This discussion dives into the intriguing idea of believers performing greater works than Jesus. It tackles whether God endorsed polygamy in the Old Testament and the implications for modern Christians. The conversation also clarifies the inspiration of New Testament Scriptures and the complexities of the dual nature of Christ. They even address the cultural challenges of teaching children about Santa Claus, pondering its effects on faith in Jesus. Finally, there's a thoughtful exploration of remembering loved ones in eternity.
02:12:15
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Understanding John 14:12 requires viewing 'greater works' as the expansive ministry of believers throughout history rather than merely as miraculous signs.
God's allowance of polygamy in the Old Testament, especially regarding David, does not equate to His endorsement of the practice.
The term 'God-breathed' in 2 Timothy 3:16 encompasses both the Old and New Testaments, affirming their comprehensive authority in guiding Christian faith.
Intentional discipleship should focus on encouragement and accountability, embracing believers' faith journeys with grace rather than merely correcting flaws.
Trials should be viewed as opportunities for spiritual growth, leading to deeper trust in God and ultimately resulting in greater joy.
Deep dives
Importance of Biblical Thinking
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of thinking biblically about various topics related to God, Christianity, and the Bible. This approach is crucial for transforming lives, leading to increased confidence, peace, patience, and joy. Engaging in biblical thought helps individuals to develop a deeper understanding of faith and how it relates to everyday life. The insights gained through this process are seen as invaluable treasures that influence one's entire spiritual journey.
Understanding Greater Works in John 14:12
The discussion centers on the interpretation of John 14:12, where Jesus states that believers will do greater works than He did. This passage has been subject to various interpretations, particularly within charismatic circles that may emphasize miraculous signs. The speaker argues against a simplistic, sensational view of these works, suggesting instead that they refer to the expansive ministry of believers throughout history. By linking the greater works to the quantitative achievements post-resurrection, he highlights the continued impact of Jesus' ministry through His followers, rather than a qualitative superiority in miracles.
Caution Against Reckless Spirituality
The speaker advises against being misled by hyper-charismatic attitudes that seek emotional experiences over biblical truth. He acknowledges the existence of genuine spiritual gifts but warns against environments that prioritize hype over true spiritual discernment. The concerns include witnessing manipulative practices that claim to demonstrate the power of the Spirit without true validation. Instead, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discerning genuine spiritual movements through testing and adhering to Scripture.
Rethinking Polygamy in Scripture
A particular passage from 2 Samuel prompts a discussion about whether God's endorsement of polygamy is evident in the text. The speaker clarifies that while God allowed certain actions, it does not imply approval of them. Moreover, the specific instance regarding David does not directly correlate with a biblical endorsement of polygamy, as the interpretation relies on understanding cultural practices at the time. The conversation further explores the importance of context and the nuances of understanding biblical texts.
The Authority and Inspiration of Scripture
The speaker addresses the inspiration of Scripture, particularly in 2 Timothy 3:16, where Paul discusses the nature of all scripture as 'God-breathed.' This leads to questions about whether this includes only the Old Testament or extends to the New Testament as well. He argues that 'all scripture' encompasses everything that qualifies as inspired by God, regardless of the time of writing. This perspective reinforces the belief in the comprehensive authority of both the Old and New Testaments in guiding Christian faith.
Effective Discipleship Practices
The discussion on discipleship highlights the importance of being intentional in nurturing others' faith in Christ. The speaker suggests establishing relationships focused on encouragement and accountability rather than solely correcting flaws. Emphasizing the grace of God, he proposes that authentic discipleship incorporates embracing believers' journeys holistically. Engaging in meaningful dialogue about faith experiences can foster deeper, more productive relationships in a Christian community.
Counting Trials as Joy
In reflecting on hardships, the speaker stresses the need to count trials as joy, taking inspiration from James 1. The core message is that trials test and strengthen faith, which can lead to spiritual perseverance and growth. He encourages believers to find comfort in recognizing that overcoming difficulties produces maturity. Through facing challenges, believers can cultivate a more profound trust in God, ultimately allowing them to experience deeper joy in their spiritual lives.
The Problem of Remembering the Lost in Heaven
The contemplation of loved ones who are unsaved raises questions about memory and sorrow in heaven. The speaker suggests that while it is natural to desire the presence of loved ones in eternity, there may be a divine mechanism for reconciliation of emotions in God’s presence. He posits that an encounter with God will alter perspectives so profoundly that the reality of separation might be met with divine acceptance of God’s justice. Thus, it paints a hopeful picture where the fullness of joy in heaven may lead to a different way of understanding loss.
Acquiring Biblical Knowledge and Insights
When tackling theological projects like exploring Genesis, the speaker emphasizes the importance of thorough, verse-by-verse study. He suggests compiling questions that arise during the process and seeking various scholarly opinions to enrich understanding. The pursuit of knowledge is not superficial; it requires a conscientious effort to engage deeply with scripture and gather insights from multiple sources. By emphasizing this diligence, he highlights how a solid foundation of knowledge fosters mature faith and understanding.
1. 0:55 {Greater Works than Jesus?} In John 14:12, Jesus said we would do even greater things than Him. That’s a tough pill to swallow since He died for our sins and created everything. How do I process Jesus’ statement? 2. 23:42 {Did God Endorse Polygamy in the OT?} In 2 Samuel 12:8, God says that He gave David his wives (multiple), and if he had asked for more, God would’ve given him more. This sounds to be directly saying that God would be endorsing polygamy. How should we as Christians feel about one man having multiple wives according to the Bible, specifically this passage? 3. 30:21 {Is Only OT Scripture “God-Breathed?”} In 2 Timothy 3:16, was Paul speaking of ONLY OT Scriptures, since that’s all they had at the time? What about the inspiration of the NT? 4. 37:13 {Relearning Proper Theology} One of your videos gave my fiancé a change of heart. He is a former Jehovah’s Witness and feels like he has to start over and unlearn then relearn everything. Where do you suggest we start studying? 5. 43:57 {Is the Hypostatic Union Illogical?} How can Christ truly be God and man at the same time, infringing upon the laws of logic? If it’s true, I know I can't understand it fully, but I do expect to be able to demonstrate how it isn't illogical. 6. 48:54 {Is it Wrong to Teach Kids About Santa?} What do you tell your kids about Santa? Is there a chance that kids who find out Santa isn't real might think the same about Jesus? Would you spoil Santa for children that aren't yours? 7. 57:18 {Should We Avoid Semi-Pelagianism?} I'm a Calvinist, and recently I have been noticing Semi-Pelagian theology in Arminian churches. Can you distinguish between the two and explain why we should avoid Semi-Pelagianism? 8. 1:06:19 {Can We Give God Too Much Credit?} Is it OK to give credit to God for something He might not have done (like a salary raise, new job, or other material or worldly things)? 9. 1:09:52 {New Command or Old Command?} Why does 1 John 2:7 say that he is not writing a new command, but in the next verse (1 John 2:8) he says that he is writing a new command? What's going on here? 10. 1:14:10 {Hasn’t Jesus Always Been Lord?} Peter said in Acts 2:36 that God has "made Jesus both Lord and Christ." He was already Lord and Christ, so what does this mean? Same with Jesus being “given all authority” in Matthew 28:18. 11. 1:24:33 {Were Christ’s Sufferings Lacking Something?} In Colossians 1:24, what is lacking in Christ’s sufferings, and how is Paul contributing to them? 12. 1:30:12 {Is God Constantly Speaking to Us?} My friend doesn't want to have too small of a view of God, so he sees every small event in his life as God speaking to him, even trivial things. Am I being too stingy, or is he "over-spiritualizing"? 13. 1:36:08 {Examples of Serving God Daily} I’m wondering what discipling others, sharing the Gospel, and service to God looks like in your life day-to-day? Anything you’ve learned over the years? 14. 1:39:38 {How Do We Find Joy in Our Trials?} In James 1, how do we count our trials as joy? 15. 1:45:24 {Does the Devil Persecute Believers?} Is God giving the Devil permission to persecute the lives of certain Christians today, like in the book of Job? 16. 1:47:02 {Does Praising Jesus Exclude the Father & Spirit?} I've been struggling with phrases or lyrics such as "All glory be to Christ" and "All Heaven sings to Christ alone.” Do these incorrectly exclude the Father and Holy Spirit? 17. 1:49:28 {Exploring the Different Words for God’s Law} Every verse in Psalm 119 refers to God's Law, and ten different words are used, including: commandments, precepts, law, testimonies, ways, etc. Why? Does each word have a different meaning? 18. 1:51:58 {How to Prepare Large Study Projects} How do you go about a project like the Women in Ministry series? I want to do something similar with Genesis 1-2 but I don't even know where to begin or what tools to use (other than Logos, of course). 19. 1:54:38 {Remembering the Unsaved in Heaven?} I would like to know, when we are in Heaven, will we just forget about those we loved on Earth that weren't saved? I can't imagine how there could be no sorrow if we remember them. 20. 2:01:18 {What Was Paul’s Goal?} Can you explain to me what goal Paul hopes to achieve in Philippians 3:11-12? What does he have to do?
Every other Friday I do these Q&As, trying to help people learn to think biblically about everything. To ask a question just show up during the beginning of the live stream, wait for it to actually start, and post your question in the live chat.
I may have already answered your question. You can check the "clip search" feature HERE on my website to see if I have.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
