It's 1:02am and once again I'm up late because God has been working on me. This is getting to be a habit. I'm going through a lot of soul searching these last few months and especially these last few weeks. I regularly feel compelled to read Scripture, and not just like having a 'quiet time,' but really searching and meditating beyond my normal reading. I'm also praying differently. I'm listening more. I'm waiting more. I'm quiet more. I don't say any of that to say I'm doing something great spiritually. I've found that the more I'm quiet and listen, the more I sense my own pride and sin and cluttered mind and life.
Most of my thoughts and meditations have been on the Gospel. And the more I meditate on the Gospel (in full, or in part) the more I realize how much of the Gospel I miss in Scripture for my idolatry over principles. I can't explain this idea well yet, and please don't push me on it, but I'm growing more convinced that the pragmatics we teach and try to live are less about Scripture and more feeding our need to accomplish our own sanctification.
Now I'm not denying that the Scriptures are thoroughly practical. They certainly are. But it's so easy to make the practical seem exciting and the Gospel to seem too basic and elementary. It's easier to feel the excitement of the mission more than the excitement of hearing again the Gospel that calls us to mission.
Anyway, that's what my mind has been chewing on. A HUGE help in this meditation has been the sermons of Tim Keller. Yeah, I know, I talk about Keller a lot. But if there is anything I can say with certainty about Keller, it's this: when I hear Keller I hear the Gospel and not Keller. And whatever issue he is dealing with, he is always dealing primarily with the Gospel.
Yeah, I know this seems elementary. But I always find my way to preach sermons that include the Gospel rather than being the Gospel. When I hear sermons I tend to try to extract practicals rather than know Jesus. It's an enticing trap.
So, in that vein, I highly recommend Tim Keller's sermon on Luke 10: Messengers. I've listened to it a couple of times in the last few weeks, and it's one of the best examples I know of to show how to talk about something practical (our mission) while really just feeding us the Gospel. Enjoy.
Steve, I know exactly what you're saying and walking down that same road. Two incredibly helpful resources on this has been Piper's (audio) bio on "Luther at Study". Also is an incredible series by Art Azurdia on Jonah in which he simply and powerfully unfolds the text and proclaims God in His Word! His exposition is clear, clean edge of law/gospel and presses it in with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. No tom-foolery here! You can access both on my blog. Piper on the right sidebar and my post on Azurdia. Be blessed and encouraged. Are you going to the Together for the Gospel Conf? If so, would love to meet up. God is up to alot in Boston...
DannyO
Posted by: Danny | 03/24/2006 at 05:15 AM
Good word on a good struggle. It seems like I wrestle with this weekly.
Posted by: Chris | 03/24/2006 at 07:21 AM
Given the life I've put behind me, and the daily struggles I face, when I read and hear about the walks of more mature Christians, I'm greatly encouraged. Thanks.
Posted by: Kgreg | 03/24/2006 at 08:15 AM
I totally understand you. I'm preaching through the Gospel of John right now. Often, it means that I present what was going on in Christ's life as he communicated and demonstrated the Gospel. And I feel more "nervous" about this preaching than I do when I present a list of eight principles from a Pauline epistle. But the big story is Jesus. Our salvation ought to thrill us, even more than "5 ways to get along with people at work," or "6 steps to controlling our tongue."
Maybe that's why Rick Warren started of THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE with the words "It's not about you." Too often that's where we put our focus - ourselves.
Posted by: Sled Dog | 03/24/2006 at 11:24 AM
Good word, Steve. Sounds like God is birthing some new things in you. Drink deep, bro. I'm praying for you.
Posted by: tomcottar | 03/24/2006 at 11:41 AM
Steve, I was listening to the sermon Born of the Gospel by Keller and it just really broke me. We're so prone to wander.
Posted by: Michael Foster | 03/24/2006 at 05:15 PM
If you want to really blow your mind - read Gerhard Forde's On Being a Theologian of the Cross.
Be careful though, you might end up in Wittenberg. (I'm a former Redeemerite in NYC)
Posted by: tom b | 03/27/2006 at 09:57 AM