Knowing God JI Packer Chapter 16 Goodness and

Knowing God JI Packer Chapter 16 Goodness and Severity

The Last Two Chapters: 14 God the Judge 15 The Wrath of God It would seem we already know about the Severity of God. The Two Previous Chapters: 13 The Grace of God 12 The Love of God It would seem that we also know about God’s goodness.

The Question: Why did Packer feel it necessary to add this chapter on the goodness and severity of God?

Because of Romans 11 and specifically verse 22. “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s goodness, if you continue in His goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off. ” Romans 11: 22

Paul wants the church to know that it must not dwell on God’s goodness alone, but on His severity as well. Context of verse 22. Deals with 2 groups of people, not 2 individuals. Apostate Jews and Reborn Gentiles.

Israel (a branch) was cut off (“those who fell due to unbelief”) the olive tree, so that God’s goodness would graft in non. Jews (a wild olive branch, gentiles) into the olive tree.

11: 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. ” 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.

Now What is Paul’s Point? Is it likely that he is trying to cause true believers to doubt their salvation? To make them fearful of being cut off from Christ? Rom. 5: 1 -2, 11; 8: 1, 38 -39; Phil. 1: 6

By-Path Meadows Doubting Castle In the Dungeon of Giant Despair What’s this?

More likely, the “cutting off” of Rom. 11: 22 is primarily a warning to the church. Rev. 2: 5

In many Churches today one finds doctrine that matches the desires of the people. The prevalence of liberal false doctrine: Santa Claus Religion: God is infinitely forbearing and kind, a sort of celestial Santa Claus in whom all find love and acceptance without need for the redeeming work of Christ on the cross.

How have these serious errors come about? 1. Leadership teaches superficial knowledge of the Word. 2. Modern people, many think all religions equal. 3. What sin? Liberal church glosses over it. Cease to recognize its reality in their lives. 4. Because only His goodness is taught, People disassociate from His severity, not wanting or able to reconcile the two. So the church is warned of being “cut off, ” the lampstand removed.

Pastor Robert Schuller built the church — an architectural marvel with 10, 000 windows and room for nearly 3, 000 worshippers and 1, 000 musicians — in 1980, a decade after he began broadcasting his sermons on the "power of possibility thinking" into the homes of millions of evangelical Christians each Sunday.

The Rev. Robert Schuller Reportedly Ousted from Crystal Cathedral Ministries PUBLISHED JULY 04, 2011 Crystal Cathedral to become Catholic Church, June, 2013 Schuller focuses on what he believes are the positive aspects of the Christian faith. He deliberately avoids condemning people for sin, believing that Jesus "met needs before touting creeds. ”

On the December 23, 2007, edition of Fox News Sunday, host Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday brought up Osteen's lack of Scripture reference in his sermons, as well as his hesitancy to discuss sin as an integral part of life. Osteen says that he chooses to focus on the goodness of God rather than sin. Osteen's sermons and writings are sometimes reproached for their use of the concepts of prosperity theology, or the prosperity gospel, a belief that wealth and power are rewards for pious Christians.

Rom. 11: 22 1 st aspect of the warning is to the church 2 nd aspect of the warning is to the individuals within the church: Christians: The Father’s discipline. “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. ” Revelation 3: 19 Unbelieving Professors: Removal Matthew 13: 24 - 30

Our Response Appreciate the goodness of God Appreciate the patience of God Appreciate the discipline of God Never forget the promises of God

God’s Goodness Exodus 34: 6 -7 Generosity: “the focal point of God’s moral perfection, it is the quality which determines how all God’s other excellences are to be displayed. ” Grace (free favor): Common grace: to all Special grace: gift of salvation Romans 11: 22 “Wild” gentiles grafted into His olive tree.

God’s Severity Meaning of Severity: Cutting off… a withdrawal of His goodness from those who have spurned it.

“Therefore my beloved, …. . work out your salvation with fear and trembling. ” Philippians 2: 12