Paul Baynes, Brief Directions Unto a Godly Life, Chapter Seventeen

09 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by memoirandremains in Biblical Counseling, Paul Baynes

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1 Peter 1:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Timothy 5:10, 1. Thessalonians 5:16, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2 Samuel 15:26, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 2 Timothy 4:5, 4:2; Hebrews 3:14, Acts 24:16, Acts 24:16 & 24:7, Acts 26:7 2 Corinthians 1:13., Acts 2:38, Acts 2:46, Brief Directions Onto a Godly Life, Deuteronomy 5:29, Ephesians 4:26; Job 1:5, Galatians 6:16, Hebrews 3:12, Hebrews 3:13, Hosea 14:2-3, James 1:5; 2 Chronicles 20:34; Lamentations 3:27, James 2:23. In afflictions, James 5:13, Joshua 1:8, Lamentations 3:23, Luke 1:75, Luke 9:23, Matthew 26:41, Paul Bayne, Paul Baynes, Philippians 4:4, Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 21:14, Proverbs 28:13, Proverbs 4:26, Proverbs 4:8., Proverbs 6:22, Proverbs 8:33, Psalm 103:3, Psalm 118:7, Psalm 119:164, Psalm 119:9, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 145:2, Psalm 32:6, Psalm 55:16, Psalm 5:3, Psalm 91:15

The previous post in this series may be found here: http://wp.me/p1S7fR-24t

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: DIRECTIONS FOR THE WEAK CHRISTIAN

Now that a believer is defined, the godly life described, and the helps thereto adjoined, it remains in the next place to direct the weak Christian in the right use of means. For those duties of godliness are not left to men sometimes to be practiced and at other times neglected; nor are means to be only used generally but not particularly; means must be used daily and throughout each day. This does not mean that one must do the same things every day, but rather that all evil should be avoided every day; and such good done every day as in our calling and life shall be occasioned.

Daily Intake of God’s Word

First, therefore, the believer must have direction for his life every day out of God’s Word. 1 Peter 1:17, 4:2; Hebrews 3:14, Luke 1:75.

a. The Scripture commends us to a certain course of walk in with God and a particular direction of our lives. Psalm 119:9, Proverbs 10:9, Galatians 6:16. This must be kept and daily followed by us. Proverbs 21:14, 1 Timothy 5:10, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 91:15, Acts 24:16 & 24:7, Psalm 145:2. Therefore, Christians must be guided by some daily directions in the leading of their lives.

b. Furthermore, many parts of a daily direction as will sufficiently direct a man are found enjoined in the Word of God; these instructions are be used daily. In prosperity, James 5:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, James 2:23. In afflictions, James 1:5; 2 Chronicles 20:34; Lamentations 3:27, Psalm 32:6, 2 Samuel 15:26, Luke 9:23, Deuteronomy 33:12, Matthew 26:41. Among the helps for prayer, Psalm 55:16, Psalm 119:164, Proverbs 6:22. For watchfulness, Psalm 119:97. For reading, Joshua 1:8. And as for public hearing, Proverbs 8:33, Acts 2:46.

c. Besides, if we consider the danger that follows the neglecting of this direction, by taking unlawful liberty, that there will be reason to stir us up to embrace this truth; for, first we are caught presently with the deceitfulness of sin some way or other. Matthew 26:41, Hebrews 3:13, 2 Timothy 4:5, Proverbs 28:13.

God Corrects

Secondly, God himself though he keeps his children from many evils while they desire it, yet if they be secure, he leaves them to themselves does punish their sin as he does other men’s. 2 Samuel 7:1,; 2 Chronicles 16:9, Proverbs 10:9, Psalm 89:3. And we all know that Satan watches for any opportunity to hurt us. Matthew 13:44, Matthew12:44.

Rise When You Fall

That this daily direction is the best means to keep us well – while we are well—and to raise us up when we fall.

Daily Care

That the very Ten Commandments teach us daily exercise. Three commandments make mention of particular days; and the commandments are generally applicable on all days.

No Time to be Careless

God has forbidden us to consider any day’s time for which we may be careless. Galatians 4:10, Colossians 2:16, Hebrews 5:8.

Our Citizenship is in Heaven

And lastly, that our whole daily conversation must be in heaven Philippians 1:27 & 3:20.

Take Care

Therefore, as a man that has a long journey to travel will not count it sufficient to merely notice whether he is going east or west, but rather will take particular note of the way; so ought we to learn wisdom since we have a long pilgrimage. We must not content ourselves with generalities, but rather we must pay attention to the particular means – which may help us forward in the kingdom of heaven.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE MUST BE LIVED EVERY DAY

Now it follows to show what is daily direction is. It is to gather together certain rules are God’s Word, that which we may be enabled every day according to the will of God with sound peace.

There are the following of such direction as they will and constant effort to please God in all things every day as long as we are to the peace of our own conscience and glorifying of God. And the description is to be observed:

That it is called an endeavor only, because perfection is neither required of God nor to be looked for in the best Christians. Thus such places as, Psalm 119:1, Luke 11:28, which to require perfection are to be expounded by those that speak of endeavor, such as, Chronicles 28:7, Hosea 6:3, acts 24:16. But this is an inseparable fear of the fear of God, and must be in our hearts continually.

That this endeavor must be hearty, not constrained or hollow, but constant, that we faint not, but hold out therein.

Whereto it tends, viz, to please God in all things. Luke 16:13, Colossians 1, Hebrews 13:18.

Lastly, that this must be daily and continued to the end. Acts 24:16, Proverbs 4:26, Acts 26:7 2 Corinthians 1:13.

The Ncessary Parts of Daily Directions are These Eight.

1. First every day we should be humbled for our sins, as through due examination of our lives by the law of God we shall see them. Psalm 5:3, Ephesians 4:26; Job 1:5.

2. Every day we ought to be raised up in assured hope of forgiveness: of them by the promises of God in Christ; this is never separated from the former, Acts 2:38, Hosea 14:2-3. The words “this day” in the Lord’s Prayer teach us at least this much.

3. Every day we ought to prepare our hearts to seek the Lord still and keep them fit ndnd willing thereto. Hebrews 3:12, Deuteronomy 5:29, Proverbs 4:8.

4. Every day we must strongly and resolutely arm ourselves against all evil and sin, fearing most of all to is offend God.

5. Every day we must nourish our fear and love of God and joy in him more than in anything and endeavor to please him in all duties as occasion shall be offered. 2 Thessalonians 3:5.

6. Every day our thanks be for benefits received and still certainly hoped for. Lamentations 3:23, Psalm 118:7, Psalm 103:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

7. Every day we ought to watch and pray for steadfastness and constancy in all these Ephesians 1:17.

8. Every day hold and keep our peace with God, and so lie down with it. 2 Corinthians 1:12, Philippians 4:4, 1. Thessalonians 5:16.

These are all necessary, as without which we can never be safe, we could never taste of true joy. But here are two extremes to be avoided in conceiving [thinking about] of them.

First, that we think it not sufficient to regard these duties, some one time in the day; for we must have this present with us, and our hearts seasoned with them throughout the day. Second, that we do not take occasions from hence to shake off our callings, or to neglect any part of them. For in our ordinary and meanest [least important] works, we may and must serve God by doing them in faith, not for carnal respect only: and avoiding the common sins that profane ones join with them.

Paul Baynes, Brief Directions Unto a Godly Life, Chapter Nineteen

21 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by memoirandremains in Biblical Counseling, Discipleship, Obedience, Paul Baynes

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1 Corinthians 10:24, 1 Corinthians 11:31, 1 Corinthians 7:20, 1 Peter 1:6, 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 6:9, 10; Proverbs 13:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:6., 2 Timothy 3:12, Acts 10:2, Biblical Counseling, Brief Directions Onto a Godly Life, Daniel 6:10, Ephesians 4:18, Genesis 18:16, Genesis 3:19, Hebrews 12:11, James 1:2, Job 11:8, Job 1:6, Joshua 1:8, Joshua 24:15, Lamentations 2:27, Lamentations 3:33, Matthew 6:6, Paul Bayne, Paul Baynes, Philippians 3:14, Preaching, Proverbs 6:22, Puritan, Romans 5:5, Romans 8:29

The previous post in this series may be found here: https://memoirandremains.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/paul-baynes-brief-directions-unto-a-godly-life-chapter-eighteen/

CHAPTER NINETEEN: GENERAL RULES FOR DAILY LIFE

Concerning outward actions, no certain rules can be given in particular, because they are variable and diverse. Yet some outward duties there are, although not necessary to be done daily, yet commonly to be observed; very profitable and helpful to live well and happily, by settling us in the practice of a daily direction. Such are these that follow:

How to Go About our Daily Business

1. That we walk with God, that is, that as soon as we have broken off our sleep, we set God before our eyes and our hearts upon him, resolving to walk with him that day. Proverbs 6:22. This accustoming ourselves to thoughts at the first awakening, by setting our hearts upon some holy and heavenly things, would be a good entrance to the well spending of the day, and a preventing of various evils.

2. That in some manner, if it may be, before we enter upon other affairs, we offer up our morning prayer to God, confessing our especial sins, remembering his particular favors; requesting both pardon for things passed and assisting us with blessings for time to come, especially for that day. Daniel 6:10. For the helping forward of this duty, it is fit that some holy meditation be joined with it. This being joined a hearty renewing of our covenant will so season us in the morning, that we shall retain the flavor, and hold the strength of such gracious beginning all the day after.

3. That event (it shall be expedient) we with our minds still kept well-ordered, betake ourselves to our calling and vocation. Wherein we must not so much mind our profit, that we cool any grace thereby or quench holy affections in us. That we must have a calling, see Genesis 3:19, Ephesians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6. But that we must labor diligently therein, 1 Corinthians 7:20, 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 10; Proverbs 13:4, 11 & 18:9, & 24:30.

But that the walking and are calling may diligently please God, we must so use earthly dealings that we neglect not spiritual duties; we must avoid worldly mindedness on the one part as idleness on the other: both which we shall be encouraged on to, if we consider that it is the Lord who sets us in our callings, and has promised to be us, and to give us good success, and to help us to bear all tediousness therein; and further, that he wills us to do all such duties for his sake, in such manner, as if we did that to him; and from him to look for reward. Joshua 1:8.

4. That in all company we behave ourselves as we are taught of God and as it becomes us, especially so as [to] leave no ill favor behind us. We must not therefore rush unadvisedly into it, as most but do, but determined before to do good onto others, as we be able, or to take good of others^[1] as occasion is offered. Colossians 4:6; Joshua 1:8; one Timothy 4:12. We must take heed of the danger which will come from fruitless and hurtful talking and behavior, which in most company we shall meet with.

Occasions of good speech must not be only taken, but sought and waited for. Acts 26:28.

If the company be so desperate that there is no place for God, yet we must keep ourselves from their unfruitful works of darkness, by giving of apparent tokens of our dislike, leaving them also as soon as we can, attending them afterwards as much as we may conveniently [do].

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Paul Baynes, Brief Directions Unto a Godly Life, Chapter 12, Meditation

12 Monday May 2014

Posted by memoirandremains in Biblical Counseling, Meditation, Paul Baynes, Spiritual Disciplines

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The previous post in this series may be found here: https://memoirandremains.wordpress.com/2014/05/09/paul-baynes-brief-directions-unto-a-godly-life-chapter-eleven/

CHAPTER TWELVE: PRIVATE DISCIPLINES, MEDITATION

Meditation

The second private help is meditation; and that is when we do of purpose separate ourselves from all other things, and consider as we are able and think of some points of instruction necessary to lead us forward to the kingdom of heaven, and the better strengthening us against the Devil and this present evil world, and to the well-ordering of our lives. This heavenly communion with God and ourselves is that which the Fathers called soliloquies: which must be distinguished from ordinary thinking of good things and pondering of words and actions, which yet in Scriptures is called meditation: Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:97. For that [careful consideration of things] ought never to be wanting [lacking], beinga part of watchfulness, and is exercised together with prayer; but this is more solemn: when a man of set purpose does separate himself from other business to solace himself in these holy and heavenly thoughts.

The matter of this meditation may be on any part of God’s Word, of God himself and his works of mercy and judgment, or our own estate, the vanity and misery of this world and of the manifold privileges which we with the rest of God’s children and joy (but [it should be] especially of those things which we have most special need of).

The great and necessary use of this duty may well appear even in the hearts of good Christians, in which there is much naughtiness;^[1] so many rebellions and [such] loathsome filthiness that [it] makes some despair of reforming; and therefore they cease to endeavor it. Yet if such noisome poisons be suffered to lurk and remain in them, they will not only as sour weeds choke the plants of grace within us, but also grow up themselves, and bring forth most noisome and dangerous fruit, as by woeful experience men feel and try.

The Great Benefit of Meditation

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