Reformed & Expository Preaching

This is a narrative that is not that encouraging read. The disciples are told that they will abandon Christ, Christ collapses, Judas betrays Christ, and his disciples fall asleep instead of praying after claiming to be heroes of the faith. So, what do we do with this discouragement? How can we see the sovereign hand of God in the midst of all that transpires in this story?

We talked last time about the incarnation of Christ being something that is challenging for us to understand because it is a doctrine that is difficult to grasp. It does not make sense that the second person of the Trinity would take on flesh like our flesh. It does not make sense that He would submit to death and then be raised up again. Why all this drama? What is the purpose of Christ taking on the flesh and then dying? How does this have a meaningful impact right now instead of at the end of our 80 years of walking this earth?

I wonder what it must have been like for the disciples to have the last supper with Jesus. They would expect this to be a normal day where they could enjoy the day and the time with one another recounting the history of Israel. Their experience is something that is radically different as Christ is preparing them for what awaits Him in His ministry: His betrayal and death. The disciples are horrified, and so what is the assurance in this text that there is no need to worry? How do we know that Christ is still in control?

The incarnation of Christ is a very difficult doctrine for us to understand.  In fact, I would say that as human beings it is an impossible doctrine to fully understand. This doctrine teaches that Christ, who is from all eternity, took on real human flesh to ratify the promises of God. If this doctrine is so difficult to understand then why do we want to study this doctrine?  What could be beneficial about it regarding our day to day life?

We know that our Lord is one who cares for the poor, the widow, and the orphan. We know that our Lord is the one who heals the sick, takes away diseases, and is one tho ultimately takes away the sting of death. If this is true, then why is Christ so cavalier by respond to the disciples that they will always have the poor? Why not hear their suggestion to sell the ointment, give the money to the poor, and then just use a cheaper bottle? What does this story have to do with the tragic decision of a disciple and the leaders of Israel finally having the fortitude to send Christ to the cross?

Joshua gives the exhortation for Israel to choose whom they will serve. The Lord is the one who has assured Israel that He chose them to dwell in the land that was promised to Abraham. So, if the Lord has chosen this people then why must this people choose the Lord? This is a rather strange declaration, and what does this have to do with profession of faith?

We know that Christ is the Good Shepherd and there is no shepherd that even compares to Christ in terms of His caring for the sheep. We also know that God is gracious and good in terms of HIs care for His people. We also know that Christ is so gracious that He is going to do what is right and consistent with His gracious will. So, is it gracious that God decides who receives the work of Christ? What basis would we have to make the claim that God limits the work of Christ? So, we continue to deal with the question of how many people are impacted by the work of Christ?

The Reformed position on Christ’s death on the cross is probably not the majority view in Christianity. If this position is held by a minority then what basis would people have to hold it? How do we see that really any conservative Christian believes in a limited atonement? What is more, how can the Reformed definition of a limited atonement actually teach a very gracious God?

When we think about the Reformed doctrine of salvation we could think that the doctrine is simply summarized as such, “Once saved always saved.” I have to confess that personally such a definition really bothers me. It makes salvation sound cheap in the sense that we just go along for the ride and there is no struggle. So, if this is not something I like then what can we put in the place of it? What is more, how can Reformed people be so sure that God will preserve sinners who naturally hate Him? How does the Spirit even work in Reformed theology?

Christ continues to talk about suffering and struggle in these last days. We can be assured that as the temple was destroyed with Jerusalem that the end of the world is guaranteed. So, if we know that the end of the world is coming then how shall we live? Really? Do we need to get very busy to make sure that this world is prepared for the Lord? Do we just be fatalistic and say it is coming what can we do anyway? Or is there something to Christ exhorting us to watch out and be on our guard that puts the coming end in a positive light?