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)

Sibbes continues in discussing the government of Christ upon the throne of our hearts. In this chapter he expounds upon the second conclusion derived from this truth. The point in this section will be to show that the government of Christ "in his church and in his children is wise and well-ordered."

Quick Outline:

• Judgment and Wisdom
• The Need for Heavenly Light
• Where Christ's Government is Set Up
• How Christ Governs Us
• The Effects of this in Practice

Summary:

Sibbes begins by showing that spiritually regenerate men, because Christ has rule in their heart, will have a correct judgment upon spiritual matters. He does make a disclaimer that, "truth is truth, and error, error, and that which is unlawful is unlawful, whether men think so or not." A wise man, when Christ has the rule in his heart, will agree to these things. Therefore, we must "let truth have full scope without check or restraint, and let Satan and his instruments do their worst, they shall not prevail."

This then is the importance of receiving "heavenly light". If we have not been given the Spirit of truth then we will not be able to make correct judgments as we ought. Christ so works in our hearts and forms in us correct judgments that we often can be mistaken in thinking that "that good which is in [us] and issues from [us] is from [ourselves], and not from the powerful work of grace." Only through heavenly light being imparted will men have sound judgment.

Because of this we come to understand that "wherever true wisdom and judgment are, there Christ has set up his government, because where wisdom is it directs us, not only to understand, but to order our ways aright". What happens, then, is that Christ not only teaches that which we should do we are taught the very act of doing it. So that we are "not only taught that [we] should love, fear, and obey, but [we] are taught love itself, and fear and obedience themselves.

But how does Christ do this you ask? He does this by not only shining on us the light of understanding but by also doing a work upon our hearts to cause us to treasure that truth. If Christ does not do this might work by His Spirit then the truth "does us no good, but helps to condemn us." Unless Christ comes in and does this work we will not be wise and will have no true judgment, Christ must overcome Satan and take charge of our souls.

Discussion:

There is little that needs to be discussed from this chapter, it is all pretty straight-forward. One wonders how different our approach to sharing the gospel, preaching, writing, etc. would be if we really believed what is in this chapter. If we really believe that it takes a work of the Spirit to understand and treasure truth, then we would not be so surprised by the "ignorance" of the world. Why are we so surprised that some politicians argue for the killing of babies? Why are we so surprised that homosexuality is celebrated? Why are we so surprised that Christ is not treasured?

If we really get what Sibbes is saying here then we will preach the truth as it stands and not try to twist the truth so that men might accept it easier. The truth is they probably will accept it, because it is adulterated, tainted, and no longer the truth; that is what unregenerate men love to swallow--falsehood. Therefore, out of deep love we must be passionate about proclaiming the truth, all the while trusting in the sovereign mercy of God to soften men's hearts.

Pearls and Diamonds:

"Truth is truth, and error, error, and that which is unlawful is unlawful, whether men think so or not." (p.84)

"Let truth have full scope without check or restraint, and let Satan and his instruments do their worst, they shall not prevail..." (p.85)

"There is no natural proportion between an unsanctified heart and a sanctified judgment." (p.89)

"When the judgment of Christ is set up in our judgments, and thence, by the Spirit of Christ, brought into our hearts, then it is in its proper place and throne. Until then, truth does us no good, but helps to condemn us." (p.89)

"And Satan by corruption gets all the holds of the soul, till Christ, stronger than he, comes and drives him out, taking possession of all the powers and parts of soul and body to be weapons of righteousness, to serve him." (p.90)

Jonathan Leeman continues blogging through Willow Creek's REVEAL. Today he gives us Part 9.

Denny Burk responds to Rick Warren on The Colbert Report. So do I.

There is also a very good disussion on praise songs at Old Truth. There is some very good information on the history of praise songs. It would be interesting to contrast this with the history of hymns. I find it quite funny that sometimes our arguments over praise songs are the same as they were 250 years ago with hymns. Nonetheless, the point is really good that our music should be heady and hearty.

Steve Camp has a great article on the Sinfulness of Original Sin, along with a song [poem] in the post.

Mark Driscoll offers help to preachers setting a preaching schedule. (HT: Micah)

I think you are going to be seeing quite a bit of discussion coming out of Bethlehem in the coming days concerning interacting with Muslims. Piper offers answers to "How shall we love our Muslim neighbors". As always Christ is at the center.

Something that is pretty cool is the 9Marks report card. Very interesting stuff. Much can be learned in the first couple of pages as well. (HT: JT)

In other 9Marks news I can't help but wonder how Dever's statement, here,will fly in the SBC. Apparently Dever will continue cooperating with Acts29. His statement is excellent.

Dr. Mohler discusses an often ignored voice in the abortion debate, it is the voice they do not want to hear, the dad's.

I was wondering when someone was going to pick up on this. Two nights ago Rick Warren was the guest on The Colbert Report. I wanted to post quickly on this but felt it wise to wait until someone else "broke the story". This morning Denny Burk did just that. It is with much trepidation that I offer my critique. I do not want to be unfair to Rick Warren, and have my critique lost on the person or even worse turn into sinful slander. After watching this it broke my heart. I was infuriated, full of pain, and all sorts of emotions. I want to use such strong words as, "Rick Warren abandons the gospel", but I am not sure that is wise or totally accurate. Nonetheless I urge you to watch the clip. Here are my critiques:

There are a few minor critiques that taken by themselves probably would not have necessitate a post. These are not major issues, but still in my passion to be ever truthful I must mention them.

1. Warren's conclusion on God's purpose for Creation is typical modern evangelicalism. God created the world just for me and so he could love me. Now, God did create the world with a secondary purpose of creating us to display and give His love to us (not to mention other attributes). But the primary purpose (which Warren does not mention) is that God created the world and the galaxies and everything to display His splendor and His worth. When we put ourselves as the central purpose for Creation we open the door for neutering the gospel.
2. This is very minor and really a point of semantics, but I did not appreciate Warren's definition of fundamentalists as "someone that stops listening". It depends on what you mean by fundamentalist. Do you mean going back to the fundamentals and keeping essential these fundamentals? If so, then Warren is saying that the framers of the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed are people that stop listening. Carl Henry is a person that stops listening. The list could go on and on, so his definition is not helpful and can be harmful to the discussion.
3. Warren's doctrine of eternity is also suspect. I am not certain where he gets the idea that life is a practice ground so we are not a doofus in heaven.
4. His statement about his book being historical Christianity made simple is very debatable. Saying there is nothing in that book that historical Christianity has not taught for 2,000 years is actually a little off. Actually, as we will see in a moment, the problem so often is not that he says things that are unorthodox; it is that often he fails to say things that are orthodox.
5. Warren saying I have connections at the end about getting Jesus on the show. I understand that he was just joking, and I'm sure given the situation I may have made the same joke. Perhaps I was just so upset at this point that it caused me to boil over, but I found the way he said that highly arrogant.

There are also a few major errors in Warren's presentation. Most of which lie in what Warren failed to say. Bryan Chapell tells a story in his book Christ-Centered Preaching that has stuck with me. Many times in his seminary classes Chapell has played a tape of a preacher's morning meditations. They all nod in agreement. When Chapell says that this man is the leader of a local cult, his students are always astonished. They argue that he clothes his heresy. Then Chapell says, "The radio preacher has not hidden his heresy; he exposes it every time he speaks in what he fails to say. The real problem is that evangelical preachers inadvertently and so frequently present such similar messages that Christians fail to hear the difference between a message that purports to be biblical and one that actually is."(p.267-268, First Edition) What did Rick Warren fail to say?

1. Jesus. The only mention of Jesus came from the lips of Colbert when he asked, "If we ask Jesus to come into our life will he?" To which Warren responded, absolutely. That's good, and maybe this should be in the minor section. Because we do not always have to mention the name of Jesus (although it certainly would be a good practice). Where I have a problem with his lack of mentioning Jesus is in the next points
2. Twice it was as if Stephen Colbert (or perhaps the Holy Spirit) were begging Rick Warren to preach the gospel. When Colbert asked, "Am I living my purpose", or "what is the purpose of everyday" that was an invitation to preach the biblical gospel. Warren could have easily spoke of Creation (but again remember his purpose for Creation is not God revealing His glory, but us) then moved into our sinning against our Creator. (This would not have been as awkward as it seems because you could have easily used Colbert's "am I living my purpose" as a launching point). After briefly (it would have to be brief, yet pointed, given the format) discussing the aspect of sin you could preach the Cross. Fairly easy within about a minute. Yet what did Warren do? He did not even mention Jesus, sin, God's glory nothing. He told Stephen Colbert that as long as he is being a good doofus then he makes God smile. What?!? Where does he get the notion that God gets enjoyment out of watching you be you? Colbert being Colbert would be blaspheming God and trampling His glory. God does not enjoy that!

That is enough of a critique. Where does this philosophy come from and what can we do not to slip into it? I believe it is a rejection of the truth behind 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 as well as a rejection of the many places in Scripture that we see God's Word and His Gospel is His power unto salvation to those that believe. Warren has the underlying philosophy that we have to "make the gospel simple". There is a part of that which is true, but what often happens is that in "making the gospel simple" we neuter it of any value. In which case we end up preaching on things like purpose and fail to mention the name of Jesus nor be faithful to the biblically revealed Gospel. When men feel like they have to dress up the gospel to make it attractive interviews like this are all you are going to get.

Earlier I mentioned Denny Burk breaking the story. His belief is that Warren should not have even attended the show, so as not to cast his pearls before swine. That very well may be true, but Warren did not cast any pearls. This may be controversial but I am also not so sure that Colbert is swine. I am not sure I would go so far as to say Warren should not have appeared on the show. Maybe not. Maybe. What I do believe is that if were going to go on the show he should have not felt the need to clothe the gospel and preach it unadulterated. I've rambled enough, here is the video, tell me what you think: