Reformed Thinking

Deep Dive into The Spirit of Love the Opposite of a Selfish Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:5) by Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards’ discourse on 1 Corinthians 13:5 asserts that the spirit of Christian charity is the direct opposite of a selfish spirit. Edwards argues that while humanity was originally created with a noble, expansive love for God and creation, the Fall contracted the human soul into a narrow, confined selfishness.

Edwards clarifies that charity does not require the elimination of all self-love, noting that the desire for happiness is essential to existence and is appealed to throughout Scripture. Instead, charity opposes inordinate self-love. This inordinateness consists not in the intensity of one’s love for happiness, but in its comparative magnitude relative to love for God, and in placing one’s happiness in private, exclusive goods rather than in the common good.

The spirit of charity manifests by seeking the things of others rather than solely one's own. This includes seeking to please God and promoting the spiritual and temporal welfare of one's neighbor. It produces a merciful, liberal, and public-spirited character that regards the afflictions of others as one’s own. Furthermore, this spirit disposes a person to willingly forgo their own rights and interests for the benefit of others.

Edwards emphasizes that this divine love is supernatural, distinct from natural affections which often stem from self-interest. He points to the example of Jesus Christ as the ultimate evidence of this spirit: Christ loved His enemies, identified His interests with those of His people, and sacrificed Himself without expectation of repayment. Finally, Edwards argues that Christians should abandon selfishness because they belong to God by right of creation and redemption, are members of one spiritual body, and will find their own best interest secured by God when they devote themselves to the good of others.

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Deep Dive into The Old Paths and the New Error: Why the New Perspective on Paul Undermines the Gospel of Grace

The provided sources evaluate the New Perspective on Paul (NPP) from a Reformed theological standpoint, acknowledging its historical insights while rigorously rejecting its doctrinal reformulation of justification. NPP proponents like Sanders, Dunn, and Wright argue that Paul’s critique of works of the law targeted Jewish boundary markers like circumcision rather than moral legalism, suggesting justification defines covenant membership rather than how a sinner is declared righteous. The sources concede that the NPP correctly identifies the Jew-Gentile tension in the early church and guards against caricaturing Second Temple Judaism.

However, the authors contend that the NPP fatally obscures the gospel by shifting focus from a vertical, judicial verdict to a horizontal, sociological status. Exegetical tests in Galatians and Romans demonstrate that Paul’s argument against the law addresses universal moral guilt and the need for propitiation, not merely ethnic exclusion. Furthermore, the sources defend the translation of pistis Christou as faith in Christ, arguing that faith is the instrument of reception, not a meritorious faithfulness.

Theologically, the texts warn that the NPP’s concept of covenantal nomism—entering by grace but maintaining status through obedience—collapses the distinction between Law and Gospel. By replacing the imputation of Christ’s righteousness with a concept of vindication based on Spirit-wrought faithfulness, the NPP risks making final salvation contingent on human effort. The authors conclude that this shift destroys pastoral assurance; true peace of conscience requires the Westminster Confession's teaching that justification rests solely on Christ’s alien righteousness, received by faith alone, distinct from the believer's imperfect works.

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Deep Dive into The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon - Psalm 79

Charles Spurgeon presents Psalm 79 as a patriotic plaint by Asaph, written amid the ruins of Jerusalem to mourn a national overthrow and religious oppression. The Psalm is divided into three sections: a complaint regarding the invasion, a prayer for deliverance and vengeance, and a concluding promise of praise.

The complaint opens with horror that heathens have intruded into God's inheritance, defiled the holy temple, and reduced the city to heaps. The commentary highlights the gruesome nature of the scene, where the blood of God's servants is shed like water and their bodies are left unburied to be devoured by scavenging beasts. This physical devastation is accompanied by deep social shame, as Israel becomes a scorn and derision to its neighbors.

In the prayer section, the psalmist asks how long God's anger will burn, urging Him to turn His wrath toward the kingdoms that do not know Him. The text emphasizes a plea for grace, asking God not to hold "former iniquities" against them but to send "tender mercies" speedily because the nation is brought very low. Spurgeon notes that the most powerful argument used here is for the "glory of thy name," appealing to God to save His people to vindicate His own honor among the nations.

The psalmist further intercedes for the "sighing of the prisoner" and those "appointed to die," asking God to preserve them by His great power. The prayer concludes by asking God to return the reproach of the neighbors sevenfold. Finally, the Psalm ends with a vow that God’s people, described as the sheep of His pasture, will give thanks and show forth His praise to all generations.

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Deep Dive into Roots Before Fruit: The Danger of the Novice Elder

The provided texts argue that the biblical prohibition against ordaining a "novice" (1 Timothy 3:6) is a vital theological safeguard designed to protect both the individual leader and the church. The Greek term used, neophytos, literally means "newly planted," employing an agricultural metaphor to describe a believer who possesses spiritual life but lacks the deep root system necessary to withstand the pressures of authority. The primary danger cited is that a recent convert, if elevated too quickly, will become "puffed up" with pride, falling into the "condemnation of the devil". This is described not merely as arrogance, but as a cognitive distortion or "spiritual fog" that blinds a man to his own dependence on grace.

The sources critique the modern church's "idol of immediacy," which often prioritizes pragmatism and "celebrity converts" over biblical fidelity. By fast-tracking talented or famous individuals into leadership, the church confuses natural gifts—such as eloquence or charm—with the spiritual graces of a tested character. True spiritual maturity is portrayed as the fruit of time, suffering, and "obscure faithfulness," which cannot be manufactured overnight.

Ultimately, the restriction is presented as a "severe mercy". It guards the novice from the judgment that follows pride and protects the flock from the instability of immature leadership. The texts conclude that the church must reject the cultural demand for speed and instead look to the example of Jesus Christ, who, though perfect, submitted to years of obscure preparation before His public ministry. Obedience to this command ensures that leaders stand on the solid rock of proven character rather than the sinking sand of charisma.

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Deep Dive into Biblical Missions: Principles, Priorities, and Practices by Mark Tatlock and Christ Burnett - Shrewdly Investing in the Great Commission: The Parable in Luke 16:1-13

The provided texts explore biblical principles and practical applications regarding missions funding and communication. Eric Weathers analyzes the parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1–13 to derive principles for investing in the Great Commission. In the parable, a dishonest manager reduces the debts of his master’s borrowers to secure favor for himself after he is fired. Weathers explains that Jesus uses this unrighteous example to teach a lesson on shrewdness: just as the manager used material goods for his future benefit, believers should use their temporal wealth to advance the gospel. By investing in ministries such as pastoral training and Bible translation, Christians make eternal friends who will welcome them into heaven.

Dave Deuel examines the strategic role of the Apostle Paul's letters in his missionary efforts. For Paul, letters were a critical extension of his ministry, allowing him to instruct, rebuke, and raise support across great distances. Deuel highlights the importance of the messengers, such as Timothy and Titus, who did not merely deliver mail but acted as partners who effectively preached the letters' content. This model demonstrates how communication tools can bridge geographical gaps and help train future leaders.

Santiago Armel provides a practical guide for modern missionaries, listing fifteen best practices for support-raising communications. He argues that the primary goal of such reports is to invite partnership in God's work rather than merely to solicit funds. Armel suggests focusing on prayer needs, presenting a clear biblical vision, and maintaining professional standards with visuals and concise writing. He cautions against financial manipulation and emphasizes that all communication must ultimately exalt Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the true source of provision and success.

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Deep Dive into Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis - Good Infection

In this selection, C.S. Lewis explains the theology of the Trinity and how it relates to human salvation. He begins by addressing the difficulty of understanding how God the Father can "beget" the Son without existing before Him. Lewis uses the illustration of two books, where one has eternally supported the other, to show how a cause and a result can be co-eternal. He argues that the Son flows from the Father like light from a lamp or thoughts from a mind, meaning there was never a time when the Son did not exist.

Lewis contends that the Christian definition "God is love" is only meaningful if God consists of at least two persons, as love requires an object. The love and union between the Father and Son are so concrete and dynamic that this union acts as a third Person, the Holy Ghost. Lewis distinguishes this from the metaphorical "spirit" of a human group, insisting that God's Spirit is a real Person who acts through believers. Consequently, God is described not as a static object, but as a pulsating activity or a dance.

The ultimate goal of human existence is to join this divine dance. Lewis explains that happiness, energy, and eternal life are not prizes God hands out, but are inherent to the center of reality; to possess them, one must be united to God. He describes this process as a "good infection". While humans naturally possess only biological life, Christ became man to spread His spiritual life to others. The purpose of Christianity is for individuals to catch this infection and become "little Christs," sharing in the begotten life of God.

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Deep Dive into Sanctified Perplexity: Aporia in the English Bible and the Formation of Faith

The provided texts explore the concept of aporia in the English Bible, defining it as moments of textual tension, logical impasse, or rhetorical perplexity that challenge the reader. Rather than viewing these difficulties as errors, the sources present them as divine invitations to deeper exegesis and spiritual formation.

The first approach focuses on the methodological resolution of apparent contradictions, such as the tension between justification by faith and works, or God's immutability versus His apparent repentance. This method employs a rigorous exegetical toolkit, including structural diagramming and lexical analysis, to uncover the author's intent and context. It relies heavily on the Analogy of Faith—Scripture interpreting Scripture—and systematic theology to harmonize these passages within the broader counsel of God. The goal here is to clarify doctrine and move the believer from confusion to "grateful obedience".

The second perspective treats aporia as a deliberate pedagogical device intended to cultivate "sanctified perplexity". Instead of rushing to logical resolution, this view values the impasse found in lament and narrative confusion as a means to humble human reason and drive the believer to prayer. It argues that English translations play a critical role, as "domesticating" translations often smooth over the abrupt questions and repetitions that are essential for training patient faith.

Despite their different emphases—one on logical resolution and the other on formative experience—both sources agree that aporia prevents intellectual autonomy and points ultimately to Christ. Whether through harmonizing doctrinal paradoxes or giving voice to suffering, these biblical tensions are designed to strip away idols and anchor faith in the person and work of Jesus.

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Deep Dive into Planning Under Providence: Living a Vapor-Life for a Sovereign Lord (James 4:14–17)

Based on the provided sources, James 4:13–17 serves as a theological confrontation against the human idol of autonomy. The text addresses a mindset described as "practical atheism," where believers may affirm God doctrinally but plan their daily lives as if He does not exist. James critiques "presumptuous planning" through the example of merchants who speak with absolute certainty about their future travel, trade, and profits. This confidence reveals a heart that has forgotten its creaturely status, effectively attempting to dethrone God by claiming ownership over time.

To shatter this illusion of control, James presents an ontological reality check: human life is a "mist" or "vapor" that appears briefly and then vanishes. This metaphor underscores that humans are transient and contingent; they do not possess the power to guarantee their own existence for another hour, let alone a year. The necessary corrective is not to cease planning, but to submit all intentions to Divine Providence with the posture, "If the Lord wills". The sources emphasize that this phrase is not a superstitious talisman, but a sincere confession that God governs both our life and our actions.

Consequently, planning without this submission is labeled "evil boasting," a sin of arrogance where the creature mimics the Creator. James further expands the definition of sin to include omission, teaching that knowledge of the good creates an immediate responsibility to act. Procrastination and delayed obedience are therefore revealed as moral failures. Ultimately, the text calls for repentance from self-sovereignty and a turn toward Christ, who modeled perfect submission to the Father’s will.

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Deep Dive into The Wheat and the Tares: Divine Patience in the Mystery Kingdom (Matthew 13:24–30)

The parable of the wheat and the weeds in Matthew 13 describes the present form of Christ’s kingdom as a mixed field where true believers and hypocrites coexist. Jesus teaches that while the Son of Man sowed good seed, an enemy—identified as the devil—deliberately sowed counterfeit weeds among the wheat. These weeds are historically identified as darnel, a plant that closely mimics wheat in the early stages of growth, making accurate distinction difficult until the crop bears fruit.

A central tension arises when the servants ask if they should immediately gather up the weeds. The Master forbids this, warning that premature attempts to purge the field will inevitably harm the wheat because their roots are intertwined. This prohibition challenges the human impulse toward immediate control and harsh judgment, often seen in religious purity campaigns that damage tender believers. It suggests that the church lacks the omniscience to distinguish perfectly between a struggling believer and a false professor. Consequently, the parable rejects both the zealotry that seeks a perfectly pure visible church through aggressive uprooting and the cynicism that views the mixture as a failure of Christ's power.

Instead, the text calls for patience rooted in eschatology. The command to let both grow together until the harvest is not an endorsement of evil but a strategic delay to ensure the preservation of the elect. This period represents the inter-advent age, or the "mystery kingdom," where the righteous must endure hostility. Final separation is reserved for the end of the age, executed by angels rather than human servants. At that time, the weeds will be bound for judgment, and the wheat will be gathered safely into the Master’s barn. Thus, believers are called to faithful endurance, trusting that the King’s delay is an expression of His mercy.

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Deep Dive into “Before He Had Finished Speaking”: Covenant Providence, Costly Hospitality, and Faithful Discernment (Genesis 24:15–21)

The narrative of Genesis 24:15–21 serves as a profound theological demonstration of divine providence rather than a mere ancient romance. The text highlights God’s meticulous sovereignty with the temporal marker "before he had finished speaking," revealing that God orchestrates history and answers prayer long before human petitions are voiced. This immediate answer serves as a historical validation that God is not a passive observer but the active Governor of all details, from the thirst of camels to the timing of a young woman's arrival.

The sources emphasize that Rebekah’s appearance is the result of divine preparation. Her specific genealogy and described purity are critical for preserving the holy line of the "seed of the woman" against Canaanite corruption, ensuring the integrity of the lineage that leads to Christ. Furthermore, the servant’s requested sign was not a random superstition but a specific moral test. Rebekah’s offer to water ten thirsty camels involved "costly hospitality," a grueling physical task of drawing roughly 200 to 250 gallons of water. This act did not earn her election but revealed a character of sacrificial service and endurance suitable for the covenant family.

Upon witnessing this, the servant’s response was a "silence of discernment". Rather than rushing to a conclusion based on excitement or impulse, he gazed silently to verify if Yahweh had truly prospered his way. This posture offers a corrective to modern mysticism, advocating that guidance should be confirmed through observable fruit and theological verification rather than subjective feelings. Ultimately, this passage typologically foreshadows the Holy Spirit gathering a pure Bride, the Church, for Christ, urging believers to trust in the sovereign, prevenient grace of God.

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