Teaching Resources International

The theme of this issue is that of suffering. Suffering is an experience that is common to all men. Job said, “Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). James tells us to “count it all joy” not if we fall into trials, but when! Certainly the New Testament does not promise the “health, wealth, and prosperity” preached by many today. Instead, early Christians were reminded, “all who intend to live godly will face persecution,” and “through much tribulation we enter the kingdom” (2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22).

The articles in this issue all remind us of the reality of suffering for believers and teach us to trust in the sovereign work of God in the trials that we are facing. In “Tried by Fire,” A. W. Pink looks at Job’s declaration and shows us the divine purpose and result of suffering. Other articles include the first chapter from Richard Sibbes’ classic, The Bruised Reed and the final chapter from Horatius Bonar’s The Night of Weeping (recently reprinted as When God’s Children Suffer). Both provide excellent encouragement for suffering believers. Also included is an article by Jeremiah Burroughs which provides a number of exhortations to enable believers to find contentment in the midst of suffering. Additionally, we have included an article by George Whitefield encouraging us to glorify God in our times of suffering.

Finally, you will find the three messages by Charles Spurgeon especially uplifting and encouraging. Spurgeon himself was no stranger to suffering. He suffered at the hands of the press and the liberals, and even eventually at the hands of his own Baptist brethren. He not only experienced persecutions from the outside; both he and his wife were tried with many physical hardships. The messages included deal specifically with the question of the suffering of believers. “Beloved, and Yet Afflicted” was preached to invalids at Mentone, France, where Spurgeon went annually for physical rest. “The Sick Man Left Behind” was preached from his own sick bed! Surely Spurgeon knows the suffering of saints about which he teaches us!

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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The crucifixion and the resurrection of our Lord rightly occupy the central place in Christian theology. Without the cross, we have no reason to celebrate the birth of Christ. Regardless of who He is and in spite of his great act of humility in coming to earth, if Jesus does not go to the cross for us, then He may be called great, but He is only our great judge and not our great savior.

The birth of Christ should occupy a very special place in the hearts of believers. It should remind us of God’s great love for us in sending His Son to die on our behalf. It should remind us of the Son’s love for us in “taking the form of a servant,” voluntarily, because of His desire to be our Mediator and Savior. Likewise, the circumstances of His birth should remind us of His humility in coming to our world. Should we have made arrangements for His coming, we certainly would have chosen better for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But, as the Sovereign of the Universe, He chose to be born in humble circumstances. All our meditations of the coming of Christ should lead to wonder, amazement, and awe. And like the angels who announced His birth, it should provoke a spirit of great joy in all our hearts over what the Lord has done in sending His son.

This issue is dedicated to the study of the Incarnation. A. W. Pink’s article, “Christ, the Word Incarnate,” provides an excellent exposition of John 1:14. Through it, Pink supplies us with valuable insights into the importance of Christ’s two natures. He also explores the ideas of His “tabernacling among us,” His glory, and His grace. This essay also has an excellent exposition of the relationship between law and grace. No understanding of Christmas is complete without an examination of the meaning and message of “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The lead article in this issue provides a very helpful examination. In the brief article on “The Mediation of Christ,” Pink shows why our salvation is dependent upon Christ becoming man. He cannot be our Mediator unless be is one like us. The Incarnation was God’s method for allowing Jesus to be the perfect mediator between God and man.

John Owen’s “The Glory of Christ’s Humbling Himself,” furnishes a valuable treatment of the necessity of Christ’s two natures. In his essay, Owen examines the various heresies that have arisen over the nature of Christ’s deity and humanity. His treatment of this topic shows why Christ had to be both God and man to be the “mediator between God and man.”

We have also included two sermons by Spurgeon. His “The Great Birthday and our Coming of Age” is a message on Galatians 4:4-6 in which Spurgeon examines the perfect timing in the coming of Christ. This message also includes some very helpful observations about the reason for His coming and the results that it has brought to mankind. His “The First Christmas Carol” is magnificent reading! In it, Spurgeon delves into the message of the angels that appeared to the shepherds. He shows us the reasons for their great joy and provides encouragement to worship the Lord with the same type of joy that they displayed.

Finally, this issue ends with the first chapter from Octavius Winslow’s The Sympathy of Christ. This article explores the importance of Christ’s humanity, not merely from a theological perspective, but also from a practical, personal perspective. The Incarnation is not only essential for our salvation; it provides us with the confidence that we have a High Priest who can “sympathize with our weaknesses” and to whom we can go in times of trouble (Hebrews 4:15-16). Thus, we have a Savior, a Mediator, a High Priest who is like us. What a glorious truth is the Incarnation!

As you approach this Christmas season, we pray that your thoughts about the birth of Christ lead you to a season of great joy because we have a great Savior who “humbled himself and became obedient, even to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8).

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

Copyright Jim Ehrhard, 2000. You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that: (1) you credit the author; (2) any modifications are clearly marked; (3) you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction; and (4) you do not make more than 100 copies without permission. If you would like to post this material to your web site or make any use other than as defined above, please contact Teaching Resources International

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The Doctrine of Sin is certainly one of the most neglected in preaching today. Whereas preachers of old preached the depravity of man and saw many brought to conviction and conversion, preachers today seem content to place emphasis on God’s love and grace and ignore preaching on man’s sinfulness. To do so is a serious mistake. Not only does such an emphasis distort the message of salvation which, of necessity begins with “the bad news,” it also diminishes the greatness and glory of God in salvation. A proper understanding of our dreadful condition and our utter helplessness restores the biblical emphasis on the power of God in making dead men alive and in rescuing men from the kingdom of darkness.

In this issue, we have included a number of articles that address the sin nature of man. In articles from A. W. Pink and Asahel Nettleton, the results of the fall and the depravity of man are discussed. Those by Edwards and Charnock remind us of the greatness of God’s grace. We are not saved because we are better in any way. God’s choice is not determined by anything in us or any act by us, but only because of His great love and mercy toward us. These articles humble us as we remember our condition and God’s grace that rescued us. Finally, we have included two articles (one by A. W. Pink and another by William Gurnall) that speak about the work of the Spirit in bringing dead men to conviction of sin.

One idea has stood out in my mind while researching and editing these articles—the goodness of God. As I have been reminded of how wicked I am, I have been brought anew to see how good God is. I have seen this goodness in a number of areas. First, God’s goodness is revealed in that He has been unbelievably patient toward us all. His justice would not have been questioned had He destroyed everyone one of us. His goodness is especially evident in that He continues to “endure with patience the vessels prepared for destruction.” That is, He continues to bear with those that will never come to saving faith. Second, I am constantly reminded that, even if God never gave me anything else in life but Christ, I would have to say, “God is so good to me.” But the Scriptures (and our experiences) remind us that “He who did not spare His own Son but offered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32)? In light of our sin and rebellion, what more can we say other than “God is so good to us.”

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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In the last issue of Teaching Resources, we dealt with the theme of sin in the lives of non-believers. In this current issue, we have included articles on the issue of the indwelling sin in the lives of believers. There is little question that believers have an on-going battle with the reality of sin in their lives. Understanding what the Scriptures teach about this reality provides three helps.

First, it becomes an encouragement to those who think their experience is unique. They assume that they alone struggle with sin. This struggle may even cause some to question their salvation. Instead, believers need to be encouraged that such a struggle is evidence that they are believers. The unregenerate man does not struggle with sin—only the regenerate is grieved by its lingering presence.

Second, the Scriptures provide instructions for Christians which will result in an increasing victory over the power of indwelling sin. Such admonitions as “mortify the sinful desires” and “set your affections on things above” are “means” by God in the process of our sanctification.

Finally, proper teaching on this subject avoids using grace as an excuse for sin and avoids moving back into a righteousness established through our own works. Correct teaching places emphasis on God’s grace as the means for overcoming the power of indwelling sin.

Each of the articles selected for this issue is intended for these purposes. Spurgeon’s article on “The Doctrines of Grace Do Not Lead to Sin” does battle with arguments that teaching grace gives license to sin. His second article explains how believers are free from the dominion of sin. The articles by Owen and Baxter show how sin deceives us and give suggestions as to set a guard over our minds. Thomas Watson reminds us how God is able to turn even our sinfulness in to good and A. W. Pink shows how God’s Word is profitable in our battle with sin.

Also included is an edited letter from John Newton that provides sound pastoral encouragements. Finally, the issue closes with a warning from the pen of Thomas Watson on the dangers of only being pretenders.

We hope these articles are an encouragement to you in the Lord. Please continue to keep us in your prayers over the summer months. Much of Jim’s time will be spend setting up our web site and writing and preparing for fall classes. May you continue to grow in Him and in holiness before Him.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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In the last issue of Teaching Resources, we dealt with the theme of indwelling sin in the lives of believers. In this current issue, we have included articles on the person and work of Satan, especially as it affects believers.

Spurgeon’s “Blinded by Satan” and A. W. Pink’s “The Gospel of Satan” show something of the effect of Satan on the non-believing. Spurgeon demonstrates the reality of Satan’s blinding of non-believers so that they cannot see the light of the glorious gospel of our Savior. Pink’s article is especially relevant. Here he reminds us about the false gospel that predominates most churches and preaching today. Both articles show often-neglected aspects of “the wiles of the devil.”

The articles by Robert Murray McCheyne and Charles Bridge provide encouragement for believers under the attack of Satan. Both remind us of the differences between the temptations and struggles of believers and those of non-believers. Both should be encouragement to the souls of believers in the midst of spiritual conflict. Likewise my article on “God’s Use of Satan” is designed to remind us that nothing Satan does can frustrate the sovereign plan and purpose of God. Even in spite of Satan’s most evil efforts, God “turns the tables” utilizing those deeds in such a way that God’s perfect will is ultimately accomplished. Such an understanding is essential to prevent discouragement from settling in the hearts of believers.

Finally, Pink’s “Resist the Devil” and Spurgeon’s “An Antidote to Satan’s Devices” give much needed instruction on resisting the enemy. We have also included a final article on the Y2K problem. I’ve read much on this issue and I’m not really sure what will happen. But one thing we must not do as Christians is neglect the greatest problem faced by modern man—sin and judgment. This article does a good job of reminding us of this priority and pointing out the only solution—a saving faith in Jesus Christ. No one but the Lord knows what will happen on January 1, 2000, but one thing is certain: “It is appointed unto every man to die and then comes the judgment.” It is our hope that this small article might be helpful in rescuing some from this clear and present danger.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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