Unashamed of the Gospel: Standing Firm in Truth
Summary
In today's message, we explored the enduring challenge of being unashamed of the Gospel in a world that often finds it offensive. Reflecting on the legacy of influential theologians like Dr. R.C. Sproul, we are reminded of the importance of standing firm in the truth of Scripture, even when it is countercultural. The Apostle Paul's declaration in Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel," serves as a rallying cry for authentic Christianity, urging us to boldly proclaim the truth of Christ's atoning work on the cross.
We delved into John 6, where Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life," challenging His followers to seek spiritual sustenance rather than mere physical satisfaction. This passage highlights the necessity of faith in Christ alone for salvation, a truth that remains offensive to many. Jesus' teaching underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation, emphasizing that no one can come to Him unless drawn by the Father. This divine initiative in salvation is a humbling reminder of our dependence on God's grace.
In our contemporary context, we face various false gospels that dilute the true message of Christ. The false gospel of psychotherapy suggests that our primary issue is a lack of self-esteem, rather than sin. The false gospel of social activism reduces the Gospel to a mere social action plan, while political activism can mistakenly equate the Gospel with political agendas. Theological revisionism attempts to soften the hard truths of Scripture, leading to a departure from orthodox beliefs.
As we navigate these challenges, we are called to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel, recognizing that it is the power of God for salvation. The question posed to the disciples, "Do you also want to go away?" echoes through the ages, challenging us to reaffirm our commitment to Christ. Like Peter, we must respond, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." In doing so, we align ourselves with the unchanging truth of the Gospel, trusting in God's sovereignty to preserve His people and glorify Himself through us.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel's offense is not a new phenomenon; it has always been countercultural. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, yet it is the power of God for those being saved. We must embrace this truth and boldly proclaim it, even when it is unpopular. [01:40]
- Jesus' declaration as the "bread of life" in John 6 challenges us to seek spiritual nourishment over physical satisfaction. This passage emphasizes the necessity of faith in Christ alone for salvation, highlighting the sovereignty of God in drawing people to Himself. [11:51]
- The false gospel of psychotherapy misdiagnoses our primary issue as a lack of self-esteem rather than sin. True healing comes from recognizing our sinfulness and embracing the grace offered through Christ's atoning work on the cross. [31:46]
- Social and political activism, while important, must not be confused with the Gospel. Our primary mission is to proclaim the message of salvation through Christ, not to equate the Gospel with social or political agendas. [36:45]
- Theological revisionism seeks to soften the hard truths of Scripture, leading to a departure from orthodox beliefs. We must remain committed to the unchanging truth of the Gospel, trusting in God's sovereignty to preserve His people. [40:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Honoring R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries
- [00:53] - Remembering Dr. Boyce
- [01:27] - The Offense of the Gospel
- [02:12] - Superficiality in Evangelicalism
- [03:34] - Ashamed of the Gospel
- [05:05] - The Ultimate Claim to Truth
- [06:11] - The Bread of Life
- [07:58] - Seeking the Wrong Bread
- [09:20] - Faith Alone Saves
- [11:51] - Jesus as the Bread of Life
- [13:18] - Theology Lesson on Salvation
- [16:27] - The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
- [19:47] - Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood
- [22:27] - Disciples' Offense
- [30:54] - Will You Also Go Away?
- [36:29] - False Gospels
- [49:02] - The Gospel's Offense Today
- [52:49] - Peter's Confession
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 1:16
- John 6:35-44
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 1:16, Paul states, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel." What reasons does he give for this bold declaration? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on being unashamed of the Gospel? [04:01]
2. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life." What does this metaphor suggest about the kind of sustenance Jesus offers compared to physical bread? [11:51]
3. According to John 6:44, what role does the Father play in drawing people to Jesus? How does this emphasize the sovereignty of God in salvation? [16:27]
4. The sermon mentions various "false gospels" that dilute the true message of Christ. What are some examples given, and how do they differ from the true Gospel? [36:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Apostle Paul's declaration in Romans 1:16 challenge contemporary Christians to live out their faith in a culture that may find the Gospel offensive? [04:01]
2. In John 6, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of faith in Him alone for salvation. How does this teaching confront the idea of self-sufficiency or self-help in spiritual matters? [09:20]
3. The sermon discusses the false gospel of psychotherapy, which misdiagnoses our primary issue as a lack of self-esteem. How does this perspective contrast with the biblical understanding of sin and grace? [31:46]
4. The sermon warns against equating the Gospel with social or political activism. How can Christians balance their involvement in social issues with the primary mission of proclaiming the Gospel? [36:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hesitant to share your faith. What specific fears or concerns held you back, and how can Paul's example in Romans 1:16 encourage you to be more bold? [04:01]
2. Jesus calls Himself the "bread of life" in John 6. In what ways are you seeking spiritual nourishment in your daily life? Are there areas where you are prioritizing physical or material satisfaction over spiritual growth? [11:51]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our sinfulness and embracing grace. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of your need for God's grace in your daily life? [31:46]
4. Consider the false gospels mentioned in the sermon. Are there any subtle ways these have influenced your understanding of the Gospel? How can you guard against these influences? [36:29]
5. The sermon challenges us to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel. What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding and commitment to the Gospel message? [40:12]
6. Reflect on the question Jesus posed to His disciples, "Do you also want to go away?" How can you reaffirm your commitment to Christ in the face of challenges or doubts? [30:54]
7. Identify one person in your life who may be influenced by a false gospel. How can you engage them in a conversation about the true message of Christ this week? [36:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Gospel's Countercultural Nature
The Gospel has always been countercultural, challenging societal norms and values. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 1:16, boldly declares, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel," emphasizing its power for salvation. In a world that often finds the Gospel offensive, believers are called to stand firm in the truth of Scripture. This requires courage and conviction, as the message of Christ's atoning work on the cross is seen as foolishness to those who are perishing. Yet, for those being saved, it is the power of God. Embracing this truth means proclaiming it boldly, even when it is unpopular. [01:40]
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you boldly proclaim the Gospel in your daily interactions, even when it may be unpopular or countercultural?
Day 2: Seek Spiritual Nourishment in Christ Alone
In John 6, Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life," urging His followers to seek spiritual sustenance rather than mere physical satisfaction. This passage highlights the necessity of faith in Christ alone for salvation, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in drawing people to Himself. Many find this truth offensive, as it challenges the notion of self-sufficiency and human effort. Believers are reminded of their dependence on God's grace and the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment in Christ, who offers eternal life. [11:51]
John 6:35-37 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.'"
Reflection: How can you prioritize seeking spiritual nourishment in Christ over physical or material satisfaction in your daily life?
Day 3: Recognize the True Source of Healing
The false gospel of psychotherapy misdiagnoses our primary issue as a lack of self-esteem rather than sin. True healing comes from recognizing our sinfulness and embracing the grace offered through Christ's atoning work on the cross. This perspective shifts the focus from self-improvement to spiritual transformation, acknowledging that our deepest need is reconciliation with God. By understanding the true source of healing, believers can experience the fullness of life that Christ offers. [31:46]
Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to acknowledge your need for God's grace and seek true healing through Christ's atoning work?
Day 4: Distinguish the Gospel from Social and Political Agendas
While social and political activism are important, they must not be confused with the Gospel. The primary mission of believers is to proclaim the message of salvation through Christ, not to equate the Gospel with social or political agendas. This distinction is crucial, as it ensures that the focus remains on the transformative power of the Gospel rather than temporal solutions. By maintaining this focus, believers can effectively witness to the world and fulfill their calling. [36:45]
2 Timothy 2:4-5 (ESV): "No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your involvement in social or political causes does not overshadow your primary mission to share the Gospel?
Day 5: Remain Committed to the Unchanging Truth of the Gospel
Theological revisionism seeks to soften the hard truths of Scripture, leading to a departure from orthodox beliefs. Believers are called to remain committed to the unchanging truth of the Gospel, trusting in God's sovereignty to preserve His people. This commitment requires discernment and a willingness to stand firm in the face of cultural pressures. By aligning with the truth of the Gospel, believers can trust in God's faithfulness to glorify Himself through their lives. [40:12]
Jude 1:3-4 (ESV): "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively contend for the faith and remain committed to the unchanging truth of the Gospel in your community?
Quotes
The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, yet it is the power of God for those being saved. We must embrace this truth and boldly proclaim it, even when it is unpopular. [00:03:34]
Jesus answered them directly at the issue of their motivation. He says, I want you to know that I'm on to you. You did not come all the way over here to find me with such determination because you were looking for salvation. You came because you want to see another sign. [00:07:58]
Jesus said, do not work for the food which perishes but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the son of man will give to you, for on him the father God has set his seal. [00:09:20]
Jesus answered to them, this is the work of God that you believe in him whom he has sent. What can I do to be found right with God? What can I do to accomplish my salvation? What can I do in order to get God's attention? [00:13:18]
Jesus said, truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of Heaven. A little theological correction here, by the way. They were thankful to Moses for the bread, and Jesus said, by the way, it wasn't Moses who gave it to you. [00:15:59]
Jesus uses this language very self-consciously and directly in order to make clear his deity and to define that deity to the people. He here says, I am the bread of life, and in subsequent verses, he will play this out and let us know what it means that he is the bread of life. [00:20:12]
All that the father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will certainly not cast out. Shall we notice here there is no parenthesis, there is no footnote, there is no qualification whatsoever. The atonement of Jesus Christ is accomplished. [00:22:27]
No one can come to me unless the father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. We better remember this in preaching the gospel. Martin Luther instructed his students to remember that in the preaching of the gospel and in the preaching of the word. [00:24:12]
It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. Two opposing principles described here, the Flesh and the spirit, and Jesus said it's the spirit that gives life, and the flesh profits nothing. [00:26:45]
The false gospel of psychotherapy is found rampant throughout the church. It is found even in churches that would not recognize it and perhaps never even made a self-conscious decision to move in this direction. It is found in the very air we breathe, and it comes out in the language we use. [00:31:46]
The false Gospel of social activism. Evangelicals are born activists where we always want to go do something, and there's something glorious in that, but there's also something very dangerous in that because the gospel can very quickly be translated into something it is not, and that is a social action plan. [00:36:29]
Theological revisionism is as old as the Garden of Eden with the serpent saying to Eve, hath God said? You look across the landscape of America's theological institutions, you look at the mainstream of American theological education, you look at what is being poured out of the publishing houses. [00:40:12]
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