John Piper - Skeptical Grumbling and Sovereign Grace [John 6:41-51]

Summary

In this sermon, the preacher delves into the controversial interpretation of John 6:44, addressing the issue of divine election and human will in coming to Christ. He argues against a universal drawing by God and emphasizes that only those whom the Father draws will come to Jesus willingly and freely. The sermon aims to humble believers, instill gratitude for God's grace, provide assurance of salvation, encourage evangelism, and ultimately give all glory to God for the salvation of sinners.

The video is abnormal, and we are working hard to fix it.
Please replace the link and try again.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon in the provided transcript?

The main theme of the sermon is the concept of divine drawing as described in John 6:44, emphasizing the role of God's Sovereign Grace in bringing individuals to faith in Jesus Christ.

What are the two possible interpretations of John 6:44 mentioned in the sermon?

The two interpretations are: 1) God draws everyone, but only some come because they provide the decisive impulse from their will, and 2) God draws individuals, and everyone He draws comes to Jesus, with His drawing being infallibly effective.

Why does the sermon suggest that the first interpretation of John 6:44 is not the correct one?

The sermon argues against the first interpretation by providing contextual evidence from the surrounding verses in John, which suggest that God's drawing is decisive and effective, leading to the belief that all whom He draws do come to Jesus.

What is the preacher's stance on the role of human will in coming to Jesus?

The preacher asserts that while human will is involved in the act of coming to Jesus, it is not the decisive factor. Instead, it is God's drawing that is the decisive cause, and individuals come to Jesus freely because they want to, not because they are coerced.

How does the sermon address the issue of assurance for believers?

The sermon offers assurance by stating that if God has drawn someone to Jesus, He will also keep them. This belief is based on the understanding that God's drawing is effective and that He will continue to act on behalf of the believer.

What does the sermon suggest as a response to grumbling and skepticism about the message of divine drawing?

The sermon suggests that instead of grumbling and skepticism, individuals should pray for God to open their hearts and give them spiritual understanding and humility to receive the message of God's Sovereign Grace.

How does the sermon use the concept of 'grace' in the context of coming to Jesus?

The sermon defines grace as the unmerited favor of God that brings individuals to Jesus. It emphasizes that no one comes to Jesus without this grace, and it is by grace that individuals freely choose to follow Jesus.

What is the preacher's argument against the idea that God draws everyone but leaves the final decision to the individual's will?

The preacher argues that this view does not align with the scriptural context, which suggests that God's drawing is not merely making it possible for individuals to come to Jesus but is the decisive cause that leads to their coming.

What role does the sermon suggest for the congregation in response to the message of divine drawing?

The sermon encourages the congregation to be humble, thankful, and to give all glory to God. It also calls them to evangelize boldly, pray for the salvation of others, and to trust in God's Sovereign Grace.

How does the sermon connect the message of John 6:44 to the broader themes of humility, thankfulness, and the glory of God?

The sermon connects these themes by explaining that understanding the Sovereign Grace of God in drawing individuals to Jesus should lead to humility in recognizing one's dependence on God, thankfulness for the undeserved mercy received, and the desire to give all glory back to God.