4.4 The Morning Star of the Reformation
The Beacon of the Reformation: Passion for God’s Word

Read Psalm 19:8–12; 119:140,162 and Jeremiah 15:16. What similar attitudes did David and Jeremiah have towards the Word of God that essentially laid the foundation for the Reformation?

The mentioned Bible verses and the text section offer deep insights into David’s and Jeremiah’s attitudes towards God’s Word and how these attitudes laid the foundation for the Reformation.
Similar attitudes of David and Jeremiah:
1 Joy in God’s Law:
◦ Psalm 19:8–12: David speaks of the joy and clarity that God’s law brings. He sees it as a source of wisdom and enlightenment.
◦ Psalm 119:140,162: David emphasizes his love for God’s Word and how it brings him joy and comfort in his sufferings.
◦ Jeremiah 15:16: Jeremiah describes how he longs for God’s words, considering them his joy and delight.
2 Transformation through the Word:
◦ David and Jeremiah not only had an intellectual relationship with God’s Word. They were also spiritually and morally transformed through studying and meditating on the Word.

Foundation for the Reformation:
David’s and Jeremiah’s attitudes towards God’s Word reflect the foundational truths that inspired the Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others:
1 Central Role of Scripture: The Reformers emphasized the central role of the Bible in Christian doctrine and practice. They viewed the Holy Scripture as the sole authority for faith and practice, not tradition or the church’s teaching authority.
2 Personal Relationship with God: Like David and Jeremiah, the Reformers recognized the importance of a personal relationship with God, deepened through studying and meditating on God’s Word.
3 Transformation and Renewal: The Reformers believed in the transformative power of God’s Word. They saw Bible study not just as an intellectual exercise but as a source of spiritual and moral renewal.

Read 2 Timothy 2:1–3. What advice did the Apostle Paul give to Timothy regarding the transmission of God’s Word?

In 2 Timothy 2:1–3, the Apostle Paul gives Timothy the advice:
“Now you, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Significance of the advice for the transmission of God’s Word:
1 Strength in Grace: Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. This means that Timothy should rely on the power and grace of Christ to remain steadfast in faith and teaching.
2 Transmission of Learning: Timothy should not only keep what he has heard and learned from Paul to himself but also pass it on to other faithful people. This emphasizes the importance of teaching and transmitting God’s Word within the Christian community.

Application to the Reformers and specifically to John Wycliffe:
John Wycliffe was transformed by the power of God’s Word and motivated by his love for Christ to share this knowledge with others. Although he was aware of the dangers associated with translating the Bible into English, he was determined to make the message of the Holy Scripture accessible. His commitment and devotion to God’s Word reflect the advice that Paul gave to Timothy: He should entrust what he has learned to faithful people who are also capable of teaching others.
The story of Wycliffe and his efforts to translate the Bible into English, despite the risks associated with this task, shows his unwavering faith, dedication, and obedience to the command to pass on God’s Word. His influence on the Reformation and his contribution to spreading the Gospel in the English language are lasting testimonies to his faithfulness to Christ and his passion for God’s Word.

The connection between faith and our everyday life can be established from the points mentioned above as follows:
1 Joy in God’s Word: Like David and Jeremiah did, we should also find joy in God’s Word. By regularly reading and meditating on the Bible, we can find wisdom, enlightenment, and comfort, especially in challenging times of our lives.
2 Transformation through the Word: It is not enough to just know about God’s Word; we should also strive to be spiritually and morally transformed through Scripture. This means that we should allow ourselves to be shaped and guided by the Bible to lead a life more like Christ’s.
3 Transmission of Learning: Like Paul encouraged Timothy, we should also share what we learn from the Bible with others. This can be done through personal conversations, Bible studies, sermons, or social media. Transmitting God’s Word is crucial to help others grow in their faith and develop a deeper relationship with God.
4 Strength in Grace: Our daily strength and steadfastness in faith come through the grace of Christ. By relying on His power rather than our own abilities, we can face life’s challenges with confidence and hope.
5 Personal Relationship with God: Our relationship with God should be at the center of our everyday life. Through prayer, meditation, and studying the Word, we can deepen our relationship with God and learn to recognize and follow His will in our lives.
6 Transformation and Renewal: By opening ourselves to God’s Word and integrating it into our lives, we can experience spiritual and moral renewal. This leads to a life characterized by love, peace, patience, kindness, and other fruits of the Spirit.
In summary, faith in and passion for God’s Word are not just theoretical concepts for theologians or scholars but life-changing principles that should permeate every aspect of our daily lives. By integrating God’s Word into our daily lives and living according to it, we can develop a deeper relationship with God and provide others with a living testimony of God’s love and truth.

The joy and passion for God’s Word ignite the beacon of renewal and transformation.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-standing-for-the-truth-4-4-the-morning-star-of-the-reformation/

4.3 Courage to Stand
Unwavering Faith in Times of Darkness

Compare Acts 5:28–32; Ephesians 6:10–12; and Revelation 3:11. What fundamental principle is contained in these texts?

The mentioned Bible verses convey a central principle:
Loyalty to God and His Word over human authorities and against spiritual resistances and temptations.

1. Acts 5:28–32: In this passage, the apostles are questioned by the Sanhedrin about why they continue to teach in Jesus’ name despite the prohibition. Peter responds unequivocally: “We must obey God rather than men.” This emphasizes that divine authority and obedience to God should stand above human instructions and laws.

2. Ephesians 6:10–12: Paul encourages believers to be strong in the Lord’s power and to equip themselves against the “spiritual forces of evil.” This underscores the necessity to be spiritually vigilant and to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual attacks, temptations, and obstacles.

3. Revelation 3:11: Jesus admonishes the church in Philadelphia to hold on to what they have, so that no one takes their crown. This is a call for steadfastness in faith and a warning against the danger of spiritual apostasy or distraction through false teachings and seductions.

In summary, these Bible verses emphasize the fundamental principle of loyalty to God and His Word, the priority of divine authority over human instructions, and the necessity to remain spiritually vigilant and steadfast in faith, even when facing resistance, persecution, or temptation.

The history of the Waldensians is an inspiring testament to unwavering loyalty to God’s Word and the sacrifice associated with it. Despite dangers and persecutions, the Waldensians courageously copied, memorized, and clandestinely disseminated the Bible in their own language. This commitment and devotion have helped preserve and spread the truth of God’s Word over centuries, even if they might not have fully understood every biblical doctrine.

The mention of Jean Leger and his handwritten Bible, containing firsthand drawings and information, gives the story a personal and human dimension. It illustrates how profound and personal their commitment to spreading the Gospel was.

The comparison with Proverbs 4:18 is particularly apt. Like the light in the morning gradually becoming brighter, the Waldensians, through their loyalty and devotion, contributed to spreading the light of the Gospel in a time of spiritual darkness. They were like the sun rising higher and higher, shining with increasing brightness despite the initial darkness.

It is admirable that despite the resistance and personal dangers they faced, the Waldensians continued to cling to God’s Word and saw it as their mission to make it accessible to others. Their story is a living example of the power of faith, determination, and devotion, and it should encourage all of us to remain steadfast in our faith and to spread the light of the Gospel in our own time and culture.

How can we, who reflect the light of Christ, shine in our surroundings? Are we doing that?

As Christians, it is our calling and responsibility to reflect and shine the light of Christ in our surroundings. Here are some steps and practices on how we can do this:

1. Lifestyle: Our daily decisions, behavior, and reactions should be guided by the principles and values of the Gospel. Genuine and loving behavior towards others, regardless of their background or beliefs, can send a powerful message about the love of Christ.

2. Serving: Jesus demonstrated that true greatness lies in serving. By serving others, we display the humility and love of Christ. This can be through volunteering, community service, or simply helping people in our immediate surroundings.

3. Words: It is important to courageously speak about our faith and bear witness. However, this should always be done in love and respect, without judging or persuading others.

4. Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool to bring light into dark situations. We should pray for our community, our nation, and the world, that they may be touched by God’s love, truth, and healing.

5. Community: By forming or participating in Christian communities and groups, we can encourage, strengthen, and support each other to be more effective light in our surroundings.

6. Knowledge and Understanding: It is important to know and understand the needs, questions, and challenges of our community. Through listening and empathy, we can better respond and offer relevant light and hope.

Are we doing that? This is a personal question that everyone needs to answer for themselves. It is important to regularly pause and reflect on whether our lives and actions reflect the light of Christ. It is also helpful to seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders to understand how we can improve and be more effective light in our surroundings.

The connection between our daily life and our faith is profound and unavoidable. Our faith should not only be visible on Sundays in church but in every aspect of our lives, in our decisions, our relationships, and our daily behavior.

Everyday Connection with Faith:
1. Integrity and Honesty: In a world often marked by deception and half-truths, we can bear witness to the truth and reliability of the Gospel through our honesty and integrity.

2. Compassion and Forgiveness: By approaching others with compassion and forgiveness, we display the unconditional love of Christ. This can be visible in small acts of forgiveness or understanding towards others.

3. Work and Profession: In our professional lives, we can bear witness to Christ through hard work, honesty, and ethical behavior. Our workplace can be a venue where we let the light of Christ shine through our professionalism and conduct.

4. Family and Community: Our family and community are often the first to see and experience our faith. Through our love, support, and commitment, we can let the light of Christ shine in these closest relationships.

5. Crises and Challenges: In difficult times, we can bear witness to God’s faithful care and strength through our trust, hope, and perseverance in Him.

6. Education and Growth: The time we invest in education and personal growth can be used to deepen our understanding of the Gospel and improve our ability to share Christ with others.

Are we doing that?
This question requires honest self-reflection and can prompt us to reconsider our relationship with Christ and our influence on others. It is easy to fall into the routine of daily life and neglect our faith. Therefore, it is important to regularly pause, review our faith, and ask ourselves if we are letting the light of Christ shine in our surroundings.

One way to do this is through regular self-reflection, prayer, and community with other believers. It can also be helpful to align ourselves with biblical principles and role models like the Waldensians, who remained steadfast in their faith despite significant challenges and persecutions.

In summary, we should all strive to deepen our relationship with Christ, let His light shine in our daily lives, and be guided by His love and example to have a positive and transformative influence in our surroundings.

Steadfastness in faith is the light that breaks through the darkness of ignorance and resistance.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-standing-for-the-truth-4-3-courage-to-stand/

4.2 Light Vanquishes the Darkness
The Triumph of Faith over Misconceptions and the Eternal Hope of the Faithful

Read Jude 3-4. What is the warning here, and how did it apply to the later Christian Church?

The warning in these verses pertains to false teachers and deceivers who infiltrate among the believers, distorting the true faith and teachings of the Gospel. They turn the grace of God into licentiousness and deny Jesus Christ, our sole Master and Lord. In the context of later Christian church history, this warning applied to various developments:

1. Pagan Practices in the Church: Over time, some pagan rituals and practices were integrated into the Christian Church, especially during the Christianization of the Roman Empire. This led to a blending of Christian and pagan traditions, compromising the pure doctrine of the Gospel.
2. Human Traditions and Doctrines: During the Middle Ages, many human traditions and doctrines were developed that went beyond the scriptures and sometimes contradicted the teachings of the Bible. This resulted in a darkening and distortion of the pure message of the Gospel.
3. Resistance and Reform: Despite these contaminations, there were always faithful Christians and movements that fought for the truths of the Holy Scriptures and preserved the pure doctrine of the Gospel. The Waldensians, mentioned in your text, are an example of such a movement that opposed the corruption of Christian faith by human traditions and false teachings.

Overall, the warning in Jude 3-4 reminds us to be vigilant and fight for our faith to preserve the purity and integrity of Christian doctrine. It calls on believers to resist false teachings and deceptions and to remain faithful to the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Read Revelation 2:10. What promise does God give to those who remain faithful to Him in the face of death?

In this verse, God promises the faithful believers in Smyrna the “crown of life” if they remain faithful despite persecution, suffering, and even death. This promise serves as encouragement and comfort for believers enduring severe trials and persecutions.

As you rightly noted, the “crown of life” contrasts with earthly honors and recognitions that people can receive. It is an eternal reward and reminder of faithfulness and steadfastness in belief, even under the most challenging circumstances.

The promise of the “crown of life” has encouraged and strengthened believers throughout the centuries, especially during times of persecution, suffering, and difficulties. It reminds believers that their faithfulness and endurance are not in vain and that an eternal reward awaits them with God.

For modern Christians, this promise of the “crown of life” remains relevant and inspiring. It reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, to remain faithful in our belief, and to stand firm against temptations and hardships in life, knowing that an eternal reward awaits us.

What encourages you in difficult times? What scares you? Which promises can you claim for these times?

In difficult times, many people find encouragement and comfort in promises and assurances from the Bible. Some frequently cited promises include:

1. God’s Care and Presence: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
2. God’s Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
3. God’s Provision for Our Needs: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Regarding fears, it can vary from person to person. Some fear uncertainty, rejection, loss, or physical dangers. In such moments, it can be helpful to remember and claim the promises and truths of the Bible in faith.

It is important to emphasize that the mentioned promises and Bible verses offer comfort and encouragement to many people in difficult times. However, it can also be beneficial to speak with a spiritual mentor, pastor, or counselor to discuss personal fears and challenges and receive support.

The connection between our daily life and our faith is profound and shapes how we cope with challenges, find hope, and navigate our life’s journey. Faith provides us with a foundation for hope, comfort, and guidance amidst uncertainties, difficulties, and suffering. In our daily lives, we can draw inspiration from the promises and teachings of the Bible to:

1. Show steadfastness and faithfulness, even when confronted with temptations, deceptions, or false teachings. As emphasized in Jude 3-4, it is essential to be vigilant and fight for true faith to preserve the purity and integrity of Christian doctrine.
2. Have endurance and hope in times of persecution, suffering, and difficulties. The promise of the “crown of life” in Revelation 2:10 reminds us that our faithfulness and steadfastness in belief are not in vain and that an eternal reward awaits us with God.
3. Recognize God’s care and presence in our lives and hold onto His promises, which offer us comfort, strength, and peace in difficult times.
4. Overcome our fears and worries through faith by relying on God’s promises and His unchanging love and care for us.

In daily life, our faith can also encourage us to actively pursue justice, love, and compassion by following God’s commandments and living out the Gospel in our lives. It reminds us to follow Jesus’ example by loving our neighbor, practicing forgiveness, and being humble and service-minded.

In summary, our faith plays a central role in our daily lives, providing us with direction, hope, comfort, and inspiration. It challenges us to be vigilant, stand up for truth, remain steadfast in belief, and reflect God’s love and care in our lives and the world around us.

Thought of the Day: The crown of life awaits those who remain steadfast in faith, even in the darkest hours.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-standing-for-the-truth-4-2-light-vanquishes-the-darkness/

Lesson 4. Standing for the Truth
Steadfast in Darkness: Courage, Renewal, and the Radiance of Faith

In a world that is constantly changing, where different opinions and values often clash, standing up for truth becomes an increasingly important task for Christians. The history of Christianity is rich with examples of brave men and women who were willing to suffer and even sacrifice their lives for their beliefs. This lesson leads us into a deep exploration of the meaning, value, and challenges of standing up for truth.

Starting with the concept of “progressive light” in divine revelation, we explore why God reveals truth progressively and how these principles can be applied to today’s church. We also consider the dynamic between new discoveries of truth and the previous teachings that the people of God understood, emphasizing why new light should never contradict old light.

The challenges we face in our culture can sometimes lead to conflicts with biblical teachings. Therefore, we discuss strategies and approaches to remain good citizens while resisting the distorted values of our culture.

Finally, we delve deep into the inspiring letter of Jan Hus, reflecting on how his courageous example and teachings can still influence and challenge us today. This lesson challenges us to examine our beliefs, to be courageous, and to stand up for truth, even when faced with challenges and resistance.

4.1 Persecuted Yet Triumphant
Persecution and Victory: God’s People in Prophetic Times

Read Daniel 7:23–25 and Revelation 12:6,14. To which prophetic time periods do these verses refer?

The mentioned verses from Daniel 7:23–25 and Revelation 12:6,14 refer to prophetic time periods often described as 1260 days or “a time, times, and half a time.” These time spans are symbolic and represent an extended period in Christian history.

1. Daniel 7:23-25: In this section, Daniel describes a vision of four beasts representing different kingdoms or dominions. The fourth beast is depicted as particularly powerful and destructive. Verse 25 states that it will “speak words against the Most High” and “oppress the saints of the Most High.” This time of oppression is depicted as 1260 days or a time, times, and half a time.

2. Revelation 12:6,14: In Revelation, a woman is portrayed giving birth to a child and being pursued by a dragon. The woman flees to the wilderness where she is protected for “a time, times, and half a time” (verse 14). This also corresponds to the 1260 days or 3½ years of persecution.

Both passages employ the day-year principle, where a prophetic day corresponds to a literal year. This principle is based on other biblical texts like Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6 and has been applied by many Bible scholars and historians throughout history.

The mentioned historical events, such as the Ostrogoths’ departure from Rome in AD 538 and the Pope’s deposition by Napoleon’s General Berthier in AD 1798, are interpreted as the beginning and end of this 1260-year period of persecution and spiritual darkness. During this time, many Christians were persecuted and killed for their faith, yet they remained steadfast in their beliefs, seeing their victory in Christ.

It is important to note that this is a specific interpretation of the mentioned biblical texts and is not shared by all Christians. There are various theological views and interpretations of these and other prophetic texts in the Bible.

How has fulfilled biblical prophecy strengthened your faith?

For many people, especially devout Christians, fulfilled biblical prophecies can be a source of strength and affirmation of their faith. When they see certain prophecies made in the Bible actually come to pass in history, it can bolster their confidence in the reliability and authenticity of the Holy Scriptures.

The fulfillment of prophecies can be seen as evidence of the divine inspiration of the Bible and God’s sovereignty. It demonstrates that God sees beyond time and that His Word is true and reliable. For many believers, this serves as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and reliability in their lives.

However, it is important to emphasize that the interpretation and application of biblical prophecies often spark discussions and debates within the Christian community. There are different views and theories about how specific prophecies should be understood and applied.

The connection between fulfilled biblical prophecies and our everyday life in faith can be diverse and profound. Here are some possible ways this connection might look:

1. Trust and Hope: Recognizing that God has fulfilled His promises and prophecies in the past strengthens trust in Him and provides hope for the future. In challenging times, believers can recall God’s faithfulness and trust that He is working in their current situation.

2. Confirmation of Faith: Fulfilled prophecies can serve as confirmation of faith. They demonstrate that the Bible is not just a historical document or a book of moral teachings but contains divine wisdom and insight that are relevant and true in the real world.

3. Motivation for Faithfulness: The stories of Christians who remained steadfast in their faith despite persecution and suffering can serve as inspiration. They encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith even when faced with challenges.

4. Eternal Perspective: Knowing that God sees beyond time and that His plans unfold despite human contradictions and difficulties can help believers adopt an eternal perspective. It reminds them that current hardships and sufferings are temporary, while God’s promises and eternal life in Christ are of lasting value.

5. Community and Sharing of Faith: Understanding and acknowledging fulfilled prophecies can also help strengthen faith within the community. Believers can share these insights to encourage others to grow in faith and trust God in their own lives.

However, it is important to stress that the interpretation of biblical prophecies and their application in everyday life can be a personal and sometimes controversial matter. Not all Christians agree on their interpretations, and it is essential to approach differing views with humility and respect. The most important thing is that fulfilled prophecies can help strengthen faith and deepen the relationship with God by testifying to His faithfulness and sovereignty.

Even in the greatest darkness, God’s people find refuge and victory through His unwavering love and care.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-standing-for-the-truth-4-1-persecuted-yet-triumphant/