Redeemer Equips: 1689 LBCF Chapters 20 & 21

Introduction (5 minutes)

Welcome and Icebreaker (1 minute): Greet the group and ask a quick question to gauge familiarity, e.g., "Has anyone heard of the term 'gospel grace' or 'Christian liberty' before? No worries if not—we're starting from the basics."

Overview of the 1689 LBCF (2 minutes): Briefly explain that the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith is a historic document from 1689, written by Baptists to summarize key Christian beliefs based on Scripture. It's structured like a catechism but in chapter form. Today's focus: Chapters 20 and 21, which deal with the gospel's role in salvation and the freedom believers have in Christ.

Session Goals and Relevance (2 minutes): State objectives: Understand how the gospel brings salvation and how Christians experience liberty without abusing it. Emphasize relevance— these doctrines address common questions like "How does God save people?" and "What does freedom in Christ really mean?" Tie to everyday life: Freedom from guilt, fear, and legalism.

Transition: "Let's dive into Chapter 20, which explains the gospel as God's solution to humanity's sin problem."

Teaching Chapter 20: Of the Gospel, and the Extent of the Grace Thereof (20 minutes)

Overall Theme Introduction (2 minutes): Read the chapter title aloud. Explain: This chapter shows that the gospel (good news of Jesus) is God's way to save sinners after the failure of human efforts under the 'covenant of works' (Adam's original agreement with God, broken by sin). It's not about earning salvation but receiving grace through Christ. Key idea: The gospel is essential, revealed only in Scripture, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Paragraph 1: The Promise of Christ as the Means of Salvation (5 minutes):

Read the paragraph aloud (or have a volunteer read).

Key Points to Explain:

The 'covenant of works' was God's original plan for humanity to earn life through perfect obedience, but sin broke it (reference Genesis 3:15—the promise of a Savior crushing the serpent).

God immediately promised Christ (the 'seed of the woman') to call the elect (those chosen by God) and produce faith and repentance in them.

The gospel's substance is this promise, effective for conversion and salvation.

Simplification for Newcomers: Use analogy— like a broken contract fixed by a generous new offer. Not our works, but God's grace.

Scripture Tie-In: Highlight Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 13:8 (Christ planned from eternity).

Application: "This means salvation isn't DIY—it's God-initiated."

Quick Check: Pause for 30 seconds— "Any questions on why the gospel starts with a promise?"

Paragraph 2: Revelation of the Gospel Only in Scripture (4 minutes):

Read aloud.

Key Points:

Christ and salvation are revealed solely in God's Word, not through nature or general knowledge (Romans 1:17).

Creation and providence (God's ongoing care) don't show Christ clearly enough for saving faith (Romans 10:14-17; Proverbs 29:18).

Without the Bible's revelation, no one can attain true faith or repentance.

Simplification: "You can't 'find God' just by stargazing or good deeds— the Bible is the map to Christ."

Application: Encourages Bible reading as the source of truth.

Paragraph 3: The Gospel's Revelation to Nations and Individuals (4 minutes):

Read aloud.

Key Points:

God reveals the gospel in different times/places by His sovereign will, not based on human merit (Psalms 147:20; Acts 16:7).

No one earns this revelation through natural abilities (Romans 1:18-32).

Preaching varies in scope per God's plan.

Simplification: God chooses who hears the gospel—it's grace, not fairness by human standards.

Application: Gratitude for access to the gospel; motivation for missions.

Paragraph 4: The Gospel as the Means, Empowered by the Spirit (4 minutes):

Read aloud.

Key Points:

The gospel is the outward tool for revealing Christ, sufficient for salvation (Psalms 110:3).

But regeneration (being born again) requires the Holy Spirit's irresistible work (John 6:44; Ephesians 1:19-20).

No other means convert without the Spirit.

Simplification: "The gospel is the message, but the Spirit is the power that makes it personal."

Application: Prayer for the Spirit's work in unbelievers.

Transition (1 minute): "Now that we've seen the gospel's power, Chapter 21 builds on it by exploring the freedom it brings."

Teaching Chapter 21: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience (15 minutes)

Overall Theme Introduction (2 minutes): Read the title. Explain: This chapter describes the freedoms Christ won for believers, contrasting Old Testament shadows with New Testament fullness. It warns against abusing liberty and stresses conscience bound only to God.

Paragraph 1: Freedoms Purchased by Christ (5 minutes):

Read aloud.

Key Points:

Freed from sin's guilt, God's wrath, law's curse (Galatians 3:13), evil age (Galatians 1:4), Satan (Acts 26:18), sin's dominion (Romans 8:3), afflictions' ultimate harm (Romans 8:28), death's sting (1 Corinthians 15:54-57), and damnation (2 Thessalonians 1:10).

Obedience from love, not fear (Romans 8:15; Luke 1:73-75).

Old Testament believers had this in essence, but New Testament adds freedom from ceremonial law, bolder access to God, and more of the Spirit (John 7:38-39; Hebrews 10:19-21).

Simplification: "Like being released from prison—now we serve joyfully as family."

Application: Comfort in trials; motivation for holy living.

Quick Check: Pause briefly for questions.

Paragraph 2: God as Lord of the Conscience (4 minutes):

Read aloud.

Key Points:

Conscience free from human rules not in Scripture (James 4:12; Acts 4:19).

Obeying contrary doctrines betrays liberty (Colossians 2:20-23).

Blind obedience destroys conscience and reason (1 Corinthians 3:5).

Simplification: "Your conscience answers to God alone, not traditions or authorities that contradict the Bible."

Application: Discernment in church teachings or cultural pressures.

Paragraph 3: Proper Use of Christian Liberty (3 minutes):

Read aloud.

Key Points:

Don't use liberty as excuse for sin—it perverts grace (Romans 6:1-2).

True purpose: Serve God fearlessly in holiness (Galatians 5:13; 2 Peter 2:18-21).

Simplification: "Freedom isn't a license to sin; it's freedom to live righteously."

Application: Balance grace with responsibility.

Conclusion and Q&A (5 minutes)

Summary (2 minutes): Recap key takeaways: Chapter 20—the gospel is God's gracious revelation for salvation, powered by the Spirit. Chapter 21—believers enjoy profound freedoms in Christ, with consciences bound to God, used for holy service.

Practical Encouragement (1 minute): "Apply this by reading Scripture daily and living in gospel freedom. How might this change your view of guilt or rules?"

Q&A (2 minutes): Open floor for questions. If time is short, suggest follow-up.

Closing Prayer (optional, if appropriate for group): Thank God for gospel grace and liberty.