God's Sovereignty and Grace to Undeserving Sinners in Jonah 4

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Introduction As we open God's Word to the fourth chapter of Jonah, we find ourselves at the climax of an extraordinary narrative. We've witnessed Jonah's flight from God, his experience inside the great fish, and his reluctant preaching that led to Nineveh's remarkable repentance. But now, instead of celebration, we encounter these startling words: "But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry." This final chapter reveals the stunning contrast between Jonah's narrow heart and God's boundless grace. While chapter 3 showcased God's sovereignty in salvation, chapter 4 unveils His sovereignty in correction and instruction. Throughout this narrative, both aspects serve the same purpose – to display His glory through grace to undeserving sinners. Let us pray before we examine this text: Sovereign Lord, open our eyes to the wonder of Your grace and the folly of our resistance. May Your Spirit illuminate this passage and transform our hearts as we study Your word. Amen. I. God's Sovereignty Confronts Human Resistance to Grace (4:1-4) A. The Shocking Response of Jonah (v.1) "But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry." The Hebrew term used here isn't mild irritation but burning wrath. Remarkably, it's the same word often used to describe God's fierce anger toward sin. Jonah is literally "burning with anger" over God's mercy to Nineveh. Consider the irony: while Nineveh is rejoicing in newfound forgiveness, God's own prophet is fuming with displeasure. While heaven celebrates over sinners who repent, Jonah protests. This wasn't mere confusion or concern about theological implications – this was hot, burning displeasure that God had withheld judgment. B. The Revealing Prayer of Jonah (v.2-3) Listen to Jonah's prayer: "And he prayed to the LORD and said, 'O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.'" Astonishingly, Jonah quotes God's own self-revelation from Exodus 34:6-7, but as a complaint rather than praise! He essentially says, "This is exactly what I was afraid of! I knew you were too merciful!" What most of us would consider God's most beautiful attributes – grace, mercy, patience, and love – Jonah finds objectionable when applied to Nineveh. His theology was correct, but his heart was severely misaligned. So perverted was his preference that he would rather die than witness God's mercy to Israel's enemies. This petulant prayer reveals the deep-seated bigotry and exclusivism that had taken root in his heart. C. God's Sovereign Question (v.4) God responds not with immediate judgment but with a penetrating question: "Do you do well to be angry?" This question was designed to derail Jonah from his abandonment to unholy passion. Like a bridle pulled up on a galloping horse, God's question was meant to bring His prophet to a sudden halt and self-reflection. Notice God's sovereignty here – He takes the initiative to restore His servant to spiritual sanity. God could have simply rebuked Jonah or dismissed him from service. Instead, He pursues His prophet's heart with a question meant to expose the unreasonableness of his anger. II. God's Sovereignty Illustrated Through Creation and Destruction (4:5-8) A. Jonah's Perverted Hope (v.5) "Then Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city." Even after God's question, Jonah leaves the city, builds a shelter, and watches – for what? It appears he still harbors hope that God might reverse His mercy and destroy Nineveh after all. Perhaps the repentance would prove shallow, perhaps God would change His mind again. Jonah positions himself as a spectator, seemingly ready to witness divine judgment with satisfaction. What a disturbing picture of spiritual sadism – wanting to witness the destruction of those God has chosen to spare. Jonah sits waiting, his heart still resistant to the purpose of God. B. God's Sovereign Appointments (v.6-8) What follows is a divine object lesson, marked by three sovereign "appointments": "Now the LORD God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint." Three times we read "God appointed" or "God prepared." First, God appointed a plant that provided welcome shade. Then God appointed a worm that destroyed the plant. Finally, God appointed a scorching east wind that intensified Jonah's misery. Each element of creation obeys its Creator perfectly. The plant grows as commanded. The worm consumes as directed. The wind blows as appointed. In contrast to Jonah's rebellion, these created things fulfill their divine purpose precisely. C. The Divine Object Lesson Notice the emotional impact of these divine appointments: The plant brought delight: "Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant." The worm brought disappointment as it "attacked the plant, so that it withered." The wind brought discomfort as "the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint." God orchestrates these natural elements as a teaching tool for His prophet. In one day, Jonah experiences the cycle of provision, loss, and suffering – not randomly, but by divine design. God is sovereignly preparing Jonah's heart for the lesson that follows. God's sovereignty over the plant, worm, and wind demonstrates His authority over all creation. Nothing happens outside His control. Both comfort and discomfort come by His appointment, serving His purposes of instruction and transformation. III. God's Sovereignty Expressed Through Universal Compassion (4:9-11) A. The Penetrating Question (v.9) "And God said to Jonah, 'Do you do well to be angry for the plant?' And he said, 'Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.'" God asks His question again, this time specifically about the plant. Remarkably, Jonah responds with complete self-justification: "Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die." His answer reveals the depth of his spiritual blindness. Notice the incredible disproportion: Jonah has more emotional investment in a plant than in human souls. He's "exceedingly glad" about a plant that provides temporary shade, but "exceedingly displeased" about God sparing an entire city from destruction. This reveals the distorted values in Jonah's heart. B. The Divine Reasoning (v.10-11) Now comes God's powerful conclusion: "And the LORD said, 'You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?'" God establishes a compelling contrast. Jonah pitied: A plant he neither created nor sustained A plant he invested no labor in A plant which existed for merely a day If Jonah could feel such attachment to this insignificant, temporary plant, how much more should God care about an entire city of His image-bearers? C. The Heart of Divine Grace (v.11) "Should not I pity Nineveh?" This rhetorical question forms the culmination of the entire book. It reveals that God's sovereignty operates not through raw power alone, but through compassionate concern. God's compassion extends to: 120,000 people "who do not know their right hand from their left" – likely referring to those who lacked moral discernment Even the cattle of the city – showing God's care extends to all His creation The question hanging in the air at the book's end forces both Jonah and us to confront our own hearts. The book provides no resolution – we don't know how Jonah ultimately responded – because the question is meant for us to answer as well. Application 1. Beware the Danger of Unmortified Sin in Believers' Lives Jonah stands as a sobering warning about what happens when we leave sin unchecked in our hearts. His Hebrew bigotry and exclusiveness plagued him throughout the book. This one unmortified sin produced terrible offspring: disobedience, anger, self-pity, and a distorted view of God's purposes. As one preacher powerfully put it, "Whatever lust you leave unmortified, it may yet cause you to have a history as tragic as Jonah's." What unmortified sin might be operating in your life? Pride? Envy? Bitterness? Perhaps a spirit of unforgiveness or prejudice? These sins don't remain isolated – they infiltrate our entire spiritual outlook. Like Jonah, we can experience spiritual success while harboring heart-level rebellion. Outward obedience is not enough – God desires inward alignment with His purposes. As the Puritan John Owen warned, "Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you." 2. Marvel at God's Patience with His Stubborn Children Consider God's remarkable patience with Jonah. He didn't cut off Jonah's petulant prayer mid-sentence. He didn't answer his foolish request to die. Instead, God continued to teach, reason, and work with His wayward servant. How gracious is our God! As Psalm 103:14 reminds us, "He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." When we are stubborn, He doesn't immediately abandon us but pursues us with patient instruction. Think of how God has patiently borne with you. How many times has He overlooked your complaints, forgiven your resistance, and gently corrected your misunderstandings? How often has He shown you grace when you deserved rebuke? The same mercy God showed to Nineveh, He shows to His own children when we stray. Thank God for unanswered prayers and for His refusal to leave us in our immaturity. 3. Examine Your Heart Toward Those You Consider "Undeserving" Like Jonah, do you struggle when God shows mercy to those you deem unworthy? Perhaps there are people or groups you secretly hope will face judgment rather than mercy. Perhaps there are sinners whose conversion would not delight but disturb you. Are you more emotionally invested in your own comfort than in others' salvation? Jonah had more concern for a plant than for a city full of souls. What does this reveal about our own priorities when we become more upset about personal inconveniences than the spiritual condition of the lost? God calls us to share His heart of compassion for all people – even those we might consider enemies or beyond redemption. His grace extends beyond our cultural, political, and personal boundaries. 4. Rest in God's Determination to Bring His Children into Alignment with His Will Take comfort in knowing that God won't abandon the work of aligning our hearts with His purposes. He will use questions, object lessons, and even painful experiences to help us grow. God is committed to making us like Christ – not just in our actions but in our hearts. His goal is that we would share His heart of mercy toward the undeserving. And He is determined that we should acquiesce to His will. As the hymn writer expressed: "Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be." God will continue working until our hearts echo these words sincerely. Conclusion Jonah 4 powerfully demonstrates that God's sovereignty means He has the right to show grace to any and all undeserving sinners – which ultimately includes each of us. The book ends with God's question hanging in the air: Will we align our hearts with God's merciful purposes, or will we resist His gracious will? Remember that Jesus described Himself as "greater than Jonah" (Matthew 12:41). Unlike Jonah who was angry at mercy shown to enemies, Jesus prayed for His enemies' forgiveness as they crucified Him. Unlike Jonah who wished for death when faced with God's mercy to others, Jesus willingly embraced death to extend God's mercy to all who believe. The question that concludes the book of Jonah still confronts us today: Will we embrace God's sovereign right to show mercy to whomever He chooses? Let us pray: Sovereign Lord, forgive us for the times we have resisted Your gracious purposes like Jonah did. Align our hearts with Yours, that we might rejoice in Your mercy rather than resent it. Make us instruments of Your grace to the undeserving, remembering that we ourselves have received that same unmerited favor. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

LESSONS IN HUMILITY FROM PIONEER MISSIONARIES

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The second term at African Christian University was Over the last school term, at ACU we have been learning about Baptist History, Evangelism and Missions. One striking lesson that has stood out for me has been humility in the face of great achievements in the Lord’s work of the pioneer missionaries. Two giants of missionary work, William Carey and David Livingstone, left us profound examples of humility in gospel service:

William Carey, known as the "Father of Modern Missions," spent 41 years in India without furlough. During this time, he translated the Bible into over 40 languages and dialects, founded the first degree-granting university in Asia, and spearheaded a global missionary movement. Yet, after such monumental work, he chose this humble epitaph for his tombstone:

"A wretched, poor, and helpless worm, On Thy kind arms I fall."

David Livingstone, the famed explorer and missionary to Africa, when addressing students at Cambridge about his "sacrifices," responded:

"I never made a sacrifice. [...] It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver, and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us."

These men, despite their monumental achievements, saw their work not as personal accomplishment, but as joyful obedience to Christ's call to take the gospel to the ends of the world.

The Moravians, often unsung heroes of Protestant missions, embodied remarkable humility. Dating back to 1457, their mission work predated many well-known missionary movements. These devoted Christians willingly served in the most challenging and dangerous locations, from the Caribbean to Greenland, often at great personal cost. Some even expressed readiness to sell themselves into slavery to reach the enslaved. Despite establishing long-lasting missions, influencing future missionaries like William Carey, and sending thousands of workers globally, the Moravians sought no acclaim. Their legacy is one of quiet, persistent service, placing the gospel's spread above personal recognition.

Oh that God might burn our hearts with the words of apostle Paul:

"What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed as THE LORD ASSIGNED to each. I planted, Apollos watered but GOD GAVE the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but GOD WHO GIVES the growth" 1 Corinthians 3:5-7

#MissionaryHumility #WilliamCarey #DavidLivingstone #Moravians

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"To Go" or "Not to Go"?

God Speaks through Circumstances 

 I first learnt about the providence of God way after I became a Christian. Not that I was opposed to the idea but that I was not aware of the idea all together. At the youth group I attended we were considering the great Christian doctrine for the bible studies and divine providence was one of them. During that same time a book by Richard Belcher was released and made very good reading on the topic. I came to realize that God has not only created everything in the heavens and the earth below but is also actively upholding everything by his great power. Well that was about 10 years ago. This lesson was brought forth these past few days.

I had a great opportunity to relocate to a smaller town and take up a managerial position that would result in a career leap by light years! The subsequent events proved to me that the Lord had not approved this shift. 

Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson

My wife refused to move or even consider the matter! I pleaded over some good three days to no avail. I thought perhaps a discussion with the church elders would help when they came for oversight the following day. I woke up preparing to be very convincing as to why I thought taking up the job was in our best interest. However all my arguments were shatter by a sermon via a podcast I heard by Sinclair Ferguson on Jacobs funeral! Imagine, it was not on “God’s Will” or “Divine Guidance” and therefore I had no clue God would speak to me using this sermon. I was not really paying full attention to the sermon but this illustration brought home the point. He narrated of a young man whom he overheard discussing with his father over a mobile phone about an international job offer he had got to work in Iraq. He was requesting for his fathers advice. Sinclair indicated that this is very rare in our days and he thought that the young man must have been a Christian. He urged us to consult with our parents both physical and spiritual. At that moment, I knew what God wanted me to do that evening when we met with the elders. They agreed with my wife that now was not the best time to relocate and advised that I don’t take up the job.

I phoned the Director and turned down the offer. He was sad that I had wasted their time and was not serious with my career. He couldn’t understand why a decision regarding my work and career move was being made by others on my behalf. He asked me to reconsider and give him a call at midday. He further warned me that that was my last chance ever of working for that organization. In essence, he was blacklisting me and would never give me a positive reference in future employments. It was a great temptation for me but the voice of God was clear. With sadness of heart and pain I called him and told him that I couldn’t take up the job.

Various thoughts went through my mind after this decision. Both positive and negative thoughts. The Lord again spoke through a puritan sermon (William Gouge) on The Progress of Divine Providence which I listened to while driving to lunch and while on the line, I took out my phone and opened the Kindle Book “Trusting God Even When Life Hurts" to continue reading and to my shock, today’s section was about divine providence. In particular that God not only determines who governs but also rules in the decisions that they make. The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the Lord (Prov 16:33)! This was most assuring that God is indeed a God of Providence and that the events of last week were all ordered by Him. As to whether these providence are planted to bear fruit for another generation or we shall live to see the fulfillment of God's plans, I don't know. All I know is that these events have encouraged my faith in God that he still speaks and had spoken to me! O what a joy to hear His voice in providence and to know that he leads. I feel very sinful and unworthy that He should take an interest in me and to speak to me through circumstance. Thank you Lord!

A PRIVILEGED GENERATION

Easy Access to Christian Literature

We are a privileged generation! The things which yester year were difficult, impossible, unavailable in our lives and environment are today’s realities. It’s like people are increasingly being preoccupied with their innovating, inverting and creating something that will enhance our enjoyment, satisfaction, pleasure and ease our lives and improve our comfort.  Just like everything made originating from human being is stained with sin, technological advancement is no exception. This poses a challenge to the Christians to swift through in isolating the wheat from the chaff. In this confusion, others are sailing at the cutting edge of technological advancement while others have decided to shy away and avoid it as much as possible and only when it is really, really necessary.

How can we preserve, advance the good old gospel in today’s technologically advanced world? We are indeed a privileged people who have so many advantages over the previous generations. When referring to the previous generations of Christians, the reformers and the puritans provides a shining example of the what, how, who, why’s of Christianity. Today’s generation is far more privileged than they were in terms of access to the means of grace. Below are just some of the things are I can highlight:

• ·       Copyrights: All the books that were written before 1923 are not copyrighted- This means that you can reproduce reprint download etc without breaking the law. What a blessing to have free access to all the works of the puritans, reformers, Spurgeon, and many many others who lived after them etc.

·       The audio books: Most books have been converted to audio and therefore some of us with bad eyesight can easily have the books read to us. There are tons and tons of Christian audio books available on the internet for free. Imagine how wonderful it is to listen to John Owen’s book “The death of death in the death of our Lord Jesus Christ” while stuck in traffic, or on a queue waiting to be attended to.

·       Ereaders- With the advent of technology, there are many Electronic Readers that enable you to read documents, books electronically. My favorite is ereaders is the Amazon Kindle. With access to about a 1 million books to choose from, a battery that lasts for a month after charging, ability to buy and begin reading a book in under a minute are enough reasons to have this gadget! It is also not very expensive compared to the wealth books that you shall be able to access.

·       The mobile phone- most mobile phones will have internet, ebook reader and mp3 player. While a few years ago it was considered as worldly to buy a smart phone just as it was considered worldly for a Christian to wear Jeans and sneakers in some cultures. Now you can buy a smart phone for godly reasons! Bibles, various books are all available for your use.

Our generation surely has no excuse for not utilising these means for our edification and the glory of our God and Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ.

Strategies for Withstanding the Devils Temptations

Lessons from John Flavel
If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you will acknowledge something about your heart and cry out with the hymn writer “prone to wonder Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I Love.” This is the reality we face time and again, “fighting and fears within and without.” For some Christians this struggle result in great distress and causes them to conclude that perhaps- “I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN!” Others come to that sad realization that their heart, yes, that Christian heart, is capable of yielding to temptation and sin against their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom they love so much. At times this comes so late after you have compromised your faith already. We are in the battle field and temptation is this warfare is the greatest weapon of attack that the devil uses and Christian are often tempted and tried this side of heaven. There are many solutions that have been offered on how to deal with temptation including– “binding and loosening” praying with “dangerous prayers!” In this struggle many reach that point where the apostle Paul cried out- “O wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death??????” How can we remain faithful to our calling amidst overwhelming floods of temptation? How can we keep our faith during these times of trial?
The puritan John Flavel in his treatise Keeping the Heart or Saint Indeed- The Great Work of a Christian answers this question of how you can keep your heart from not yielding to temptation.

John Flavel (1628-1691)

Flavel brings out some of the common arguments or schemes the devil will use in tempting you. When I first read this, I was so shocked and thought Flavel had been listening to the devil tempt me! Flavel exposes these tricks and then provides some very compelling strategic responses that are helpful in the hour of need. When tempted most times I hear Flavel saying to me, “my friend before you yield, ask yourself these questions.” These are good arsenals to have in your armory as you battle it out in the good fight of faith. Below are the arguments and their responses (paraphrased):
1. Argument one- The pleasures of sin: "here is a chance for you to enjoy these pleasures". Temptation will come with an attractive appearance and a charming voice. "Are you so dull as to see these pleasures being offered? Who can’t take advantage of such pleasures?"
Rebuttal: sin is pleasant but what about the scourges of the conscience after I sin? Is it pleasant also to feel the wounds of the conscience? If sin is enjoyable, why then did Peter weep so bitterly? Why did David cry out of broken bones? What about the terrible effects it had on David? The truth is that if I yield to sin I must feel the pangs of the conscience or the flames of hell. Will you prefer the gratification of some unhallowed passion, with the deadly poison which it leaves behind to the sacred pleasure which arises from fearing and obeying God, complying with the dictates of conscience, and maintain inward peace?
2. Argument two: The secrecy of the Sin: this sin won’t disgrace you. No one will know about it
Rebuttal:: is there a place without God’s presence? Isn’t His presence everywhere? Doesn’t God see you? If you manage to hide from the eyes of the world, are you able to hide from God? What is done in secret shall be proclaimed on the rooftop. Don’t you have reverence for yourself? Is not your conscience more than a thousand witnesses? When I sin won’t my conscience record everything even my most secret actions?

3. Argument three: benefits and gains: Look at the advantage and benefits you will get. Now is your time to benefit also
Rebuttal:: And what would it profit you, if you should gain the whole world and lose your own soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul? Shall I endanger my soul for the sake of something nice in this world, the soul that Jesus Christ shed his precious and invaluable blood? What can be compared with the value of your spiritual interests?
4. Argument four: It’s a small matter: It’s not a big deal. This sin is so small, petty and trivial
Rebuttal: Who has given the commandments however small they might be? Is God small as well? If you commit this sin you will offend the great God. Is there a small hell for minor sinners? No; the least sinners in hell are full of misery. There is great wrath kept up for those whom the world regards as small sinners. Will you provoke God on account of minor sins? Why should you destroy your peace, wound your conscience, and grieve the Spirit, all for small sins?
5. Argument five: The mercy of God and the hope of pardon —God is merciful, he will pass by this as an infirmity, he will not be severe as to not forgive

Rebuttal: Where do you find a promise of mercy for deliberate sinners? Of course if you sin unintentionally and genuinely repents, there is pardon but where is the promise to a daring sinner that sins with the presumption that God will pardon him? If God is so merciful, how can I abuse such a good God? How can I make so glorious an attribute as the divine mercy an occasion of sin? Will I wrong him because he is good? Rather let his goodness lead me to repentance, and keep me from sin. There is forgiveness with you that you may be feared (Psalm130:4).
6. Argument six: The Sin of other Christians: Bad examples of good and holy men- that one and that one sinned, and were restored; therefore you may commit this sin and you will still enter heaven and be saved.

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Rebuttal: If good men have committed sins similar to that with which you want to commit, did any of them ever sin because of such reasons and encouragement? Did God make their examples to be recorded for you to imitate, or for your warning? Are they not set up as warning signs that you may avoid the danger? Are you willing to feel what they felt for their sin? Are you able to follow them in sin, and plunge yourself into such distress and danger that they went through?—
This is how you keep your heart in the hour of temptation.
7. Lastly, (not from Flavel), the devil present an argument that repentance is hard- God wont forgive you for such a wicked thing.
Rebuttal: If you have been reading this and thinking that its too late “damage has already been done” then you are probably in the midst of the fight. You need to ask yourself these questions: Why should I keep running away from God as though running away will drive the sin away? Will he cast me away when he has promised that he will nowise drive away any who goes to the Lord Jesus Christ? Isn’t he faithful and just to forgive sin, if we confess? Doesn’t the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ avail for all our sins? Why should I not try to make things right with my Saviour?
What other arguments does the devil use and what are the counter arguments to respond to such?

STILL THE THINGS MOST SURELY BELIEVED AMONG US?

In reference to the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, Charles Haddon Spurgeon called it as the “most excellent epitome of the things most surely believed among us.” Needless to say that there are many who are uninformed of the contents of the Confession and yet their church subscribe to it. I am not ignorant of the fact that reading the confession of faith alone won’t take you to heaven. Neither being a Baptist for that matter. It’s only through repentance and faith in the death of Lord Jesus Christ. However, if the church you belong to subscribe to a confession of faith or some Church Constitution, surely won’t you, at least try and read the contents? This is a challenge the church of our day is facing- ignorance! I am not talking about the pastors and elders, these of course are not ignorant but the average Church member. Brethren we are not reading!
The art of reading among this generation has been lost. The experiences and habits gained from SMS, movies, emails, instant messaging, Skype and Facebook are not helping matters. These are tailored towards immediate consumption. We are leaving in “instant times,” when everything happens in a moment. Technological advancement enables people to get what they want immediately. You think of a friend, you can immediately call them up, Skype them, send them a message or post on their Facebook wall, send them an SMS, MMS, email and you shall be in touch immediately. However when it comes to reading Christian literature, there is no instant! How on earth can you read John Owen in an instant? The guy writes as though its Rocket science meant for Phd's and professors only. This calls for much study and hard work. The young Timothy was told to “Study to show himself approved, a workman able to divide the word.” There is no excuse to studying if we are going to be well grounded in the faith. We are further exhorted to “guard your doctrine and practice carefully.” Peter tells us that some stuff that we have to read won’t be easy to understand (2 Peter 3:16) and yet we need to persevere.
It is said of CH Spurgeon that he had 12,000 books and loved them all. It is further said that he would read six substantive books per week! It is very sad for some in our number who can remember reading a 100 paged Christian paperback, not in a week like Spurgeon, but in the last 2 years. I remember about 10 years ago hearing of the Junior Youth Group visiting a lady of church at her home. In the cause of the visit, the young people asked her what book she was currently reading. She narrated that she felt challenged because at that time she had been reading the bible only. They gently encouraged her to read other Christian books if she was to grow in her Christian faith. The following Sunday she went straight to the bookshop to buy a Christian book. Such was the zeal! The youth leaders would place a book in your hands on Sunday and give you two week to give a book review at the youth meeting.
There is need to slow down and recheck our habits that have been formed around the gadgets! We need to set aside time to read good well tested Christian books especially of the previous generation- the puritans and reformers. There is need to keep challenging one another what book/s your colleagues are reading- apart from the bible. Let us lend each other books. Lastly, we need to practice what we read. Remember, doctrine and practice always go hand in hand. May the Lord truly bless us and cause that we may love to read His word and also the Christian literature for our sanctification.