Heaven taken by storm - Watson - I - Chapters 1 & 2

Required reading
Heaven taken by storm by Thomas Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 1 (Taking the kingdom of heaven by holy violence) and Chapter 2 (The Christian offering violence to himself).

My summary
Today we begin a new work written by Watson on 'And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.' (Mat 11:12)

Today's reading is primarily introductory.

Initially, in Chapter One, Watson provides the context of the verse in relation to John the Baptist.

Then Watson begins to unpack what is meant by 'violence' in the verse.

Watson proposes that the Christian must offer violence:
(i) to himself;
(ii) to Satan;
(iii) to the world;
(iv) to heaven.

This week, in Chapter Two, Watson expands on the first point, that the Christian is to offer violence to himself. 

Next week, we will begin reading seven chapters that will give seven ways a Christian may do violence to himself. 

Then after we have finished reading those seven ways, Watson will pick up where he left off and demonstrate the ways that Christians must do violence to Satan, the world and heaven.

What grabbed me
I appreciated Watson's comment that we all need to mortify the flesh: 'In the best of saints there is something which needs mortifying; much pride, envy, and passion; therefore mortification is called crucifixion, Gal. v. 24. which is not done suddenly: every day some limb of the 'body of death' must drop off. Nothing harder than a rock, (saith Cyrill), yet in the clefts thereof some weed or other will fasten its roots. None stronger than a believer, yet do what he can, sin will fasten its roots in him, and spring out sometimes with inordinate desires. There is always something needs mortifying. Hence it was St. Paul did 'beat down his body,' by prayer, watching, and fasting, 1 Cor. ix. 27.'

It doesn't matter how long you've been a Christian, there is always something worth mortifying.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 3 (Offering violence by the reading of the word), Chapter 4 (Offering violence by hearing of the Word) and Chapter 5 (offering violence by prayer).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.