Required reading
The Works (Vol
7) by Thomas Goodwin (Available from Amazon
or
free here)
- Read Chapter 3.
My summary
Today we finish
Goodwin's brief exposition of 1 John 2:13-14 'I
write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him
that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young
men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write
unto you, little children, because ye have known the
Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye
have known him that is from the beginning. I have
written unto you, young men, because ye are strong,
and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have
overcome the wicked one.'
Last week we learnt about the way Christians, both young
and old, go through different levels of intimacy with the
Father and Son.
So this week Goodwin concentrates on the message of the
apostle to the young men.
Initially Goodwin defines who the young men are: 'all
that space between old age in Christianity and that of
infancy in Christ is comprehended under the title of
young men, who are in a special manner military men'.
Then Goodwin makes two main points about this age group of
young men.
Firstly 'That during that age or space of time
Christians are most assaulted with lusts.' He
looks at what the assaults are and the reasons behind
them.
Secondly, Goodwin explains 'How it is that they are
said to have overcome, and that this should be
attributed to them in so special a manner.'
What grabbed me
As a young man, I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter.
I particularly enjoyed this challenge from Goodwin: 'Again,
you middle-aged Christians, set yourselves to overcome at
that season with all your might ; for as it is the special
season of temptation, so of overcoming. Make it your glory
to obtain victory during that season : ' The glory of young
men is their strength,' Prov. xx. 29, which was seen in the
wrestlers and strivings at the Olympian games, where crowns
upon the public charge were given unto the overcomers ; unto
which the apostle alludeth, 2 Tim. ii. 5, 'And if a man also
strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned, except he
strive lawfully.' And if you will know what it is to strive
lawfully, read 1 Cor. ix. 25, ' And every man that striveth
for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it
to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.'
Therefore go on thus to fight that good fight, that you may
lay hold upon eternal life, 1 Tim. vi. 12. And though you be
often foiled and put to the worse, yet rise up, and to it
again. And there are two motives : 1, it is a good fight,
wherein you are to overcome, if you continue to fight, and
faint not ; 2, lay hold on eternal life; this is the reward,
the bravium of your eye : ' He that is slow to anger, and
ruleth his spirit,' that is, overcomes himself, 'is better
than he that takes a city,' Prov. xvi. 32.'
Very fitting reading with the 2012 Olympics beginning today.
Let us strive in the spiritual Olympics!
Next week's reading
Read 'Man's restoration by grace'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and
thoughts in the comments section below.
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