Roots of Reformation: Faith, Persecution, and Change

Devotional

Day 1: The Reformation: A Return to Apostolic Teachings

The Reformation was a significant movement in church history, driven by a desire to return to the teachings of the Apostles and address the corruption within the church. It was not an isolated event but the culmination of various historical and spiritual dynamics. Reformers sought to bring the church back to its biblical roots, emphasizing the importance of scripture and the need for spiritual renewal. This movement was characterized by a call to return to the standards set by the early church, focusing on a "back to the Bible" message. The Reformation challenged the established church's practices and sought to align them more closely with biblical teachings. [00:49]

Acts 2:42-43 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles."

Reflection: In what ways can you devote yourself more fully to the teachings of the Apostles in your daily life? Consider one specific practice you can incorporate this week.

Day 2: The Waldensians: Pioneers of Bible Accessibility

The Waldensians, led by Peter Waldo, were an early reform movement that emphasized living according to the Bible. They translated the scriptures into the vernacular, making them accessible to the common people, which was revolutionary at the time. This movement highlighted the importance of scripture in the life of believers and sought to empower individuals by providing them with direct access to God's word. The Waldensians' commitment to voluntary poverty and Bible teaching set them apart and laid the groundwork for future reform movements. Despite facing persecution, their dedication to scripture and simple living inspired many to seek a deeper understanding of their faith. [06:21]

Psalm 119:130 (ESV): "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."

Reflection: How can you make the Bible more accessible in your own life and the lives of those around you? Consider a practical step you can take to share scripture with someone this week.

Day 3: Persecution and the Underground Church

Despite their desire to remain within the Roman Catholic Church, the Waldensians faced persecution and were eventually condemned as heretics. Their commitment to the Bible and simple living was seen as a threat to the established church, which was often corrupt and focused on wealth and power. This led to the formation of an underground church, where believers continued to practice their faith in secret. The Waldensians' perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs, even when faced with opposition. [18:01]

2 Timothy 3:12-13 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your beliefs. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the Waldensians' example of perseverance?

Day 4: Cultural and Intellectual Catalysts of the Reformation

The Reformation was influenced by broader cultural and intellectual factors, including the Black Death, the threat of the Ottoman Turks, the Renaissance, the invention of the printing press, and the discovery of the New World. These events created a climate ripe for change, as people began to question established norms and seek new ways of understanding the world. The spread of biblical knowledge, particularly through the printing press, allowed more people to access the scriptures and see the contrast between biblical Christianity and the church's practices. This cultural shift played a crucial role in preparing the ground for the Reformation and the subsequent transformation of the church. [30:08]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Reflection: Consider the cultural and intellectual factors influencing your faith today. How can you use these influences to deepen your understanding of scripture and your relationship with God?

Day 5: The Power of the Printed Word

The spread of biblical knowledge, particularly through the printing press, was crucial in preparing the ground for the Reformation. This technological advancement allowed more people to access the scriptures and see the contrast between biblical Christianity and the church's practices. The availability of printed Bibles empowered individuals to study God's word for themselves and challenged the church's authority. This shift in access to scripture played a significant role in the Reformation, as it enabled believers to engage with their faith in a more personal and informed way. The power of the printed word continues to impact the church today, as believers are encouraged to study and apply scripture in their daily lives. [43:25]

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Reflection: How has access to scripture impacted your faith journey? Consider one way you can engage more deeply with God's word this week, either through study, meditation, or sharing with others.

Sermon Summary

The Reformation was a pivotal period in church history, marked by significant spiritual and historical dynamics. It didn't occur by accident but was the result of various forces and ideas that had been brewing for centuries. Two primary approaches to reforming the church were the prophetic and apostolic approaches. The prophetic approach sought change through new revelations or cultural shifts, while the apostolic approach aimed to return to the standards of the Apostles, emphasizing a "back to the Bible" message. This latter approach, despite its romanticized view of the early church, was crucial in calling the church back to its roots.

One notable early reform movement was the Waldensians, led by Peter Waldo. Waldo, a wealthy merchant, was inspired by a story of a man who gave up everything to follow Christ. He did the same, providing for his family and giving the rest of his wealth to the poor. He also translated the Bible into the vernacular, making it accessible to the common people. This was revolutionary, as the church had long kept the Bible in Latin, away from the laypeople. The Waldensians emphasized voluntary poverty, Bible teaching, and living according to the teachings of Christ and the Apostles.

Despite their desire to remain within the Roman Catholic Church, the Waldensians faced persecution for their beliefs and practices. They were eventually condemned as heretics, leading to the formation of an underground church. Their commitment to the Bible and simple living was seen as a threat to the established church, which was often corrupt and focused on wealth and power.

The Reformation was also influenced by broader cultural and intellectual factors. The Black Death, the threat of the Ottoman Turks, the Renaissance, the invention of the printing press, and the discovery of the New World all contributed to a climate ripe for change. The spread of biblical knowledge, particularly through the printing press, allowed more people to access the scriptures and see the contrast between biblical Christianity and the church's practices.

Key Takeaways

1. The Reformation was not an isolated event but the culmination of various historical and spiritual dynamics. It was driven by a desire to return to the teachings of the Apostles and address the corruption within the church. [00:49]
2. The Waldensians, led by Peter Waldo, were an early reform movement that emphasized living according to the Bible. They translated the scriptures into the vernacular, making them accessible to the common people, and lived in voluntary poverty. [06:21]
3. Despite their desire to remain within the Roman Catholic Church, the Waldensians faced persecution and were eventually condemned as heretics. Their commitment to the Bible and simple living was seen as a threat to the established church. [18:01]
4. The Reformation was influenced by broader cultural and intellectual factors, including the Black Death, the threat of the Ottoman Turks, the Renaissance, the invention of the printing press, and the discovery of the New World. [30:08]
5. The spread of biblical knowledge, particularly through the printing press, allowed more people to access the scriptures and see the contrast between biblical Christianity and the church's practices. This was crucial in preparing the ground for the Reformation. [43:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction to the Reformation
[00:49] - Historical and Spiritual Dynamics
[01:21] - Prophetic vs. Apostolic Approaches
[02:58] - The Apostolic Approach
[06:21] - The Waldensians and Peter Waldo
[08:59] - Translation of the Bible
[11:21] - Impact of the Waldensians
[18:01] - Persecution and Underground Church
[29:10] - Cultural and Intellectual Factors
[30:08] - The Black Death
[32:27] - The Ottoman Threat
[33:52] - The Renaissance
[37:51] - The Printing Press
[40:15] - Discovery of the New World
[42:26] - Spread of Biblical Knowledge
[46:20] - Conclusion and Next Lecture

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Reformation and the Waldensians

Bible Reading:

Matthew 19:21 - "Jesus said to him, 'If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'"
Acts 4:32-35 - "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "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."

---

Observation Questions:

What were the two primary approaches to reforming the church mentioned in the sermon, and how did they differ? [01:21]
How did Peter Waldo's actions reflect the teachings of Matthew 19:21, and what impact did this have on his followers? [07:23]
What role did the invention of the printing press play in the spread of biblical knowledge during the Reformation? [38:10]
How did the Waldensians' commitment to translating the Bible into the vernacular challenge the established church's practices? [08:59]

---

Interpretation Questions:

In what ways did the apostolic approach to church reform, which emphasized a return to the Bible, contrast with the prophetic approach? How might this have influenced the Reformation's direction? [02:58]
Considering Acts 4:32-35, how did the Waldensians' practice of voluntary poverty and communal living reflect the early church's values? What challenges might they have faced in maintaining these practices? [11:34]
How did the broader cultural and intellectual factors, such as the Renaissance and the Black Death, create a climate ripe for the Reformation? [30:08]
Reflecting on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, how did the Waldensians' emphasis on scripture as the sole authority challenge the church's teachings and practices? [12:06]

---

Application Questions:

The Waldensians faced persecution for their beliefs and practices. How can we stand firm in our faith when faced with opposition or misunderstanding today? [18:01]
Peter Waldo was inspired to give up his wealth and follow Christ. Is there something in your life that you feel called to let go of to follow Jesus more closely? How can you take a step towards that this week? [07:23]
The printing press played a crucial role in spreading biblical knowledge. In today's digital age, how can we use technology to deepen our understanding of the Bible and share it with others? [38:10]
The Waldensians translated the Bible into the vernacular to make it accessible. How can we ensure that the message of the Bible is accessible and understandable to those around us today? [08:59]
Reflect on a time when you felt the church needed reform or change. How did you approach this situation, and what can you learn from the Waldensians' example of seeking change while remaining committed to their faith? [13:44]
The Reformation was influenced by various cultural and intellectual factors. What current cultural trends do you see that might be influencing the church today, and how should we respond? [30:08]
How can we cultivate a community within our church that reflects the early church's values of unity and sharing, as seen in Acts 4:32-35? What practical steps can we take to foster this environment? [11:34]

Sermon Clips

The Reformation didn't happen just by accident of course. I'm talking now mostly when we talk about the Reformation mainly from a historical standpoint. Of course, we know there were spiritual dynamics, things that God was doing, things that were happening behind the scenes. But this is a class in church history, and so while not ignoring the spiritual dynamics, we're going to focus mainly upon the historical forces and historical dynamics of the situation. [00:17:28]

The prophetic approach calls the church to change because of a new word from God or sometimes a new cultural situation. It usually emphasizes a supernatural message or a supernatural messenger. One example of the prophetic approach was a man named Yogi of Fiora from the years 1145 to 1202. He was a sister named monk who wanted to reform the church and so he divided church history into three ages of 40 generations each. [00:01:26]

The Apostolic approach calls the church back to the standards of the Apostles. It basically emphasizes a back-to-the-Bible message. This is not a calling of the church to a new revelation but back to an old standard. It's calling the church back to the Church of the Apostles. Now, in one sense, we can say that sometimes this apostolic approach is based upon a romantic delusion. [00:02:58]

Peter Waldo set out to do just that. He followed a desire to "follow naked lis a naked Christ to be forever in pilgrim calling no place on earth his home." So what did he do? Peter Waldo was married, so he provided his wife with an adequate income. He placed his two daughters in a cloister, you know, together with a bunch of nuns, and then he proceeded to give the rest of all of his wealth to the poor. [00:07:28]

Peter Waldo hired two priests to translate the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament into the common language, into the vernacular. You see, let's remind ourselves in those days the Bible was in Latin. That's the only Bible that they had, and the Bible was not read widely. The church did not want people to read the Bible. It's not so much that people were illiterate, although obviously were much more literate than they were today. [00:08:44]

There flowed unto him a very great multitude of workbook whom he taught to practice voluntary poverty and to become imitators of Christ and His apostles. He taught them the text of the New Testament in the common tongue, and being rebuked for this illness, he condemned the rebuke and began to insist on his own doctrine. Now again, this man had his heart set on fire for Jesus Christ because he read the Bible. [00:10:41]

The Waldensians really wanted to remain employed members of the Roman Catholic Church. They were trying to start a Reformation or a revolution, but at the same time, they felt a divine call to preach. So what did they do when the archbishop commanded them to stop preaching? They appealed to Rome. They said, "We will appeal to the Pope, and the Pope will back us up on this." [00:14:28]

The Reformation was influenced by broader cultural and intellectual factors, including the Black Death, the threat of the Ottoman Turks, the Renaissance, the invention of the printing press, and the discovery of the New World. The spread of biblical knowledge, particularly through the printing press, allowed more people to access the scriptures and see the contrast between biblical Christianity and the church's practices. [00:29:10]

The invention of the printing press in this general period of the 15th century provided the means by which new knowledge could be distributed, and it wasn't printing the Bible that the first printing presses were chiefly occupied. Gutenberg developed movable metal type about the Year 1445, and mines the technique remained a very closely guarded secret advice until 1462. [00:38:00]

The discovery of America by Columbus in the year 1492 and the discovery of the solar system by Copernicus in 1514 also gave incredible enlargement to the minds of men and their activities. It's hard to describe what a psychological effect this would have on humanity. You think you know it all, right? Yeah, you've got your normal world, right? You know what's going on, you know where things are. [00:40:15]

The study of the New Testament in countless circles showed the absolute contrast between Christ and his teaching on the one hand and an utterly corrupt Christendom on the other. You see, people were studying the Bible, people were studying the New Testament, they were studying and not the churches. Right? No, no, turn to see still didn't study the New Testament, not personally. [00:43:25]

The Brethren of the Common Life were a very interesting movement. They were a non-monastic revival movement that stressed the individual's personal commitment to God and their own experience of them. They successfully established a network of schools throughout the Netherlands and northwest Germany in the 15th and early 16th century. They were started by Manon Gareth Gupta, a Dutchman who expressed his principle of teaching way. [00:44:45]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

Roots of Reformation: Faith, Persecution, and Change

Devotional

Day 1: The Reformation: A Return to Apostolic Teachings

Day 2: The Waldensians: Pioneers of Bible Accessibility

Day 3: Persecution and the Underground Church

Day 4: Cultural and Intellectual Catalysts of the Reformation

Day 5: The Power of the Printed Word

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Roots of Reformation: Faith, Persecution, and Change

Share