Battling Unbelief - Part 4
John Piper teaches that the certainty of God's past grace through Christ's sacrifice provides a firm foundation for faith in future grace, empowering believers to battle unbelief and pursue holiness.
This sermon delves into the relationship between past grace demonstrated at the cross and future grace, emphasizing the solid foundation past grace provides for faith in future grace. It explores the certainty of God's commitment to believers based on Christ's past work, highlighting the a fortiori logic that if God gave His Son, He will provide all things. The sermon also discusses the role of faith in future grace as the basis for assurance and the necessity of fighting for faith in future grace to combat unbelief and pursue holiness.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The significance of past grace demonstrated at the cross
- How past grace provides a foundation for faith
- The a fortiori logic of God's provision
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II
- Understanding future grace as God's ongoing commitment
- The role of faith in embracing future grace
- Assurance rooted in God's past and future promises
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III
- The necessity of fighting unbelief
- Practical ways to pursue holiness through faith
- Encouragement to persevere in faith for future grace
Key Quotes
“If God gave His Son, He will provide all things.” — John Piper
“Past grace is the solid foundation for faith in future grace.” — John Piper
“We must fight for faith in future grace to combat unbelief and pursue holiness.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Remember and meditate on God's past grace as the foundation for your faith.
- Actively combat unbelief by trusting in God's promise of future grace.
- Pursue holiness with confidence, knowing God will provide what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'past grace' in this sermon?
Past grace refers to the grace God demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which serves as the foundation for our faith.
How does past grace relate to future grace?
Past grace guarantees future grace because if God has already given His Son, He will certainly provide all other things we need.
Why is fighting unbelief important according to John Piper?
Fighting unbelief is crucial because it enables believers to hold on to faith in future grace and continue pursuing holiness.
What role does faith play in assurance?
Faith in future grace provides the basis for assurance that God will continue to provide and sustain believers.
Can this teaching help in times of doubt?
Yes, by focusing on God's past faithfulness and promises for the future, believers can overcome doubt and strengthen their trust.