Good teachers don't just give answers. They force students to discover things for themselves. The word education means "to draw out." Based on the way we teach in schools and churches, you'd think it meant "to cram in."
Some things cannot be taught. They can only be revealed. And that's the difference between ideas and core convictions. Truth has to be owned. And the way we own it isn't via someone telling us about it. That's second-hand knowledge. We have to experience it for ourselves. That's why sermons aren't sufficient. They have to lead to self-discovery. Few things are as powerful as a personally discovered truth that is revealed by the Holy Spirit. It reminds me of the incident in Samaria where the woman at the well tells her friends and family about Jesus. Remember what they said? "We no longer believe because of what you said. Now we have heard for ourselves."
Here's a simple thought. And I think leaders and parents will identify with it. You can tell someone what they did wrong a thousand times. And there is a time and place for that. But when you tell someone what they did wrong they often become defensive. Here's a great question that is non-threatening. And it leads to self-evaluation and self-discovery: what would you do differently? That puts the ball in their court. And it's the key to spiritual growth. You want to mature spiritually? It requires unconditional commitment to honest evaluation. You have to be more concerned about who you're becoming than being right. It's a raw humility that wants to be challenged and confronted.
Some things cannot be taught. They can only be revealed. And that's the difference between ideas and core convictions. Truth has to be owned. And the way we own it isn't via someone telling us about it. That's second-hand knowledge. We have to experience it for ourselves. That's why sermons aren't sufficient. They have to lead to self-discovery. Few things are as powerful as a personally discovered truth that is revealed by the Holy Spirit. It reminds me of the incident in Samaria where the woman at the well tells her friends and family about Jesus. Remember what they said? "We no longer believe because of what you said. Now we have heard for ourselves."
Here's a simple thought. And I think leaders and parents will identify with it. You can tell someone what they did wrong a thousand times. And there is a time and place for that. But when you tell someone what they did wrong they often become defensive. Here's a great question that is non-threatening. And it leads to self-evaluation and self-discovery: what would you do differently? That puts the ball in their court. And it's the key to spiritual growth. You want to mature spiritually? It requires unconditional commitment to honest evaluation. You have to be more concerned about who you're becoming than being right. It's a raw humility that wants to be challenged and confronted.
14 Comments:
YES YES YES YES
Mark,
I'd like to ask you about a few items in your post:
"Few things are as powerful as a personally discovered truth that is revealed by the Holy Spirit."
What do you consider to be a good sermon?
Would a good sermon be about about me and what I should do, or should it be about Christ and what he did for me?
Scripture tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing through the word of Christ. When the word of God is rightfully preached, the Holy Spirit draws me to God through Christ. (Romans 10:17)
"Few things are as powerful as a personally discovered truth that is revealed by the Holy Spirit."
Isn't this statement basically a contradiction of itself?
If something has been revealed to me, then it really isn't a discovery, is it?
Regarding the story of the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42), a key thing to point out is that the people believed because of Christ's word.
So when the Samaritans came to him (Jesus), they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. (John 4:40-41)
I point once again to the verse that states that faith comes by hearing and hearing through the word of Christ. Was there self discovery?
You can tell someone what they did wrong a thousand times. And there is a time and place for that. But when you tell someone what they did wrong they often become defensive.
I agree that people get defensive when told that they have done something wrong. It can be difficult to address an issue when someone has put up a wall. When addressing spiritual matters, it can be detrimental to their soul. However countering that by only offering questions could lead a person into confusion. To me, that would be a poor solution.
Wouldn't the better solution be to point them to Christ?
According to scripture, Christ is the solution to our sin. Jesus told us that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no man can go to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). He also told us that none can come to Him unless drawn (or better translated as dragged) by the Father (John 6:44). This is not by our own works or self-discovery, nor by the works of any man. True spiritual growth is achieved as God draws us closer to Him through word and sacrament.
Benjamin,
Don't have time to parse your entire comment. Busy day in front of me :) Seems like you're reading to dissect and thereby reading into what was said or making assumptions that aren't there. Because I make short posts there is a lot left unsaid. It's not an exhaustive systematic theology :)
It seems to me like you're thinking in either/or terms. Should a sermon be about what I should do? Of course. Sermons need application. Should it be about Christ and what He did for me? Absolutely. Of course, what Christ has done for us is the focus. What we do for him is a simply a response to His love for us.
Re: self-discovery and revelation. Again, you've got to think in both/and terms. If you've experienced what I talk about in the post I think it'll make intuitive sense.
Regarding last question. I'm not sure how it relates to the post, but of course we should point people to Christ. That is the solution to every problem and the fulfillment of every dream.
Hope that helps.
Mark
Mark,
Thank you for your reply. I don't believe I was making any assumptions. Your post seems very clear. Since your post addresses sermons, it is clear that you are referring to spiritual matters. Although it is not an "exhaustive systematic theology", it still should hold up under the test of scripture.
If you have time, could you expand on the "either/or" concept? There are cases where and/and works, but there are also times when things are in direct contrast (either/or).
The main issue I have is that your method seems to approach God through us. It is self-focused. However, we are taught in scripture that we are to deny self and approach God through Christ.
"Should a sermon be about what I should do? Of course. Sermons need application."
I disagree with the concept of "how-to" sermons. But that doesn't mean that a sermon can't have application. A great sermon can be applicable to everyone, regardless of where and to whom it is preached. Based on the examples of sermons that are given in scripture, when the law and gospel are preached correctly in balance, people are saved.
Just some thoughts. Thank you again for your reply.
Benjamin,
I believe, teach, and try to live by the first statement in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. It's all about Christ and His kingdom. I value people because they are created in God's image. But that doesn't mean I'm "self-focused." Everything exists to glorify God.
On the sermon front...if a sermon doesn't include any "how to" its pointless. We've got to teach people how to pray, how to repent, how to love, how to be saved. It's all how to. Maybe you have issue with the semantics, but a sermon that doesn't challenge people to do something is like eating lots of food without getting any exercise. It'll result in information not transformation. James says "don't just listen to the word." I'm afraid that is what happens in lots of churches. We learn more, do less, and think we're growing spiritually.
My two cents,
Mark
I apologize if my comments were unclear. I wasn't intending to claim that you personally were self-focused. My point was that your article sounds as if it is directing people to be self-focused rather than Christ focused.
For example, your article only mentions Jesus once, and He is only a passing reference. The article seems to address spiritual problems, but Christ is not clearly presented as the solution. Maybe He is assumed to be the solution, but we should never assume Christ.
When you really look at the content of the article, it could be presented by Oprah, Dr. Phil, a Mormon, or even a Muslim and it would stand. There's not really anything uniquely Christian about it. The problem is never defined as sin, and the solution is found by means of "Self Discovery".
One theme I notice in many of your articles is that you seem to get the "cart before the horse". In other words, you seem to have the works before the Gospel. Yes, good works are important, but good works come out of faith. Good works are an evidence of the faith that God creates in us.
"The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. It's all about Christ and His kingdom."
Very true and I'm glad that you believe it, but why isn't Christ the focus rather than man? Many of the points in your articles are excellent, but seem backwards from what the Bible teaches.
I know there are denominational difference that are trivial. They are worth dicussing, but not worth splitting hairs over. However, there are essential core doctrines that are vital. In the Bible, the Pharisees put following the law as the priority and put works first. Jesus rebuked them, turned up the law 100 percent to show them that their way was impossible, and then offered to do it for them.
I am not trying to be derisive, but it saddens me to see preachers that teach "christless christianity". I am not claiming that you don't believe in Christ as the Son of God, and you do mention him, but the focus is more on our works instead of Him. The works can not be ignored, but good works are a result of our faith in Christ.
If you teach someone how to act like christian, then they will go to Hell acting like a perfect Christian. If you present the word of God, the Holy Spirit will save souls and will change lives. It's not about what we do, but rather about what Christ did for us and what God does through us.
When you get down to it, the central theme in Christianity is simple and beautiful. Jesus told mankind how to live in order to earn eternal salvation. He set the bar impossibly high and demanded perfection. Not only that, but we are already born with the sin inherited from Adam. Then instead of forcing us to do it, Jesus lived that perfect life in our place, laid down his life to pay the ultimate penalty that we deserve, and then conquered death so that we may have eternal life. It is through our faith in Christ that He brings change.
Many of your points are valid and good, but take on a different light if presented through the lens of Christ. When you place Christ first, the "how tos" are transformed into a "because". I hope this makes sense.
I am not attempting to be derisive and am not intending to correct you as I am not in a position of authority to do so. I do appreaciate the brief dialog that you have allowed as it has helped my perspecties to grow on both sides of the discussion.
Thank you once again for your reply.
Wow - Benjamin you're intensity wears me out. It feels like your nit-picking words on a blog that's slightly more weighty than a twitter. Test, sift, discard - - remember the joy of your salvation.
Joy, the Joy of my salvation is in Christ who died for my sins. It is important to know what you believe and why you believe it. It is also important to know that what you believe is right and that it does not contradict scripture.
One point that I neglected to address that is a huge red flag is, "We've got to teach people how to pray, how to repent, how to love, how to be saved. It's all how to."
1) Jesus taught us how to pray in scripture. If the word is preached correctly, then the teaching is from God and not from man.
2) Repentance is a gift from God which can not be taught.
3) True love is also a gift from God and can not be taught by man.
4) Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
Again, I do not mean to sound derisive, but saying that repentance, love, and salvation can be taught by man could be considered heresy. These points are not trivial. They hit right at the core doctrines of Christianity. We are simply messengers. God is the one doing the work. Placing the work of salvation on man, whether the teacher or the student, takes the glory away from God.
Emotions are unclear in text and I really hope you don't think I'm being hateful with anything that I've said. Everything is intended with the sincerest love.
If I am wrong on any points, I pray that God will reveal it to me so that I can repent. Likewise Mark, I pray that God will grant you repentance, wisdom, and guidance.
Benjamin,
My blog post only mentions Jesus once? Are you actually counting? The Lambeau Field post doesn't mention Him at all. Does that make it wrong?
Just because every post isn't about Jesus doesn't mean that I don't love Him or that He isn't the most important person in my life or that I'm preaching a Christless Christianity.
Blessings,
Mark
Mark,
I fear that you've completely missed the point. Is the Lambeau Field post addressing spiritual matters?
I know you've accused me of making assumptions and reading into what was said. You must also be careful not to make assumptions and read into what I said. I never claimed that you do not love Jesus or that He is not the most important person in your life. I do not know your heart. That is something that is entirely between you and God.
I am only addressing what you have written, not what you believe. I sincerely hope that you do love Christ and trust in the work that he has done for you.
Many of your posts that address spiritual matters either do not contain Christ or treat him as a non-essential side item. I have not heard your sermons so I can not make any judgements. All I can go on our your blog posts. Though the posts and comments may be brief and may not be as deep as sermons, if you address spiritual matters, scripture must not be contradicted.
I challenge you to examine your posts and sermons and ask the following:
1) Is it uniquely Christian? Could it be presented by Oprah, Dr. Phil, or in a Muslim mosque, or is it uniquely Christian? (extra credit, if it is uniquely Christian, what makes it so?)
2) Is Christ mentioned? Christ said that all of scripture points to Him.
3) If Christ is mentioned, is He the "subject of the verb"? In other words, is Christ the one doing the doing, or is the focus on us what we should do?
4) If you remove all references to Christ, does your message still stand?
If Christ is not the focus of the message, then it is Christless. If you are addressing spiritual matters and offer us as the solution rather than Christ, then yes it is wrong.
If you pass the test, then I commend you. If not, then I pray that God will grant you repentance and forgiveness.
Benjamin,
I think you have set a comment record on evotional.com :)
Can I be blunt? You're straining at gnats. I think your comment stream is a great illustration of today's post on Titus 3:9. We could argue back and forth until Jesus returns, but that sideways energy would distract from our true mission which is to advance the kingdom of God and share the love of Jesus with others.
Mark
I apologize if I posted too much. It was never my goal to break any records. I do appreciate your time.
I commend you for using scripture to respond instead of simply deflecting.
"But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." Titus 3:9
The topic has definitely evolved from the original post. However, in each comment, I have only pointed to Christ and the cross. It saddens me if you consider the saving work of Christ (the central doctrine of our Christian faith) to be a worthless discussion.
You might be happy and relieved that I have nothing more to add. Anything else that I might include would likely just repeat what I have already stated.
Thank you once again for your time.
I leave you with Paul's summation of the true biblical Gospel.
"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed." 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Benjamin,
"The topic has definitely evolved from the original post."
Now that's an understatement :)
No harm no foul.
Blessings,
Mark
To Benjamin (our friendly consumed commenter),
You repeatedly say, "I do not mean to sound derisive, but..." That is a good indication that you are being derisive. When you have to use a disclaimer to clarify to the reader what you are NOT doing, it's a great moment to check your heart, because usually you are revealing the very intentions of your heart.
Just a thought.
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