confidence in the Scripture.' So, you know, it's like they asked Luther, 'How do you defend the Bible?' He said, 'The same way you defend a lion. Just turn it loose, let it out of the cage, turn it loose' and we leave the results to God." [42:54:04]

"So, I would just have a such a high view of Scripture that that would win the day. I mean it is, you know Ephesians 6:17, it's the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. It's an invincible weapon, when accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, anyway, I just would add that as the very cornerstone and foundation of everything that we have to say and everything that we believe." [43:47:20]

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Transcript
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