In this chapter Flavel hopes to show the Providence of God in the preservation of the saints from evil. Flavel says that there are, "two eminent ways by which the force and efficacy of temptation is broken in believers." The first is the operation of "internal grace". The second, which Flavel concerns himself here, is the "external working of Providence". Flavel gives 5 ways that Providence blocks us from sin:

1. By stirring up others to interpose with seasonable counsels
2. By hindering the means and instruments
3. By laying some strong affliction upon the body
4. By the better information of their minds at the sacred oracles of God (reminding us of Scripture, etc.)
5. By removing them out of the way of temptations by death

Because of this, Flavel admonishes us to walk, "suitably to this obligation of Providence also. And see that you thankfully own it. Do not impute your escapes from sin to accidents, or to your own watchfulness or wisdom".

Not only is it our souls that God has preserved but also our bodies. We are given numerous refrences to this point; some from Scripture, others from history.

This chapter closes with three "particulars". By considering these things we will be reminded of the Providence of God and hopefully follow his previous admonition to "walk suitably":

1. Consider what you owe to Providence for your protection
2. Consider how every member which has been so tenderly kept, has nevertheless been an instrument of sin against the Lord
3. Consider what is the aim of Providence in all the tender care it has manifested for you.

Discussion:

Have you ever considered death as "removing the way of temptations"?

This sentence spoke to me; "you have often provoked Him to afflict you in every part, and lay penal evil upon every member that has been instrumental in moral evil." I have never thought that when I sin with my instruments (mind, eyes, hands, etc.) that God should strike each of them individually.

Do you struggle with pride after "conquering a sin"? How might considering these "particulars" keep us from such prideful arrogance?

Tim Challies tries to answer whether or not our forgiveness is unconditional. Challies takes this position: "We are to model God’s forgiveness; God forgives conditionally; there we are to forgive conditionally."

The Irish Calvinst shares with us a wonderful quote, "You should be ready to preach, pray, or die in 5 minutes".

It may be a little too polemic for my taste, but Steve Camp has a good article (as well as wonderful questions) concerning faith and politics.

Sovereign Grace Ministries is hosting a Pastors College preaching conference. One brave soul asked about discouragement. You can read the response of C.J. Mahaney, Jeff Purswell, and Mike Bullmore, here.

There are numerous stories off the press concerning the recent news of Dr. Mohler. First of all, Dr. Mohler has a pre-cancerous tumor on his colon. Secondly, this means that he will not seek nomination for the SBC Presidency. Since it seems to me that Founders broke the story, they get the link.

Michael McKinley says that pastors should feed their sheep. "It seems to me that pastors are shepherds: if there's malnutrition in the flock it may or may not be our fault, but it is most definitely our problem." Thabiti responds.

Is God a God of second chances? Dan Phillips says, sometimes.

Tony Reinke continues his series on Engagle Culture with the Supremacy of God. We are treated to part 2 today.

2 Worlds Collide offers us the current list of the Top 10 Persecuted Nations.

David, of the Thirsty Theologian, begins his series answering why he is a Calvinist.

These all deserve an (HT:JT). The Washington Post profiles Eric Redmond. Michael Patton maps the emergent conversation.

My regular readers may be shocked at the title, as they should be. The title is a little misleading. Doctrinally speaking I would say that I adhere to the doctrines of grace; or in other words, I am a Calvinist. However, something I read by John Newton caused me to think. In counseling a young man "on controversy", Newton says this:

"Of all people who engage in controversy, we, who are called Calvinists, are most expressly bound by our own principles to the exercise of gentleness and moderation. If, indeed, those who differ from us have a power of changing themselves, if they can open their own eyes, and soften their own hearts, then we might with less inconsistency be offended at their obstinacy; but if we believe the very contrary to this, our part is, not to strive, but in meekness to instruct those who oppose, "if perhaps God will give them repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth."
(HT: Grace Gems)

Newton has an excellent point. If we really believe in the doctrines of grace then it will change things. It will change the way that we interact with our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we really believe in Total Depravity it will change things. Our understanding of unconditional election will dictate our attitudes. If we really believe irresistible grace then we should have a much different confidence. A belief in Limited Atonement ought to change the way we interact with other brothers that have been bought with the Lamb's blood. If we really believe Perseverance of the Saints then ought we not to have more confidence in God's ability to bring differing saints to glory?

So, the point of this series of posts will be to really ask whether or not I believe what I say I believe. Am I really a Calvinist in practice? I hope to put together 5-6 articles on this topic. I plan to go through each of the points of the T-U-L-I-P and discuss the implications of each. It will not be my intent to debate the truthfulness of each point. I will assume them, and then ask the question, "If I really believe this, what will it look like in practice"

...Read Part 2

Many times our "thorns" are put there by God to distract us from gross immorality. Such was the case of Basil, as referenced by Flavel in The Mystery of Providence:


Our Christian classics readings from the best divines, with notices biographical and critical, by J. Hamilton By Christian classics, James Hamilton

The Daily Dose has a wonderful article on Personal Testimony vs. Preaching.

Frank Turk has a very interesting article on the Pyromaniacs website. He is adding something to the discussion on Total Depravity. Frank is trying to bring this truth to every day men and women. In doing so he is trying to attempt to answer those that see the "good" work of atheist as a nail in the coffin of Total Depravity. His central thesis is this: any native goodness we demonstrate only highlights how broken our nature really is. It is a wonderful consideration, and you should read it.

Perry Noble asks, Why Are We Afraid of God's Voice. I encourage you to read the article and tell me what you think. I might write an article of response to this post in the future.

Nathan Busenitz asks, "Does the Bible Mandate Home School?"

Great article on the chruch from J.D. Hatfield; Incorporated

Tony Reinke is beginning a series on Engaging Culture and the Supremacy of God. I'm looking forward to this one.

And last but not least, you have to check this new style of witnessing we are going to implement here at FBC New London (HT: Thabiti):

In this chapter Flavel hopes to show us the mighty Providence of God in directing our family affairs. Perhaps some would be negligent to thank Providence for their marriage or children. Flavel, shows us the ridiculous nature of such a proposition. He gives four evidences of Providence in family affairs:

1. In appointing the parties for each other (the means in which they came together)
2. In the harmony and agreeableness of temperaments and dispositions (how they compliment one another)
3. In making one instrumental to the eternal good of the other (how they benefit each other)
4. In children, the fruit of marriage

If you believe that you Providence has dealt you a raw hand, then Flavel urges you to consider the hand dealt to many others. Consider David's scoffing Michal. And patient Job's added affliction of his nagging wife. Even that you have a wife and children (if that be the case) is a gift of Providence.

Flavel also considers the care with which God gives to his children, and this in regards to the rearing of their own families. He again gives three evidences of Providence in this regard:

1. The assiduity (close care) and constancy of the care of Providence for saints
2. The seasonableness and opportuneness of its provisions for them (at times when we most need it God comes through for us)
3. The wisdom of Providence in our provisions (giving needs over wants)

This chapter concludes with some of the most practical advice thus far. Flavel gives six exhortations to help us "walk suitabley to [our] experience of such mercies":

1. Do not forget the care and kindness of Providence...
2. Do not distrust Providence in future exigencies (that which is urgent)
3. Do not murmur and complain under new straits
4. Do not show the least discontent at the lot and portion Providence carves out for you
5. Do not neglect prayer when straits (hard times) befall you
6. Do not worry your hearts with sinful cares

Discussion:

How would you write this chapter if you were counseling a single person, widow, or barren wife?

In the six exhortations Flavel gives us at the end, are there any in which you find it most difficult to trust God in? It appears that Flavel is urging us to remember the past because that will dictate our response in the future. Therefore, remembering and rejocing in what God has done in the past will help us not worry our hearts with sinful cares.

Do you ever struggle with worry because you know that God is sovereign and does as He pleases? Do you ever find yourself doubting because you know that God's greatest aim is not merely our good but also His glory? Is it possible that Providence might so work that our greatest fears will become a reality so that Christ is magnified and we are filled with more joy? Do you, often, forget that God works all things together for our good? Even if we go through difficult times we know that in the end it will be for our greatest joy and God's greatest glory. Yet, knowing that do you sometimes find yourself concerned about what that might entail?

Stories that Flavel Uses:

Is a Yellow Horse Really that Bad?

On page 83 of John Flavel's The Mystery of Providence, he mentions Socrates' wife, Xanthippe. She has become somewhat of a legendeary figure. It is this legend that Flavel makes mention of. Legend has it that she was a mean, shrewd, and stern woman. Poems have even been written of her, like this one:


Letters Everywhere Stories and Rhymes for Children

Others, have tried to defend her. Such as this author:


The Orbit of Life Studies in Human Experience By William Thomas Herridge