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How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

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School of Discipleship Class: An Exposition of Paul’s Letter to Titus

March 10, 2021 /

Let me give a warm-hearted invitation for anyone to join with us at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) here in Austin, Texas for our School of Discipleship. During the Spring term (2021) I will be teaching a class on Paul’s Letter to Titus. We gather each week in Covenant Hall (10:15-11:00 AM) and there is plenty of room to spread out. Although this class is primarily designed for adults, well-behaved children are also welcome to attend. This class has an informal tone, and so you are welcome to ask your questions. I’ll do my best to answer them! Here is a brief introduction to the class:

Near the end of the Apostle Paul’s life he wrote three poignant letters that have become known as the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus). These letters were written to close associates of Paul—all younger men—who had faithfully labored alongside of him in both good times and bad times. Paul was determined to communicate to these two pastor-evangelists the central priorities of gospel ministry—the faithful preaching of the Word of God, the necessity of maintaining a Christian character while living in this fallen world, and the proper exercise of discipline in the local church. It appears that he also had in mind that others would read these letters besides Timothy and Titus. Hence, in the Epistle of Titus he gives practical instructions as to how the church of Jesus Christ should be structured plus the qualifications for church leaders (Titus 1:5-9). Moreover, he reflects upon the grace and mercy of God in the matter of salvation (Titus 3:4-7). Finally, Paul urges all who read his words to wait patiently “for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Class Schedule: Note that there are three Sundays in our Spring schedule when we will not be meeting–March 14, 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Sunday).

— Feb. 28 – Introductory Remarks (Titus 1:1-4)

— Mar. 7 – Qualifications for Church Leaders (Titus 1:5-9)

— Mar. 14 – Spring Break/No Class

— Mar. 21 – Spring Break/No Class

— Mar. 28 – Beware of the False Prophets (Titus 1:10-16)

— April 4 – Easter Sunday/No Class

— April 11 – Proper Roles amongst True Believers (Titus 2:1-10)

— April 18 – The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:11-15)

— April 25 – True Christian Character (Titus 3:1-3, 8-11)

— May 2 – God’s Grace and Mercy (Titus 3:4-7) and Final Remarks (Titus 3:12-15)

I hope you can join us as we study God’s Word!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

R. C. Sproul on the Covenant of Redemption

February 17, 2021 /

“…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began…” Titus 1:2

Consider these thoughtful comments on the “pact made in eternity” amongst the members of the Trinity. Dr. R. C. Sproul brings forth a number of significant theological observations, and he also encourages the reader to dwell upon a number of practical applications. Enjoy!

Dr. R. C. Sproul

“The covenant of redemption is intimately concerned with God’s eternal plan. It is called a covenant inasmuch as the plan involves two or more parties. This is not a covenant between God and humans. It is a covenant among the persons of the Godhead, specifically between the Father and the Son. God did not become triune at creation or at the Incarnation. His triunity is as eternal as His being. He is one in essence and three in person from all eternity. The covenant of redemption is a corollary to the doctrine of the Trinity. Like the word trinity, the Bible nowhere explicitly mentions it. The word trinity does not appear in the Bible, but the concept of the Trinity is affirmed throughout Scripture. Likewise, the phrase covenant of redemption does not occur explicitly in Scripture but the concept is heralded throughout.”

“Listen to Jesus as He prays to the Father at the end of His ministry: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You; And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was’ (John 17:1-5 NKJV). The covenant of redemption was a transaction that involved both obligation and reward. The Son entered into a sacred agreement with the Father. He submitted Himself to the obligations of that covenantal agreement. An obligation was likewise assumed by the Father — to give His Son a reward for doing the work of redemption.”

“In his systematic theology, Charles Hodge lists eight promises the Father gave to the Son in this pact made in eternity. Briefly they are: that God would form a purified Church for His Son; that the Son would receive the Spirit without measure; that He would be ever-present to support Him; that He would deliver Him from death and exalt Him to His right hand; that He would have the Holy Spirit to send to whom He willed; that all the Father gave to Him would come to Him and none of these be lost; that multitudes would partake of His redemption and His messianic kingdom; that He would see the travail of His soul and be satisfied. Because God honored the eternal covenant of redemption, Christ became the heir of His Father’s promises. Because this covenant was never violated, we reap its benefits as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”

These are some really good words to reflect on! They speak to the level of assurance we enjoy as Christians; in that the Lord planned our salvation from all eternity, and that those whom Christ saved can never be unsaved. Jesus states this truth best when he declares, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them from my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Source:

https://www.ligonier.org/blog/what-covenant-redemption/

(Accessed 2-17-21)

C. H. Spurgeon on the Covenant of Redemption

February 5, 2021 /
Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

“And these are ancient things.” 1 Chronicles 4:22

“Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, telling them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart, but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation. The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us, was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty. The covenant is always described as being everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, had His goings forth of old; He struck hands in sacred suretyship long ere the first of the stars began to shine, and it was in Him that the elect were ordained unto eternal life. Thus in the divine purpose a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God and His elect people, which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more.”

Source:

Spurgeon, Charles H. Morning and Evening. Reprint. Peabody, MA: Hendricksen Publishers, 1992 [page 67].

These words really move my soul!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Every Square Inch

January 12, 2021 /
Dr. Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920)

Christians have regularly struggled with how they should live in this fallen world. Should they retreat into their own enclaves and disengage from the world with all of its problems and attendant difficulties? “No,” asserts Dr. Abraham Kuyper! He gives us this bold answer to the question by reminding Christians everywhere that God owns the earth and all that is in it. Simply stated, the Lord has never given title to anyone else, nor did He leave it solely under the authority of the Evil One. The Lord owns it all–every “square inch.” In addition, the Lord is steadily advancing the kingdom of His Son here on earth. Consider these two Psalms,

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”

Psalm 24:1-2

“The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool…The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of His wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth. He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.”

Psalm 110:1, 4-7

Therefore, we as the people of God, must live under His authority and seek to advance His Son’s kingdom throughout our lives. It is not a futile task! The Lord promises us the Kingdom of Christ is a domain “that cannot be shaken.” (Heb. 12:28) It is steadily advancing throughout history, even though at times it may be hidden from our sight. (Matt. 13:31-33) Nonetheless, this fact should give us hope in times of growing darkness. Moreover, it gives us a confident expectation that righteousness shall prevail and that the Lord will bring all things under His dominion. Soli Deo Gloria! To God alone be the glory!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

The Coming of the Wise Men

January 1, 2021 /

Who were these men of mystery from the East who have been so popularized in various Christmas carols? Tradition tells us that the Magi were three in number and that their given names were: Caspar, Balthazar, and Melchoir. Questions abound when it comes to the Magi. How did they first hear of the “King of the Jews”? What were the origins of the star which they followed? Why did they feel compelled to bow down and worship the baby in the manger? What was the significance of the three gifts? Moreover, how were their lives changed as a result of meeting Jesus Christ? Some answers can be found in this passage from the gospel of Matthew,

(1) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, (2) saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (3) When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; (4) and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (5) They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: (6) ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” (7) Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” (9) After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. (11) And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (12) And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Matthew 2:1-12

Happy New Years, y’all!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Our Greatest Treasure

December 23, 2020 /

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Here are Dr. Martin Luther’s comments on John 1:14…

“The greatest treasure and the highest comfort we Christians have is the fact that the Word, the true, natural Son of God, has become a man who in every respect has flesh and blood as any other man has, and who has become man for our sake that we may be raised to the great glory of having our flesh and blood, our entire body, with all its parts and members, sit in heaven above, like God; that we may boldly defy the devil and whatever assails us. For now we are certain that our bodies belong in heaven and are heirs of the kingdom of heaven.”

Martin Luther, Sermon on John 1:14 (Weimar Edition, 46)
Martin Luther celebrates Christmas with his family and friends

Merry Christmas, y’all!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

A Remarkable Example of God’s Providential Care

December 5, 2020 /
Rev. David Brainerd

It is clear when you read the writings of Rev. David Brainerd (1718-1747) that he firmly believed in the providence of God. In brief, it can be stated that he affirmed that God was involved in the affairs of men. God’s “invisible hand” directed Brainerd in a multitude of personal decisions that were necessary to carry out his missionary work with the American indians. When difficult circumstances arose, and they did many times over, he trusted that God was superintending all of the events of his life and that in the end these trials would prove to be for his own benefit, or for the benefit of others. This aspect of Brainerd’s faith gave him a deep personal assurance and a firm resolute confidence. Consider now this gripping example of God’s providential care in David Brainerd’s life:

“Tomahawks in hand, the Indians crept toward the strange tent. As they cautiously peered under the flap, their intention to kill was forgotten. There, in the center of the tent was a man on his knees. As he prayed, a rattlesnake crossed his feet and paused in a position to strike. But the snake did not strike. It lowered its head again and glided out of the tent. It was a long time later when David Brainerd, the man in the tent, found out why the Indians at the village received him with such honor as they did. He had expected that they would want to kill him. The reason for their change of heart was the report their comrades had brought of the marvelous thing they had seen. The Indians looked upon David Brainerd as a messenger from the Great Spirit, which indeed he was. In all good work the protection of God is with the worker.”

Tan, Paul Lee. “Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.” Rockville, MD: Assurance Publishers, 1979, #2031

The historic Westminster Confession of Faith (1647) defines the doctrine of “Providence” in the following manner: “God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence, according to His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” (WCF, Chapter 5, Article 1) David Brainerd was well-acquainted with these words since he had memorized them as a child. In short, he trusted God to “uphold, direct, dispose, and govern” all the circumstances of his life. And the Lord, did not let him down.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

With the Pilgrims on the 1st Thanksgiving in America

November 24, 2020 /
One artist’s idea of what the 1st Thanksgiving in America looked like

An actual eyewitness of that 1st Thanksgiving (Nov. 1620) was Edward Winslow, a first-comer on the Mayflower. He wrote the following colorful description in his personal account of the founding of Plymouth Plantation:

Edward Winslow

“Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, so that we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little outside help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their great king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”

Edward Winslow, Mourt’s Relation, 72

At that time the Pilgrims were weak and small in size (approx. 52 people–men, women, and children) and the Indians out numbered them greatly (over 90 men). They enjoyed, however, a joyous and peaceful celebration of God’s good blessing upon them. During this time the food was plentiful (with harvested grains, “fowl,” and “five deer”), the feasting was continual (“for three days”), and the entertainments were enjoyable (“we exercised our arms” i.e. fired off their weapons). Here is a beautiful picture of two different cultures gathering together in peace to give sincere thanks to God for his many blessings. It is no wonder that this event captured the imagination of the descendants of the Pilgrims, so that Thanksgiving Day remains an ever popular holiday in modern-day America. May it ever be so.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

400th Anniversary: The Pilgrims Arrive in New England

November 23, 2020 /
The Pilgrims arrive in New England

During these days of confusion and difficulty, it is helpful for me to recall the faithfulness of God in protecting and providing for the English Pilgrims. They earnestly sought a place where they could worship the Lord according to the teachings of the Bible, raise their children without undue worldly influences, and live as “free-men” building-up their own homes and livelihoods. On November 21, 1620 (i.e. New Style dating) the Pilgrims landed at Cape Cod after a stormy crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. They trusted God to provide for their needs and to help them carve out a flourishing colony from the wilderness, and the Lord certainly did so! Here is William Bradford’s account of their arrival,

But to be brief, after long beating at sea, on November 11th they fell in with a part of the land called Cape Cod, at which they were not a little joyful…Having found a good haven and being brought safely in sight of land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries of it, again to set their feet upon the firm and stable earth, their proper element…As for the season, it was winter…Summer being done, all things turned upon them a weather-beaten face; and the whole country, full of woods and thickets, presented a wild and savage view.

William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation, 64-65

Let us take heart in knowing that we have a God who hears our prayers and who rewards those who seek after Him. The prophet Isaiah records these words from the Lord, “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and who trembles at my word.” (Isa. 66:2) Jesus also stated, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33) Let us, then, resolve to be like the Pilgrims who trusted God for their very lives, for their daily provision, and for the welfare of future generations.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

The Bible: A Firm Foundation

October 16, 2020 /
Wycliffe’s Bible (AD 1382)

What does the Bible say about itself? To me, this is a fascinating question because its answer demonstrates the firm foundation that our faith rests upon. Simply stated, we believe that God has revealed himself in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is more than a book of antiquity, it is the very Word of God. The reformer Martin Luther illustrates this well. When asked about the success of the Reformation, he confidently stated, “I simply taught, preached, wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing. And then, while I slept, or drank Wittenberg beer with my Philip and my Amsdorf, the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that never a prince or emperor did such damage to it. I did nothing. The Word did it all.” Luther’s reflective statement demonstrates the authority and power of the Word of God. With that concept in mind, it is good for us to recall that these are God’s very own words (i.e. a verbal plenary inspiration) and that they demonstrate the self-authenticating nature of the Bible. Consider these following citations from the Bible where it talks about itself (the italics highlight key words and concepts about the Holy Scriptures):

  • In numerous citations throughout the Bible where it says, “Thus saith the LORD”
  • Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
  • Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (vs. 14) “But the word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” 
  • Psalm 119:105 “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
  • Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
  • Isaiah 55:10-11 “…so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
  • Luke 24:44-48 “Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.'”
  • John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me…”
  • John 10:35b “…and Scripture cannot be broken.” (Jesus quotes from Ps. 82:6)
  • John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
  • 2 Timothy 2:9 “But the word of God is not bound!”
  • 2 Timothy 3:15 “…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
  • Hebrews 4:12-13 “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”
  • 2 Peter 1:19-21 “And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
  • 2 Peter 3:15-16 “…just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.”
William Tyndale’s Bible – AD 1536

I hope you have enjoyed reflecting on these stirring passages about the Bible from the pages of Holy Scripture. Many more biblical citations could be listed, but suffice it to say these particular ones give the Christian some idea of the strength of our spiritual foundation. In brief, it can be resolutely affirmed that the Bible is authoritative, inspired, inerrant, infallible, perspicuous (i.e. its central message is abundantly clear), and sufficient.

We have a firm foundation, indeed!

–Dr. Marcus J. Serven

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