Exploring the concept of foolishness in relation to intelligence and faith. Discussing how pride and superficiality hinder belief in God. Highlighting the importance of humility and understanding grace. Emphasizing the transformative power of recognizing wisdom in Christianity.
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Quick takeaways
Foolishness obstructs belief in God by stemming from willful ignorance, pride, and lack of understanding.
Foolishness includes heart commitments hindering faith in God, showing the importance of self-awareness and discernment in doubts.
Deep dives
The Impact of Foolishness on Belief in God
Foolishness, as described in Psalm 14, is highlighted as a barrier to belief in God by Tim Keller. It is pointed out that foolishness is more than just lack of intelligence, but a willful ignorance that hinders understanding and acceptance of God's reality. Keller emphasizes that the heart's foolishness can obstruct faith through arrogance and a refusal to learn from evidence, ultimately blinding individuals to God's presence.
The Root of Foolishness in the Heart
Foolishness is revealed to be deeply rooted in the heart, affecting one's perceptions and faith commitments. Tim Keller links disbelief in God not merely to intellectual or emotional objections, but to underlying faith in alternative belief systems. By showing examples of individuals' struggles with faith in God due to prior commitments, he highlights how self-knowledge and discerning one's hidden faith are crucial in understanding doubts.
Grasping the Concept of Grace and Salvation
Foolishness encompasses an inability to grasp the concept of grace, symbolized by salvation from Zion in Psalm 14. Tim Keller explains that encountering God can evoke fear and resistance in individuals conscious of their inadequacies and sinful nature. The Christian faith, centered on the sacrificial grace of Jesus, offers a pathway for overcoming foolishness and finding redemption through acknowledging personal faults and embracing divine mercy.
Wisdom Found in Embracing Foolishness
Tim Keller emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing personal foolishness and embracing faith in Christ. Through introspection and humility, individuals can confront their limitations and biases, leading to profound spiritual growth and understanding. By accessing grace and wisdom offered through faith in Jesus, the foolishness of human nature can be transcended, enabling believers to experience profound changes in perception and behavior.
A fool can be brilliant and a fool can be stupid. Foolishness is not a function of your intelligence. Foolishness is a function of how you use your intelligence.
The Bible says every human being is born with a heavy streak of foolishness. It’s like a deposit. It’s foolishness, according to the Bible, that destroys our sense of God’s reality. And it’s a common reason why people have trouble believing God is real.
The Bible tells us 1) foolishness is a proud willfulness that keeps us from learning, 2) foolishness is a superficiality that makes it impossible to see our own heart commitments as alternatives to believing in God, and 3) foolishness can’t understand grace.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on October 3, 1993. Series: Modern Problems; Ancient Solutions. Scripture: Psalm 14.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
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