All things for good by Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 2 (The worst things work for good to the godly) by reading Points 1 and 2.
Firstly Watson explains how the evil of afflictions works for good to the godly as:
(i) they are our preacher and tutor;
(ii) they are the means of making the heart more upright;
(iii) they conform us to Christ;
(iv) they are destructive to sin;
(v) they are the means of loosening our hearts from the world;
(vi) they make way for comfort;
(vii) they are a magnifying of us;
(viii) they are the means of making us happy;
(ix) they put to silence the wicked;
(x) they make way for glory.
Secondly Watson teaches us that the evil of temptation is overruled for good to the godly by considering three things:
(i) Satan's method in tempting;
(ii) the extent of Satan's power;
(iii) how these temptations are overruled for good.
A great chapter.
I particularly found the section on Satan's methodology helpful: 'Satan observes the fittest time to tempt in; as a cunning angler casts in his angle when the fish will bite best. Satan’s time of tempting is usually after an ordinance; and the reason is, he thinks he shall find us most secure. When we have been at solemn duties, we are apt to think all is done, and we grow remiss, and leave off that zeal and strictness as before; just as a soldier, who after a battle leaves off his armour, not once dreaming of an enemy. Satan watches his time, and, when we least suspect, then he throws in a temptation.'
When you drop your guard, Satan knows. Now that's scary!
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 2 (The worst things work for good to the godly) by reading Points 3 and 4.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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