The Next Day Q&A - Episode 2

Listen to this week's sermon if you missed it:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/554773/13606062

Gnosticism & Resurrection
https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/gnostics.html 

Scripture References: 1 John 1:1-4; 2 Corinthians 13:5; James 2; John 2:19-21

Intro: These sermon notes capture the follow-up "Next Day Q&A" discussion stemming from the initial sermon on 1 John 1:1-4. The aim is to delve deeper into questions raised by the text and foster ongoing conversation about living out these truths.

Key Points:

1. Surety Leads to Joy (1 John 1:4): A key insight discussed was John's surprising connection: the certainty of the apostolic witness ("heard, seen, touched") and the resulting fellowship with God and each other doesn't just lead to doctrinal certainty, but culminates in complete joy. True theology isn't cold but relationally vibrant.
2. Fellowship with God Today: How do we experience fellowship beyond mere mental understanding? Not through secret 'Gnostic' knowledge, but through simple, biblical spiritual disciplines: engaging with Scripture (the apostolic testimony), prayer, worship, fellowship with believers, fasting, etc. These are simple conceptually, though challenging in practice.
3. Gnosticism & Elitism: The Q&A revisited Gnosticism, acknowledging the charismatic stream's potential temptation toward 'special knowledge.' However, it was argued that all church traditions face similar temptations to elitism (e.g., based on contemplation, rule-keeping, Bible knowledge, activism). The root issue is often pride and self-righteousness.
4. Modern Apostles: Briefly addressed the role of modern apostles (lowercase 'a'), affirming the ongoing apostolic gift for leadership and mission, while cautioning against misuse of titles and emphasizing direct access to Jesus for all believers.
5. Gnosticism vs. Resurrection: Contrasted the Gnostic disdain for the physical body (rejecting bodily resurrection) with the robust Christian hope grounded in Jesus' physical resurrection and the future renewal of believers' bodies and the earth.
6. Condition for Fellowship: Faith: What attitude/behavior is needed for fellowship with God? The primary response God requires is faith – trusting in His grace and the finished work of Christ. Changed behavior is a result of this fellowship, not a prerequisite for it. Cautioned against the tendency to jump to "What must I do?" instead of resting in what God has done.
7. Agnosticism vs. Assurance: Discussed the challenge of modern agnosticism ("can't know for sure"). 1 John directly counters this by providing tests and truths aimed at giving believers assurance and confidence regarding their relationship with God and eternal life, combating cynical detachment.

Conclusion: This sermon's Q&A follow-up explored the vital link between knowing God and experiencing joy, the simple means of fellowship, the universal temptation towards spiritual elitism, the bodily hope of the resurrection, the centrality of faith for fellowship, and the confidence 1 John offers against doubt.

Call to Action: Practice the simple disciplines to deepen fellowship with God. Guard your heart against spiritual pride. Rest in faith as the foundation of your relationship with God. Combat cynicism and doubt with the assurance found in 1 John. Continue discussing these vital truths.