Its Been TOO Long

It has been well over a week since my last post. That is way too long. I was enjoying some time with some church family in North Carolina, had a wonderful time, and did not even think about blogging- was simply having too much fun.

In Sunday School yesterday I concluded my answer to the first of eight basic questions that every Christian ought to be familiar with. Here are the eight basic questions:

1. Why is it important to study doctrine anyway?

2. How do we know God?

3. Who is God?

4. Who is man?

5. Who is Christ?

6. What is salvation?

7. Who are God's people?

8. What will happen in the end?

I readily admit that these might appear to be obvious, simple questions. That is because they are simple questions. That is the point. My goal is to be clear and concise, not complicated and confusing. I have no desire to wax eloquently on such important questions and the topics that these questions address. Rather, I want to s l o w down and make sure that we are all on the same page. I truly desire that everyone in the class understand the answers to these questions. At times I am sure that I will be confusing (I am not perfect). But my goal is to aid our understanding of basic Christian doctrine. For the babes in Christ this might seem overwhelming. For the mature in Christ this might seem like review. However, I trust that the review will be fresh and insightful for the mature resulting in genuine worship and praise. On the other hand, I trust that the babes will have rich truth surrounding the Gospel open up before their eyes and excite them to worship and praise just the same.

Alright, several people in the class want me to duplicate the Sunday school material somehow. The easiest way to do this is to "duplicate" the teaching material on the blog. This is the way that we will start the "duplicating" process anyway. So let me start today by answering the first primary question listed above. We will spend the rest of the week looking at the answer to this question.

Here is the question again---- Why is it important to study doctrine anyway?

The first reason it is advantageous to study Christian doctrine is because the formulation of doctrinal belief is unavoidable. Now on the surface that might not sound like much of an advantage. Allow me to explain it to you in the following manner. Paul tells us in Romans 1 that all men "know" God. Now when we begin answering the second question, "How do we know God?", we will look at Romans 1 more closely. But suffice it to say that Scripture clearly teaches all men everywhere try and "make sense" of God. Without the aid of the Spirit of God beginning with regeneration, this "knowledge" will be minimalistic. For Paul tells us in I Cor. 2:14 that "the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to Him; and he cannot understand them". In other words, this "knowledge" will be suppressed (Rom. 1:18). The result of this suppression will be a whole gamut of different ways to "make sense" of God. Some will go to the extreme of declaring themselves as atheists. Atheism is a doctrinal belief about God that simply denies His existence. Therefore, it is a thoroughly negative doctrinal belief system regarding God. Nevertheless, it is a doctrinal belief about God anyway one slices it because it affirms a doctrinal proposition, namely that "God does not exist". Some declare themselves agnostic. This is also a certain doctrinal view of God, though equally negative. It says that we cannot know if God exists. This is also an obvious doctrinal affirmation in propositional form. And there are many other doctrinal positions regarding God. My point is that one does not have to be a Christian (regenerated and given new life in Christ) to have a system of doctrinal belief about God. God has created all men in such a way that we all have an inner awareness of God. This means they not only have the capacity, but the desire to "make sense" of this world, their lives, and the possible Creator who made it all happen. Here is what one writer says regarding this issue, “Man is endowed with reason, and the human reason cannot rest satisfied with a mere collection of separate truths, but wants to see them in their mutual relationship, in order that it may have a clearer understanding of them”.

Now how does all of this info spell out any sort of advantage to studying doctrine? In just this way. Follow this line of logic. If we are given the capacity and desire to "know" God, and God, by His grace chooses for His own glory before the foundations of the world to send the Spirit to regenerate our hearts enabling us to see the beauty, value and worth of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected (and thus the value of God), then we have the responsibility and privilege to harness the power of the Spirit that indwells us by studying God's special revelation (Scripture) in order to "grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:16). In other words, we have been given the resources necessary to truly know God. And this all comes to us through the Gospel! To put it simply, if we all naturally form a doctrinal system anyway, and it has pleased God to save us, then we might as well have an orthodox, Biblical, true, and right "knowledge" of God. This only makes since. And the study of Scripture, doctrine, theology (whatever term you choose) is the means that God uses to grow our knowledge of Him. It really is that simple! The first advantage to studying doctrine can be wrapped up in the following phrase- "Studying doctrine helps our knowledge of God to be accurate and truthful, rather than inaccurate, false, and incomplete".

Because the possession of a doctrinal system (however minimalistic it might be) is unavoidable, Christians are duty bound and privileged to formulate their doctrine in accordance with God's authoritative, revealed truth contained in Scripture. Paul prayed this very thing for the Colossian believers (Col. 1:9-10). Paul tells the Colossians that since he heard they accepted the Gospel he has not "ceased to pray for you that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God". I find it interesting that the number one thing on Paul's prayer list for the Colossians was not the various illnesses, trials, or tribulations. Rather, it was their spiritual well-being. In short, he prayed that their knowledge of God would increase. (I said much more about these verses when I preached them. Paul's use of "knowledge" was different than the false teachers understanding of "knowledge". Paul wrote to correct the false teachers, and protect the true saints in the church.) Paul's prayer is proof that Paul saw the importance for Christians to study doctrine.

Romans 12:2 is another example. In verse one Paul calls for believers to be living sacrifices to God. Verse two then reads, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect". Paul calls for nothing less than a transformation of the mind. The Greek word translated "transformed" is where we get our English word metamorphosis. Very simply, our lives are only changed for the glory of Christ in our sanctification to the degree in which our minds are changed through the study of Scripture- doctrine. Our minds are renewed through doctrinal information. This "mind renewal" results in "practical life renewal"- a changed way of living.

Let me give one more text- 2 Pet. 3:18. We will look at the context of this passage a little closer in another post. However, Peter calls for the Christian to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". Here is how Martyn Lloyd-Jones interprets this:

“That is Peter’s way of saying that I am to grow in my understanding of the truth... It means that I should increase and grow in my knowledge concerning Him, in my knowledge of what He has done and of what He has brought to this world. As a Christian I am not to stop merely at a knowledge of forgiveness and a knowledge of salvation; I am to grow in my understanding and in my knowledge of the whole scheme and plan and purpose of salvation… So that I must busy myself with Christian doctrine. I must learn to understand the doctrine of God and His Being, the doctrine of the Trinity, the doctrine of man, the doctrine of sin, the doctrine of salvation, the doctrine of the ultimate and the last things. I must go into all these so that I may grasp the knowledge concerning the Lord Jesus Christ more and more” (Commentary on 2 Peter, 226-227).

Let it be clear. The study of doctrine is the duty and privilege of a believer with the goal to know God through Jesus Christ.

Next post we will consider some more reasons that the study of doctrine is important and advantageous.

Desiring Christ-Centeredness in All Things,

Andy

Goals for Studying Doctrine

I elaborated on the first goal in an earlier post. Let me develop the second goal I gave last Sunday. Since it is Friday, it looks like this will be the last goal I deal with. However, I will list the other two at the end of this post for those of you who love to take notes, but didn't "get down" everything on Sunday.

2. Studying doctrine aims at impacting our evangelistic endeavors. I Pet. 3:15 says, "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." This is a call for all Christians to have the ability to articulately, intelligently, and most important of all biblically communicate to people the reason your hope is in Christ alone. The Greek word translated "defense" is where we get our English word "apologetics". It literally means a "verbal defense, answer, or reply". In other words, every believer ought to be able to give an impactful (yea verbal) response to someone who might ask them about the Gospel. The more one knows, yea, the more one understands doctrine (and all doctrine is centered around the plan and purposes of God in Christ Jesus!) the more he or she will be able to give a biblical, articulate, intelligent, and impactful response to an unbeliever. Of course, the Spirit of God is the one who determines who will be saved, not us (John 3:1-8). Nevertheless, can this honestly give us the excuse to be ignorant about the riches of the Gospel? Of course not. A proper view of God's sovereignty in salvation will actually encourage one to possess the desire to give the best explanation possible regarding the Gospel when given the opportunity. When one knows for sure that God has an elect people for sure, then he will seek to give the Gospel to others for sure! His confidence will be rooted in God's sovereignty. On the other hand, if one does not have confidence that God has already marked His people out, then what encouragement is their to share Christ, and possess the ability to give good responses to those who ask us about our hope in Christ? Simply put, knowing doctrine better will impact our evangelistic endeavors.

3. Studying doctrine aims at understanding the Gospel better in order to fall more in love with Jesus Christ.

4. Studying doctrine aims at recognizing that the New Covenant era (the one in which we are citizens if we are truly believers in Christ) brings with it a greater knowledge of God. We must take advantage of this privileged position (Jer. 31:31, 34).

More Comments From Al Mohler...This Time on "Atheists"

I know that I have kind of gone crazy with the posting today, but the following link takes you to another important commentary by Al Mohler. He shows the inconsistency of some atheists. It is an intriguing article. As usual, Mohler does a great job assessing the situation. Thank God for men like Mohler who point these things out for the benefit of other Christians.

http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/09/14/a-tale-of-two-atheists/

MacArthur's Comments After Surgery

I have posted this link for you to listen to at your leisure. The link points you to MacArthur's comments to his congregation after his surgery. One of the major highlights of listening to this is the story at the beginning about MacArthur's former football coach receiving the Gospel for salvation.

http://www.gty.org/Shop/Audio+Lessons/90-378

Goals We Should Have When Studying Doctrine

In Sunday school, as we began our study of doctrine, I gave some goals (I called it the aim of studying doctrine) that all Christians would do well to possess as they study doctrine. Let me elaborate a little on these points- offering some clarification and elucidation. We will just deal with the first one today. I might cover all of them...perhaps only a couple of them. We'll see.

1. Studying doctrine is important for every Christian because certain terminology aids the overall process of study. In other words, acquiring certain theological vocabulary becomes a major part of understanding a particular theological concept itself. Let me offer several practical ways this works.

First, if we are reading a commentary or book and a particular word is used (i.e. propitiation) one is able to understand what the author is talking about if we have taken the time to learn certain key terms. On the other hand, if we have not taken the time to learn theological vocabulary, then we have a difficult time even understanding an author's comments on a certain passage, or theological concept. It can even become dangerous to be completely unaware of certain terms because we might place our own definition on terms that we do not know the meaning of. If we do that, then we run the high risk of departing from the actual message being communicated.

Second, understanding theological vocabulary is important because it will help us communicate better. Let me offer an example. Suppose you are having a religious discussion with an unbeliever, and they ask us how it is that a sinner can be accepted before a holy God. If we are familiar with certain important theological terms, then we will naturally think of "justification". Now, we may or may not use the word "justification" as we explain to this unbeliever how a sinner is accepted before God (Personally, I would argue in the importance of using the term because it is a Biblical word). Nevertheless, we have that word pop into our mind naturally because we are familiar with the concept and the term that goes with it. This familiarity with theological jargon aids our communicative process. Simply put, knowing a theological concept is important (in fact its the most important thing!), but matching the concept with the proper word ought to be the goal. This will help us "think on our feet" better so that we can give a clear, thorough response to unbelievers or young Christians who ask us questions. On the other hand, it might be that we are having lively discussion in a small group Bible study. When those involved in the discussion are familiar with certain terms and concepts, they can more succinctly and accurately communicate their thoughts. This can make a small group atmosphere less confusing and more productive.

I say all of this, and then will close with a warning that appears to contradict everything I just said! Here is the warning: theological jargon should not intimidate others, nor be used to intimidate others. All of us have been in situations where we felt extremely uncomfortable. We all know what it is like to be at a party, family gathering, or a similar event as someone's guest. We don't know anyone but the person who brought us. People look at us funny, and we naturally feel out of place. We should not use theological vocabulary with the intent of intimidating others, or making them feel like they are a "guest" that is "out of place". Theological vocabulary used properly and with the right attitude will enhance our learning process. If it is used for any other reason, then we should be suspect. Personally, I have learned that people will be more willing to listen to your views on something if you use language that they can understand. In the same vein, using some terminology that is perhaps unfamiliar to many will peak the interest of many, and the very use of certain terms will result in the listener probing you for a definition. The result- they learn a new word and therefore probably have a better understanding of whatever topic it might be that you are discussing.

Not By Any Means Claiming to Have All the Answers,

Pastor Andy

The Apostle Peter's Last Will and Testament

I came across these words from the late Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as I was preparing for our study of basic Christian doctrine beginning this Sunday for the adult Sunday School class. His words ring true for every believer- young and old. He is commenting on the passage below from 2 Peter.

2 Peter 3:14-18 (The last words Peter ever penned. He was martyred shortly after writing this.)

14Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,
18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

“That is Peter’s way of saying that I am to grow in my understanding of the truth... It means that I should increase and grow in my knowledge concerning Him, in my knowledge of what He has done and of what He has brought to this world. As a Christian I am not to stop merely at a knowledge of forgiveness and a knowledge of salvation; I am to grow in my understanding and in my knowledge of the whole scheme and plan and purpose of salvation… So that I must busy myself with Christian doctrine. I must learn to understand the doctrine of God and His Being, the doctrine of the Trinity, the doctrine of man, the doctrine of sin, the doctrine of salvation, the doctrine of the ultimate and the last things. I must go into all these so that I may grasp the knowledge concerning the Lord Jesus Christ more and more” (Commentary on 2 Peter, 226-227).

What Unifies? Is All Truth Primary for Church Fellowship?: A Question Considered by Phil Johnson

The church must be united around the Gospel. There can exist healthy debate and discussion on other issues, but the foundation is the Gospel and the Gospel alone. When I preach I never expect everyone to fully agree with me on secondary issues. My only requirement for the listener (if they are a professing Christian) is that they agree with me on Gospel truth, and doctrines that necessarily flow from a correct understanding of the Gospel. A pastor who demands more is not following the inspired words of the Apostle Peter who instructed pastors to not participate in "lording it over those allotted to your charge" (I Pet. 1:3).

Through the years I have been aquainted with many people in "fundamental circles". In fact, some of my best friends from college still attend fundamentalist churches.The college I went to was composed of a board and administration who were staunch fundamentalists. If you are not familiar with this small sect of the evangelical world suffice it to say that they do not (for the most part) effectively or intentionally distinguish between what might be called "primary" and "secondary" truths. Either you agree with them on essentially everything, or you have no part with them. Essentially every issue seems to be worth "fighting over". As a result, most of their churches are quite small. In the area I went to college (Tampa, Fl), there were probably 20 or more independent, fundamentalist churches that the school approved for the students as possible churches to attend. There existed one particular church that was unofficially on the "bubble"- teetering between the categories of "approved" or "not approved". At least that is what circulated among the student body every Fall. One Spring the Christian music group Jars of Clay came to Tampa. Roughly 100 students (including myself) attended their concert. When the school found out about this they called a meeting with all of us. For about 45 minutes different members of the administration told us that listening to "Christian Rock" was a serious spiritual issue. Now it is true that we violated the student handbook by attending the concert. However, this meeting was not focused on that. It was clearly being made an issue of spirituality- our attendance to an evil "Christian Rock" concert was a violation of Scripture (I know it sounds ridiculous, but that is what they argued). Well, the "bubble" church was responsible for sending their youth group. Not a problem right? Wrong! This particular church endorsed the concert, and because many of the students at my college attended this church and some worked in the Youth Group they also attended the concert. I don't care what your musical tastes are (I listen to all types personally), but does it not make sense to attend a church outing such as this if you like Christian rock music?

Too make a long story short, I will never forget the faces of the students walking out of that meeting. Some of the students actually thought they had violated Scripture. I immediately tried to convince these weary hearted souls that they did not violate Scripture. At that moment I realized that there were many issues of secondary importance- whatever that means practically. Most of us were kids who had great relationships with the professors and administration. Most of us were some sort of leaders on campus. Most of us had school spirit. In fact, one of my best friends who was in attendance earned the "School spirit" award our Senior year. Many of us played a particular sport for the school. None of that mattered, though. According to the school we had violated a Scriptural principle- "thou shalt not attend rock concerts". Now, I am not endorsing all Christian rock. I don't care for much of it. My problems with some Christian rock centers around shallow lyrics and what is "not said", rather than a musical style or what "is said". Nevertheless, you cannot honestly argue from Scripture against all of it. And furthermore, even if in some strange world you could, it should not be considered a "primary issue".

Well, to get to my point.......... After that incident, I chose the "bubble" church as my church to attend. I became highly involved in the Junior and Senior High Youth Groups and became good friends with the Pastor. I ended up having an expository training class with two other students under his tutelage. I chose this church not primarily to make a point to the administration, although I will not lie- that was part of my decision. My primary decision to become a member of this church was based on the fact that it was the only "approved" church that centered its ministry on the Gospel. In other words, they saw the difference between "primary" and "secondary" issues. None of the other churches seemed to do that. Although, there were undoubtedly some who did better than others. I know that my story is extreme, but the principle the story conveys is not extreme. The question naturally becomes, "Is all truth primary in regard to church fellowship?" I think the Gospel is primary.

The link to the blog post below is written by the best friend of my former pastor of the "bubble" church. The writer's name is Phil Johnson. He is one of the most popular Christian bloggers among Reformed folk. He is also executive director of Grace to You (John MacArthur's ministry). Johnson addresses the issue of "primary" and "secondary" truths. The post contains wise words. Let me know what you think.

Here is the link:

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/search/label/Classic%20posts%20reposted

Love in Truth,

Pastor Andy

p.s. I apologize for typos and bad English on this post--its kind of difficult to type in this cast thing.