Chapters 2-3: Self-Violence & Reading the Word

This is my discussion of the second and third chapters of Thomas Watson's book, Heaven Taken by Storm, from 2020. Visit bcnewton.co for more resources for knowing and loving God's Word. Chapter Two Outline Mortification of Sin Provocation to Duty Chapter Three Outline Each paragraph in this chapter is essentially its own attempt to give us “a right notion of Scripture” so that our desire would be to read it diligently. Read the Word as…a book made by God Himself. a perfect rule of faith. a soul-enriching treasury. a book of evidences. a spiritual magazine out of which you fetch all your weapons to fight against sin and Satan. a spiritual glass to dress yourself by. a book of spiritual recipes. a sovereign elixir to comfort you in distress. the last will and testament of Christ. a book by which you must be judged. Questions for Reflection What reasons does Watson give for mortifying sin? Do you agree that prayer is the best means of battling sin? In what ways do you find your heart sluggish to the things of God? Which of Watson’s descriptions of God’s Word stood out most to you? Why? How might you become more diligent in reading the Word?