Having the right knowledge about God.
- C. Sproul: The strictest focus of Reformed theology is on theology, the knowledge of the true God.
- Rightly informed >> Lives reformed
- We cannot be empowered blindly, or it will be a delusional power.
- God’s love >> stimulate us to be like Him
- Fallen men >> see God’s love and grace as leeway for sin
- True freedom comes from knowing God’s truth!
- <Jn 8> 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
1) Beware of liberalism, which suppresses truth.
- Openness without conviction; skepticism without conclusion.
- False association: offensive = wrong.
2) Must know God correctly
<2 Pe 1> 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
(1) God is Holy.
- God’s love cannot be used to trample on His holiness.
(2) God is Sovereign.
- God-centric VS human-centric
- Calvinism VS Arminianism
Receiving the right power.
- Truth is not just for information, but transformation.
- Power needed to withstand: Persecution and Seduction.
- Obedience >> Power
- Faith over general sentiments.
- We receive increasing power from God as we struggle with sin, devil, world.
- Seek to be godly, for godliness has power <2 Ti 3:5>
- Necessity of tests and trials.
- Power comes when we witness for Christ.
Reflection:
- Do you think you have been subtly influenced by liberalism? How do you think liberalism has suppressed God’s truths?
- Have you heard about reformed teaching? Do you like to know more about it? If one day our English service is moved to Sunday afternoon, while Sat is used to conduct classes for reformed teaching at around the same timing, would you attend the class?
- How well do you think you have been enjoying God’s power in your daily lives? How do you find power to withstand persecution and seduction?
