All things for good by Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 3 (Why all things work for good to the godly).
Firstly Watson explains the grand reason is the near and dear interest which God has in his people. The expression 'I am your God' implies that God is our:
(i) physician;
(ii) Father;
(iii) husband;
(iv) friend;
(v) head.
Secondly Watson gives us some inferences from the proposition that all things work for the good of the saints. If all things work for good:
(i) Learn that there is a providence;
(ii) Observe the happy condition of every child of God;
(iii) See then what an encouragement here is to become godly;
(iv) Notice the miserable condition of wicked men;
(v) See here the wisdom of God, who can make the worst things imaginable turn to the good of the saints;
(vi) Learn how little cause we have then to be discontented at outward trials and emergencies;
(vii) See here that Scripture fulfilled, "God is good to Israel";
(viii) See what cause the saints have to be frequent in the work of thanksgiving;
(ix) Think, if the worst things work for good to a believer, what shall the best things — Christ, and heaven;
(x) Consider, that if God makes all things to turn to our good, how right is it that we should make all things tend to His glory!
I liked the point that if the worst things work for our good, imagine how the best things will work for us: 'Think, if the worst things work for good to a believer, what shall the best things — Christ, and heaven! How much more shall these work for good! If the cross has so much good in it, what has the crown? If such precious clusters grow in Golgotha, how delicious is that fruit which grows in Canaan? If there be any sweetness in the waters of Marah, what is there in the wine of Paradise? If God’s rod has honey at the end of it, what has His golden sceptre? If the bread of affliction tastes so savoury, what is manna? what is the heavenly ambrosia? If God’s blow and stroke work for good, what shall the smiles of His face do? If temptations and sufferings have matter of joy in them, what shall glory have? If there be so much good out of evil, what then is that good where there shall be no evil? If God’s chastening mercies are so great, what will His crowning mercies be? Wherefore comfort one another with these words.'
If the evil of suffering works for our good, heaven is going to be simply phenomenal!
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 4 (Of love to God).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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