To Sigma or Not to Sigma

In one paragraph

Pastor Mark opened with a Greek grammar question that turned out to matter quite a bit for how we read the angels' announcement at the first Christmas. The sermon worked through what the word "eudokia" means and what it tells us about God's disposition toward people, landing on the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility as the heart of the Christmas message. The sermon started...

Read together

1. Luke 2:14 the angels' message of glory to God and peace on earth, goodwill toward men, the central text of the sermon
2. Galatians 4:4-5 called a favorite Christmas verse, used to illustrate God acting so that we might receive adoption as sons
3. 2 Corinthians 8:9 Christ became poor so that through his poverty we might become rich
4. John 3:16 pastor's own translation used to illustrate the henna clause, God gave his son so that whoever believes might not perish but have eternal life
5. John 1:12 to those who believed he gave the right to be called children of God
6. Philippians 1 some preach Christ out of envy and strife, others out of goodwill and love
7. Philippians 2:13 it is God who works in you both to desire and to work for his own good pleasure
8. Romans 10:1 Paul's heart's desire and prayer for his own people to be saved
9. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 prayer that God would fulfill every one of his good pleasures and the work of faith with power
10. Matthew 11 this way was well pleasing in the sight of God, revealing things to the simple
11. 2 Peter 3:9 God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance

Talk about it

1. Pastor Joel spent time on the word 'eudokia' and what it tells us about how God is disposed toward people. How does that picture of God compare with the one you have picked up from the culture around you?
2. Several translations of Luke 2:14 were read, ranging from 'goodwill toward men' to 'peace to those on whom his favor rests.' Which wording hits you differently, and what does that difference stir up for you?
3. Robertson McQuilkin was quoted as saying it is easier to go to a consistent logical extreme than to remain in the center of biblical tension. Where have you personally felt the pull to land hard on one side of a tension the Bible holds together?
4. The hina clause in Galatians 4:4-5 and 2 Corinthians 8:9 shows God acting in indicative mood so that we might receive something in subjunctive mood. What does it mean to you that God has done his part and the receiving is still genuinely yours to do?
5. Pastor Joel closed by saying we are absolutely responsible for what we do with the message of goodwill, and that responsibility extends beyond salvation to carrying the message forward. What does that responsibility look like in a practical way for you right now?