Jonathan Edwards: Faith, Resolutions, and Divine Purpose

 

Summary

Jonathan Edwards' journey is a testament to the profound impact of faith, intellect, and dedication. Arriving at Yale, Edwards immersed himself in rigorous studies, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree. His master's thesis, written in Latin, was a profound statement on justification by faith, showcasing his theological depth even at a young age. Edwards' early ministry began at a Presbyterian church in New York City, a significant shift from his rural upbringing in East Windsor, Connecticut. This experience in the bustling city led him to pen his famous resolutions, which were grounded in humility and a reliance on God's grace. These resolutions reflected a deep commitment to living a life aligned with God's will, a remarkable insight for someone so young.

Edwards' time in New York was also marked by his counsel to reunite a splintered church, demonstrating his maturity and selflessness, as this decision left him without a pastoral position. During his convalescence at home, he wrote his master's thesis and a scientific letter on flying spiders, revealing his diverse interests and intellectual curiosity. This letter, though unpublished, highlighted Edwards' ability to see God's hand in creation, even in the smallest of creatures.

In 1727, Edwards' life took a significant turn when he married Sarah Pierpont and became the assistant minister at Northampton Congregational Church. This position provided him with a stable income and the opportunity to succeed his grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, as the pastor of one of the largest churches in the colonies. Despite his introverted nature and intense dedication to study, Edwards' marriage to Sarah was a profound partnership, described as an "uncommon union." Together, they navigated the challenges of ministry and family life, raising 11 children.

Edwards' story is one of a gifted individual who, despite uncertainties about his future, remained steadfast in his pursuit of God's glory. His life and work continue to inspire, reminding us of the importance of aligning our lives with God's purposes and finding joy in His creation.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Resolutions: Edwards' resolutions were not mere New Year's promises but a lifelong commitment to live in alignment with God's will. His acknowledgment of human limitations and reliance on divine grace is a powerful reminder that true transformation comes from God’s strength, not our own efforts. [03:59]

2. Seeing God in Creation: Edwards' fascination with the natural world, as seen in his study of flying spiders, reflects a profound theological insight: God's wisdom and goodness are evident in all creation. This perspective encourages us to view the world with wonder and gratitude, recognizing God's hand in every detail. [09:32]

3. Selflessness in Ministry: Edwards' decision to counsel a divided church to reunite, even at the cost of his own position, exemplifies true pastoral care. His actions remind us that ministry is not about personal gain but about serving others and fostering unity within the body of Christ. [06:57]

4. The Role of Writing in Spiritual Growth: Edwards' habit of writing, whether theological treatises or personal reflections, was integral to his spiritual development. This practice of thinking in pen and ink can inspire us to use writing as a tool for deepening our understanding of God and articulating our faith journey. [06:14]

5. Balancing Family and Ministry: Despite his intense dedication to study, Edwards' relationship with his wife Sarah was marked by mutual respect and love. Their partnership highlights the importance of balancing ministry responsibilities with family life, ensuring that both are nurtured and valued. [19:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:35] - Edwards' Academic Journey
- [01:22] - Master’s Thesis on Justification
- [02:09] - Early Ministry in New York
- [03:21] - Life in the Big City
- [03:59] - Writing Resolutions
- [04:41] - Insights from Resolutions
- [06:14] - Writing as a Spiritual Practice
- [06:57] - Reuniting the Church
- [07:38] - The Spider Letter
- [09:32] - God’s Wisdom in Creation
- [12:20] - Edwards’ Career Path
- [14:31] - Meeting Sarah Pierpont
- [15:55] - Pastoral Succession
- [18:06] - Marriage and Family Life
- [23:37] - Becoming Pastor of Northampton

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
2. Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
3. Proverbs 16:9 - "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

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Observation Questions:

1. What were some of the key resolutions Jonathan Edwards made, and how did they reflect his commitment to living in alignment with God's will? [03:59]

2. How did Edwards' fascination with the natural world, such as his study of flying spiders, demonstrate his theological insights about God's creation? [09:32]

3. What actions did Edwards take to counsel a divided church in New York, and what were the consequences of his decision? [06:57]

4. How did Edwards balance his intense dedication to study with his family life, particularly in his relationship with his wife, Sarah? [19:52]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Edwards' acknowledgment of human limitations and reliance on divine grace in his resolutions challenge our understanding of personal transformation? [03:59]

2. In what ways does Edwards' view of God's wisdom and goodness in creation, as seen in his study of flying spiders, encourage us to see the world differently? [09:32]

3. What can Edwards' selflessness in ministry, particularly his decision to reunite a splintered church, teach us about the true nature of pastoral care? [06:57]

4. How does Edwards' practice of writing contribute to his spiritual growth, and how might this practice be beneficial for us today? [06:14]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a resolution or commitment you have made in your spiritual life. How can you ensure it is grounded in humility and reliance on God's grace, similar to Edwards' approach? [03:59]

2. Consider a time when you have observed God's hand in creation. How can you cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude for God's wisdom and goodness in your daily life? [09:32]

3. Think about a situation where you might need to prioritize the unity of the church over personal gain. How can Edwards' example of selflessness guide your actions in such a scenario? [06:57]

4. How can you incorporate writing or journaling into your spiritual practices to deepen your understanding of God and articulate your faith journey? [06:14]

5. In what ways can you balance your responsibilities in ministry or work with your family life, ensuring that both are nurtured and valued? [19:52]

6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on God's strength rather than your own efforts. What steps can you take to make this shift? [03:59]

7. How can you actively seek to see God's wisdom and goodness in the small details of your life, similar to Edwards' perspective on creation? [09:32]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Resolutions
Jonathan Edwards' resolutions were not mere fleeting promises but a lifelong commitment to align his life with God's will. His resolutions were grounded in humility and a deep reliance on divine grace, acknowledging human limitations and the need for God's strength in true transformation. Edwards' approach to resolutions serves as a powerful reminder that our efforts alone are insufficient for lasting change; it is through God's strength that we are truly transformed. His resolutions were a testament to his dedication to living a life that reflected God's purposes, encouraging us to consider how we can make similar commitments in our own lives. [03:59]

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel powerless to change? How can you invite God’s strength into this area today?


Day 2: Discovering God in the Details of Creation
Jonathan Edwards' fascination with the natural world, exemplified by his study of flying spiders, reveals a profound theological insight: God's wisdom and goodness are evident in all creation. Edwards saw God's hand in even the smallest creatures, encouraging us to view the world with wonder and gratitude. This perspective invites us to recognize the divine in the everyday, to see God's presence in the details of our surroundings, and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of His creation. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for the Creator. [09:32]

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to observe something in nature today. How does this observation help you see God’s wisdom and creativity?


Day 3: Selflessness in Ministry and Community
Jonathan Edwards demonstrated true pastoral care when he counseled a divided church to reunite, even at the cost of his own position. His actions exemplify selflessness and a commitment to serving others, reminding us that ministry is not about personal gain but about fostering unity within the body of Christ. Edwards' decision to prioritize the well-being of the church over his own interests challenges us to consider how we can serve our communities selflessly, putting the needs of others before our own. [06:57]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a situation in your community where you can prioritize unity over personal gain? How can you take a step towards fostering that unity today?


Day 4: Writing as a Tool for Spiritual Growth
Jonathan Edwards' habit of writing, whether through theological treatises or personal reflections, was integral to his spiritual development. Writing allowed him to articulate his faith journey and deepen his understanding of God. This practice encourages us to use writing as a tool for spiritual growth, providing a space to reflect on our beliefs, document our spiritual experiences, and explore our relationship with God. By engaging in this practice, we can gain clarity and insight into our faith journey, allowing us to grow closer to God. [06:14]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom." (Colossians 3:16a, ESV)

Reflection: Consider starting a spiritual journal. What is one thing you can write about today that reflects your current faith journey?


Day 5: Balancing Family and Ministry
Despite his intense dedication to study, Jonathan Edwards' relationship with his wife Sarah was marked by mutual respect and love. Their partnership highlights the importance of balancing ministry responsibilities with family life, ensuring that both are nurtured and valued. Edwards' ability to maintain this balance serves as a reminder that our relationships with family are vital and should not be neglected in the pursuit of ministry or career goals. By prioritizing both family and ministry, we can create a harmonious and fulfilling life that honors God. [19:52]

"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your family relationships are nurtured alongside your other responsibilities? What is one practical step you can take today to prioritize your family?

Quotes


So he writes out his 70 or so resolutions. What’s fascinating about these resolutions – and you know it seems like at the New Year’s time everybody wants to make resolutions, and write resolutions, then they only last for a couple weeks; what’s interesting about these resolutions is the preface, and the preface is the key to the whole thing. The preface is acknowledging his limitation, acknowledging his sinfulness, and asking that God in His grace enable him to do these. [00:03:59]

One of my favorite resolutions of his is that he says, “Resolved never to speak ill of anyone, except it be for a good cause.” I love that. If he had only stopped at the “never to speak ill,” then we’d say, “Ah, that guy, he’s always showing us up.” But when he goes on to say, “Except it be for a good cause,” we understand that yes, he is truly a human being, and we appreciate him. [00:04:47]

He says, “I frequently hear that persons, when they are of older age, will sometimes speak of how they wished there were more things they had done, and that if they were only young again they would live their life differently.” So he says, “Resolved to live my life exactly how, if I find myself on my death bed, I would have wanted my life to have been lived.” [00:05:22]

As I mentioned earlier, Edwards is the kind of guy who thinks in pen and ink. If he’s thinking it, he’s likely writing it, and so we’re going to see how writing becomes a constant companion in Edwards from the time of this New York pastorate. [00:06:34]

Well, another interesting insight we get into his life here is that after a few months of pastoring this church in New York City, he actually counsels them to reunite with the church they split off from. That’s remarkable for two reasons: one is it shows his ability to deal with people as a 19 year-old, the second thing is it shows a bit of his altruism, because when they rejoin back with the church, that means he’s out of a job, and so Edwards goes back home. [00:06:57]

What Edwards did was he got a shutter, dark shutter, and he went out and he positioned himself – he really liked nature – he’d see the insect dropping and he’d position the shutter behind the spider so he could see what was going on. See, this is just good old Newtonian observation, right? And what Edwards saw was that as the spider released itself on one web, it released another web that was sort of a liquid, and it would solidify and it would harden in the air, and would actually take on weight and moisture from the air. [00:08:43]

In the letter he says, “It’s a good thing that God made them this way, because up in New England as the winter winds come, they blow out to the sea, and all these poor spiders get blown out to the ocean,” but Edwards says, “Now wait, that’s a good thing, because otherwise we’d be overrun with spiders.” But he also says this: he’s speaking of the wisdom of God in providing this means to essentially exterminate all these spiders, but then he says in this we also see “the exuberant goodness of the Creator, who hath not only provided for all the necessities, but also for the pleasure and recreation of all sorts of creatures, even the insects.” [00:09:38]

This is a fascinating way to view the world. I just wish there were something contagious about Jonathan Edwards’ vision that we could capture this kind of a vision of seeing the world that we live in; that we’re always tracing back what we see back to how we understand God, and how God made us, and why God made us, and what God wants us to do on this earth. Edwards was so concerned about that theme that he even applied that to spiders. [00:10:50]

But what we also know is that Edwards on his deathbed, and we’ll revisit this at the end, writes of his “uncommon union” that he shares with Sarah. So this was a remarkable relationship, and again as we’ll see, not one that was just charmed, it too was touched by conflict, and we’ll see that. They had 11 children. The first four were girls, and everybody thought the same was going to happen to them that happened to Timothy, but lo and behold there were some boys. [00:19:46]

One of the best letters I think that we have that shows some insight into the family life is Sarah was in Boston visiting her uncle. This was an aunt and uncle that she had spent time with when she was young and was sent to Boston for some significant time and to finishing school in Boston herself, and she had spent time with them and grown close with them, and so as they were getting older she decided she would go and visit them in Boston, and as she was there her aunt took a turn, and was likely going to pass away any moment, and so Sarah decided to stay there and stay through. [00:21:39]

But of course she didn’t die for a while, and so Jonathan writes a letter to Sarah, and he says, “Lucy woke up and is sick with the headick” – the headick is what he said – and he starts naming all the ills, and then he says, “When are you coming home?” So you get the idea that Edwards really missed having Sarah, and that caring for this home of 11 children did in fact have its challenges from time to time. [00:22:26]

Well, in 1727 he marries Sarah, he’s pastor of Northampton, and remember the deal. About five or seven years away from the guy dying, you get an assistant. The assistant learns the pastoral ministry on the job in an apprenticeship, begins to assume some of the pastoral responsibilities, as the minister gets older he passes things off to the younger guy, and then eventually the younger guy takes over and the older pastor dies, and five to seven years into this the guy becomes pastor. [00:22:49]

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Transcript
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