July 1, 2025 • 15 mins
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-74-the-sovereign-judge/
What happens when we finally surrender control? In this thought-provoking exploration of Chapter 74 from the Sovereign Judge, we tackle the powerful question that opens the text: "If people do not fear death, why should you threaten them with death?" This simple query challenges everything we think we know about authority, control, and our human tendency to play God.
Drawing on the unique perspective of the Built for God movement, which brilliantly weaves Christian theology with elements of Eastern philosophy, we explore how our understanding of judgment fundamentally shapes our lives. The vivid analogy of attempting to "cut for the master carpenter" resulting in cutting off one's own hand serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of usurping God's role as the ultimate judge.
We break down the practical Trinitarian MAP method—Mindset, Aim, and Practice—providing concrete steps to transform abstract concepts into daily habits. From cultivating trust in God's sovereignty over life and death to embracing humility, choosing nonviolence, and accepting divine timing, each principle offers a pathway to greater peace. Most fascinating is how these spiritual truths resonate across different faith traditions, suggesting these aren't just Christian concepts but universal human wisdom. Ready to discover what happens when you stop trying to control everything and instead trust in something greater? Your journey toward a more peaceful existence begins with this episode.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
ever find yourself like totally sure about
something, a decision you made,and then later you look back and
it's like wow, I was so offbase.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Oh yeah, totally.
I mean, we've all been thereright Like hindsight.
It's a real kicker sometimes,but it really makes you think
about like the whole nature ofjudgment.
Who decides what's right?
What's our role in all of this?
Speaker 1 (00:20):
It does.
And then there's that wholequestion of control, especially
like over life and death.
Have you ever thought aboutwhat it would truly mean to like
let go of the reins, toactually relinquish control?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
It's a huge concept.
A lot of what we grapple withas humans seems to come back to
these fundamental questions,right Like who's in charge, what
are we supposed to do and howdo we deal with the stuff we
can't control?
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Exactly, and you know that's a big part of what we're
diving into today.
We're looking at chapter 74 ofthe Sovereign Judge, which is
part of this whole movementcalled Built for God, or BFG for
short.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Okay and right off the bat, what's super
interesting about this source isit's kind of like a Christian
take on the Tao Te Ching.
So we're looking at these ideasof authority and judgment and
our response to fear through aunique lens blending those
Eastern and Christianphilosophies.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Yeah, and that's really what we want to offer you
, the listener, in this deepdive a new perspective.
We've gone through this chapterand pulled out what we think
are some really importantinsights, things that can change
how you see the world, how youmake decisions, how you deal
with fear.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
And we're hoping to make it super practical too.
So it's not just like someabstract philosophy, but things
you can actually apply to yourdaily life.
You ready to jump in?
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Yeah, let's do it, let's tackle this head on, okay.
So the chapter starts off withthis kind of in your face
question yeah, just with it,okay.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
It says if people do not fear death why should you
threaten them with death likewhoa right?
Okay, that's pretty bold.
I mean, where do you?
Speaker 1 (01:47):
even go from there.
Right, and it continues ifpeople live in constant fear of
death and you can kill theevildoers who would dare to do
it.
So the bfg handbook is reallyemphasizing this point.
If people don't actually feardeath, using the threat of death
as a way to control them, itjust loses all its power.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yeah, it's like trying to motivate someone with
something they're not afraid ofUseless.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Exactly.
And for those who believe ineternal life through Christ.
The handbook argues the fear ofphysical death.
Well, it's fundamentallydifferent.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Makes sense.
It's like if you believe thislife isn't the end, then the
stakes are automatically lower.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
Right and the handbook brings in 2 Timothy 4.6
to 8.
You know I have fought the goodfight.
I have finished the race, Ihave kept the faith.
It's about that ultimatevictory, regardless of what
happens here and now.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
So it's not ignoring danger, but seeing it through a
different lens.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Yeah, and here's where it gets really interesting
.
The chapter brings up how Jesusactually taught us to fear
something else entirely notphysical death, but spiritual
separation from God so shift thefocus from the physical to the
spiritual exactly, and it usesMatthew 10.28 do not be afraid
of those who kill the body butcannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the onewho can destroy both soul and
(03:03):
body in hell.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
That's a pretty stark contrast.
I mean it's saying our biggestconcern should be our
relationship with God.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Right, and the handbook argues that human
threats, the ones we use tocontrol each other, they're weak
compared to the promises ofeternal life.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Like a totally different level of power.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Yeah, what really stands out to you about this
idea that the fear of deathmight not be the ultimate
motivator?
Speaker 2 (03:25):
It makes you question those fear-based tactics we see
all the time.
You know the threats, themanipulation.
Are they really effective inthe grand scheme of things?
Speaker 1 (03:32):
That's a good question, especially if you
believe this life isn't allthere is Right.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Which brings us to this next big idea.
God is the ultimate judge.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Yeah, the chapter gets super intense here.
Listen to this Let thesovereign God be the judge
according to our sins.
Powerful stuff.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
Intense and then it goes on.
To take the place of God islike trying to cut for the
master carpenter.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
If you try to cut for the master carpenter, you will
end up cutting off your hand.
That's a pretty vivid image.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Ouch, it's making a clear point Judgment belongs to
God alone.
We shouldn't try to play thatrole.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
Right, and the handbook even backs it up with
Romans 12.19.
Do not take revenge, my dearfriends, but leave room for
God's wrath, for it is writtenit is mine to avenge, I will
repay, says the Lord.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Okay, so vengeance isn't ours to dole out, it's
God's domain.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Exactly, and you know this connects to all those
teachings about judging othersLike judge.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
Not that you be not judged, it's a consistent theme
throughout the Bible and thehandbook argues that our human
judgment is just.
It's flawed.
We don't have the whole picture.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
We're biased, we're emotional, we make mistakes.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
And the Master Carpenter analogy.
It's brilliant.
Like you wouldn't try to dobrain surgery if you weren't a
brain surgeon, Right.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
You'd mess things up big time.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
So trying to be God, trying to judge like God, it's
dangerous and it's arrogant.
The handbook really stressesthat God's judgment it's not
random or unfair.
It's based on perfect wisdom,righteousness and mercy.
It even brings in 1 Corinthians4.5 and Psalm 96.13 to
emphasize this point.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
It's a completely different level of understanding
.
So for you listening, how oftendo you catch yourself judging
or feeling like you need to bethe one to set things right?
Speaker 2 (05:11):
It's something to really think about.
I mean, we all do it to someextent.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
And that's why this chapter is so important.
It's a call to step back andlet God be God Now.
The BFG handbook doesn't stopat these big ideas.
It gives us practical tools toactually apply these concepts.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
So how do we take this from theory to reality?
Speaker 1 (05:28):
It's all about this thing they call the Trinitarian
method.
It's mindset, aim and practice,or, as they like to say, MAP.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
A map.
I like that, a guide fornavigating this stuff.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Exactly.
And they say this is the pathto renewal, to becoming more
like Christ.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Okay, so let's start with mindset.
What kind of mindsets are wetalking about?
Speaker 1 (05:46):
The first one is the mindset of trust in God's
authority over life and deathTrust.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
It's about truly believing that God's in control.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Yeah, and that means shifting from fear to faith.
It's remembering that God holdsultimate power, not us.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
And the handbook keeps coming back to those
opening lines.
It's saying we need to let goof fear and embrace this trust
in God.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
It even reminds us of Matthew 10.28 and Luke 12.4-5.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
It's all about focusing on God, not what can
harm us.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
So how do we put this into practice?
How do we live this out?
The handbook says it's aboutnot reacting to threats with
violence or anger.
It's about responding withfaith, with peace.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Choosing a different path.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Yeah.
The next mindset is humilityand surrendering judgment to God
.
It's remembering the mastercarpenter we are not God.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
Humility, accepting our limitation.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Yeah, and the handbook references Romans 12.19
and James 4.12.
It's a reminder that weshouldn't judge.
It's not our place.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
So how do we cultivate this kind of humility
in our daily lives?
Speaker 1 (06:45):
It's about pausing before we judge.
Do I really have all theinformation?
Is this my place to judge?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
It's about choosing mercy over judgment.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
The third mindset is nonviolence and trust in God's
judgment.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Okay, so this is about more than just avoiding
violence.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Right.
It's about actively trustingthat God will bring about
justice.
It's about actively trustingthat God will bring about
justice.
It's about leading by example,living peacefully.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
And it references a powerful line from the chapter
the God of heaven conquerswithout contending, responds
without speaking, cannot besummoned and yet is present.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Does not rush things and yet fulfills.
Wow, that's powerful.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
It's a whole different way of looking at
power.
Yeah, and the handbook bringsin Romans 12.21 and Matthew 5.9
to support this idea.
Overcome evil with good, andblessed are the peacemakers.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
So, practically speaking, it means being a
peacemaker, choosing dialogue,understanding over confrontation
.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And trusting God's timing, even when things don't
happen on our schedule.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
The last mindset is accepting God's sovereignty over
all things.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Sovereignty.
It's about recognizing God'scontrol over everything.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Yeah, and it comes from this line.
The heavenly net is wide andvast, and yet nobody can slip
through it.
Nothing escapes God's notice.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
It's about finding peace in that, knowing that even
in chaos, God's in control.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
And the handbook uses Isaiah 55.9 and Psalm 103.19 to
really drive this point home.
God's ways are higher than ourways.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
So practically?
How do we live out thisacceptance of God's sovereignty?
Speaker 1 (08:15):
It's about finding comfort in God's control, even
when things feel out of control,trusting his plan.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Okay, so we've got the mindset.
What about aim?
How do we set goals based onthese mindsets?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Well, each mindset has a corresponding aim.
So mindset of trust leads tothe aim for trust in God's
sovereignty over life and death.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Okay, so it's about making a conscious decision to
trust God.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Exactly, and approaching challenges with that
trust, not with fear.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Not letting fear dictate our actions.
I like that.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
The mindset of humility leads to the aim for
humility and surrender injudgment.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
So it's not just about thinking humble thoughts,
it's about acting with humility.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Right and choosing mercy over judgment, remembering
that we're not the ultimatejudge.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Then we have nonviolence and trust in God's
judgment.
What's the aim here?
Speaker 1 (08:58):
It's the aim for peaceful nonviolence and trust
in God's timing.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Being a peacemaker, actively seeking peaceful
solutions.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Yeah, and trusting God's timing, not forcing things
, letting things unfold as theyshould.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
And, lastly, we have accepting God's sovereignty over
all things, which leads to theaim for complete trust in God's
sovereignty over all things.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
It's about constantly reminding ourselves that God's
in control.
Even when it doesn't feel likeit, even when it doesn't feel
like it, especially when itdoesn't feel like it.
Okay, so we've got the mindsetand the aim.
What about the practice?
How do we actually do thisstuff?
Speaker 2 (09:32):
right, it's all well and good to talk about it, but
how do we make it a reality?
Speaker 1 (09:36):
the handbook gives us specific practices for each aim
.
So to practice trusting inGod's sovereignty over life and
death.
It says to turn to God inmoments of danger.
Go to the source, yeah, andremember he's the one who
ultimately holds our lives.
It even references Psalm 139,which talks about God knowing
our days before we were evenborn.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
It's a powerful reminder of God's presence and
care.
Take a breath, don't reactimmediately.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
And ask ourselves do I have all the facts?
Am I the right person to judge?
Speaker 2 (10:06):
It's about choosing humility over that urge to judge
.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
For practice nonviolence and peaceful
resolution.
The handbook says to activelyseek peaceful solutions in
conflict.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Be a peacemaker.
Choose calm over anger.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
It might mean staying silent, praying for guidance or
initiating a respectfulconversation.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
It's about being proactive in pursuing peace.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
And finally, to practice trusting in God's
perfect timing.
The handbook says to cultivatepatience.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Patience, something we could all use more of.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Right.
It's about surrendering our owntimelines and trusting that
God's timing is perfect.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Even when it doesn't make sense to us.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
It's tough, but it's also freeing.
The handbook even points toEcclesiastes 3.11.
There is a time for everythingand a season for every activity
under the heavens.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
It's about trusting that there's a bigger picture.
There's one more section weneed to talk about.
Respond.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Yes, this is where the handbook gets really
fascinating.
It takes these core ideas andlooks for similar teachings in
other spiritual traditions.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
So it's about finding common ground, seeing how these
truths resonate acrossdifferent faiths.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Exactly, and the first principle it looks at is
God's sovereignty over life anddeath.
It draws parallels betweenChristian teachings and those
from Islam, Hinduism andBuddhism.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Wow.
So, even though these religionshave different beliefs, they
share this core idea of God'ssovereignty.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
It's pretty amazing, right, and the handbook gives
specific examples.
It references Matthew 10.28,quran 3.156, bhagavad Gita 2.19,
and Dhammapada 2.13.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
I'm curious what are those verses about?
Speaker 1 (11:40):
Well, they all point to the idea that death is part
of a divine plan and that,ultimately, a higher power is in
control.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
So this idea of God's sovereignty over life and death
, it's not just a Christian idea, it's a universal truth.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
That's what the handbook argues, and it says
this shared understanding canbring us together.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
It can help us overcome the fear of death and
live more meaningful lives, andthe handbook uses Romans 14.8
and Psalm 23.4 to reinforce this.
It's about belonging to God inlife and in death, and finding
peace in his presence.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Exactly.
It's about letting go of fearand embracing life.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
What's the next principle?
Speaker 1 (12:15):
the response section explores it's humility and
avoidance of judgment, and onceagain it brings in teachings
from different faiths.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
So humility and the avoidance of judgment.
What kind of teachings does ithighlight?
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Well, it references Romans 12.19 and Matthew 7.12
from Christianity, quran 6.164from Islam, bhagavad Gita 5.29
from Hinduism and Dhammapada 223from Buddhism.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
And what's the common thread there?
Speaker 1 (12:43):
It's the idea that judging others is ultimately not
our job.
It belongs to a higher power.
And these different traditionsall emphasize compassion,
forgiveness and seeing ourshared humanity.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
So it's about putting aside our judgments and
treating each other withkindness and understanding.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Exactly.
The next principle isnonviolence and seeking peaceful
solutions.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
So this is about choosing peace over conflict.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
And again it uses examples from different faiths
Matthew 5.9 and Romans 12.21from Christianity, quran 41.34
from Islam, bhagavad Gita 2.47from Hinduism and Dhammapada
2.23 from Buddhism.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
And what's the message there?
Speaker 1 (13:22):
It's about living peacefully, choosing love over
anger and actively pursuingpeace.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
It's about being a force for good in the world.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
The last principle the response section explores is
trusting in God's perfecttiming.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
It's about surrendering our need to control
everything and trusting in abigger plan.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
And it finds this idea in Ecclesiastes 3 and
Proverbs 3.5 to 6 fromChristianity, quran 3.154 from
Islam, bhagavad Gita 9 fromHinduism and Dhammapada 183 from
Buddhism.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
So it's a shared belief across these different
traditions, trusting in divinetiming.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Exactly.
It's about being patient,letting go of our own timelines
and believing that things willunfold as they should.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
It's a powerful message and it's amazing to see
how these truths resonate acrossdifferent faiths.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Yeah.
So, as we wrap up this deepdive, let's just take a moment
to review some of the keytakeaways.
We've seen that the fear ofdeath as a tool of control is
limited, especially when youconsider an eternal perspective.
Speaker 2 (14:17):
And that true authority belongs to God.
We're not meant to play God.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
We've also learned about the importance of trusting
God's judgment, choosinghumility over judgment and
seeking peaceful solutions.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
And the MAP framework mindset aim practice.
It gives us a practical way toapply these principles in our
daily lives.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
And it's been incredible to see how these
ideas are echoed in otherspiritual traditions.
These are universal truths.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
So, as you go about your week, think about these
ideas.
How can you cultivate moretrust in God?
How can you practice humilityin your judgments?
Speaker 1 (14:50):
How can you be a peacemaker in your relationships
?
How can you embrace the idea ofdivine timing?
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Maybe, just maybe, letting go of the need to
control everything will bringyou a sense of peace you haven't
experienced before.
ever find yourself like totally sure about
something, a decision you made,and then later you look back and
it's like wow, I was so offbase.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Oh yeah, totally.
I mean, we've all been thereright Like hindsight.
It's a real kicker sometimes,but it really makes you think
about like the whole nature ofjudgment.
Who decides what's right?
What's our role in all of this?
Speaker 1 (00:20):
It does.
And then there's that wholequestion of control, especially
like over life and death.
Have you ever thought aboutwhat it would truly mean to like
let go of the reins, toactually relinquish control?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
It's a huge concept.
A lot of what we grapple withas humans seems to come back to
these fundamental questions,right Like who's in charge, what
are we supposed to do and howdo we deal with the stuff we
can't control?
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Exactly, and you know that's a big part of what we're
diving into today.
We're looking at chapter 74 ofthe Sovereign Judge, which is
part of this whole movementcalled Built for God, or BFG for
short.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Okay and right off the bat, what's super
interesting about this source isit's kind of like a Christian
take on the Tao Te Ching.
So we're looking at these ideasof authority and judgment and
our response to fear through aunique lens blending those
Eastern and Christianphilosophies.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Yeah, and that's really what we want to offer you
, the listener, in this deepdive a new perspective.
We've gone through this chapterand pulled out what we think
are some really importantinsights, things that can change
how you see the world, how youmake decisions, how you deal
with fear.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
And we're hoping to make it super practical too.
So it's not just like someabstract philosophy, but things
you can actually apply to yourdaily life.
You ready to jump in?
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Yeah, let's do it, let's tackle this head on, okay.
So the chapter starts off withthis kind of in your face
question yeah, just with it,okay.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
It says if people do not fear death why should you
threaten them with death likewhoa right?
Okay, that's pretty bold.
I mean, where do you?
Speaker 1 (01:47):
even go from there.
Right, and it continues ifpeople live in constant fear of
death and you can kill theevildoers who would dare to do
it.
So the bfg handbook is reallyemphasizing this point.
If people don't actually feardeath, using the threat of death
as a way to control them, itjust loses all its power.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yeah, it's like trying to motivate someone with
something they're not afraid ofUseless.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Exactly.
And for those who believe ineternal life through Christ.
The handbook argues the fear ofphysical death.
Well, it's fundamentallydifferent.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Makes sense.
It's like if you believe thislife isn't the end, then the
stakes are automatically lower.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
Right and the handbook brings in 2 Timothy 4.6
to 8.
You know I have fought the goodfight.
I have finished the race, Ihave kept the faith.
It's about that ultimatevictory, regardless of what
happens here and now.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
So it's not ignoring danger, but seeing it through a
different lens.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Yeah, and here's where it gets really interesting
.
The chapter brings up how Jesusactually taught us to fear
something else entirely notphysical death, but spiritual
separation from God so shift thefocus from the physical to the
spiritual exactly, and it usesMatthew 10.28 do not be afraid
of those who kill the body butcannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the onewho can destroy both soul and
(03:03):
body in hell.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
That's a pretty stark contrast.
I mean it's saying our biggestconcern should be our
relationship with God.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Right, and the handbook argues that human
threats, the ones we use tocontrol each other, they're weak
compared to the promises ofeternal life.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Like a totally different level of power.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Yeah, what really stands out to you about this
idea that the fear of deathmight not be the ultimate
motivator?
Speaker 2 (03:25):
It makes you question those fear-based tactics we see
all the time.
You know the threats, themanipulation.
Are they really effective inthe grand scheme of things?
Speaker 1 (03:32):
That's a good question, especially if you
believe this life isn't allthere is Right.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Which brings us to this next big idea.
God is the ultimate judge.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Yeah, the chapter gets super intense here.
Listen to this Let thesovereign God be the judge
according to our sins.
Powerful stuff.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
Intense and then it goes on.
To take the place of God islike trying to cut for the
master carpenter.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
If you try to cut for the master carpenter, you will
end up cutting off your hand.
That's a pretty vivid image.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Ouch, it's making a clear point Judgment belongs to
God alone.
We shouldn't try to play thatrole.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
Right, and the handbook even backs it up with
Romans 12.19.
Do not take revenge, my dearfriends, but leave room for
God's wrath, for it is writtenit is mine to avenge, I will
repay, says the Lord.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Okay, so vengeance isn't ours to dole out, it's
God's domain.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Exactly, and you know this connects to all those
teachings about judging othersLike judge.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
Not that you be not judged, it's a consistent theme
throughout the Bible and thehandbook argues that our human
judgment is just.
It's flawed.
We don't have the whole picture.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
We're biased, we're emotional, we make mistakes.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
And the Master Carpenter analogy.
It's brilliant.
Like you wouldn't try to dobrain surgery if you weren't a
brain surgeon, Right.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
You'd mess things up big time.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
So trying to be God, trying to judge like God, it's
dangerous and it's arrogant.
The handbook really stressesthat God's judgment it's not
random or unfair.
It's based on perfect wisdom,righteousness and mercy.
It even brings in 1 Corinthians4.5 and Psalm 96.13 to
emphasize this point.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
It's a completely different level of understanding
.
So for you listening, how oftendo you catch yourself judging
or feeling like you need to bethe one to set things right?
Speaker 2 (05:11):
It's something to really think about.
I mean, we all do it to someextent.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
And that's why this chapter is so important.
It's a call to step back andlet God be God Now.
The BFG handbook doesn't stopat these big ideas.
It gives us practical tools toactually apply these concepts.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
So how do we take this from theory to reality?
Speaker 1 (05:28):
It's all about this thing they call the Trinitarian
method.
It's mindset, aim and practice,or, as they like to say, MAP.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
A map.
I like that, a guide fornavigating this stuff.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Exactly.
And they say this is the pathto renewal, to becoming more
like Christ.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Okay, so let's start with mindset.
What kind of mindsets are wetalking about?
Speaker 1 (05:46):
The first one is the mindset of trust in God's
authority over life and deathTrust.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
It's about truly believing that God's in control.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Yeah, and that means shifting from fear to faith.
It's remembering that God holdsultimate power, not us.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
And the handbook keeps coming back to those
opening lines.
It's saying we need to let goof fear and embrace this trust
in God.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
It even reminds us of Matthew 10.28 and Luke 12.4-5.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
It's all about focusing on God, not what can
harm us.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
So how do we put this into practice?
How do we live this out?
The handbook says it's aboutnot reacting to threats with
violence or anger.
It's about responding withfaith, with peace.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
Choosing a different path.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Yeah.
The next mindset is humilityand surrendering judgment to God
.
It's remembering the mastercarpenter we are not God.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
Humility, accepting our limitation.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Yeah, and the handbook references Romans 12.19
and James 4.12.
It's a reminder that weshouldn't judge.
It's not our place.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
So how do we cultivate this kind of humility
in our daily lives?
Speaker 1 (06:45):
It's about pausing before we judge.
Do I really have all theinformation?
Is this my place to judge?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
It's about choosing mercy over judgment.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
The third mindset is nonviolence and trust in God's
judgment.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Okay, so this is about more than just avoiding
violence.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Right.
It's about actively trustingthat God will bring about
justice.
It's about actively trustingthat God will bring about
justice.
It's about leading by example,living peacefully.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
And it references a powerful line from the chapter
the God of heaven conquerswithout contending, responds
without speaking, cannot besummoned and yet is present.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Does not rush things and yet fulfills.
Wow, that's powerful.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
It's a whole different way of looking at
power.
Yeah, and the handbook bringsin Romans 12.21 and Matthew 5.9
to support this idea.
Overcome evil with good, andblessed are the peacemakers.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
So, practically speaking, it means being a
peacemaker, choosing dialogue,understanding over confrontation
.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And trusting God's timing, even when things don't
happen on our schedule.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
The last mindset is accepting God's sovereignty over
all things.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Sovereignty.
It's about recognizing God'scontrol over everything.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Yeah, and it comes from this line.
The heavenly net is wide andvast, and yet nobody can slip
through it.
Nothing escapes God's notice.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
It's about finding peace in that, knowing that even
in chaos, God's in control.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
And the handbook uses Isaiah 55.9 and Psalm 103.19 to
really drive this point home.
God's ways are higher than ourways.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
So practically?
How do we live out thisacceptance of God's sovereignty?
Speaker 1 (08:15):
It's about finding comfort in God's control, even
when things feel out of control,trusting his plan.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Okay, so we've got the mindset.
What about aim?
How do we set goals based onthese mindsets?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Well, each mindset has a corresponding aim.
So mindset of trust leads tothe aim for trust in God's
sovereignty over life and death.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Okay, so it's about making a conscious decision to
trust God.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Exactly, and approaching challenges with that
trust, not with fear.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Not letting fear dictate our actions.
I like that.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
The mindset of humility leads to the aim for
humility and surrender injudgment.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
So it's not just about thinking humble thoughts,
it's about acting with humility.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Right and choosing mercy over judgment, remembering
that we're not the ultimatejudge.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Then we have nonviolence and trust in God's
judgment.
What's the aim here?
Speaker 1 (08:58):
It's the aim for peaceful nonviolence and trust
in God's timing.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Being a peacemaker, actively seeking peaceful
solutions.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Yeah, and trusting God's timing, not forcing things
, letting things unfold as theyshould.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
And, lastly, we have accepting God's sovereignty over
all things, which leads to theaim for complete trust in God's
sovereignty over all things.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
It's about constantly reminding ourselves that God's
in control.
Even when it doesn't feel likeit, even when it doesn't feel
like it, especially when itdoesn't feel like it.
Okay, so we've got the mindsetand the aim.
What about the practice?
How do we actually do thisstuff?
Speaker 2 (09:32):
right, it's all well and good to talk about it, but
how do we make it a reality?
Speaker 1 (09:36):
the handbook gives us specific practices for each aim
.
So to practice trusting inGod's sovereignty over life and
death.
It says to turn to God inmoments of danger.
Go to the source, yeah, andremember he's the one who
ultimately holds our lives.
It even references Psalm 139,which talks about God knowing
our days before we were evenborn.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
It's a powerful reminder of God's presence and
care.
Take a breath, don't reactimmediately.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
And ask ourselves do I have all the facts?
Am I the right person to judge?
Speaker 2 (10:06):
It's about choosing humility over that urge to judge
.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
For practice nonviolence and peaceful
resolution.
The handbook says to activelyseek peaceful solutions in
conflict.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Be a peacemaker.
Choose calm over anger.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
It might mean staying silent, praying for guidance or
initiating a respectfulconversation.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
It's about being proactive in pursuing peace.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
And finally, to practice trusting in God's
perfect timing.
The handbook says to cultivatepatience.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Patience, something we could all use more of.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Right.
It's about surrendering our owntimelines and trusting that
God's timing is perfect.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Even when it doesn't make sense to us.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
It's tough, but it's also freeing.
The handbook even points toEcclesiastes 3.11.
There is a time for everythingand a season for every activity
under the heavens.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
It's about trusting that there's a bigger picture.
There's one more section weneed to talk about.
Respond.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Yes, this is where the handbook gets really
fascinating.
It takes these core ideas andlooks for similar teachings in
other spiritual traditions.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
So it's about finding common ground, seeing how these
truths resonate acrossdifferent faiths.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Exactly, and the first principle it looks at is
God's sovereignty over life anddeath.
It draws parallels betweenChristian teachings and those
from Islam, Hinduism andBuddhism.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Wow.
So, even though these religionshave different beliefs, they
share this core idea of God'ssovereignty.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
It's pretty amazing, right, and the handbook gives
specific examples.
It references Matthew 10.28,quran 3.156, bhagavad Gita 2.19,
and Dhammapada 2.13.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
I'm curious what are those verses about?
Speaker 1 (11:40):
Well, they all point to the idea that death is part
of a divine plan and that,ultimately, a higher power is in
control.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
So this idea of God's sovereignty over life and death
, it's not just a Christian idea, it's a universal truth.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
That's what the handbook argues, and it says
this shared understanding canbring us together.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
It can help us overcome the fear of death and
live more meaningful lives, andthe handbook uses Romans 14.8
and Psalm 23.4 to reinforce this.
It's about belonging to God inlife and in death, and finding
peace in his presence.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Exactly.
It's about letting go of fearand embracing life.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
What's the next principle?
Speaker 1 (12:15):
the response section explores it's humility and
avoidance of judgment, and onceagain it brings in teachings
from different faiths.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
So humility and the avoidance of judgment.
What kind of teachings does ithighlight?
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Well, it references Romans 12.19 and Matthew 7.12
from Christianity, quran 6.164from Islam, bhagavad Gita 5.29
from Hinduism and Dhammapada 223from Buddhism.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
And what's the common thread there?
Speaker 1 (12:43):
It's the idea that judging others is ultimately not
our job.
It belongs to a higher power.
And these different traditionsall emphasize compassion,
forgiveness and seeing ourshared humanity.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
So it's about putting aside our judgments and
treating each other withkindness and understanding.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Exactly.
The next principle isnonviolence and seeking peaceful
solutions.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
So this is about choosing peace over conflict.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
And again it uses examples from different faiths
Matthew 5.9 and Romans 12.21from Christianity, quran 41.34
from Islam, bhagavad Gita 2.47from Hinduism and Dhammapada
2.23 from Buddhism.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
And what's the message there?
Speaker 1 (13:22):
It's about living peacefully, choosing love over
anger and actively pursuingpeace.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
It's about being a force for good in the world.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
The last principle the response section explores is
trusting in God's perfecttiming.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
It's about surrendering our need to control
everything and trusting in abigger plan.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
And it finds this idea in Ecclesiastes 3 and
Proverbs 3.5 to 6 fromChristianity, quran 3.154 from
Islam, bhagavad Gita 9 fromHinduism and Dhammapada 183 from
Buddhism.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
So it's a shared belief across these different
traditions, trusting in divinetiming.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Exactly.
It's about being patient,letting go of our own timelines
and believing that things willunfold as they should.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
It's a powerful message and it's amazing to see
how these truths resonate acrossdifferent faiths.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Yeah.
So, as we wrap up this deepdive, let's just take a moment
to review some of the keytakeaways.
We've seen that the fear ofdeath as a tool of control is
limited, especially when youconsider an eternal perspective.
Speaker 2 (14:17):
And that true authority belongs to God.
We're not meant to play God.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
We've also learned about the importance of trusting
God's judgment, choosinghumility over judgment and
seeking peaceful solutions.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
And the MAP framework mindset aim practice.
It gives us a practical way toapply these principles in our
daily lives.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
And it's been incredible to see how these
ideas are echoed in otherspiritual traditions.
These are universal truths.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
So, as you go about your week, think about these
ideas.
How can you cultivate moretrust in God?
How can you practice humilityin your judgments?
Speaker 1 (14:50):
How can you be a peacemaker in your relationships
?
How can you embrace the idea ofdivine timing?
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Maybe, just maybe, letting go of the need to
control everything will bringyou a sense of peace you haven't
experienced before.
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