Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
He highlights neglected passages like Matthew 25, John 15, John 5:28–29, and Romans 2 (“he will render to every man according to his works”) and says preachers often “skip Romans 2”; how do these texts force you to rethink what “faith” means in practice, and what would have to change in preaching if these were treated as central rather than peripheral?
Another way to ask: How do passages like Matthew 25, John 15, and Romans 2 (God judges by works) change what “faith” should look like in real life? If these texts were treated as central, what would need to change in preaching?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
These passages force “faith” to be understood as an obedient, enduring relationship with Christ that bears fruit—not mere belief or correct theology. If treated as central, preaching would have to hold together grace and judgment: proclaim stage-one free gift clearly, but also regularly warn and train believers toward the stage-two life of doing the Father’s will.
- Matthew 25: judgment scene is “all about things people did… Not one word… about their theology.”
- John 15: “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away… throw them into the fire.”
- John 5:28–29: “Those who have done good… life… done evil… condemnation.”
- Romans 2: “He will render to every man according to his works… he will give eternal life,” and he rejects the dodge that it’s only “better reward.”
- He says preachers “always want to start in Romans 3… like you can just skip Romans 2.”
- His framework: stage one is “saved by grace through faith” with no prior works; stage two is “endure… maintain an obedient love, faith relationship.”