Tim Conway emphasizes that God is not on trial before humanity; rather, each person stands accountable before God, who calls us to come into the open and face His judgment.
This sermon emphasizes the shift in perspective from viewing God as an object of study to realizing that God is the One who sees, knows, and calls us out. It challenges the notion of putting God on trial with human reasoning and demands, highlighting the importance of recognizing our position before God and His authority over us.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Adam and Eve stop viewing God as the one to be examined
- Humanity begins to be examined by God instead
- The call to come out of hiding and face God
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II
- God's question 'Where are you?' is relevant today
- The reality that humans are on trial, not God
- The futility of trying to put God on trial with human reasoning
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III
- Common human objections to God's sovereignty
- The misunderstanding of sin and suffering in relation to God
- God’s sovereign call to personal accountability
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IV
- The shift from spectator to participant in God's judgment
- God’s direct address to each individual
- The necessity of personal response to God’s call
Key Quotes
“Adam, where are you? Where are you at? What have you done?” — Tim Conway
“God is not on trial. We are the ones on trial.” — Tim Conway
“God is calling us out. Come out. Come out into the open. Expose yourself.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Recognize that you are personally accountable before God, not God before you.
- Respond honestly to God's call to come out of hiding and face Him openly.
- Avoid trying to put God on trial with human reasoning and instead seek to trust His sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is not on trial?
It means that God’s character and actions are not subject to human judgment; rather, humans are accountable to God for their lives.
Why does Tim Conway reference Adam and Eve?
He uses their story to illustrate how humanity shifted from examining God to being examined by God after sin entered the world.
How should we respond to difficult questions about God’s sovereignty?
Instead of putting God on trial, we should recognize our own accountability and seek to understand God’s purposes with humility.
What is the significance of God asking 'Where are you?'
It is a personal call for honesty and openness before God, inviting us to come out of hiding and face Him.
How does this sermon challenge common attitudes toward God?
It challenges the tendency to judge or question God from a human perspective and calls for personal reflection and accountability.
