Reviving the Gospel: The Ongoing Need for Reformation
Summary
The Reformation is a pivotal event in church history, often celebrated for its role in reviving the Gospel. It is not something to mourn, as the Gospel brings life, not death. The need to recover the Gospel is a recurring theme throughout history, as seen in the first-century churches and the 16th century. This need persists today, as there is a tendency to obscure the Gospel with self-justification and distractions within the church. The Reformation was necessary wherever the Bible was hidden, and it remains crucial today as many churches still obscure the Scriptures, either through ignorance or deliberate actions.
The differences between sin, iniquity, and trespasses highlight the multifaceted nature of human disobedience to God. Sin causes us to fall short of God's glory, transgression involves crossing the line of God's law, and iniquity reflects a twistedness within us. Despite the abundance of vocabulary for sin, there is also an abundance of vocabulary for grace, offering hope and redemption.
The Reformation emphasized the priesthood of all believers, allowing individuals to approach God directly through faith in Jesus Christ. This principle remains vital today, as it empowers believers to engage with the Scriptures and discover the Gospel for themselves. Pastors and elders have authority, but it is ministerial and based on the Word of God, not inherent in themselves.
The phrase "Semper Reformanda," or "always reforming," is often misunderstood. It does not mean constant change but rather a continual return to Scripture. The Reformation addressed errors in the church, and while not all issues were resolved, the work of reforming according to Scripture continues. The challenges faced by the church today, such as theological liberalism and a casual view of God, highlight the ongoing need for reformation.
Ultimately, our confidence should be placed in Christ alone, as exemplified by the Reformers. They did not find confidence in themselves but in the truth of the Gospel. As we reflect on the Reformation, we celebrate the courage and commitment of those who stood for the Gospel, recognizing that our confidence must remain in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The Reformation is a celebration of the Gospel's revival, not something to mourn. The Gospel brings life, and its recovery is a continual need throughout history, as seen in the first-century churches and the 16th century. Today, the Gospel can be obscured by self-justification and distractions within the church. [00:44]
- Sin, iniquity, and trespasses are different aspects of human disobedience to God. Sin causes us to fall short of God's glory, transgression involves crossing the line of God's law, and iniquity reflects a twistedness within us. Despite the abundance of vocabulary for sin, there is also an abundance of vocabulary for grace, offering hope and redemption. [05:16]
- The Reformation emphasized the priesthood of all believers, allowing individuals to approach God directly through faith in Jesus Christ. This principle remains vital today, empowering believers to engage with the Scriptures and discover the Gospel for themselves. Pastors and elders have authority, but it is ministerial and based on the Word of God. [10:16]
- "Semper Reformanda," or "always reforming," is often misunderstood. It does not mean constant change but rather a continual return to Scripture. The Reformation addressed errors in the church, and while not all issues were resolved, the work of reforming according to Scripture continues. [16:23]
- Our confidence should be placed in Christ alone, as exemplified by the Reformers. They did not find confidence in themselves but in the truth of the Gospel. As we reflect on the Reformation, we celebrate the courage and commitment of those who stood for the Gospel, recognizing that our confidence must remain in Christ. [32:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - Celebrating the Reformation
- [00:44] - Recovering the Gospel
- [01:10] - The Temptation to Obscure the Gospel
- [01:45] - Self-Justification and the Need for Rediscovery
- [02:32] - The Hidden Bible and the Need for Reformation
- [03:10] - The Contemporary Need for Reformation
- [03:58] - The Gospel in Today's Churches
- [04:44] - The Obscured Gospel
- [05:16] - Sin, Iniquity, and Trespasses
- [06:26] - Vocabulary of Sin and Grace
- [06:52] - Debtors to the Law
- [08:25] - Justification Through Christ Alone
- [09:41] - The Priesthood of All Believers
- [10:16] - Authority of Pastors and Elders
- [11:22] - Ministerial Authority
- [12:38] - The Sobering Responsibility of Preachers
- [13:40] - Misunderstanding "Semper Reformanda"
- [14:11] - The True Meaning of Reformation
- [16:23] - Reformed According to Scripture
- [17:09] - The Ongoing Relevance of Reformation Issues
- [18:33] - Theological Numbness and Distinctiveness
- [20:10] - Luther's Personal Struggle and Courage
- [21:12] - Understanding Our Sinfulness
- [22:01] - Luther's Passion and Boldness
- [23:18] - Courage in the Face of Fear
- [24:33] - Threats to Christianity Today
- [25:04] - Christendom as a Threat
- [26:12] - The Challenge of Truth in Modernity
- [27:42] - Casual View of God
- [28:10] - Young, Restless, and Reformed Movement
- [30:27] - Confidence in Christ Alone
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 1:6-9 - Paul's astonishment at the Galatians turning to a different gospel.
2. 1 Peter 2:9 - The priesthood of all believers.
3. Romans 3:23-24 - All have sinned and are justified freely by His grace.
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul express in Galatians 1:6-9 about the Galatians' shift to a different gospel, and how does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the obscuring of the Gospel? [00:44]
2. How does 1 Peter 2:9 support the Reformation principle of the priesthood of all believers, as discussed in the sermon? [10:16]
3. In Romans 3:23-24, what is the relationship between sin and grace, and how does this passage reflect the sermon’s explanation of sin, iniquity, and trespasses? [05:16]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "Semper Reformanda," and how does it relate to the continual need for returning to Scripture? [16:23]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that the Gospel can become obscured in modern churches, and what are the implications for believers today? [04:19]
2. What does the sermon imply about the role of pastors and elders in the church, and how does this relate to the authority of Scripture? [11:22]
3. How does the sermon describe the ongoing relevance of the Reformation, and what challenges does it identify for the church today? [18:02]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can place their confidence in Christ alone, and how does this reflect the example set by the Reformers? [32:02]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you noticed instances where the Gospel might be obscured by distractions or self-justification? How can you help refocus on the core message of the Gospel? [04:19]
2. The sermon emphasizes the priesthood of all believers. How can you personally engage more deeply with Scripture and approach God directly in your daily life? [10:16]
3. Consider the different aspects of sin mentioned in the sermon. How can recognizing these aspects help you in your personal journey of repentance and seeking grace? [05:16]
4. "Semper Reformanda" calls for a continual return to Scripture. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your faith and understanding are continually being reformed according to Scripture? [16:23]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of placing confidence in Christ alone. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to place confidence in yourself or others instead of Christ? How can you shift your focus back to Him? [32:02]
6. How can you support your church leaders in their responsibility to preach the Gospel and maintain the authority of Scripture? What specific actions can you take to encourage and pray for them? [12:38]
7. The sermon discusses the challenges of theological liberalism and a casual view of God. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your personal worship and community life? [27:42]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gospel's Revival is a Celebration, Not a Mourning
The Reformation is a pivotal event in church history, celebrated for its role in reviving the Gospel. It is not something to mourn, as the Gospel brings life, not death. The need to recover the Gospel is a recurring theme throughout history, as seen in the first-century churches and the 16th century. This need persists today, as there is a tendency to obscure the Gospel with self-justification and distractions within the church. The Reformation was necessary wherever the Bible was hidden, and it remains crucial today as many churches still obscure the Scriptures, either through ignorance or deliberate actions. [00:44]
"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: In what ways have you seen the Gospel obscured in your own life or community, and how can you actively participate in its revival today?
Day 2: Understanding Sin and Embracing Grace
Sin, iniquity, and trespasses are different aspects of human disobedience to God. Sin causes us to fall short of God's glory, transgression involves crossing the line of God's law, and iniquity reflects a twistedness within us. Despite the abundance of vocabulary for sin, there is also an abundance of vocabulary for grace, offering hope and redemption. This duality highlights the depth of human disobedience but also the profound nature of God's grace, which is always available to those who seek it. [05:16]
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." (Proverbs 28:13, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific sin or struggle in your life. How can you seek God's grace and forgiveness in this area today?
Day 3: The Empowerment of the Priesthood of All Believers
The Reformation emphasized the priesthood of all believers, allowing individuals to approach God directly through faith in Jesus Christ. This principle remains vital today, empowering believers to engage with the Scriptures and discover the Gospel for themselves. Pastors and elders have authority, but it is ministerial and based on the Word of God, not inherent in themselves. This empowerment encourages personal responsibility in one's faith journey and fosters a deeper connection with God. [10:16]
"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: How can you take a more active role in your spiritual growth and understanding of the Scriptures this week?
Day 4: The True Meaning of "Semper Reformanda"
"Semper Reformanda," or "always reforming," is often misunderstood. It does not mean constant change but rather a continual return to Scripture. The Reformation addressed errors in the church, and while not all issues were resolved, the work of reforming according to Scripture continues. The challenges faced by the church today, such as theological liberalism and a casual view of God, highlight the ongoing need for reformation. [16:23]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to return to Scripture for guidance and transformation?
Day 5: Confidence in Christ Alone
Our confidence should be placed in Christ alone, as exemplified by the Reformers. They did not find confidence in themselves but in the truth of the Gospel. As we reflect on the Reformation, we celebrate the courage and commitment of those who stood for the Gospel, recognizing that our confidence must remain in Christ. This focus on Christ alone provides a firm foundation for faith and life, encouraging believers to trust in His promises and power. [32:02]
"Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 17:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than placing your confidence in Christ? How can you shift your trust to Him today?
Quotes
Probably shouldn't surprise us that in the 16th century, the Gospel was obscured. We see this in the first century. We see it in Paul's churches. In his epistle to the Galatians, he's astounded, he's marveling that they were entertaining a different gospel, then he quickly adds, it's a false gospel. So if we see it in the first century, in the churches of the Apostles themselves. It really shouldn't surprise us that in every generation, there's that temptation then to improve upon God's Gospel, as it were, or to obscure the Gospel. [00:44:25]
There is a predisposition I think in the heart of every individual to self-justification. To begin with the Spirit and to be made perfect by the flesh, as Paul says to the Galatians. And so, not just at the Reformation but today also, there is that tendency to revert to self-justification, which is why the rediscovery of the Gospel is something that is a continual and daily need and not just something that occurred in the 16th century. [00:54:33]
And Martin Luther had not actually seen a Bible until the first year of his novitiate, when he was becoming a monk, and he was lent a Bible for a year only. And, that's a real indication of how ordinary men and women knew nothing about the Scriptures. Absolutely nothing about the Scriptures. There was a martyr in Scotland who during the course of his trial, his accusing priest pulled a New Testament out of his sleeve, held it up to the court and said, "This is the book that is causing all the trouble." He was right, of course. [00:52:54]
Most of us are familiar with the Greek term hamartia, for sin which conveys the idea of falling short of the mark. We are made for the glory of God, but what sin does, is it causes us to fall short of the mark. Transgression has the very basic idea of crossing the line. That God has given us His law, and we cross the line. And inequity has the sense, for example, in Sam. 51, of twistedness. That there is a twistedness in us, as a consequence of these. [05:16:44]
And the great thing is, there is also an abundance of vocabulary for the idea of grace. So there's bad news and there's very good news. But when we talk about debt and transgressions, the Scriptures say that we are debtors who cannot pay their debts. God and God alone has the absolute right to impose obligations to His creatures. And He has done that. He has said, "You must do this. You must not do that." [06:36:12]
And, discovering that we are all priests before God, that the individual can approach God by himself, herself, through faith in Jesus Christ. And not through the intermediary of a sacerdotal system. So that is vitally important that just the issue about the Bible being given into the hands of an individual. And that that individual could read and at least discover the rudiments of the Gospel for themselves, through the help of preachers and teachers, for sure. [10:16:63]
But our authority is not in and of ourselves. Our authority is not innate. Our authority is ministerial authority. It's declarative authority. It's authority that is based in the word of God. And so, our job, our call, is to serve God's people by serving them with the word of God. And so, it is important that we have authority. And that the Lord has called us as elders to exercise church discipline, and to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and the whole council of God, that our authority is not in and of ourselves. [11:17:74]
The point of that motto initially was, in the 16th century, not all of the errors in the church were reformed. Not all of the dirty linen was cleansed. There was still a lot of work left to do. And there's always a lot of work left to do. But when we're talking "always reforming," does not always mean, "always changing." You know, there are those today who say as we've heard almost already, that the Reformation was a tempest in a teapot. Or it was all a misunderstanding. [13:51:12]
Once the church has been reformed according to Scripture, it needs to keep on being reformed according to Scripture. But let's get it reformed first. Not changed first, but reformed according to Scripture. So, you know, we just, sometimes we need to be a bit uppity and ask people how good their Latin is. I'm only kidding. I learned that from R.C. [16:36:00]
Luther understood who Luther was. And that's our problem. We don't understand who God is, and we don't understand who we are. It's like Isaiah in chapter 6, when he saw the Lord, "I am lifted up." He's all of a sudden, says, "Whoa, wait a minute. Woe is me. I've got a dirty mouth, and I'm not alone. I live with a whole people of unclean lips." So, that was an awakening, in his sin. You didn't have to teach Luther that he was a sinner. [21:59:38]
And he said, "I'm not going to give this up for anybody in the whole world. I have tasted the fruit of the Gospel. And if all of the devils in Hell oppose me, I will say to them, 'Here I stand.'" He was passionate. And he was passionate about the Gospel. He was passionate about people. He was passionate about life. He was passionate about enjoying life. [22:15:48]
Luther certainly didn't find a whole lot of confidence in Luther. Calvin didn't find a lot of confidence in Calvin. Knox didn't find a lot of confidence in Knox. That's not why we're here talking about these men. Because our confidence is not in those men. We are profoundly grateful for what they did, in their hour, and at the time of such great crisis in the church, for the recovery of the Gospel. [30:54:90]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Oct 31, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?