Any study with the word “human” within it warrants further thought and critical evaluation for we are made in God’s image. When God rules in the lives of humankind, only then can we become better humans. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1561/29?v=20251111
Just ahead, dear friends, let’s ask the question, what is humanism? And we will consider this in light of Scripture today from the International Gospel Hour. Stay with us.
SPEAKER 02 :
It’s time for our broadcast from the International Gospel Hour. I’m Jay Webb, and welcome to our study today as we embrace God’s Word to help us meet the challenges of today. Let’s open our Bibles and open our heart for this time of Bible study with our speaker Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour, a broadcast of the Churches of Christ.
SPEAKER 01 :
Here’s Jeff. Well, thank you to our J-Web and greetings and hello everyone. Great having you with us for our studies today from the International Gospel Hour radio broadcast. We have been honored to be on the air over 90 years, folks, and to God be the glory. Speaking of God, let’s turn to Romans 1, 20-25 for our lesson text today. For since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness in the lust of their hearts to dishonor their bodies among themselves who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Powerful text from the Apostle Paul. I note such phrases as man that became futile in their thoughts. Or how mankind, their thoughts were futile or futile. And they could not, you just think about it. That tells you right there, their thinking is not right. And along with that, how foolish hearts were darkened. That shows they became even worse. How they took the incorruptible God, the glory of Him, and made an image made or an image like corruptible man. They made the images to bow before them. What could the image in turn give them, I wonder? And then they worshipped and served the creation or the creature rather than the Creator. Friends, a pretty bleak situation, wouldn’t you say? And you know, there is no doubt that men and women truly take a step backward when they move away from God, the very one who created them. Now, with that said, today, let’s consider the study of what is humanism. Humanism is defined as a worldview that elevates mankind as the source of truth and morality. It promotes the idea that humans are self-sufficient and can determine right and wrong without God. Friends, that definition would raise eyebrows. Mankind is the source of truth and morality? The idea of being self-sufficient, which means I need nothing else. I can take care of myself. You know, friends, even religious forms of humanism will place human desires or experiences above divine revelation. An individual may say, well, I know what the Bible says, but here’s how I feel. See, that’s a dangerous thought. Some famous phrases that echo humanism include the one called Protagoras who said, Man is the measure of all things. Chat GPT would say, follow your heart or live your truth. The main danger of humanism can be classified into four parts. Man as his own authority. Moral relativism. The denial of divine revelation and an exaltation of self over God. And with the time remaining, we’re going to break down these and discuss what humanism truly is. Now, friends, we’ll be back in a moment to pick up with this study. But first, allow us to share our free periodical offer. that we think will be helpful with humanism, such an impact today in every age, but especially among our young people, we have some material that we think will help you in that battle. Here is our J-Web.
SPEAKER 02 :
Our free publication today is Valor and Virtue, a Christian apologetics magazine for teens. It is a great resource, especially for the challenging teen years. Get your free copy today by calling toll free at 855-444-6988. Leave your name and address and just say Valor. And you can also request it through our website at internationalgospelhour.com. Click on the contacts tab and leave us your name and address and put Valor in the message box. Our friends at ApologeticsPress.org have made this possible for you, our listeners. Get your copy of Valor and Virtue today.
SPEAKER 01 :
And now, friends, what is humanism? Well, man is his own authority. Now, what is the danger of man as his own authority? The prophet Jeremiah said, It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps, Jeremiah 10, 23. The Proverbs writer proclaimed, There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14, 12 The truth of the matter is that man is not his own authority, for God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, is the one who is in control and has all authority. God spoke this world into existence, not man. That is affirmed in Genesis 1, verse 1, Psalm 19, verse 1, Psalm 24, verse 1, and Psalm 33, verses 6 and 9. There is only one God, and He is the supreme ruler. In Isaiah 45, verse 5, I am the Lord, and there is no other. There is no God besides Me. So, friends, when man is his own authority, he’s not the best authority. Number two, what is humanism? Well, moral relativism. Now, we would ask, what is the danger of moral relativism? Well, the idea is, if I think it is right, it is right. And if I feel like something is wrong, then it is wrong. You see, there’s no standard. Well, now, obviously, friends, this directly conflicts with what the Bible says, for there is a vast difference in the wisdom of man and the wisdom of God. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1, beginning with verse 18, For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified. To the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. God in His infinite wisdom determines what is right and wrong, and we are subject to the standard He has set forth. Mark 7, 21-23 says, For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornicators, or fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, and evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man. So, friends, moral relativism, when somebody says, well, I think it’s right, it’s right, or wrong is wrong, not the best authority. What is humanism? Well, it denies divine revelation. And what is that danger? Well, friends, to deny divine revelation is to deny God’s power and wisdom. for his word is fixed and unchanging. Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven, the psalmist declared in Psalm 119.89. The entirety of his word is truth, Psalm 119.160, John 16 and verse 13, and John 17 and verse 17, and regardless of what man tries to do or say, the standard is set, and the truth is the truth. And God’s revelation, it is flawless. As declared in 2 Timothy 3, 16 and 17, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. And what is humanism? Well, it’s when we exalt ourselves over God. Now what is the danger of such? Well, Jesus said, And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted, Matthew 23, 12. Submission to God and His Word is absolutely essential. James 4, verses 6-10 says, But He gives more grace, therefore He says, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Friends, we have noticed the dangerous and damaging effects of humanism. And may we appreciate and submit to the sovereignty of God and obey Him. With that thought in mind, friends, let’s consider the things written of God, and we encourage you to please receive our free Bible study course available by mail. Here is our J-Web with those details.
SPEAKER 02 :
Our long-time free Bible study course by mail is always available. Have you tried it yet? Just call us toll-free at 855-444-6988. and leave your name, address, and just say, Home Study. That’s it. You may also go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com, click on the Contact tab, and leave us the same information, name, address, and type Home Study in the message box. Study the Bible at your own pace. Again, it’s free from your friends here at International Gospel Hour.
SPEAKER 01 :
A special thank you today to Drew Suttles of Quitman, Georgia, for his awesome study, What is Humanism? We were blessed to share it with you today, and we’ll study it together at another time. Thank you for joining me today on the International Gospel Hour. I’m Jeff Archie and friends. Keep listening.
SPEAKER 02 :
Thank you for listening today to God Be the Glory and we hope that our study today will draw you closer to His Word to walk in His way. Feel free to listen to our other programs at our website at internationalgospelhour.com and join us next time. God be with you till we meet again.
