False Christian teachings, trends….
Burroughs describes the state of contentment further; then he talks about two ways of knowing greater contentment: by subtracting from one’s desires; and by adding his burden of sin to his burden of affliction. “The heavier the burden of your sin is to your heart, the lighter will the burden of your affliction be to your heart, and so you shall come to be content.”
It is okay to desire the affliction to be removed and to seek that via prayer; but obedience remains under the affliction; more than that, is pleased to remain under it, thanking God for His work, knowing that He only does right…. One who has learned this lesson of contentment, looks up to God in all things; he does not look down at the instruments and means God uses [to afflict him or bless him]; he sees God’s wisdom in what is happening to him
The doctrine contained in Phil. 4:11 is that it is the duty, glory and excellence of a Christian to be well-skilled in the mystery of Christian contentment …godliness is NOT great gain unless you also have contentment
Summary of the above section: when affliction comes, whatever it is, and though you feel much pain; cry to God, seek lawful ways to be delivered (via prayer, abiding in His word…); and do not murmur, repine, fret, vex yourself, nor permit tumultuousness of spirit, fear, or discouragement to destabilize and distract you; or rebellion to set you in opposition to God
Contentment is a blessing bestowed by the New Covenant and its promises; all believers may partake of all the blessings of this covenant – Burroughs clarifies the knowledge, understandings, conduct…via which one might arrive at contentment…The doctrine contained in Phil. 4:11 is that it is the duty, glory and excellence of a Christian to be well-skilled in the mystery of Christian contentment
It is necessary for Christian maturity, to learn biblical meditation; the word may therein be applied to your life, furthering the sanctification process
This essay was entered in the Epoch Times “Why I Love America” contest: Jon Adams wrote from prison – he has a new appreciation of the freedom and opportunity in America
Dr. Jeff Mayfield clarifies points from a Jonathan Edwards’ sermon on 1 Cor. 13:5 on the phrase “thinketh no evil”
I think that the above verse is not well understood by many Christians. It took me more than 10 years of Bible study and self-observation
The following are highlights from Steven J Lawson’s book on Jonathan Edwards. The topic of self-examination is considered via several of Edwards’ resolutions. D. Martyn