Reading Theological Books Devotionally

Reading Theological Books Devotionally

Reading is gaining knowledge: 

We must be sure that this knowledge does not puff us up: 

“To come immediately to the point, there can be no question at all, it seems to me, that the peculiar danger that threatens those of us who meet annually in this conference, is the danger of pride and intellect and pride of knowledge.” - Lloyd-Jones, p. 25 

p. 27 

Beeke, p. 55 

This knowledge must be applied to our lives: 

Lloyd-Jones, p. 41 

“Ah, brethren, I tremble for you. Unsanctified knowledge will be like a millstone to sink your soul.” R.M. McCheyne, A Believer’s Joy, p 34 

“While the intellect gives guidance and direction to this [dogmatic] reflection, it is not purely an intellectual activity, but one that is moral and emotional as well. . . . It calls for deep spirituality, for religious fervour, for willing subjection to the truth as it is revealed in the Word of God, for a consuming passion to gain an ever-increasing insight into the truth in all its bearings, for diligent exegetical study, and for constructive ability.” Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, pp 11-12 

And so, true knowledge is applied to our lives 

Beeke, p. 19 

We must pray for this:  

“He that prays much, believes well; and no man that neglects prayer can act faith.” Robert Traill, Works of Robert Traill Vol. 2, p 143  

“Prayer and watchfulness have a reciprocal influence upon one another. Neglect of prayer will make you yield to temptation, and the indulgence of sin will make you afraid to pray. But habitual watchfulness will carry you with comfort to God at the hour of prayer, both in thankfulness for the past mercies, and reliance on him for future strength.” John Witherspoon, The Works of John Witherspoon Vol. 2, p 190  

p. 17 Beeke 

We must sing for this: 

Beeke’s whole systematic 

I think we can learn from the way that we hold worship services 

The results: 

We will rejoice in the Lord (psalm 9). We will have a great desire to see others turn to the Lord, and we will seek to follow Him in every area of our lives.