Your Weekly Exposure to Edwards
Gospel Driven Disciples posts some highlights from the prolific works of Jonathan Edwards. The following excerpt is taken from “The Importance and Advantage of a Thorough Knowledge of Divine Truth, in the Soli Deo Gloria title, To All the Saints of God.”
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need for milk, and not of strong meat." (Hebrews 5:12)
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food..." (Hebrews 5:12 ESV)
Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures. This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be derived. Every man of common understanding who can read may, if he pleases, become well acquainted with the Scriptures. Do not content yourselves with only a cursory reading, without regarding the sense. When you read, observe what you read. Take notice of the drift of the discourse and compare Scripture with Scripture.
Procure and diligently use other books which may help you grow in this knowledge. There are many excellent books which might forward you in this knowledge and afford you much profit. Improve conversation with others to this end. How much might persons improve each other’s knowledge in divine things if they would communicate without pride and ostentation?
Do not seek to grow in knowledge chiefly for the sake of applause, and to enable you to dispute with others; but seek it for the benefit of your souls, and in order to practice it. Seek that God would direct and bless you in your pursuit after knowledge. This is the direction of James 1:5. God is the fountain of knowledge (Proverbs 2:6).
Practice according to what knowledge you have. This will be a way to know more. The Psalmist recommends this in Psalm 119:100. Christ also recommends the same in John 7:17.
No comments:
Post a Comment