Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Darkness and Challenges

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into the theme of "standing firm" amidst the challenges and darkness of our times. We began by reflecting on whether the current era is darker than previous times in church history. It's important to recognize that while the darkness may seem more pronounced now, we are living in a cursed creation, and such challenges have always been part of the Christian journey. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 3, reminds us that the last days will be marked by times of stress, and these are not unique to our era. Throughout history, the church has faced incursions of darkness, and Scripture provides us with guidance on how to respond to these seasons of stress.

We also explored the profound mystery of seeing God, as mentioned in the experiences of Moses and Isaiah. The revelation of God is ultimately found in Christ, who makes the invisible God visible to us. This understanding is beautifully captured by Calvin's metaphor of God putting on "outside clothes" to make Himself known. In the incarnation, God took on permanent clothing in our humanity, allowing us to recognize Him forever.

The discussion then turned to the nature of sin and sanctification. While we have new hearts in Christ, we continue to struggle with sin. This is because sanctification is both definitive and progressive. We are set apart in Christ, yet we remain in a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Our new hearts give us an awareness and affection for the things of God, but we are not yet perfected.

We also addressed the question of baptism, particularly in cases where individuals were baptized in churches that were not theologically sound. The consensus was that if the baptism was a Christian baptism, it remains valid. However, in cases where individuals feel a strong conviction, especially when coming from a non-gospel church, re-baptism may be considered to address their conscience.

Finally, we discussed the joy of salvation and the Reformed view. Salvation is not merely a transactional selection but a profound union with Christ, granting us the privilege of communion with God. This understanding should restore the joy of salvation, as we are called to glorify and enjoy God forever.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Darkness in Our Times: The darkness we experience today is not unique but part of the ongoing reality of living in a cursed creation. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the last days will be marked by stress, and history shows us that the church has always faced challenges. Our response should be rooted in Scripture, recognizing that suffering is a normal part of the Christian journey. [02:37]

2. Seeing God Through Christ: The mystery of seeing God is resolved in Christ, who makes the invisible God visible. Calvin's metaphor of God putting on "outside clothes" helps us understand how God reveals Himself. In the incarnation, God took on permanent clothing in our humanity, allowing us to recognize Him forever. [09:11]

3. The Nature of Sin and Sanctification: While we have new hearts in Christ, we continue to struggle with sin. Sanctification is both definitive and progressive, meaning we are set apart in Christ but still battle the flesh. Our new hearts give us an awareness and affection for the things of God, even if we are not yet perfected. [13:03]

4. Baptism and Conscience: If baptized in a Christian church, the baptism remains valid. However, for those coming from non-gospel churches, re-baptism may be considered to address their conscience. It's important to distinguish between irregularity and invalidity in baptism. [17:03]

5. Restoring the Joy of Salvation: Salvation is not just a transactional selection but a profound union with Christ, granting us communion with God. This understanding should restore the joy of salvation, as we are called to glorify and enjoy God forever. A richer understanding of salvation and communion with God is essential. [24:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - Darkness in Church History
- [01:10] - Living in a Cursed Creation
- [02:37] - Times of Stress in the Last Days
- [03:22] - Incursions of Darkness
- [04:04] - Suffering as Normal in Christianity
- [05:29] - Martyrdom and Suffering
- [06:06] - Seeing the Face of God
- [07:13] - Revelation Through Christ
- [08:22] - Calvin's Metaphor of God's Visibility
- [09:11] - Incarnation and Permanent Clothing
- [10:44] - New Hearts and Sin
- [11:54] - Definitive and Progressive Sanctification
- [13:03] - Awareness and Affection for God
- [15:06] - Baptism and Theological Soundness
- [17:03] - Re-baptism and Conscience
- [19:10] - Emotional Responses and Baptism
- [21:14] - Irregularity vs. Invalidity in Baptism
- [21:52] - Joy of Salvation and Reformed View
- [24:25] - Union with Christ and Communion with God
- [26:07] - Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals
- [27:47] - Reaching the Next Generation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
2. John 14:9
3. Ezekiel 36:26-27

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some characteristics of the "last days" that Paul describes? How do these characteristics compare to the challenges mentioned in the sermon? [02:37]

2. In John 14:9, Jesus says, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father." How does this statement relate to the discussion about seeing God through Christ in the sermon? [09:11]

3. Ezekiel 36:26-27 speaks of God giving a new heart and spirit. How does this passage connect to the sermon’s explanation of sanctification and the struggle with sin? [13:03]

4. What was the consensus in the sermon regarding the validity of baptism in churches that may not be theologically sound? [17:03]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of living in a "cursed creation" influence a Christian's perspective on current world events and personal challenges? [01:10]

2. The sermon mentions Calvin's metaphor of God putting on "outside clothes." How does this metaphor help in understanding the incarnation and the visibility of God through Christ? [09:11]

3. The sermon discusses the definitive and progressive nature of sanctification. How does this dual aspect affect a believer's daily life and spiritual growth? [11:54]

4. In what ways does the Reformed view of salvation as a union with Christ differ from a transactional view, and how might this impact a believer's joy in their salvation? [24:25]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the darkness in the world. How can the understanding that suffering is a normal part of the Christian journey help you navigate such times? [04:04]

2. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your life, similar to how Christ makes the invisible God visible? What practical steps can you take this week? [09:11]

3. Considering the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, what specific area of your life do you feel called to surrender more fully to God? How can you take a step towards that this week? [13:03]

4. If you have ever questioned the validity of your baptism, what steps can you take to address any concerns or convictions you may have? How can you seek guidance from your church community? [17:03]

5. How does the understanding of salvation as a union with Christ change your perspective on your relationship with God? What can you do to deepen this relationship and restore the joy of your salvation? [24:25]

6. Think of a person in your life who may be struggling with their faith. How can you support them in understanding the joy and depth of salvation as a union with Christ? [21:52]

7. Reflect on the role of suffering in your spiritual journey. How can you use your experiences to encourage others who may be facing similar challenges? [04:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Darkness as Part of Our Journey
In the current era, it may seem like darkness is more pronounced, but it is crucial to understand that this is not unique to our times. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 3, reminds us that the last days will be marked by stress, and these challenges have always been part of the Christian journey. Throughout history, the church has faced incursions of darkness, and Scripture provides us with guidance on how to respond to these seasons of stress. Recognizing that suffering is a normal part of the Christian journey can help us stand firm amidst the challenges we face today. [02:37]

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific challenge you are facing today that feels overwhelming? How can you seek God's guidance and strength to stand firm in the midst of it?


Day 2: Seeing God Through the Incarnation of Christ
The profound mystery of seeing God is resolved in Christ, who makes the invisible God visible. Calvin's metaphor of God putting on "outside clothes" helps us understand how God reveals Himself. In the incarnation, God took on permanent clothing in our humanity, allowing us to recognize Him forever. This revelation is not just a historical event but a present reality that invites us to see God in our daily lives through the person of Jesus Christ. [09:11]

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to see and experience God in your daily life through the person of Jesus Christ today?


Day 3: The Ongoing Battle of Sanctification
While we have new hearts in Christ, we continue to struggle with sin. Sanctification is both definitive and progressive, meaning we are set apart in Christ but still battle the flesh. Our new hearts give us an awareness and affection for the things of God, even if we are not yet perfected. This ongoing battle is a part of our spiritual growth, and we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in this journey. [13:03]

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." (Philippians 3:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the tension between the flesh and the Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you grow in this area today?


Day 4: Baptism and the Conscience
If baptized in a Christian church, the baptism remains valid. However, for those coming from non-gospel churches, re-baptism may be considered to address their conscience. It's important to distinguish between irregularity and invalidity in baptism. This understanding helps individuals find peace and assurance in their faith journey, knowing that their baptism is a sign of their union with Christ. [17:03]

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism experience. How does understanding the significance of baptism as a sign of union with Christ bring you peace and assurance in your faith journey today?


Day 5: Restoring the Joy of Salvation
Salvation is not just a transactional selection but a profound union with Christ, granting us communion with God. This understanding should restore the joy of salvation, as we are called to glorify and enjoy God forever. A richer understanding of salvation and communion with God is essential for experiencing the fullness of joy that comes from being in relationship with Him. [24:25]

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your salvation today? What practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to glorify and enjoy God more fully?

Quotes

"JONES: That's one question. Well, I'll start. I think everything is, in a broad sense, the darkness of the moment in a sense is relative. In other words, as someone alluded to earlier, we live in a cursed creation. It was mentioned that Romans 1 is our reality and how that's experienced will ... it's still ... we're under a curse. So, therefore, to one extent the curse of God which is progressively revealed it does become more pronounced, and so what we're experiencing now ... and I think we do have to kind of look both inside and out, what we're experiencing both inside the church as well as in the world. It's going to be more pronounced, but the fact remains it is still we're under a curse waiting for the full revelation of God's grace and the consummation of redemptive history." [00:38:52]

"FERGUSON: Chris, I think, what Paul says in 2 Timothy 3 at the beginning, verse 1—he'll be able to quote it—it's very helpful where he says, 'In the last days there will be times of stress.' And the language that he uses there for stress really connotes the notion of a kind of uncontrollability breaking out, and he goes on to list some of the features of such a time. And I do think he is distinguishing—Derek said earlier on, 'We are living in the last days.' Pentecost is the sign the last days have begun. But Paul does seem to be indicating that the last days will be punctuated by special seasons of stress." [00:42:48]

"FERGUSON: And when you read 2 Timothy 3:1 and following, it does read very much like a description of our own times in the Western world. And I think it's very helpful for us to recognize that when we look over the whole of church history, we've all been living in the same era. If I can use the word, we've all been living in the same dispensation, since—why should the dispensationalists have all the best words?—since the time of the apostles. But as you review church history—if Bob were here, he could do this quickly for us—you see that there are special seasons when there are incursions of the powers of darkness." [00:50:32]

"FERGUSON: And I think it's also significant that you see that running through Scripture as well, so that we've got a whole pattern in Scripture that helps us to view our own times, not as being unique, and the Scriptures give us very clear indications, I think, of how we respond to these special seasons when the Christian church or individuals experience unusual degrees of stress. We do tend to think that we're the first Christians in history ever to suffer, and partly it is because we're almost the first Christians in history never to have suffered very much. And we don't realize that suffering is actually normal in biblical Christianity." [00:58:48]

"REEVES: I think it's something that gets picked up in John's Gospel that we read, 'No one has ever seen the form of the Father,' but Jesus says when Philip asks to see the Father, 'You have seen Me. You have seen the Father,' that God is in His holy perfection unapproachable, unknowable, so that people say, 'We've seen God. We're going to die.' And it is only in the face of Christ the Mediator that God can be known and approached. And so, when we see, for example, Isaiah seeing the Lord, what are we to do with this? Well, this is picked up in John's Gospel where John refers to that incident with Isaiah and John says that Isaiah was speaking of Jesus' glory for he saw Him." [00:55:36]

"FERGUSON: Chris, can I say something I read I remember in Calvin, which I thought was a beautiful and simple way into thinking about this. He says there are times when the invisible God puts on His outside clothes. You don't have to do that often in Florida, you know, but you do in Scotland. You put on your outside clothes. And by putting on these outside clothes, he makes Himself visible. So, these manifestations of His glory that we find are moments when God is putting on His outside clothes, so that we can see His shape, as it were. And that what happens—this is not Calvin. This is Ferguson. What happens in the incarnation is that He puts on permanent clothing in our humanity that He will never dispense with, in the Son." [00:59:19]

"THOMAS: Well, in Reformed theology we distinguish between two types of sanctification. A definitive kind; Paul refers to us as a new creation. We are in Christ. We are holy. We are saints. We are set apart. So, something definitive and unchangeable happens at the time of regeneration, but we also speak of progressive sanctification. So, although definitively we are set apart, we are sinners still. We are saved sinners, but we are sinners still. And while we are in this world, there is 'The Spirit wars against the flesh and the flesh against the Spirit.' There is a constant battle between who we actually are in Christ and who sometimes the devil tells us we are." [00:55:36]

"JONES: I would just add to that. The concept of 'new heart' does not mean infused righteousness. It means an awareness and an affection of the things of God that were not existent before. So, when Paul says, 'In times past you were dead in trespasses and sins,' he is speaking of us being in a condition where we are not aware of our obligation to God. Now, we have the ability, again, as we cited earlier, Philippians 2, 'It is God who is at work within us causing us to will and do of His good pleasure.' So, a new heart simply means that we can now respond, we can desire to do good and to do the will of God." [00:55:36]

"THOMAS: Well, let me pitch in here. Our tradition, Ferguson and myself and I guess yours, says that the efficacy of baptism does not depend on the faithfulness of the one doing the baptism, and that if that baptism has come to fruition in faith in Christ, then it has done what it's supposed to do. However, in my experience, especially in Belfast where the predominant population was either Protestant or Catholic, Roman Catholics who were converted were never convinced by what I've just said. They had come out of darkness and into light. They had an experience of Christianity which was an entirely works-based, sacramental-based view of salvation, and now they're experiencing the joy of assurance and forgiveness and they wanted to be baptized." [00:55:36]

"FERGUSON: Well, I've done the same things, so. I mean, I think that there are pretty strong arguments if you are a confessional Presbyterian for taking that position. That was debated in the nineteenth century by two of the greatest theologians in Presbyterianism taking quite different views. And one to which I have been somewhat sympathetic was that our Confession of Faith says that baptism has to be administered by a gospel minister who has been properly ordained. And, therefore, I think there is a case for saying that if you accept Roman Catholic baptism you are ipso facto accepting Roman Catholic ordination, and I don't know any Presbyterian denomination to which Father O'Flanery rose up and they say, 'Come in, you are welcome.'" [00:55:36]

"REEVES: I really want to jump in on that one, because I'm so sorry that whoever that is has felt that, but there is a misunderstanding, a truncated, shortened understanding of the gospel here, that the Reformed love to talk about, 'Justification by faith alone,' how we have a new status because of Christ's righteousness imputed to us. Now, that is all forensic language, that it's about legal status that as a sinner I do not have the right to stand before God, but I am clothed with Christ's righteousness. So, I have a legal right to stand before God because of God's divine declaration. But that's not the sum total of our salvation. That is right at the heart, but it is not the totality of what our salvation is, for in order to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, the Spirit must regenerate you, give you a new heart uniting you to Jesus Christ." [00:55:36]

"REEVES: Second, the privilege of being united to Christ is that we're given this communion with God. So, read some great books on—I don't know—the holiness of God, read some great books on who God is that you might know Him better, because what Reformed theology should teach you is not simply that we can be justified by faith alone, but it presents to you the highest, most glorious, most beautiful vision of God for us to enjoy, which is what we're made for. And if you're not doing that, it's because you've not actually been taking advantage of what is the central privilege of this theology. What do we believe? 'What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy him forever.'" [00:55:36]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 23, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?