Reformation

Date: June 6th
Speaker: RJ Dugone
Text: 1 Peter 1:13-19; 22-25 NASB95  Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [14] As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, [15] but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; [16] because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” [17] If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; [18] knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, [19] but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. [22] Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, [23] for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For, “ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, [25] BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.” And this is the word which was preached to you.
Questions to Consider:

1. Why is the "truth" important when it comes to salvation?  (What did Jesus say about the truth?)
2. Why is it dangerous to drift away from Biblical truth?  
3. How is the Word of God (for you personally) a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path?

The Big Idea:  Reformation is not so much a new work as it is a return to that which endures forever. (God's Word)  It is standing "on" and "in" the established truths of God and refusing to bend and bow to the whims of man.  It is not so concerned with being relevant as it is being right.  So, where does reformation begin for Believers?  It starts with a renewed effort to be Bible-centric people who know what they believe and why.   

Expanded Scriptures to Consider: 

• Psalm 119:1-16 NASB  How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD. [2] How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. [3] They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. [4] You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. [5] Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! [6] Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments. [7] I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. [8] I shall keep Your statutes; Do not forsake me utterly! [9] How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. [10] With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. [11] Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. [12] Blessed are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes. [13] With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. [14] I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. [15] I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. [16] I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.
• Psalm 119:105-112 NASB Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. [106] I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances. [107] I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word. [108] O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me Your ordinances. [109] My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law. [110] The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts. [111] I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart. [112] I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, even to the end.

 Questions to Consider:

1. What are some of the statutes of God that you have obeyed and have experienced God's blessing because of your obedience?
2. Can you think of any experiences where you ignored God's wisdom, did it "your" way, and paid the price?
3. ​Humility begins with the understanding that God's wisdom is greater than our own.  How can we cultivate more Godly humility in our lives?

Theology and Apologetics:  When someone mentions the word “reformation,” most people, with any kind of church background, are immediately going to think of the protestant challenge to some of the Roman Catholic doctrines and practices.  The first name that comes to mind is Martin Luther (an Augustinian monk from Germany) who nailed his “95 Theses” to the door of “All Saints’ Church” in Wittenberg, Germany on October the 31st, 1517.
       The reformation came to be known as the protestant movement as new churches and denominations were formed in protest against the perceived corruption found in Catholicism at that time.  There was a Latin slogan that served as the rallying cry of the reformers. Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum, which translates as “the Word of the Lord remains forever."
       This Latin slogan still rings true today.  According to the Apostle Peter, "You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring Word of God."  Peter goes on to declare that "the Word of the Lord endures forever!"
​

---