Required reading
Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson (available from
My summary
Chapter 10 looks at ten obstacles to repentance:
I. Men do not apprehend that they need repentance
II. People conceive it an easy thing to repent
III. Presuming thoughts of God's mercy
IV. A supine sluggish temper
V. The tickling pleasure of sin
VI. An opinion that repentance will take away joy
VII. Despondency of mind
VIII. Hope of impunity
IX. Fear of reproach
X. Immoderate love of the world
What grabbed me
I liked point nine about fear of man preventing people from repenting:
'If I repent I shall expose myself to men's scorns. The heathen could
say, when you apply yourself to the study of wisdom, prepare for
sarcasms and reproaches. But consider well who they are that reproach
you. They are such as ignorant of God and spiritually frantic. And are
you troubled to have them reproach you, who are not well in their
wits? Who minds a madman laughing at him?'
Fear of man keeps us from many Godly acts but Watson reminds us who
exactly it is we are afraid of, people who are not thinking rightly.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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