Glory of Christ by John Owen (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence reading Chapter 2 (The way and means of the recovery of spiritual decays, and of obtaining fresh springs of grace) by reading up to the paragraph commencing 'III. But I come to that which was proposed in the third place, — namely, to show that this at present is the state of many professors of religion, that they are fallen under those spiritual decays, and do not enjoy the effects of the promises concerning flourishing and fruitfulness, which we have insisted on.'
Initially, Owen lays the foundation that the Christian should seek fresh springs of spiritual life. Then Owen suggests that this happens through a steady view of the glory of Christ.
Next Owen outlines four main points that will make up the rest of his chapter. Today we read two.
The first main point is that the constitution of spiritual life is to thrive, grow and increase unto the end. This is testified to in three ways:
(i) in that it is compared unto things of the most infallible increase and progress;
(ii) there are sundry divine promises given unto believers that so it shall be, or to secure them of such supplies of grace as shall cause their spiritual life to grow, increase, and flourish unto the end;
(iii) God hath secured the growth of this spiritual life, by the provision of food for it, whereby it may be strengthened and increased.
The second main point is that notwithstanding all this provision for the growth of spiritual life in us, believers, especially in a long course of profession, are subject to decays, such as may cast them into great perplexities, and endanger their eternal ruin.
I liked this description of God's provision for the Christian's growth: 'God has secured the growth of this spiritual life, by the provision of food for it, whereby it may be strengthened and increased; for life must be preserved by food. And this in our case is the Word of God, with all other ordinances of divine worship which depend thereon, 1 Pet. ii. 2, 3. Whatever the state of this life be, — whether in its beginning, its progress, its decays, — there is suitable nourishment provided for it in the good Word of God’s grace. If men will neglect their daily food that is provided for them, it is no wonder if they be weak and thriftless. And if believers are not earnest in their desires after this food, — if they are not diligent in providing of it, attending unto it, — much more if, through corruptions and temptations, they count it, in the preaching of it, light and common food, which they do not value, — it is no wonder if they fall into spiritual decays; but God has herein provided for our growth even unto old age.'
Don't want to decay? Feed daily on the word of God.
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 2 (The way and means of the recovery of spiritual decays, and of obtaining fresh springs of grace).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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