J.I. Packer: Embracing Puritan Wisdom in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Depth of Scriptural Reflection

Engaging deeply with Scripture is essential for spiritual growth. J.I. Packer emphasized the importance of thoughtful reflection on the Bible, as it allows believers to gain a deeper understanding of God's word. This process is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual discipline that invites the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths of Scripture. By meditating on the Word, believers can experience transformation and renewal of the mind, aligning their thoughts with God's will. Packer's insights remind us that engaging our minds in our spiritual journey is crucial for a vibrant faith. [01:40]

2 Timothy 2:7 (ESV): "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."

Reflection: What specific passage of Scripture can you meditate on today, asking God to deepen your understanding and application of its truths in your life?

Day 2: The Timeless Impact of Written Theology

J.I. Packer's writings have had a profound impact on the global Christian community, demonstrating the enduring power of the written word. His ability to articulate complex theological ideas with clarity has allowed his works to transcend time and cultural boundaries. Packer's legacy is a testament to the fact that well-crafted and thoughtful writing can shape faith and theology for generations. His influence encourages us to value and engage with theological writings that challenge and deepen our understanding of God. [04:28]

Isaiah 30:8 (ESV): "And now, go, write it before them on a tablet and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come as a witness forever."

Reflection: Is there a theological book or article you can read this week that might deepen your understanding of God and His ways?

Day 3: Confronting and Managing Sin

Packer's encounter with John Owen's writings provided him with a framework to understand and manage persistent sin. This understanding prevented him from falling into despair, highlighting the importance of realistic self-assessment and repentance in the Christian life. By acknowledging our weaknesses and turning to God for strength, we can overcome the power of sin in our lives. Packer's insights remind us that managing sin is an ongoing process that requires humility and reliance on God's grace. [14:02]

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV): "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: What is one area of sin in your life that you need to confront today? How can you seek God's help in overcoming it?

Day 4: The Richness of Puritan Theology

J.I. Packer's admiration for the Puritans was rooted in their depth and commitment to Scripture. He saw them as spiritual giants whose insights into the Christian life offer a richness and solidity often lacking in contemporary evangelicalism. The Puritans' ability to integrate joy and suffering in their understanding of life provides a model for a balanced and mature faith. Packer's love for the Puritans challenges us to explore historical theological insights that can enrich our spiritual journey today. [18:26]

Hebrews 13:7 (ESV): "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the depth and commitment of the Puritans into your own spiritual practices this week?

Day 5: The Value of Historical Theology

Packer's engagement with historical theology, particularly the Puritans, enriched his understanding of the Christian life. This engagement serves as a reminder of the value of historical insights in informing and deepening our faith today. By studying the works of past theologians, we can gain a broader perspective on the Christian faith and learn from their wisdom and experiences. Packer's life encourages us to delve into historical theology as a means of strengthening our own spiritual foundation. [19:01]

Psalm 78:2-4 (ESV): "I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."

Reflection: What historical theological work can you explore this month to gain a deeper understanding of your faith?

Sermon Summary

In reflecting on the life and legacy of J.I. Packer, we delve into the profound impact of his writings and teachings, particularly his love for the Puritans. Packer, a professor of theology at Regent College, is renowned for his deep theological insights and his ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity. His influence is primarily through his written works, which have reached a vast audience, demonstrating the enduring power of the written word. Packer's journey began with a conversion experience at Oxford, where he was profoundly influenced by the Puritans, especially John Owen. Owen's writings provided Packer with a framework to understand and manage the persistent sin in his life, preventing him from falling into despair.

Packer's appreciation for the Puritans is evident in his works, such as "A Quest for Godliness," which explores the Puritan vision of the Christian life. He admired their depth, commitment to Scripture, and their ability to integrate joy and suffering in their understanding of life. This appreciation for the Puritans also influenced his views on contemporary evangelicalism, which he often critiqued for its lack of depth and substance. Packer's life and work remind us of the importance of thoughtful engagement with Scripture and the value of historical theological insights in shaping our faith today.

Key Takeaways

1. articulated ideas can transcend time and space. [04:28]
3. Understanding and Managing Sin: Packer's encounter with John Owen's writings provided him with a framework to understand and manage the persistent sin in his life. This understanding prevented despair and highlighted the importance of realistic self-assessment and repentance in the Christian life.

4. The Richness of Puritan Theology: Packer's love for the Puritans was rooted in their depth and commitment to Scripture. He saw them as spiritual giants whose insights into the Christian life offer a richness and solidity often lacking in contemporary evangelicalism.

5. The Role of Historical Theology: Packer's engagement with historical theology, particularly the Puritans, enriched his understanding of the Christian life. This engagement serves as a reminder of the value of historical insights in informing and deepening our faith today. [04:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction to J.I. Packer
[00:55] - Packer's Legacy and Influence
[01:14] - The Importance of Thoughtful Reflection
[02:49] - Prayer for Understanding
[04:07] - Packer's Impact Through Writing
[05:17] - Personal Anecdotes and Humor
[06:21] - Packer's Love for Jazz
[09:04] - Conversion and Early Influences
[11:57] - Encounter with Perfectionism
[14:02] - John Owen's Influence
[16:21] - Packer's Love for the Puritans
[18:10] - Critique of Contemporary Evangelicalism
[19:46] - Understanding the Puritans
[21:05] - Resources for Further Reading

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Reflecting on the Life and Legacy of J.I. Packer

Bible Reading:

2 Timothy 2:7 - "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."
Romans 8:13 - "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
1 John 3:9 - "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God."

Observation Questions:

What was J.I. Packer's primary influence in his theological journey, and how did it shape his understanding of sin? ([14:02])
How did Packer's love for the Puritans manifest in his writings and teachings? ([16:21])
What role did Packer believe the written word played in shaping faith and theology? ([04:28])
How did Packer's conversion experience at Oxford influence his theological perspective? ([10:49])

Interpretation Questions:

How does 2 Timothy 2:7 relate to Packer's emphasis on thoughtful reflection in understanding Scripture? ([01:14])
In what ways did John Owen's writings help Packer manage his understanding of sin, and how might this apply to contemporary believers? ([14:02])
How does Packer's critique of contemporary evangelicalism reflect his appreciation for the depth of Puritan theology? ([18:26])
What insights can be drawn from Packer's engagement with historical theology, particularly the Puritans, in enriching one's faith today? ([19:01])

Application Questions:

Reflect on your own process of engaging with Scripture. How can you incorporate more thoughtful reflection as encouraged by 2 Timothy 2:7 in your daily study? ([01:14])
Consider the role of the written word in your spiritual journey. How can you prioritize reading theological works that deepen your understanding of faith? ([04:28])
Identify a persistent sin in your life. How can the framework provided by John Owen, as described by Packer, help you manage and understand this sin? ([14:02])
Packer admired the Puritans for their integration of joy and suffering. How can you apply this perspective to your own experiences of joy and suffering? ([16:21])
Packer critiqued contemporary evangelicalism for its lack of depth. How can you seek out and engage with deeper theological insights in your faith community? ([18:26])
Reflect on a historical theological figure or movement that has influenced your faith. How can you further explore their teachings to enrich your spiritual life? ([19:01])
Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by sin or doubt. How can Packer's approach to understanding and managing sin provide comfort and guidance in such moments? ([14:02])

Sermon Clips

Think over what I say for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. Isn't that interesting? Think over what I say for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. There's a lot of people who take the second reality the Lord will grant you understanding and say therefore you don't need to think over what Paul says because you got a straight line here from God to your mind. [00:01:14]

Packer's impact is mainly through his writing. We'll talk about a few other organizational things that he got involved in but uh I think if you if you took a survey of all the people that have ever heard of jip Packer or been influenced by jip packer in whatever way 96% would be through his writing which is an amazing testimony to the power of the written word. [00:04:28]

John Owen saved my life meaning that this book right here the sixth volume of John Owen's Works called the nature power deceit and prevalency of the remainders of indwelling sin in Believers that book saved his life literally he says because John Owen gave him a Biblical framework for understanding the remaining sin in his life that'll always be there and how to handle it. [00:14:02]

John Owen is the greatest Puritan Theologian 300 years ago this is one of 16 volumes he's hard to read and heavy but for those who have a heart for real Rich Mar Arrow of divinity I recommend him John Owen saved his life in fact I can read you a little bit from this book a quest for godliness by ji Packer oh this is good oh this is Good Stuff. [00:15:21]

American evangelicalism is a thousand miles wide and a quarter of an inch deep that if you go back to the to the pure pans he says they are like the redwoods in in Yos Park that are some of them almost 2,000 years old they're just simply massive they put all other trees to Absolute shame which is the way the Puritans do to virtually all contemporary thinkers. [00:18:26]

I feel that way I I go back and and when I read them I say wow this is another world this is a world of depth a world of solidity a world of insight a world of strength and power and unshakable commitment to the word of God centeredness and riyle is in that camp if you're wondering well now who who are the Puritans what are you talking about. [00:19:01]

He experienced a conversion at Oxford through the Oxford Intercollegiate Christian union in a way that I think is remarkable the same thing is true of many remarkable leaders namely he went to one of these Union meetings and a total unknown namely Earl Langston of Waymouth England preached and Packer said the scales fell from my eyes and I saw the way in now. [00:10:17]

If you are a certain introvert kind a Melancholy type and you've just been born again you you think and then somebody starts to tell you that normal Christian Living is above sin you are you are preparing a person for Destruction and I heard him tell this story on a tape this is pretty whitewashed version of it in the book here he talked in terms of suicide. [00:13:27]

He experienced a conversion at Oxford through the Oxford Intercollegiate Christian union in a way that I think is remarkable the same thing is true of many remarkable leaders namely he went to one of these Union meetings and a total unknown namely Earl Langston of Waymouth England preached and Packer said the scales fell from my eyes and I saw the way in now. [00:10:17]

He experienced a conversion at Oxford through the Oxford Intercollegiate Christian union in a way that I think is remarkable the same thing is true of many remarkable leaders namely he went to one of these Union meetings and a total unknown namely Earl Langston of Waymouth England preached and Packer said the scales fell from my eyes and I saw the way in now. [00:10:17]

He experienced a conversion at Oxford through the Oxford Intercollegiate Christian union in a way that I think is remarkable the same thing is true of many remarkable leaders namely he went to one of these Union meetings and a total unknown namely Earl Langston of Waymouth England preached and Packer said the scales fell from my eyes and I saw the way in now. [00:10:17]

He experienced a conversion at Oxford through the Oxford Intercollegiate Christian union in a way that I think is remarkable the same thing is true of many remarkable leaders namely he went to one of these Union meetings and a total unknown namely Earl Langston of Waymouth England preached and Packer said the scales fell from my eyes and I saw the way in now. [00:10:17]

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J.I. Packer: Embracing Puritan Wisdom in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Depth of Scriptural Reflection

Day 2: The Timeless Impact of Written Theology

Day 3: Confronting and Managing Sin

Day 4: The Richness of Puritan Theology

Day 5: The Value of Historical Theology

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

J.I. Packer: Embracing Puritan Wisdom in Faith

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