Daily Devotionals

Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God

Devotional: July 5th

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.- 1 Peter 1:6.

Though a Christian be not always in a joyful frame, yet he has abundant cause to "rejoice always." Though many things may rob him of his frame, yet nothing can deprive him of the foundation of his comfort. Happy for us, this is permanent and abiding for ever: for it is founded in the love and truth of an unchangeable God. These disciples to whom the apostles wrote, "rejoiced greatly." Why? was it because they were perfectly delivered from a body of sin and death? that they were not like thee and me, O disciple, sinners? No; but the matter of their joy, the cause of their rejoicing was, their "election according to the foreknowledge of God the Father- sanctification by the Spirit-sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, being begotten to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus;"-and the assurance of being "kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation." Wherein, "in these soulcomforting truths ye greatly rejoice," saith Peter.

Thus, believer, thou seest the streams that make glad the citizens of heaven, flow from the ocean of God’s everlasting love. The more thou drinkest of this water, it will allay the thirst of pride and self-righteousness, and make thy soul glory and rejoice in Christ Jesus alone. But here is a full conviction, that these joyful souls were imprisoned in a body of sinful flesh: they had their heavy seasons; were assaulted with manifold temptations; there was a season for them, and a need be also. So there is now. Wilt thou not be content to go the same path? canst thou expect freedom from such exercises? Deceive not thyself. It is all the children’s lot; and the Father sees it as needful as our food: yea, he makes it profitable also. Whilst thou art in the flesh sin dwelleth in thee, temptation will assault thee, heaviness and affliction will bow thee down. Soul-exercises are faith’s trials. In the issue they are made world-conquering, creature-humbling, Jesusendearing, heavenly-longing blessings. "I am oppressed," said Hezekiah: What then? doth he sink under it? No; it called forth the exercise of his faith and prayer to the Saviour: "Do thou undertake for me." So the Psalmist- Psalms 116:3, "I found trouble and sorrow." What was the blessing of it? Selfdespair. He saw no help elsewhere: "Then called I on the name of the Lord." Verily thy faith must be tried, thy patience exercised, prayer excited, as well as rejoicing of soul. Thy Saviour loves to have it so. The government is upon his shoulders. Here is thy mercy, while the wicked, like Saul, seek to the sorcery and witchcraft of the world; Jesus, "the eternal God is our refuge."- Deuteronomy 33:27.

Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure. 2 Peter 1:10.

Work for life, say the sons of ignorance and pride. Work not at all, Christ has left us nothing to do, say the sons of sloth and licentiousness. But, say the sons of wisdom, we labour and give diligence in the ways of God, not in order to obtain life; not to be saved for what we do; but to enjoy more of the life of Christ, the love of God, and the assurance of his Spirit, that we are his children. To this Peter exhorts. Brethren! Ye who profess to believe in the Son of God, and long to know assuredly that ye are the children of God, “Give diligence.” Do not rest in a few idle wishes, cold desires, and formal duties, but be earnest-be active-be upon the stretch for God. As we say, leave no stone unturned. Study the Lord’s word of grace-dwell upon the rich promises of his love-meditate upon the finished salvation of Christ-confer with his people- be fervent in prayer-strive against sin-resist Satan-deny the flesh-cry for the witness of the Spirit, etc. All this, say you, is very good; but I want power to do it. Have you a will to do it? Then the Lord who gave you a will, will strengthen you by his power, while you are found in these things. Nay, say not, you wish to be happy in God, if you neglect to be diligent in the ways of God. For what is this but solemn mockery of God, and sadly deceiving your own soul? Consider the end of this diligence, “To make your calling and election sure.” (1st.) Your calling. There is a general call of the gospel, to every sinner who is within the sound of it. Some rest in this. This is not meant. But a special and effectual call, from a death in sin, to life and salvation in Christ: From a proud hope and vain confidence in ourselves and our works, to a lively faith in Christ, and comfortable fellowship with God. (2d.) Your election. This is a frightful word to many. They fight strongly against it. As they believe there is no election of grace, they cannot labour to make their own sure. The apostle leaves such to their own carnal notions. While he assures real believers of this truth, that some are elected according to the foreknowledge of God, (1 Peter 1:2.) and urges them to diligence, to obtain the assurance of their own interest therein. So that you see the doctrine of election, so far from encouraging sloth, is the very spring of diligence and activity. The Lord give us a right judgment in all things; for this will influence to a right walk, and godly conversation in Christ Jesus.

Called to run the heav’nly race,

With Christ my prize in view

I will be diligent, through grace,

With vigour to pursue.

My soul, nor tire, look back, nor faint,

Look up to Christ for peace;

He will give joy to ev’ry saint,

From doubts and fears release.