Understanding Grace, Responsibility, and Faith in Ministry

 

Summary

In this session, we explored a range of theological and practical questions that touch on the heart of Christian doctrine and practice. We began by addressing the apparent contradiction in Deuteronomy regarding Moabites and how David, a descendant of Ruth the Moabitess, could enter the assembly of God. The key lies in understanding the elliptical nature of biblical statements and recognizing Ruth's conversion to the faith of Israel, which transcends her ethnic origin.

We also discussed the challenges faced by a new student minister in balancing entertainment and faithful teaching. The emphasis was on maintaining humility and respect while adhering to the biblical mandate, even when under pressure to compromise. This led to a broader discussion on the use of harsh language by Jesus and Paul, highlighting the need for believers to exercise charity and avoid inflammatory language, despite historical precedents.

The conversation then shifted to the topic of double predestination, clarifying the Reformed perspective that God actively intervenes to save the elect while passing over the non-elect without creating fresh evil. This nuanced understanding helps avoid misconceptions about God's sovereignty and human responsibility.

We also tackled the issue of generational curses, explaining that while the consequences of sin can affect subsequent generations, each individual is morally responsible for their own actions. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God does not hold descendants guilty for their ancestors' sins.

Finally, we addressed the practice of altar calls, cautioning against equating public professions with genuine faith. The focus should be on the accurate proclamation of the gospel and reliance on the Holy Spirit to effect true conversion, rather than on external rituals.

Key Takeaways:

- Elliptical Statements in Scripture: Understanding elliptical statements in the Bible requires recognizing the broader context and implied meanings. Ruth's acceptance into the assembly of God, despite being a Moabitess, illustrates how faith and conversion transcend ethnic prohibitions. This teaches us that God's grace and acceptance are available to all who genuinely seek Him. [01:24]

- Balancing Entertainment and Teaching: In ministry, the challenge is to maintain the integrity of biblical teaching while engaging the audience. This requires humility and respect for authority, but also a steadfast commitment to God's commands. The key is to prioritize spiritual growth over mere entertainment, trusting that faithful teaching will bear fruit. [02:39]

- The Use of Language in Controversy: While Jesus and Paul used strong language, believers today are called to exercise restraint and charity. Respect for others, even in disagreement, reflects the character of Christ. This approach fosters constructive dialogue and upholds the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their stance. [05:04]

- Understanding Double Predestination: The Reformed view of double predestination emphasizes God's active role in salvation while respecting human responsibility. God intervenes to save the elect but does not create fresh evil in the non-elect. This understanding highlights God's sovereignty and the mystery of His grace. [12:55]

- Generational Consequences of Sin: While sin can have lasting effects on future generations, each person is accountable for their own actions. This underscores the importance of living a godly life, as our choices impact not only ourselves but also those who come after us. It is a call to break cycles of sin through faithfulness and obedience. [26:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Moabites and the Assembly of God
- [01:52] - Balancing Entertainment and Teaching
- [03:32] - Language in Controversy
- [06:46] - Manhattan Declaration Reflections
- [08:18] - God's Regret in Genesis
- [10:42] - Double Predestination Explained
- [14:32] - Evangelism in Church Settings
- [17:08] - Trinity and Scripture
- [20:05] - Separation in Marriage
- [23:35] - American Revolution and Authority
- [25:28] - Generational Curses
- [27:48] - Spiritual Formation Concerns
- [29:14] - Living in Sin
- [30:04] - Creation of Sin and Satan
- [32:32] - Success in the Eyes of Jesus
- [36:49] - Altar Calls and Genuine Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 23:3 - "No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the Lord; even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the Lord forever."
2. Ruth 1:16 - "But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'"
3. Ezekiel 18:20 - "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

---

Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the apparent contradiction in Deuteronomy regarding Moabites and David's lineage? [00:50]

2. What challenges does a new student minister face according to the sermon, and how should they respond to pressures to entertain rather than teach faithfully? [02:11]

3. How does the sermon describe the use of harsh language by Jesus and Paul, and what is the recommended approach for believers today? [03:32]

4. What is the Reformed perspective on double predestination as explained in the sermon? [12:22]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Ruth's conversion and acceptance into the assembly of God illustrate the concept of faith transcending ethnic prohibitions? [01:24]

2. In what ways can a minister balance the need for engaging an audience with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of biblical teaching? [02:39]

3. How does the sermon suggest believers should handle disagreements and controversies, especially in light of Jesus and Paul's use of strong language? [05:04]

4. How does the understanding of generational consequences of sin align with the biblical teaching that each individual is responsible for their own actions? [26:43]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to compromise your beliefs for the sake of acceptance or entertainment. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now? [02:11]

2. Consider a recent disagreement you had. How did you communicate your perspective, and how might you incorporate more charity and respect in future discussions? [05:04]

3. How does the concept of double predestination challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility? [12:22]

4. Think about the generational impact of your actions. What steps can you take to ensure that your legacy is one of faithfulness and obedience? [26:43]

5. Have you ever participated in an altar call or similar public profession of faith? Reflect on that experience and discuss how it impacted your spiritual journey. [36:49]

6. Identify a situation where you might have used language that was not reflective of Christ's character. How can you improve your communication to better reflect your faith? [05:04]

7. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and not just a public profession? What practices can you incorporate into your life to deepen your relationship with God? [36:49]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Grace Transcends Ethnic Boundaries
Understanding the elliptical nature of biblical statements is crucial for grasping the deeper meanings within Scripture. In the case of Ruth, a Moabitess, her acceptance into the assembly of God illustrates how faith and conversion transcend ethnic prohibitions. Ruth's story teaches us that God's grace and acceptance are available to all who genuinely seek Him, regardless of their background. This understanding encourages believers to look beyond surface-level interpretations and recognize the transformative power of faith and conversion. [01:24]

Deuteronomy 23:3-4 (ESV): "No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the Lord. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the Lord forever, because they did not meet you with bread and with water on the way, when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life whom you have judged based on their background or past? How can you extend God's grace to them today?


Day 2: Prioritizing Spiritual Growth Over Entertainment
In ministry, the challenge often lies in balancing the need to engage an audience with the imperative to maintain the integrity of biblical teaching. This requires humility and respect for authority, as well as a steadfast commitment to God's commands. The focus should be on spiritual growth rather than mere entertainment, trusting that faithful teaching will bear fruit in the lives of the congregation. This approach encourages ministers and believers alike to prioritize the transformative power of God's Word over the fleeting allure of entertainment. [02:39]

2 Timothy 4:2-3 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions."

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize spiritual growth in your daily life over seeking entertainment or comfort?


Day 3: Exercising Restraint and Charity in Language
While Jesus and Paul used strong language in their teachings, believers today are called to exercise restraint and charity in their speech. Respect for others, even in disagreement, reflects the character of Christ and fosters constructive dialogue. This approach upholds the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their stance, and encourages believers to engage in conversations that are edifying and respectful. By choosing words that build up rather than tear down, Christians can demonstrate the love and grace of Christ in their interactions with others. [05:04]

Colossians 4:6 (ESV): "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you could have used more gracious language. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?


Day 4: The Mystery of God's Sovereignty and Grace
The Reformed view of double predestination emphasizes God's active role in salvation while respecting human responsibility. God intervenes to save the elect but does not create fresh evil in the non-elect. This nuanced understanding highlights the mystery of God's sovereignty and grace, encouraging believers to trust in His divine plan even when it is beyond human comprehension. By acknowledging both God's sovereignty and human responsibility, Christians can find peace in the assurance of His grace and the call to live faithfully. [12:55]

Ephesians 1:11 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."

Reflection: How does understanding God's sovereignty and grace impact your view of your own salvation and responsibility in sharing the gospel?


Day 5: Breaking Cycles of Sin Through Faithfulness
While sin can have lasting effects on future generations, each person is accountable for their own actions. This underscores the importance of living a godly life, as our choices impact not only ourselves but also those who come after us. It is a call to break cycles of sin through faithfulness and obedience, trusting in God's power to transform lives. By choosing to live in accordance with God's will, believers can create a legacy of faithfulness that positively influences future generations. [26:43]

Ezekiel 18:20 (ESV): "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can break a cycle of sin and create a legacy of faithfulness for future generations?

Quotes


"And even though it's true, that in terms of descendancy, David was from the descendant of a Moabitess, but, she was not a practicing Moabitess. She was one who embraced the religion of God. And so I think that that gives her a pass as far as that prohibition, because I think the implied elliptical understanding is that somebody who is a practicing Moabite cannot come into the presence of the Assembly of God." [00:01:19]

"Well, again, I think with a spirit of humility and patience and long suffering, recognizing that these people are in authority over you. Yet at the same time, we know that we are to respond and obey all who are in the situations of authority over us unless, they command us to do something God forbids or forbids us from doing something that God commands." [00:02:28]

"Surely, you have evidences of Jesus and Paul using language that today, we might even regard as being intemperate. That's one of the reasons why down through the ages, Christians weren't all that hesitant to use some very fierce language as you saw in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century on both sides of the debate. But at the same time, we have provisions in teaching of Scripture - but first of all, I'm not Jesus and I'm not the Apostle Paul, that I don't speak with the absolute authority that they do." [00:04:00]

"Now, often, double predestination is expressed in what we call a synergistic fashion, or a fashion that is called positive-positive decrees. In this respect, double predestination would mean that God positively decrees and determines in advance those whom He will save, namely the elect. And, in the same method, He decrees the damnation of the sinner, and just as on the one hand, He creates positively saving faith in the hearts of the elect in an equally determinist fashion creates fresh evil in the hearts of the reprobate to make sure they don't come to belief." [00:11:28]

"Reformed theology does teach that double predestined in so far as not everybody will be saved. And so it's double or nothing, really. You can't have single predestination and just ignore the non-elect, unless you're a Universalist. But the distinction is this, we have what we call a positive negative decree or an asymmetrical view of election." [00:12:29]

"However, what I think the point of the Pentateuch is, is that the sin of the fathers has consequences long after the father dies, to the second, third, and fourth generations. If I live a reprobate life and godless life, the chances are that the repercussions of my sin will impact dramatically my children and grandchildren, so that sin has a long lasting impact. And I think that's the point of the generational consequence issue." [00:26:43]

"Augustine wrote many years ago that the church is a corpus permixtum - that is a mixed body that includes both wheat and the tares. And the tares grow along with the wheat, and we can't read the hearts of people. Now, I don't think that it's appropriate to preach every Sunday on evangelism and talking about trying to call people to salvation every single time. Because the purpose of church and the sermon primarily, is to develop the growth of people who have already made a profession of faith." [00:14:42]

"And so I think we have to make that aware to our congregations, even though they've made a profession of faith. I warn my people all the time that a profession of faith never saved anybody. It's the possession of faith that you have to have. And remember that Judgment Day is coming and you will be judged by whether or not you have genuine faith or not." [00:16:15]

"Now, God, if there is sin in this world, and there's a devil in this world, you know absolutely that God ordained that there be a devil, and that God ordained that human beings would sin. That's not the same thing as saying that God sinned. You might say, “Well God, that was a bad thing that you did for creating the devil or a bad thing that you did to having creatures that would sin against you.” Now, we’re never allowed to call good evil or evil good." [00:30:04]

"And so my concern is to be as accurate and as powerful as I can be in proclaiming the Word of God, and calling people to respond. But I don't call them to respond by marching down an aisle because again, I see it everywhere that people think that they are saved simply because they made a profession. We all who are saved should make professions (don't misunderstand me), but just making the profession doesn't mean you have the possession." [00:36:49]

"God gives me the grace to anything of obedience that I do, and then He goes ahead and adds a reward to it. Which I don't deserve, I don't have any claim on. But nevertheless, He does hold that out, that at the last judgment, there will be various degrees of blessing and punishment." [00:32:32]

"And so, I mean there are those who will take the view that divorce is never okay according to Scripture. I think they neglect the exceptive clause that Matthew gives and Jesus' teaching on the question. But also, there are those who want to have a very easy path to divorce, no fault divorce – and you can divorce for just about any reason that you want. And so, we have a crisis with the sanctity of marriage in our culture and in our church today, where very few people are really trying to understand what God teaches about marriage." [00:20:05]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 16, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

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