Examining a Joyful Letter Using CAPTOR

“Friday, April 2, 1742 In the afternoon I felt, in secret prayer, much resigned, calm, and serene. What are all the storms of this lower world, if Jesus by his Spirit does but come walking on the seas! – Some time past, I had much pleasure in the prospect of the heathen being brought home to Christ, and desired that the Lord would employ me in that work: - but now, my soul more frequently desires to die, to be with Christ. O that my soul were wrapt up in divine love, and my longing desires after God increased! – In the evening, was refreshed in prayer, with the hopes of the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the world.”

Saturday, April 3, Was very much amiss this morning, and had a bad night. I thought, if God would take me to himself now, my soul would exceedingly rejoice. O that I may be always humble and resigned to God and that he would cause my soul to be more fixed on himself that I may be more fitted both for doing and suffering!

Many of us can identify with Brainerd’s experience.

Life is hard now. Why can’t I just be with Jesus?

What is the Fallen Condition Focus (FCF)?“What aspect of the fallen condition of mankind does this

passage address?”Intense struggle / fight / conflict - anguish / intense sorrow

(v. 30)Suffering (v. 29)Opposition – Conflict (v. 28)

Paul - imprisoned for Bible studies and sermonsWhat form of opposition often faces North American Christians?

Scorn, ridicule, rejection, false accusations, family divisionIntimidation / Fear (v. 28)Desire to be free from distress (v. 23)

What is God’s REMEDY for the FCF? Suffering (v. 29)For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on

him, but also to suffer for himOrdeals are a part of our Shepherd’s care

Romans 5:3-4 we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

2 Corinthians 1:9 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

1 Peter 4:14 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

What is God’s REMEDY for the FCF? Suffering (v. 29)Faith (v. 29)Spirit of Christ (v. 19)

Jesus’ constant companion Birth ………Matthew 1:20 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord

appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Baptism…… Matthew 3:16 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.

Wilderness…… Matthew 4:1-2 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to

be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

Death…… Hebrews 9:14 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God,

Resurrection….. 1 Peter 3:18 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous

for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

What is God’s REMEDY for the FCF? Suffering (v. 29)Faith (v. 29)Spirit of Christ (v. 19) Spiritual Friends (v. 19)

• His Ear (v. 19)• Future Hope (v. 23) • Deletion of Evil (v. 28)

How are we to RESPOND to God’s provision?Live worthy of the gift we have (v. 27)Grow in grace together (v. 19, 27)

Paul – model of a mature and faithful leader – told others about his problems and concerns. Gospel community building requires self-disclosure.

What are some ways others have encouraged you during a difficult time?

What are some things others did that were not helpful or were hurtful?

How are we to RESPOND to God’s provision?Live worthy of the gift we have (v. 27)Grow in grace together (v. 19, 27)

Paul – model of a mature and faithful leader – told others about his problems and concerns. Gospel community building requires self-disclosure.

Help others enjoy God (v. 25,26)

Westminster Shorter Catechism 1 What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him

forever.

Why do we find it easier to encourage others to glorify God than to enjoy God?

What can we do to help others enjoy God more?Be with them (v. 26)Prayer (v. 19)Remind them of the depth and security of Christ’s loveRemind of God’s joy over them (Zeph. 3:14-17)Remind them of the security of their future hopeEnjoy the gifts God’s given (1 Tim. 6:17)

How are we to RESPOND to God’s provision?Live worthy of the gift we have (v. 27)Grow in grace together (v. 19, 27)

Paul – model of a mature and faithful leader – told others about his problems and concerns. Gospel community building requires self-disclosure.

Help others enjoy God (v. 25,26)