In his talk tonight at the DG conference Sinclair Ferguson suggested 20 resolutions from the book of James–given Jonathan-Edwards style–that we need to make if we are to live a God-centered, biblical life:
James 1:5 To ask God for wisdom to speak and with a single mind
James 1:9-10 To boast only in exaltation in Christ, & humiliation in world
James 1:13 To set a watch over my mouth
James 1:19 To be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak
James 2:1-4 To learn the gospel way of speaking to poor and the rich
James 2:12 To speak always in the consciousness of the final judgment
James 2:16 To never stand on anyone’s face with my words
James 3:14 To never claim as reality something I do not experience
James 4:1 To resist quarrelsome words in order to mortify a quarrelsome heart
James 4:11 To never speak evil of another
James 4:13 To never boast in what I will accomplish
James 4:15 To always speak as one subject to the providences of God
James 5:9 To never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door
James 5:12 To never allow anything but total integrity in my speech
James 5:13 To speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer
James 5:14 To sing praises to God whenever I am cheerful
James 5:14 To ask for the prayers of others when I am sick
James 5:15 To confess it freely whenever I have failed
James 5:15 To pray with and for one another when I am together with others
James 5:19 To speak words of restoration when I see another wander
I love this man. I love to hear him preach. Wish i was there.
Thanks for sharing that.
Pure, peaceable wisdom (James 3:17). Thank you.
Amen, and Amen. Timely words, thanks for posting this.
In Christ,
Joe
Thanks, JT.. This was really quick and edifying.
Thanks… I was busy importing all the verses into my notes… but wasn’t able to get the summaries, thanks for my notes that much more complete…
I was hoping someone could get this since my pen could not keep up. Great discussion tonight! Thanks for leading the panel.
I didn’t see the talk in question, but I’m assuming “Jonathan-Edwards style” means delivered with eloquent passion — but I have read that Edwards actually spoke quietly and plainly. I would think that as big an Edwards fan as JT wouldn’t use that stereotype. Am I being way too anal retentive, or is JT actually trying to say that Ferguson’s talk was solemn and academic?
Chase,
I think it’s just a reference to a relatively famous writing of Edwards, the Resolutions he wrote when he was 19-20ish.
The Bible is amazing — its wisdom is never faddish, nor failing. It is always a good thing to be pointed back to the book. Thanks jt (and sf) for doing that again. pdb
@trogdor: Thanks! That makes sense now.
oh thank you. i am convicted and challenged and comforted. Life-giving Word of God.