All things for good - Watson - I - Introduction & Chapter 1

Required reading
All things for good by Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 (The best things work for good to the godly).

My summary
Today we begin Watson's famous work on a famous text, 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)'

Firstly in the introduction Watson tells us that in the text there is a glorious privilege: all things work for good.  Watson then shows us the:
(i) certainty of the privilege;
(ii) the excellency of the privilege.

Secondly in Chapter One Watson begins to explain how all things work for the good of the godly, in particular, the best things work for our good.  The best things include:
(i) God's attributes;
(ii) God's promises;
(iii) God's mercies;
(iv) the Spirit's graces;
(v) the Angels;
(vi) the communion of saints;
(vii) Christ's intercession;
(viii) the prayers of saints.

What grabbed me
I loved Watson's point about Christ's prayers: 'Christ is in heaven, as Aaron with his golden plate upon his forehead, and his precious incense; and He prays for all believers as well as He did for the apostles. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for all them that shall believe in me" (John xvii. 20). When a Christian is weak, and can hardly pray for himself, Jesus Christ is praying for him; and He prays for three things. First, that the saints may be kept from sin (John xvii. 15). "1 pray that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." We live in the world as in a pest-house ; Christ prays that His saints may not be infected with the contagious evil of the times. Second, for His people?s progress in holiness. "Sanctify them" (John xvii. 17). Let them have constant supplies of the Spirit, and be anointed with fresh oil. Third, for their glorification "Father, I will that those which thou hast given me, be with me where I am" (John xvii. 24). Christ is not content till the saints are in His arms. This prayer, which He made on earth, is the copy and pattern of His prayer in heaven. What a comfort is this; when Satan is tempting, Christ is praying! This works for good.'

It is so encouraging to know that Christ is praying for me!

Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 2 (The worst things work for good to the godly) by reading Points 1 and 2.

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