Why Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms?

03/08/18 • 45 min

Belgic Confession Sermons Archives - Covenant United Reformed Church

Confession: Belgic Confession, Article 7

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13-14, 2:8, 2:14-18, 3:5-8, 2:23-26, 2:1-2, 4:1-4 (Read from ESV)

Preacher: Rev. David Inks

Sermon Outline:

Introduction
I. The Christ of Content 1:13-14, 2:8
II. Protection of the Church 2:14-18, 3:5-8
III. Distinguishes between Various Doctrinal Weights 2:23-26
IV. Training of Next Generation 2:1-2, 4:1-4
V. Complaints Against Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms
Conclusion

Sermon Video:

https://youtu.be/SJ6-6JLWatc

Belgic Confession:

ARTICLE 7. The Sufficiency Of The Holy Scriptures To Be The Only Rule Of Faith

We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe unto salvation is sufficiently taught therein. For since the whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in them at large, it is unlawful for any one, though an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures: nay, though it were an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul says. For since it is forbidden to add unto or take away anything from the Word of God, it does thereby evidently appear that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.

Neither may we consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with those divine Scriptures, nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, since the truth is above all: for all men are of themselves liars, and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore, we reject with all our hearts whatsoever does not agree with this infallible rule, as the apostles have taught us, saying, Prove the spirits, whether they are of God. Likewise: if anyone cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house.

Scripture Reading:

2 Timothy 1:13-14 King James Version (KJV)

13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

2 Timothy 2:8 King James Version (KJV)

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

2 Timothy 2:14-18 King James Version (KJV)

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

2 Timothy 3:5-8 King James Version (KJV)

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 King James Version (KJV)

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 4:1-4 King James Version (KJV)

Confession: Belgic Confession, Article 7

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13-14, 2:8, 2:14-18, 3:5-8, 2:23-26, 2:1-2, 4:1-4 (Read from ESV)

Preacher: Rev. David Inks

Sermon Outline:

Sermon Video:

https://youtu.be/SJ6-6JLWatc

Belgic Confession:

ARTICLE 7. The Sufficiency Of The Holy Scriptures To Be The Only Rule Of Faith

Scripture Reading:

2 Timothy 1:13-14 King James Version (KJV)

2 Timothy 2:8 King James Version (KJV)

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

2 Timothy 2:14-18 King James Version (KJV)

2 Timothy 3:5-8 King James Version (KJV)

2 Timothy 2:23-26 King James Version (KJV)

2 Timothy 2:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

2 Timothy 4:1-4 King James Version (KJV)

Previous Episode

Big Accident vs. Big Architect

Confession: Belgic Confession, Article 12 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3 (Read from ESV) Preacher: Rev. David Inks Sermon Outline: Introduction I. Shape of Creation II. Science and Creation III. Sabbath and Creation Conclusion Sermon Video: https://youtu.be/tknWk8WtYEs Belgic Confession: ARTICLE 12. The Creation Of All Things, Especially The Angels We believe that the Father by the Word, that is, […]

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Next Episode

The One Olive Tree

Confession: Belgic Confession, Article 27

Scripture: Romans 11:1-27 (Read from ESV)

Preacher: Rev. David Inks

Sermon Outline:

Introduction
I. One People of God or Two?
II. Has the Word of God Failed?
III. “Israel” Ethnic or Covenantal?
IV. Those Grafted in Become Israel
V. Two Ways “in”
VI. Those “in” can be “broken out”
VII. Those “in” remain in by faith and election
VIII. Natural + Grafted = One Olive Tree
IX. Faith in What?
Conclusion

Sermon Video:

https://youtu.be/wQj9iRSW6bE

Belgic Confession:

ARTICLE 27. The Catholic Christian Church

We believe and profess one catholic or universal Church, which is a holy congregation of true Christian believers, all expecting their salvation in Jesus Christ, being washed by His blood, sanctified and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

This Church has been from the beginning of the world, and will be to the end thereof; which is evident from this that Christ is an eternal King, which without subjects He cannot be. And this holy Church is preserved or supported by God against the rage of the whole world; though she sometimes for a while appears very small, and in the eyes of men to be reduced to nothing; as during the perilous reign of Ahab the Lord reserved unto Him seven thousand men who had not bowed their knees to Baal.

Furthermore, this holy Church is not confined, bound, or limited to a certain place or to certain persons, but is spread and dispersed over the whole world; and yet is joined and united with heart and will, by the power of faith, in one and the same Spirit.

Scripture Reading:

Romans 11:1-27 King James Version (KJV)

1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in...