The Mystery of Providence Chapter 6

Mike Leake

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?

Borrowed Light: Today in Blogworld 02/15

Mike Leake

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.

Why I Am Not A Calvinist (Part 1)

Mike Leake

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