Upholding Gospel Truth in a Pluralistic World

 

Summary

Reflecting on the challenges facing the Church today, we find ourselves in a time where the authority of Scripture and the core doctrines of Christianity are under significant scrutiny. The Church is grappling with issues such as pluralism, where the uniqueness of the Christian faith is often diluted in an attempt to be inclusive of other worldviews. This has led to a form of syncretism that undermines the foundational truths of the gospel. Additionally, there is a concerning trend of man-centeredness, where human desires and pragmatism take precedence over the sovereignty and glory of God. This shift has resulted in a low ecclesiology, where the significance and authority of the Church are diminished even among those who uphold the authority of Scripture and justification by faith alone.

The doctrine of Christ, both His person and His work, remains a critical battlefield. There is a need to reaffirm the Nicene and Chalcedonian understanding of Christology, ensuring that the Church's vocabulary includes the two natures of Christ and the significance of His substitutionary atonement. The challenge is compounded by a move away from the doctrine of inerrancy and a discomfort with the concept of substitutionary atonement, which are essential to understanding the gospel.

In addressing these challenges, it is crucial to recognize that the sovereignty of God is our hope. It is God who redeems and transforms, and it is through His sovereign will that we find assurance in the face of these doctrinal battles. The Church must remain steadfast in proclaiming the gospel, understanding that it is not merely a set of beliefs but the power of God for salvation. This calls for a deep reliance on God's sovereignty and a passionate commitment to the gospel, recognizing that it is the only hope for a world in need of redemption.

Key Takeaways:

- The Church today faces the challenge of pluralism, where the distinctiveness of the Christian faith is often compromised in an attempt to be inclusive. This leads to a syncretism that undermines the gospel's foundational truths. We must hold firm to the uniqueness of Christ as the only way to salvation. [02:39]

- Man-centeredness is a form of idolatry that places human desires above God's sovereignty. This pragmatic approach can infiltrate the Church, leading to a diminished view of God's glory and authority. We must return to a God-centered theology that exalts His glory above all. [05:30]

- The doctrine of Christ is under attack, with a need to reaffirm the Nicene and Chalcedonian understanding of His person and work. This includes a robust defense of substitutionary atonement and the two natures of Christ. These truths are essential to the gospel and must be part of the Church's vocabulary. [04:26]

- God's sovereignty is our hope in the face of doctrinal challenges. It is through His sovereign will that we find assurance and strength to proclaim the gospel. This calls for a deep reliance on God's power and a passionate commitment to His truth. [14:09]

- The Church must engage the world with the gospel, recognizing that it is not merely a set of beliefs but the power of God for salvation. This involves a commitment to proclaiming the truth of Christ's person and work, understanding that it is the only hope for a world in need of redemption. [48:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Question on the Church's Greatest Enemy
- [01:00] - Defense of Scripture and Justification
- [02:01] - Low Ecclesiology in Evangelicalism
- [02:39] - The Challenge of Pluralism
- [04:02] - Inerrancy and Christology
- [05:30] - Idolatry and Man-Centeredness
- [06:56] - Historical Attacks on Christology
- [09:16] - God's Glory and Human History
- [11:43] - Struggling with Predestination
- [14:09] - Passion for the Gospel
- [20:37] - Dealing with Anger Towards God
- [23:45] - God's Wrath and Human Sin
- [26:04] - Reductionism in Evangelicalism
- [33:45] - God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
2. Ephesians 2:1-3
3. John 14:6

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Observation Questions:

1. What does 2 Timothy 4:3-4 say about people's attitudes towards sound doctrine, and how does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on man-centeredness? [05:30]

2. In Ephesians 2:1-3, how are people described before they come to faith, and how does this passage connect to the sermon’s point about the sovereignty of God in salvation? [15:59]

3. According to John 14:6, what does Jesus claim about Himself, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the uniqueness of Christ in the face of pluralism? [02:39]

4. What examples were given in the sermon of how the Church's understanding of Christology is being challenged today? [04:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of man-centeredness as described in the sermon reflect a form of idolatry, and what are the potential consequences for the Church? [05:30]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a low ecclesiology affects the Church's authority and mission? How does this relate to the biblical understanding of the Church's role? [02:01]

3. How does the sermon describe the importance of reaffirming the Nicene and Chalcedonian understanding of Christology, and why is this crucial for maintaining the integrity of the gospel? [04:26]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's sovereignty and the Church's mission to proclaim the gospel? How does this provide hope in the face of doctrinal challenges? [14:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own beliefs and practices. Are there areas where you might be prioritizing human desires over God's sovereignty? How can you shift towards a more God-centered theology in your daily life? [05:30]

2. In what ways can you personally contribute to upholding the uniqueness of Christ in a pluralistic society? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share the gospel's distinctiveness with someone. [02:39]

3. Consider the current challenges facing the Church's understanding of Christology. How can you educate yourself and others in your community about the two natures of Christ and the significance of substitutionary atonement? [04:26]

4. How does your understanding of God's sovereignty influence your approach to evangelism and discipleship? Share a recent experience where you relied on God's power in sharing your faith. [14:09]

5. Think about a time when you felt the Church's authority was diminished in your life or community. What steps can you take to restore a high view of ecclesiology in your local church? [02:01]

6. Identify a specific doctrinal challenge you or your church is currently facing. How can you rely on God's sovereignty to address this issue, and what practical steps can you take to remain steadfast in proclaiming the gospel? [14:09]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to engage the world with the gospel. What is one tangible way you can demonstrate that the gospel is not just a set of beliefs but the power of God for salvation in your interactions this week? [48:39]

Devotional

Day 1: Upholding the Uniqueness of Christ in a Pluralistic World
In today's world, the Church faces the challenge of pluralism, where the distinctiveness of the Christian faith is often compromised in an attempt to be inclusive. This leads to a syncretism that undermines the gospel's foundational truths. It is crucial to hold firm to the uniqueness of Christ as the only way to salvation. The Church must resist the temptation to dilute its message to accommodate other worldviews, recognizing that the gospel's power lies in its exclusivity and truth. By affirming the uniqueness of Christ, believers can confidently proclaim the gospel as the ultimate hope for humanity. [02:39]

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to compromise the uniqueness of Christ in your interactions with others? How can you reaffirm His exclusive role as Savior in your conversations this week?


Day 2: Returning to a God-Centered Theology
Man-centeredness is a form of idolatry that places human desires above God's sovereignty. This pragmatic approach can infiltrate the Church, leading to a diminished view of God's glory and authority. It is essential to return to a God-centered theology that exalts His glory above all. By focusing on God's sovereignty and majesty, believers can resist the temptation to prioritize personal desires over divine will. This shift in perspective allows the Church to reflect God's glory more accurately and to live in a way that honors Him. [05:30]

"To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you have prioritized your desires over God's will. What steps can you take to realign your focus on God's glory this week?


Day 3: Defending the Doctrine of Christ
The doctrine of Christ is under attack, with a need to reaffirm the Nicene and Chalcedonian understanding of His person and work. This includes a robust defense of substitutionary atonement and the two natures of Christ. These truths are essential to the gospel and must be part of the Church's vocabulary. By understanding and articulating these doctrines, believers can stand firm against theological errors and proclaim the true nature of Christ's work. This commitment to sound doctrine strengthens the Church's witness and ensures the integrity of the gospel message. [04:26]

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How well do you understand the doctrine of Christ's two natures and substitutionary atonement? What resources or steps can you take to deepen your understanding and ability to articulate these truths?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
God's sovereignty is our hope in the face of doctrinal challenges. It is through His sovereign will that we find assurance and strength to proclaim the gospel. This calls for a deep reliance on God's power and a passionate commitment to His truth. By trusting in God's sovereignty, believers can face challenges with confidence, knowing that He is in control and that His purposes will prevail. This trust empowers the Church to remain steadfast in its mission and to proclaim the gospel boldly. [14:09]

"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!" (Psalm 33:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's sovereignty? How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on His power and plan this week?


Day 5: Proclaiming the Gospel as the Power of God
The Church must engage the world with the gospel, recognizing that it is not merely a set of beliefs but the power of God for salvation. This involves a commitment to proclaiming the truth of Christ's person and work, understanding that it is the only hope for a world in need of redemption. By embracing the gospel's transformative power, believers can confidently share its message and invite others to experience its life-changing impact. This commitment to the gospel's truth is essential for the Church's mission and witness in the world. [48:39]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively share the gospel's power and truth with someone in your life this week? What specific steps can you take to engage them in a conversation about Christ's work and salvation?

Quotes

"I was thinking as I was listening to Dr. Godfrey, honestly, about my father's ministry, and it struck me that with his work with the international counsel on biblical inerrancy. And then later with his work in dealing with the 'Stealth Bible' translation. You could argue that he devoted a significant part of his life to defending the authority of Scripture." [00:00:34]

"And the thing that strikes me more than anything else in our age right now personally, is the profoundly low ecclesiology that we have inside the best part of the evangelical church. The people who do know the authority of Scripture, people who do know justification by faith alone have no idea the significance, the importance and the authority of the church here on earth." [00:02:01]

"I think inerrancy is definitely a place to focus. The way in which many who are self-professed evangelicals who then express a desire to move away from any concept of inerrancy is not a good sign for the next generation of the Church. And then I think if we think of justification by faith, but also in terms of what Athanasius was dealing with in his day, then we are talking about basic issues of Christology—the person of Christ and the work of Christ." [00:03:43]

"I think this dethroning of God and this pragmatic utilitarianism that sees man and his desires at the center of all things both inside the church and outside the church. And I'm reminded of Paul's words in II Timothy 4, about you know, people wandering off in the myths, and no longer being willing to abide sound doctrine. And accumulating for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires." [00:05:20]

"And I still see Christology—which is connected to justification, it was connected to sola Scriptura, and all the rest—is going to be the battlefield for the next thirty, forty years and perhaps longer. As Steve Lawson pointed out yesterday, it's the cross that's under attack, and within evangelicalism it's the evangel, and understanding the person of Christ." [00:07:31]

"And the guy who had been sharing with me for three weeks came into the locker room where I had prayed to receive Christ, and asked me what had happened and why I was weeping so bitterly. And I told him it was because of my cousin, my cousin named Jamal. And I realized that I was saved, and I realized that Jamal wasn't, and for—it just crushed me, and he said, 'Well, let’s—you can tell him about Jesus.'" [00:13:05]

"The fact that we believe in the sovereignty of God doesn't eliminate the fact that we've been commanded and commended to this work of proclaiming the gospel to the lost, and believing that God is their only hope. If we face that problem of concern working with the pagan, Arminian understanding of free will, because that's what it is. It's a pagan understanding of fallen humanity, I would have no hope for the conversion of anybody." [00:14:05]

"Our only hope is in a sovereign God who will redeem my will and rescue it from its bondage to sin, and its death in sin, and only He can do that. I cannot do it because I will not do it. If I'm ever left to my fallen will which is held captive to sin, I never ever will choose Jesus Christ. That's the sad and bad news of Arminianism." [00:14:44]

"SPROUL: That God's punishment for Adam was so severe—this creature from the dirt defied the everlasting holy God. After that, God had said, 'The day that you shall eat of it you shall surely die,' and instead of dying (thanatos) that day, he lived another day and was clothed in his nakedness by pure grace, and had the consequences of a curse applied for quite some time." [00:23:58]

"SPROUL: But you can't profess it—but you may and do profess it without having it, and you certainly would agree with me, would you not, your honor, that the man had to believe that he was saying that sincerely, 'Have mercy upon me a sinner.' SPROUL JR.: Most assuredly. SPROUL: Thank you." [00:28:57]

"SPROUL: A couple of things. We don't have the ability to read people's hearts, and there are all kinds of people who say they are Christians who aren't. But there are all kinds of sins that true Christians commit. But it's hard to imagine how anybody could be a Christian for any length of time and have even the slightest understanding of the teaching of the New Testament and come to the conclusion they don't need to go to church." [00:48:39]

"And if you belong to the kurios, then you have to be a part of the body of the kurios—the Lord. You can't say, 'I accept the Lord and reject His bride.' You can't do that. And it should be a short conversation with that person. But beginning with a question, a serious question: Are you really a Christian? Why do you think you are a Christian if you have this utter lack of interest in the body of Christ?" [00:50:57]

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Transcript
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