Transformative Preaching: Embracing God's Holiness and Assurance

 

Summary

Reflecting on the discussion, the central theme revolves around the profound impact of certain theological works and the essential elements needed in contemporary preaching. The conversation begins with a light-hearted exchange about favorite books, highlighting the influence of theological giants like Calvin, Owen, and Spurgeon on the speakers. These works have shaped their understanding of doctrine and the practice of preaching, emphasizing the importance of sound theology in ministry.

The dialogue transitions into a deep appreciation for R.C. Sproul's "The Holiness of God," a book that has profoundly influenced the speakers' understanding of God's character. This work underscores the necessity of recognizing God's transcendence and moral purity, which in turn shapes one's ministry and personal walk with God. The speakers reflect on how this understanding of holiness has been pivotal in their spiritual journeys, leading them to a deeper reverence for God and a more profound commitment to preaching His Word.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of interpreting Scripture and the importance of discerning between personal misunderstandings and satanic deception. The speakers emphasize the need for a robust engagement with Scripture, encouraging believers to immerse themselves in the Word to recognize false teachings. They stress the importance of the church community in providing guidance and accountability in understanding Scripture.

In discussing the role of preaching, the speakers highlight the need for clarity, courage, and a deep love for the congregation. They argue that preaching should not only inform but also transform, calling for a response to the gospel. The urgency and passion in preaching are seen as vital, with a call for preachers to be both expositors of the Word and evangelists at heart.

The dialogue concludes with reflections on assurance of salvation, where the speakers share personal experiences of doubt and the journey to assurance through the promises of God. They emphasize the importance of holding onto the truth of the gospel and the transformative power of Christ's work in the believer's life.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Influence of Theological Works: The discussion highlights the profound impact of theological giants like Calvin, Owen, and Spurgeon. These works have shaped the speakers' understanding of doctrine and the practice of preaching, emphasizing the importance of sound theology in ministry. [02:36]

2. Understanding God's Holiness: R.C. Sproul's "The Holiness of God" is pivotal in shaping the speakers' understanding of God's character. Recognizing God's transcendence and moral purity leads to a deeper reverence for God and a more profound commitment to preaching His Word. [09:19]

3. Discerning Scripture and Deception: The speakers stress the importance of engaging deeply with Scripture to recognize false teachings. They emphasize the role of the church community in providing guidance and accountability in understanding Scripture. [26:48]

4. The Role of Preaching: Preaching should not only inform but also transform, calling for a response to the gospel. The urgency and passion in preaching are vital, with a call for preachers to be both expositors of the Word and evangelists at heart. [01:27:34]

5. Assurance of Salvation: The speakers share personal experiences of doubt and the journey to assurance through the promises of God. Holding onto the truth of the gospel and the transformative power of Christ's work is essential for assurance. [01:00:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:24] - Favorite Books Discussion
- [02:36] - Impact of Spurgeon's Sermons
- [05:06] - Influence of "The Holiness of God"
- [09:19] - Understanding God's Holiness
- [13:56] - The Holiness of God and Human Depravity
- [20:00] - Twisting Scripture and Discernment
- [26:48] - Role of the Church in Understanding Scripture
- [31:49] - Christ as Fulfillment
- [39:17] - Jesus' Growth in Favor with God
- [44:04] - Did God Suffer on the Cross?
- [49:16] - The Gospel and Sanctification
- [56:54] - Struggles with Sin and Assurance
- [01:00:38] - Assurance of Salvation
- [01:11:30] - Greatest Need in Pulpits Today

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 6:3 - "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
2. Romans 12:1-2 - "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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."
3. 2 Timothy 4:2 - "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."

Observation Questions:
1. What are the two primary meanings of holiness as discussed in the sermon, and how do they shape our understanding of God? [08:33]
2. How did the speakers describe the impact of R.C. Sproul's "The Holiness of God" on their personal and ministerial lives? [09:19]
3. What role does the church community play in helping believers discern between personal misunderstandings and satanic deception according to the sermon? [26:48]
4. How do the speakers define the essential elements of effective preaching? [01:27:34]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of God's holiness influence a believer's personal walk and ministry? Consider the implications of Isaiah 6:3 in this context. [09:19]
2. In what ways does Romans 12:1-2 challenge believers to live out their faith in response to the gospel? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on transformation through preaching? [52:27]
3. How can the church community provide guidance and accountability in understanding Scripture, and why is this important in discerning false teachings? [26:48]
4. What does it mean for preaching to be both informative and transformative, and how can this dual purpose be achieved in practice? [01:27:34]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a theological work that has significantly impacted your understanding of God. How has it shaped your faith and actions? [02:36]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to recognize His transcendence and moral purity? [09:19]
3. In what ways can you engage more deeply with Scripture to better discern truth from deception? How can your church community support you in this endeavor? [26:48]
4. Consider the role of preaching in your church. How can you encourage your pastor to balance clarity, courage, and love for the congregation in their sermons? [01:27:34]
5. Have you ever experienced doubt about your salvation? How can holding onto the promises of God and the transformative power of Christ's work provide assurance? [01:00:38]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to respond to the gospel with urgency and passion. What steps will you take this week to address it? [01:27:34]
7. How can you actively participate in your church community to ensure it remains a place of sound theology and mutual accountability? [26:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Theological Giants Shape Our Understanding

The influence of theological giants like Calvin, Owen, and Spurgeon is profound in shaping one's understanding of doctrine and the practice of preaching. These theologians have left a legacy of sound theology that continues to guide and inform ministry today. Their works emphasize the importance of grounding one's faith in solid biblical doctrine, which serves as a foundation for effective preaching and teaching. By engaging with these theological works, believers can deepen their understanding of God's Word and be better equipped to share it with others. [02:36]

"For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." (Ezra 7:10, ESV)

Reflection: What theological work or author has most influenced your understanding of God, and how can you incorporate their teachings into your daily walk with Him?


Day 2: Recognizing God's Holiness

Understanding God's holiness is pivotal in shaping one's view of His character. R.C. Sproul's "The Holiness of God" highlights the transcendence and moral purity of God, leading to a deeper reverence and commitment to His Word. Recognizing God's holiness transforms how one approaches ministry and personal devotion, fostering a sense of awe and respect for His divine nature. This understanding encourages believers to live lives that reflect God's holiness and to preach His Word with sincerity and passion. [09:19]

"Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." (Revelation 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How does your understanding of God's holiness influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?


Day 3: Engaging Deeply with Scripture

Engaging deeply with Scripture is essential for recognizing false teachings and discerning truth from deception. It requires a robust commitment to studying God's Word and being part of a church community that provides guidance and accountability. By immersing oneself in Scripture, believers can develop the discernment needed to navigate personal misunderstandings and resist satanic deception. This engagement with the Word is crucial for spiritual growth and maintaining a strong foundation in faith. [26:48]

"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your engagement with Scripture and strengthen your ability to discern truth from falsehood?


Day 4: Preaching with Clarity and Passion

Preaching should not only inform but also transform, calling for a response to the gospel. It requires clarity, courage, and a deep love for the congregation. Preachers are called to be both expositors of the Word and evangelists at heart, delivering messages with urgency and passion. This approach to preaching encourages believers to respond to the gospel and live out their faith in tangible ways. The transformative power of preaching lies in its ability to inspire change and foster a deeper commitment to Christ. [01:27:34]

"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you support your pastor or church leaders in their mission to preach with clarity and passion, and how can you personally respond to the messages you hear?


Day 5: Assurance of Salvation

Assurance of salvation is a journey that involves holding onto the truth of the gospel and the transformative power of Christ's work in one's life. Believers may experience doubt, but the promises of God provide a foundation for assurance. By focusing on the truth of the gospel and Christ's redemptive work, individuals can find peace and confidence in their salvation. This assurance is not based on personal merit but on the unchanging promises of God, offering hope and security in the believer's spiritual journey. [01:00:38]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: In moments of doubt, what specific promises of God can you hold onto to reaffirm your assurance of salvation?

Quotes



I would say the three books that have most marked my life would be Thomas Watson’s Body of Divinity, which was the first book that Lloyd-Jones printed to begin Banner of Truth. Reading Watson is just so easy to read. Second, Forgotten Spurgeon by Iain Murray had a very defining effect on me that to hold to Calvinistic doctrine does not mean that you’re not evangelistic, but that to hold to high doctrine would mean that we have great freedom to passionately proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. [00:01:39]

Listening to my father earlier today recounting – and I’ve heard the story before of his conversion and those weeks afterwards, and the wrestling and the realizing that God plays for keeps. Because I’m his son, I didn’t have that same experience. I didn’t grow up in a liberal church. I grew up in a church where the gospel was preached, and so I didn’t have that conversion per se, but there was in reading that book for me a very much, an awakening, almost a baptistic thing, like I can’t inherit this. I have to own this, because God’s not going to take me by looking at my birth certificate. He’s a little too holy for that. [00:05:56]

That book had a profound influence on my life, Chris. And for me as I read that book, and after I read that book, it’s what God used in my life. As I was considering where I would pursue my next degree, my thought was, wherever this man is teaching, if it were possible, I would like to study under this man. And so having read the holiness of God, that’s why I enrolled in Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, where Dr. Sproul was teaching at the time, just so I could have a first hand encounter with whoever it is that has written this book. [00:07:19]

I think one of the things we’re all thankful for is the way, not only the way God shaped R.C. to be able to write such a book, but that – and this is actually more important, I think – that God was working among Christian people to make them receptive to the recovery of that truth, because it’s so reminiscent of Luther saying to Erasmus, “Your God is too manlike, Erasmus.” And that really is just absolutely a fundamental problem, the… our ability to make God in our own image. [00:13:33]

I would say that Satan corrupts the Word of God at the most strategic and essential parts that are non-negotiable, that he attempts to corrupt – one, the nature of Scripture itself. And to miss that is more than just I have a misunderstanding here. The Bible claims to be the Word of God, and for one to miss that is to miss what is so glaring. Some 38 hundred times, there is “Thus says the Lord,” or its equivalent. [00:20:34]

The other thing I think is really crucial here is that Christ has called us to be part of His church, and so it’s in the context of the church that we can weigh whether we’re really understanding the Word or rather we’re misunderstanding it. You need to be a part of a church that isn’t a false church dedicated to rejecting and undermining the Word of God. That’s got to be the very first criteria by which you evaluate a congregation. Does this congregation stand on and for the Word of God written? [00:26:28]

I think for some Christians, there’s a tendency to say, “Just tell me where things can go wrong.” Well, that’s endless. And it’s also in a sense immature because what we want for our Christians is for them so to learn the good money of the gospel, that they will be able to at least sense the counterfeit when they see it. So that’s one thing. The second thing is, I’ve always been struck, the quirky side of me has been struck – he thinks that’s most of me – the quirky side of me has been struck by Paul saying about Satan, “We are not ignorant of his stratagems,” or however translated differently. [00:28:57]

I think it’s really helpful too – and Steve just touched on this at the end in Romans 6 – to remember that we are justified by grace alone through faith alone, but the faith by which we are justified is also the faith that unites us to Christ. And what Paul is saying, for example in Romans 6, and I think very wonderfully in Colossians 3, is that the faith that unites us to Christ, brings us really into a new order of reality altogether, in which the dominion of sin over our lives has once and for all been broken. [00:54:10]

I think my experience is probably closest to Bob’s. I think he touched on there’s two different kinds, at least two different kinds of doubt. Is it true? And do I trust? And I never went through the first one at all. I always believed the Bible was God’s Word, that Jesus was His Son, that He died for sinners, that He was raised from the dead, etc. I never actually thought about it in terms of doubt. I never was in a place where I thought I’m not sure if I’m saved. I was in a place where I thought I’m sure that I’m not, and that’s when I was in high school and sort of the reverse of you and your football team. [01:09:57]

I think there are way too many ministers who are good at that. And I just think our churches need clear, careful, consistent exposition of the Word. [applause] Now, all of you who are clapping ought to ask, do you actually encourage your minister to spend time in the study? [applause] In the long run, there is no good preaching except for ministers who are enabled to be in the study, studying the Word, and congregations have to help ministers do that, especially the ministers who are really good at visiting. [01:11:42]

I think it really matters to God how His Word is preached, and I think there is a certain simplicity about preaching, that too many preachers try to make this complicated and try to make it complex, and they overcook and over analyze what preaching really is. You read the text. You explain the text. And you apply the text. And I’m amazed at how little reading of the text there is in most preaching, how very little explaining with historical background, word studies, progressive revelation, cross references, etc., that there is to make the Scripture come alive in its meaning where lights are coming on, and then how… and then the exhortation from the text. [01:19:21]

I believe the most powerful preacher on the planet is the Calvinistic expositor, who is an evangelist in the pulpit. He is the only preacher who plays with a full deck. [applause] He is the only one who has all 52 cards at his disposal. He preaches a high view of God. He preaches the Bible. He magnifies grace. And he calls for commitment to Christ. And… and we are hyper-Calvinistic when we are not burdened for lost souls, when we do not preach the gospel, when we do not call people to commitment to Christ. [01:27:34]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 04, 2015. Do you have any questions about it?

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