This is the concluding chapter to this excellent work by Richard Sibbes. As Spurgeon said he scatters pearls and diamonds throughout this book. The last chapter is as if Sibbes has taken his collection of pearls and diamonds and is now showing them off to the reader. This chapter is rich in its concluding remarks.

Quick Outline:

• Why Christ's Government is Opposed
• We Must Expect Opposition
• Our Victory in Christ is Certain
• Treasure the Least Degree of Grace
• Encouragement to Come to Christ
• Christ is the Hope of the Church
• Faith Will Prevail

Summary:

Sibbes point is this concluding chapter is to show us that there will be combat, yet in this combat we will be victorious. To think that we will not have a battle is ridiculous. "There can be no victory if there is no combat". Certainly, Christ will be opposed. Yet, in all of this, Sibbes encourages us that our victory in Christ is certain; our faith will prevail.

The government of Christ will be opposed. Sadly, this opposition will come from our very own flesh. As Sibbes points out, "The flesh still labours to maintain its own government, and therefore it cries down the credit of whatever crosses it, such as God's blessed ordinances, and highly prizes anything, though never so dead and empty, if it allows the liberty of the flesh."

It is utterly stupid that any would oppose Christ, yet we all do at times. Why? We can see from our own hearts that the flesh opposes any type of government. We abhor restraint. The very nature of Christ's rule (it being a rule) will cause men to oppose it. Yet, further still, it is a spiritual government. Since, the flesh constantly wars against the spirit we must not be surprised that Christ is opposed. He is also opposed because men are opposed to judgment. We hate to be censured. We balk at the word no. Therefore, it is obvious that Christ will be opposed by the flesh. We must expect opposition.

"It is therefore no sign of good condition to find all quiet, with no opposition; for can we think that corruption, which is the older element in us, and Satan, the strong man who has many holds over us, will yield possession quietly?" Therefore, we must understand that "wherever Christ comes there will be opposition".

As Sibbes always does, before we get discouraged with our remaining corruption, he reminds us that our victory in Christ is certain. Thankfully, "the victory lies not with us, but with Christ, who has taken on him both to conquer for us and to conquer in us...they are his enemies as well as ours". Is that not very encouraging? It must really strengthen us and frustrate the father of lies to know that "a grain of mustard seed should be stronger than the gates of hell". Oh, the wonderful power of the grace of Christ!

Because of this beautiful reality we must be certain (as Sibbes has labored to prove) that we must treasure the least degree of grace. This all should prove an encouragement to believers and an allurement to unbelievers to come fully under the rule of Christ's government. We shall do so because Christ is the only hope of the Church. (Oh, that we would remember this!) We shall take heart in all of this because faith will prevail! Thanks be to Jesus Christ. We close our summary as did Sibbes, "And may he grant that the prevailing power of his Spirit in us should be an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of final victory, at that time when he will be all in all, in all his, for all eternity. Amen."

Discussion:

Do you agree with Sibbes' statement that it is "no sign of a good condition to find all quiet"? My personal take is that he should have (and perhaps in the Puritan language he has) added the word "sure". Therefore it would read: "It is therefore no sure sign of a good condition to find all quiet". It appears as if Sibbes is saying that if all is quiet then something is wrong. (I believe Owen considers something of the like in his work Overcoming Sin and Temptation). What is your take on this?

What are your thoughts on this book, overall? How has the Lord used it in your life? Questions? Comments?

Pearls and Diamonds:

"Though corruption does not prevail so far as to make void the powerful work of grace, yet there is not only a possibility of opposing, but a proneness to oppose, and not only a proneness, but an actual withstanding of the working of Christ's Spirit, and that in every action" (p.118)

"...wherever Christ comes there will be opposition". (p.121)

"...we see the conflicting, but yet sure and hopeful, state of God's people." (p.122)

"Satan will object, 'You are a great sinner.' We may answer, 'Christ is a strong Saviour.'" (p.123)

"Oh, what a confusion is this to Satan, the he should labour to blow out a poor spark and yet should not be able to quench it; that a grain of mustard seed should be stronger than the gates of hell..." (p.124)

In this chapter we consider Christ's Public Triumph over evil. From this Sibbes will show that "grace will become glory, and come forth into the sight of all". The prospect of this is quite encouraging, and I am certain it would be very much so to a depressed and discouraged soul.

Quick Outline:

• The Open Glory of Christ in His Members
• Follow Sincerity and Truth
• Christ Alone Advances this Government
• We Must Not Look to Ourselves
• Christ Makes us Feel our Dependence
• The Triumph of Grace

Summary:

Oh, what a glorious truth is behind this chapter. It appears at present that Christ is not advancing and that Satan is reigning victorious. Yet, in this chapter, Sibbes will display for us the open glory of Christ and all that it entails for us. At one glorious point in history, Sibbes proclaims, "then there shall be no glory but that of Christ and his spouse."

What are the implications of this? Sibbes says that if men believed this truth then they would "make more account of sincerity, which alone will give us boldness, and not seek for covers for their shame, confidence in which, as it makes men now more presumptuous, so it will expose them hereafter to their greater shame". We should thus be very vigorous in our pursuit of holiness and hatred of evil. We must "take heed that we follow not the ways of those men whose ends we shall tremble at".

Sibbes at this point decides to throw in some deep biblical theology. Given the depravity of man we must understand that Christ alone advances His government. "Nature, as corrupted, favours its own being, and will maintain itself against Christ's government". Christ then must do a mighty work in establishing his government within us. He must remove sin, weaken it, suspend opposite hindrances, and advance the power of His grace in us. Therefore, we must not look to ourselves in all of this. As Sibbes says, "...it is dangerous to look for that from ourselves which we must have from Christ". Given all of this we must be very cautious to depend upon Christ and not on ourselves.

I believe Sibbes is trying to get us to see that this is another reason why we often struggle. Sometimes Christ allows us to fall into sin to further teach our dependence on him, and to further implant in us His grace and a hatred for wickedness. This is comforting and yet spurs us on to follow Christ even more boldly. Yet, in all of this grace will triumph!

Discussion:

Have you had an experience in your life when because of "irreverent and presumptuous conduct" you gave Christ a cause to "suspend his gracious influence and leave you to the darkness of your own heart"? In doing so, what was the fruit? Do you find that Sibbes is correct in what he says in this chapter?

In this chapter we see how Sibbes' Reformed theology reflects everything that he says. Why is it important that we realize fully that Christ alone advances this government? How might Semi-Pelagianism lead to gross pride and cause our growth to be hindered?

Pearls and Diamonds:

"Can we think that he that threw the angels out of heaven will suffer dust and worms' meat to run a contrary course, and to continue always so?" (p.111)

"A woeful condition, when both we and that which we highly esteem shall vanish together." (p.112)

"Let us know, therefore, that it is dangerous to look for that from ourselves which we must have from Christ." (p.114)

"Nothing is stronger than humility, which goes out of itself, or weaker than pride, which rests on its own foundation." (p.114)

"...that which is begun in self-confidence ends in shame." (p.115)

"Hence it is that we often fail in lesser conflicts and stand firm in greater, because in the lesser we rest more in ourselves, in the greater we fly to the rock of our salvation, which is higher than we." (p.116)

This is a very important chapter on the heels of Chapter 13. Some might be tempted to stop their pursuit of holiness because of the grand truth that Christ will be victorious. Yet, if this chapter is heeded we will see that even though Christ is victorious, "he accomplishes it by training us up to fight his battles". How then do we fight? Sibbes will explore in this chapter the Means to Make Grace Victorious.

Quick Outline:

• Rules for Right Judgment
• Keeping Our Judgment Clear
• Reasons for Seeming Lack of Progress
• All Should Side with Christ

Summary:

It seems like Sibbes has developed in these latter chapters a propensity for list making. He offers us several lists again. They are indeed very important for us to consider. It is not in list form but Sibbes begins by giving several rules for right judgment. They appear to be questions to ask yourself in making decisions. I will try to reformat them into a question form list:

• Does it help or hinder my main purpose?
• Does it make me more or less spiritual?
• Does it bring me nearer the fountain of all goodness; God Himself?
• Will it bring me peace or sorrow?
• Will it commend me more or less to God?
• What was the consequence of similar reflections in the past? Did it lead to grace?
• How does God judge this?
• How do men, with nothing invested, advice in the matter?

After considering rules for right judgment, Sibbes now will consider seven ways to keep our judgment clear. First, we ought to "store up true principles in our hearts, and refresh them often, that, in virtue of them, our affections and actions may be more vigorous". Secondly, "because knowledge and affection help one another, it is good to keep up our affections of love and delight by all sweet inducements and divine encouragements; for what the heart likes best, the mind studies most". Thirdly, we should discover where our weaknesses are. Fourthly, we should "use all means by which fresh thoughts and affections may be stirred up and preserved in us". Fifthly, "we must keep grace in exercise". Sixthly, all of these resolutions must be made in the strength of Christ. Lastly, we should labor to discover what frame our soul ought to be in. In other words we ought to labor to be always prepared.

Some will object to this, and ask, "Why do I remain at a standstill"? Sibbes offers two quick responses. 1) Grace grows in ways that we know not. It may appear that you are at a standstill but you are actually growing. 2) Sometimes victory is suspended because of sin or because we are betraying our helps. How do we gain victory? "First, to get the victory over the pride of our own nature by taking shame to ourselves, in humble confession to God; and then, secondly, to overcome the unbelief of our hearts by yielding to the promise of pardon; and then, thirdly, in confidence of Christ's assistance, to set ourselves against those sins which have prevailed over us."

It is almost as if the last section does not belong in this chapter. Sibbes closes by urging all souls to side with Christ. He will be victorious, therefore, we ought to side with the victor. Not only because He is the victor, but because, "Where Christ is, all happiness must follow. If Christ goes, all will go."

Discussion:

What do you think of Sibbes' tips on making right judgments? Would you add anything? Do you agree with all that are there? Is such a list beneficial? Can it be simplified?

Sibbes says, "For what the heart likes best, the mind studies most". How might we get our hearts in such a frame that we will study most what our heart should like best?

Pearls and Diamonds:

"...faith is an obedient and wise grace." (p.101)

"True judgment in us advances Christ, and Christ will advance it. All sin is either from false principles, or ignorance, or thoughtlessness, or unbelief of what is true." (p.102)

"If Christ has possessed the affections, there is no dispossessing of him again. A fire in the heart overcomes all fires without". (p.103)

"...how can we think that Christ will lead us out to victory, when we take counsel with his and our enemies?" (p.104)

"It is not sleepy habits, but grace in exercise, that preserves us." (p.104)

Welcome to February. I am beginning to think that many bloggers are snowed in today; we are having quite an active Friday.

Steve Camp has a well put-together post on Discerning whether or not you are in Christ. He provides quotes from Flavel, Whitefield, and the little known Matthew Mead. Really good stuff here. Also you can view his first post in this series on discernment, here.

Alvin Reid, whom we used his book for Intro to Evangelism in college, has a wonderful discussion on The Great Commission in the Home. Recently in my conversation with David Michael (Pastor for Parenting and Family Discipleship at Bethlehem in Minneapolis) he mentioned something similar. For some reason we forget that the home can be a strategic center for missions and obedience to the Great Commission. I look for a resurgence in this in the coming days. Reid offers an interesting challenge to pastors: "Ask your congregation how many grew up in a Christian home? Then ask how many of those who raised their hands can recall their parents leading a discussion ever about reaching your neighbors. Then, ask how many remember the family ever doing anything specifically to get the gospel to their neighbors."

Timmy Brister closes up our discussion on The Bruised Reed. The last post is an open thread (which if you are involved in the challenge be sure to post on to be eligible for the prizes--I'm pulling for #7). Timmy also offers a summary of all the posts on Sibbes. He concludes his discussion by pointing out the mercy exhibited by Sibbes as well as the fact that he was a 17th Century Christian Hedonist.

Scott Lamb posts a transcript of Jimmy Carter's speech(?) at the New Baptist Covenant Celebration.

J.D. Hatfield has a phenomenal post on The Heart of the Matter. It is a very phenomenal articulation of the balance between being a jerk in our proclamation of the truth and neutering the gospel for the sake of being nice. Excellent job, J.D.! (Will: Make sure to read this one!)

I am overjoyed that C.J. Mahaney has joined the blogosphere. He gets it going with a great lists of Cross-Centered books. After reading this I need to update my wishlist with a couple of these books. He also offers a lists of helpful books on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.

Scott Lee asks, "Is Church Membership Divisive?"

Thabiti has written a wonderful article on The Gospel and Bitterness, at NA. I absolutely love Thabiti's heart (from what I've seen) and his ministry! Thanks, dear brother!

Today I plan on finishing up posting on The Bruised Reed as well as post a book review. It is February and we must move on to Flavel's the Mystery of Providence.

Chapter 13 offers us the third conclusion concerning the final part of the text, and that is that "Christ's government will be victorious". This will prove to be a very important chapter in seasons of doubt. Particularly strong is the section where Sibbes asks, "Why is it thus with the church of God, and with many a gracious Christian? The victory seems to be with the enemy".

Quick Outline:

• Why Christ's Kingdom Must Prevail
• Why the Enemy Seems Victorious
• Consolation for Weak Christians
• Evidences of Christ's Rule in Us

Summary:

There are six reasons that Sibbes gives for why Christ's kingdom must prevail. First we see that it will prevail because "Christ has conquered all in his own person first, and he is 'over all, God blessed for ever'". And if Christ has set up his throne in our hearts we can be assured that He will conquer. Secondly, he will prevail because the enemies that we face are "accursed and damned". Even if they rise up it will only be to their eventual greater fall. Thirdly, "the Spirit of truth...abide forever". Because that which is spiritual is eternal we can be confident that the Spirit of truth within us will reign victorious. Fourthly, "the victory over corruption or temptation is a pledge of victory". The truth is that heaven is ours already, and whenever we are granted victory over these corruptions it is an evidence of that which is to come. Fifthly, Christ is a king and "bows the neck" of the inner man. Lastly, one of the purposes of "Christ's coming was to destroy the works of the devil, both for us and in us". We see this accomplished through the resurrection. We can be certain that Christ will accomplish this resurrection in us as well. He will accomplish His purpose. Therefore, given the above we can be certain that Christ will reign victorious.

But, some will object, it seems as if Satan is the victor. Why does it not appear to be so? Sibbes will now give us four reasons that even though it appears Satan is victorious, he is not, but Christ is. The first reason that this is so is because "God's children usually, in their troubles, overcome by suffering." Secondly, and this is very important to understand, "victory is by degrees". Thirdly, "God often works by contraries". What Sibbes means by that is that God often works in an opposite way than we would expect. As an example, "when he means to comfort, he will terrify us first...when he means to make us glorious, he will abase us first". And lastly, Christ's work "often goes backward so that it may go forward better". All of this is to show that even though it might appear that Satan is victorious, he is not. Even in our weakness we are accepted.

As always, Sibbes now offers consolation for those that are weak. The above is nice to know, but in the midst of great weaknesses and temptations, sometimes, we need more. We are continuously reminded in this book, that though a spark from heaven might be weak, it is still a spark from heaven and therefore glorious. And this is what leads to our victory: "Grace conquers us first, and we, by it, conquer all else..."

But how do I know that Christ's rule is in me? How do I know that my spark is indeed a spark from heaven? I know Christ will be victorious in all hearts he rules in, but how can I be certain that he rules in my heart? Sibbes will give eight reasons. 1) Being able from experience to justify all Christ's ways. 2) Reasons of religion are the strongest reasons 3) We are true to our ends and steadfast to our rule 4) The truth is more dear to us than our lives 5) We have a delight in the inner man of Christ's government 6) We have a well-ordered and uniform life 7) The heart willingly stoops to Christ. 8) We practice duties pleasing to Christ. In all of these victory is in different degrees. Sometimes we resist though we are foiled. Other times, grace gets the better, though with conflict. And in the greatest time, all corruption is perfectly subdued.

Discussion:

This is a very good chapter, especially if you like lists. It is especially helpful to know that while it may appear Satan is victorious (in our own hearts and in the Bride of Christ), he indeed is not; our Savior will reign victorious! That is very encouraging.

One part I found a little weak, and this could be chalked up to misunderstanding, is Sibbes' section on "evidence that Christ's rule is in us". I know that all of these are to be seen through the lens that Sibbes has provided us--that even if the least is apparent it is to be considered a spark. Yet, I cannot help but wonder if other evidences might have been better. Is there anything objective that we could put? All of these appear to be subjective. But what else do we have to go upon? Do you like Sibbes' list? Would you have added anything? Deleted anything?

Pearls and Diamonds:

"Heaven is ours already, only we strive till we have full possession." (p.92)

"Weakness, with acknowledgement of it, is the fittest seat and subject for God to perfect his strength in; for consciousness of our infirmities drives us out of ourselves to him in whom our strength lies." (p.96)

"Grace conquers us first, and we, by it, conquer all else; whether corruptions within us, or temptations from outside us." (p.97)

"...the truest trial of the power of grace is in particular cases which touch us most closely, for there our corruption makes the greatest head." (p.99)