Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary: "Lord"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Renewing Your Mind
• Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
• Episode: Lord
• Release Date: May 19, 2025
• Series: Names of Jesus (12-message series)
• Featured Speaker: R.C. Sproul

Introduction to the Series

In the episode titled "Lord," Nathan W. Bingham introduces a pivotal series aimed at exploring the vital question, "Who is Jesus?" This marks the beginning of a 12-message series focusing on the various titles and names of Jesus as presented in Scripture. Bingham highlights the availability of the series and additional resources, including the "Word Made Flesh," a Ligonier statement on Christology, available through donations (00:21).

Understanding the Title "Lord" (Kurios)

Frequency and Significance in the New Testament

• R.C. Sproul begins by emphasizing that "Christ" (Messiah) is the most frequently used title for Jesus in the New Testament, followed closely by "Lord" (01:22).
• The title "Lord" (Greek: Kurios) holds significant weight, second only to "Christ," underscoring Jesus' authority and divinity.

Etymological Roots and Old Testament Context

• Kurios is deeply rooted in the Old Testament as a translation for titles like Adonai and the ineffable name Yahweh.
• Traditionally, "Lord" with a capital "LORD" refers to Yahweh, while "Lord" with only the first letter capitalized translates Adonai, meaning "the one who is absolutely sovereign" (03:10).

Implications for Jesus' Divinity

• The New Testament's ascription of Kurios to Jesus is extraordinary because this title was predominantly reserved for God in the Old Testament.
• This usage serves as a foundational argument for the deity of Christ, as highlighted in Psalm 110, where Jesus is recognized as both "David’s Lord" and "Lord of Lords" (04:45).

Historical Context: Early Church and the Confession "Jesus is Lord"

Persecution and Confession of Faith

• Early Christians faced accusations of sedition against the Roman Empire, primarily due to their refusal to proclaim "Caesar is Lord" (Kaiser Kurios) (07:15).
• In contrast, Christians courageously proclaimed "Jesus is Lord" (Jesus ho Kurios) as their fundamental confession of faith, distinguishing themselves from prevailing Roman worship (09:00).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Sproul addresses the New Testament assertion that only the Holy Spirit can inspire the true confession of "Jesus is Lord," suggesting that genuine acknowledgment is Spirit-led rather than mere lip service (13:30).

Three Distinct Uses of "Kurios" in Greek

1. Polite Address

• Kurios can function similarly to "sir" or "mister," serving as a polite form of address without inherent authority implications (16:00).
• This usage is comparable to the English honorific "sir," which can either be a simple courtesy or denote higher status, such as knighthood.

2. Master or Owner

• In another context, Kurios refers to a master or owner, particularly of slaves.
• Apostle Paul frequently describes himself and believers as slaves (bondservants) of the Lord, emphasizing Christ's ownership and sovereignty over them (18:20).

3. Imperial Sovereignty

• The most significant usage, aligning with the Old Testament, denotes ultimate sovereignty and imperial majesty.
• This is the sense in which Kurios is applied to Jesus in the New Testament, affirming His exalted status as "Lord of Lords" and "King of Kings" (20:15).

Scriptural Examination: Philippians 2:5-11

Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

• Sproul delves into Philippians 2:5-11, where Paul describes Jesus' kenotic act—humbling Himself by taking on human flesh and obediently dying on the cross.
• Despite His divine equality, Jesus voluntarily set aside His heavenly status to fulfill God's redemptive plan (22:00).

"Name Above Every Name"

• God's exaltation of Jesus includes bestowing upon Him a name "above every name," which ensures that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow (23:30).
• Sproul clarifies that this "name" signifies the title Kurios, encompassing Jesus' supreme authority and lordship, rather than merely His given name ("Jesus") (24:00).

Implications for Believers

Acknowledging Sovereignty and Ownership

• Recognizing Jesus as Kurios means acknowledging His absolute sovereignty and ownership over every aspect of life.
• Christians are called to bow their knees in obeisance and confess Jesus as Lord, affirming His ultimate authority over all earthly and spiritual realms (25:00).

Application in Daily Life

• Even in contemporary society, proclaiming "Jesus is Lord" may provoke misunderstanding or opposition, but it remains a cornerstone of Christian identity and witness.
• This declaration signifies submission to God's dominion and recognition of Jesus' authority over all rulers and authorities (26:00).

Conclusion and Call to Action

Nathan W. Bingham concludes by reiterating the importance of understanding Jesus' lordship and invites listeners to engage further with the series. He promotes the availability of the full 12-message series and the "Word Made Flesh" booklet as resources for deeper study (27:00).

Notable Quotes:

• “Because God has bestowed the title, the imperial title of Kurios. And not just Kurios, but Kurios Kurion, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, upon Jesus. Whenever you hear the name of Jesus, you bow.” — R.C. Sproul (00:00)
• “The very first confession of faith of the Christian community in the first century was the confession Jesus ho Kurios, Jesus is Lord.” — R.C. Sproul (11:30)
• “Therefore God also has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name.” — R.C. Sproul (21:10)

Looking Ahead: The next episode will delve into the enigmatic title "Son of Man," further unpacking its meaning and significance in understanding Jesus' identity and mission.

Resources Mentioned:

• Names of Jesus Series: Available for ownership through donations at renewingyourmind.org.
• Word Made Flesh Booklet: A comprehensive statement on Christology offered as a thank-you gift for donations.
• Ligonier App: Unlock the entire series by donating any amount or contacting 800-435-4343.

This summary encapsulates R.C. Sproul's insightful exploration of the title "Lord" (Kurios) as applied to Jesus, highlighting its theological depth and practical implications for Christian faith and practice. Through a thorough examination of scriptural texts and historical contexts, listeners gain a profound understanding of Jesus' supreme authority and its impact on their lives.