Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) by William Bates (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon VIII (The marriage feast).
My summary
Today we read the second of five sermons on the text 'And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled' (Luke 14:23).
Last week Bates gave us the first reason why people are averse to the gospel: the world.
Thus this week we firstly learn the second reason why people reject the gospel: the flesh. Bates himself summarises near the beginning of the chapter how the flesh opposes the gospel: 'But that it may be more evident "that the flesh with its affections and lusts, " does powerfully interpose to hinder men from embracing the gospel, I will particularly consider its opposition to the supernatural doctrines revealed in the gospel, the objects of faith ; to the holy precepts of it, the rule of obedience ; to the spiritual rewards commended to our choice.'
Then Bates begins teaching us the third reason why people reject the gospel: Satan. We learn about Satan's:
(i) motives for hindering the gospel;
(ii) methods for hindering the gospel.
What grabbed me
I appreciated Bates' insight into Satan's motives for hindering the gospel: 'His old enmity and hatred against the souls of men. It is another hell to him, to see them restored to the favour of God, and his glorious image re-engraven on them. He is a jealous jailor, and if possible will not loose any of his captives. Being condemned to everlasting burnings, he will make them feel his fire. '
Contrary to what he may tell you, Satan hates you.
Next week's reading
Read Sermon IX (The marriage feast).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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