Miscellaneous Discourses in Vol II of the Works - Edwards - XVII - Self-flatteries

Required reading

Miscellaneous Discourses in Vol 2 of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read 'Self-flatteries'.

My summary

Today's text is 'For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.' (Ps. 36:2)

We learn:
(i) sinners flatter themselves with the hope of impunity;
(ii) some of the various ways wherein sinners flatter themselves in their own eyes.

Edwards then teaches us that because of the flattery of sinners: 
(i) we learn why there are but few saved;
(ii) we learn why awakening truths of Scripture make no more impression upon men;
(iii) let every sinner examine whether he do not flatter himself;
(iv) be persuaded to leave off flattering ourselves in our own eyes.

What grabbed me

I liked the challenge from Edwards:

'Or do you think that your conversion is in your own power, and that you can turn to God when you please? Is it because you have been born of godly parents that you are so secure? or do you imagine that you are in a fair way to be converted? Do you think that what you have done in religion will engage God to pity you, and that he never can have the heart to condemn one who has lived in so orderly a manner? or do you think that you are indeed converted already? and doth that encourage you to take a liberty in sinning? Or are you secure, because you are so stupid as to think nothing about these things? Do you let these concerns wholly alone, and scarcely ever think at all how it will be with you after you are dead??Certainly it must be one or more of these things which keeps you in your security, and encourages you to go on in sin. Examine therefore, and see which of them it is.'

Even the religious need to examine themselves for self-flattery.

Next week's reading

Read 'Dishonesty'.

Now it's your turn

Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.