The Theodio Podcast

Theodio Podcast Episode 45: Wrapping Up Precious Remedies [https://theodio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/episdode-045-wrapping-up-precious-remedies.png] It’s the end of season one of the Theodio Podcast. I’m your host Dan Kassis. For the last 44 episodes, we have listened to and explored the book Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devicesby Thomas Brooks. We have shared segments of our original audio production of the book, providing commentary and fresh insight, bringing this work of classic theology to life for you. And that’s the whole reason I created Theodio: to bring classic theology to life. That slogan has carried two meanings. I feel it’s my duty to bring to life some timeless old works that should be read and appreciated today. And I’ve aimed to do so in a way that brings this content to your life, in a way you can use and benefit from. I hope that’s been the case for you. THANK YOU I want to thank everyone who has joined us on this journey, regardless of when you learned about the Theodio Podcast. If you missed any episodes, you can always catch up wherever you get your podcasts, or on our website at Theodio.com. If you haven’t done so yet, we’d like to request you submit a rating or review of the show. Doing so helps other people find the shows they want to hear. THE BLOG And don’t forget about the blog [https://theodio.com/blog/]. It’s where this whole journey started. You can read the post that accompanies each podcast episode, and leave a comment at the end if you’ve read something you found especially helpful or meaningful. EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY Personally, I have found Precious Remedies to be more helpful and meaningful to my own life than I expected. This journey has upset my expectations many times, in ways I have found surprising or even amusing. I’d like to share them with you here. FIRST, I EXPECTED A BOOK ABOUT SATAN, BUT I GOT A BOOK ABOUT CHRIST. Coming into this project, I prepared myself for a long lesson about the devil. I assumed he would be the subject of the book, that it would have an almost sulfurous quality. Instead, the sweet aroma of Christ is what permeates this work. The book isn’t about Satan as much as it is about his devices – hence the title. And Brooks’s goal is not as much about educating his readers about the devices as much as it’s about our weapons of warfare against them. Brooks constantly reminds his readers we cannot experience victory over our enemy without the help and companionship of the Lord Jesus. His refrain throughout these pages is not so much “do this” as “remember this.” We remember what Christ has accomplished for us, remember the tools we have at our disposal, remember that we are on a journey home from war. SECOND, I’M CONVINCED MORE THAN EVER THAT SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS A BATTLE OF THE MIND It was more than 10 years ago, during my seminary studies, that I took a hard look at Ephesians 6 and realized I had spiritual warfare all wrong. I’ve had other similar experiences with the scriptures, times when God’s word managed to tell me what it truly says through the noise of popular evangelicalism and hand-me-down devotionals. I won’t repeat here all the details about what the individual pieces of armor represent. You can read that blog post or listen to that podcast episode [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-2-pastor-paul-spiritual-warfare-toolbox/] to catch that if you want. But the main thing to remember is that the armor is mostly protective gear. And what does it protect us from? Lies, accusations, intimidation, and misleading half-truths. It keeps our heads and hearts safe. It binds up all our loose ends with truth. It plants us firmly where we stand. And those are the words with which Brooks closes this entire work. He quotes Ephesians 6, reminding us that, having done all the preparatory work of arming and protecting ourselves, we stand. We remain on our feet, stand our ground, and refuse to be moved. We know and remember the truth. We fight from a position of victory. So, no, the “shoes of the gospel of peace” have nothing to do with evangelism. Yeah, I have to bring that up, because it’s such a common error. “The gospel shoes carry us wherever God sends us to preach the good news.” No. This passage is about spiritual warfare. Why would Paul suddenly take a hard turn to talk about mission? He doesn’t. Yes, the New Testament’s call to evangelism is clear. But it isn’t in Ephesians 6. I’m a big proponent of “teach it where it says it.” I’ve had a few soapbox moments here on season one. Thanks for indulging me one last time. THIRD, AND FINALLY, I EXPECTED A BOOK OF WISDOM, BUT I GOT A COLLECTION OF LETTERS FROM A FRIEND. Is Precious Remedies filled with timeless wisdom? Of course. But it’s not some weighty tome from a detached, distant old sage. It’s more like a series of handwritten notes from that guy in your Bible study class you love. You know the one. Every time he opens his mouth to speak, he drops gold. You secretly wish he was the one teaching. You know what a word cloud is? A cluster of terms from a written work that shows you the most commonly used words and phrases. I looked up this book on Google Books and found a word cloud for it. Want to know what are the two most often used words? Satan and Jesus? That’s a really good guess, but no. The answer is: “Ah, souls.” That’s it. Two little words that reveal Thomas Brooks’s heart for his readers. Each time that phrase appears in the book, I tried to put some emphasis into the audio version. “Ah, souls.” There is weight and breath in those words. There is a heart cry of longing that we would take seriously Brooks’s admonitions and encouragements. This faithful pastor cannot hide his deep desire for our spiritual well being. There’s one more oft repeated phrase in Precious Remedies. You see it at the close of many of Brooks’s remedies. “You know how to apply it.” This man trusts his readers’ ability to put his wisdom to use. He doesn’t waste time providing detailed instructions on how to make it all work. Oh, how I wish more of today’s pastors would follow his example. Their long to-do lists wear us out with their overly complicated steps. Instead, Brooks lays out his remedies for us, and then steps away, allowing us to make use of them individually according to the Holy Spirit’s leading. FAVORITE QUOTATIONS As you have listened to our original audiobook segments, and hopefully read Precious Remedies for yourself, you must have noticed how eminently quotable Thomas Brooks is. I’ve remarked more than once that it’s as if Brooks knew Twitter would be invented one day. Many of his statements are pithy and punchy. He uses alliteration and rhyme almost like a rapper. It’s definitely not something I expected from a 17th century English Puritan before I began this journey. As I’ve worked through the book over the last few years, I’ve collected my favorite Brooks quotations. And since there’s no audiobook segment to share in this final episode, I’m going to read this list here. Many long to be meddling with the murdering morsels of sin, which nourish not but rend and consume the belly and the soul that receives them. Many eat that on earth what they digest in hell. Men must not think to dance and dine with the devil, and then to sup with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; to feed upon the poison of asps, and yet that the viper’s tongue should not slay them. Until we have sinned, Satan is a parasite; when we have sinned, he is a tyrant. The least sin is contrary to the law of God, the nature of God, the being of God, and the glory of God. Ah, souls, you can easily sin as the saints but can you repent with the saints? Though sin dwells in the regenerate, yet it does not reign over the regenerate; they rise by repentance. God’s corrections are our instructions, his lashes our lessons, his scourges our schoolmasters, his chastisements our admonitions. It is a human thing to fall into sin, devilish to persevere therein, and divine to rise from it. Deliver me, O Lord, from that evil man myself. Mercy is God’s Alpha, justice is His Omega. When God’s mercy is despised, then His justice takes the throne. Repentance is a flower which does not grow in nature’s garden. It is not resolving, it is not complaining, it is not mourning but believing, which will make you divinely victorious over that body of sin that to this day is too strong for you, and that will certainly be your ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith. The heart of man is a three – sided triangle, which the whole round circle of the world cannot fill. He who escapes discipline may suspect his adoption. God had one Son without corruption but no son without correction. God had one Son without sin but none without sorrow. Let heaven be a man’s object , and earth will soon be his abject. Talk not of a godly life but let your life speak. Your actions in passing pass not away; for every good work is a grain of seed for eternal life. Not race or place but grace truly sets forth a man. CONCLUSION I don’t think I can stretch season one out any further. It has been an incredible honor to bring Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices to life for you. And here’s one more reminder that if you will sign up for our email newsletter on the homepage at Theodio.com, you’ll know when our original, unabridged audio edition releases this summer. You’ll be eligible for a special price, and a little something extra, too. And speaking of original audio recordings, I’m already at work on the next one. Once again, I turned to some trusted friends for advice on which book to tackle. After four years studying spiritual warfare with Thomas Brooks, the consensus was that it’s time to shine a bright light on the matchless person and work of the Lord Jesus. So I’m turning to a contemporary of Brooks, another 17th century English Puritan. His name is John Flavel. In 1671 he published a collection of sermons titled: The Fountain of Life Opened, Or a Display of Christ in His Essential and Mediatorial Glory. For our purposes, it’s simply called The Fountain of Life. And Lord willing, this book will be the focus of season two of the Theodio Podcast and the accompanying blog. If all goes according to plan, we’ll be back in 2022 to begin yet another journey to bring classic theology to life. Thank you. See you next year. The post Episode 45: Wrapping Up Precious Remedies [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-45-wrapping-up-precious-remedies/] appeared first on Theodio [https://theodio.com].

Theodio Podcast Episode 44: Ten Final Helps toward Home [https://theodio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/episdode-044-ten-final-helps-toward-home.png] * Episode blog post: Ten final helps toward home [https://theodio.com/spiritual-victory-ten-final-helps-toward-home/] * Podcast introduction:Yabo Obien [https://www.yaboobien.com/] * Logo design: Jeff Lyons at Light & Story [https://lightandstory.com/] * Original music:Makeup and Vanity Set [https://www.makeupandvanityset.com/] * Kindle version ofPrecious Remedies against Satan's Devices [https://amzn.to/2A28Hp7]by John Hendryx atMonergism.com [https://www.monergism.com/] * Text forPrecious Remediesprovided byGraceGems.org [https://www.gracegems.org/] Welcome back to the Theodio Podcast. I’m your host, Dan Kassis. We’re walking though the book Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks. Along with a segment of our original audio production of the book, we provide commentary and fresh insight, bringing this work of classic theology to life for you. Well, this is it. It’s time to review the conclusion of Precious Remedies. I want you to imagine you’re about to leave on a long journey. As you hear the final boarding call, your loved one wraps you in a big hug and shares a few final words of encouragement. That’s exactly what you’re going to hear in this episode. The full conclusion is a bit longer than we’ll share today. If you’d like to have our complete original recording of the audiobook, sign up for our newsletter on the homepage at Theodio.com. All we need for now is your email address. Answer the confirmation email we’ll send you, and you’ll be good to go. You’ll be eligible for a special price on the audiobook as well as something extra we think you’ll appreciate. Look for our original recording of Precious Remedies sometime this summer. FINAL WORDS Thomas Brooks has faithfully, firmly guided us through his precious remedies against Satan's devices. As any good pastor should do, he has taught, rebuked, and corrected us, training us up toward the righteousness we have in Christ. Along the way, we have discovered something critical during our studies. While Satan is the subject of this book and all the lessons it contains, Jesus is our object in their application. We have learned much about how to discover and avoid our enemy's schemes. But we have learned much more about our Lord and Savior, our truest of friends. Our goal, then, is not to dwell on our defeated foe, but to fix our eyes on our conquering King and receive the spiritual victory he won for us. As he concludes Precious Remedies, Brooks offers ten final helps to that end. These helps are not in order of importance or according to a plan. It’s not, “Do this first, then this.” Think of these as the last words you hear from a loved one as you head out the door on a trip. So let’s let Thomas Brooks speak to us one last time. Afterward, we’ll share some thoughts and observations from the Theodio blog. CONCLUSION Next time will be our final episode of season one of the Theodio Podcast. I’m going to share some personal discoveries and thoughts about the four years I’ve spent studying and writing about Precious Remedies. We’ll review my favorite quotations from the book – there are so many. And I’ll give you a look ahead to season 2. I’ve already begun recording the next original audiobook. And I can’t wait to share with you what’s coming next from Theodio. Until then, thank you again for joining us. Please come back next time as we reach our destination. The post Episode 44: Ten Final Helps toward Home [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-44-ten-final-helps-toward-home/] appeared first on Theodio [https://theodio.com].

Theodio Podcast Episode 43: Know Your Enemy [https://theodio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/episdode-043-know-your-enemy.png] SHOW NOTES * Episode blog post: Six facts about the devil and his schemes [https://theodio.com/six-facts-about-the-devil-and-his-schemes/] * Podcast introduction:Yabo Obien [https://www.yaboobien.com/] * Logo design: Jeff Lyons at Light & Story [https://lightandstory.com/] * Original music:Makeup and Vanity Set [https://www.makeupandvanityset.com/] * Kindle version ofPrecious Remedies against Satan's Devices [https://amzn.to/2A28Hp7]by John Hendryx atMonergism.com [https://www.monergism.com/] * Text forPrecious Remediesprovided byGraceGems.org [https://www.gracegems.org/] Welcome back to the Theodio Podcast, I’m your host Dan Kassis. We’re walking though the book Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks. Along with a segment of our original audio production of the book, we provide commentary and fresh insight, bringing this work of classic theology to life for you. Only three episodes to go. Last time we shared all of chapter 7, in which Brooks taught us how to recognize and avoid false teachers [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-42-how-to-avoid-false-teachers/]. This time is our only episode on chapter 8. Our author pulls together all his thoughts, adds a few things more, and then puts us on course toward his conclusion. We won’t hear all of our original audiobook recording of chapter 8 here on the podcast. There’s another segment in which Brooks explains why we struggle against sin so much. So if you’d like to know when the full audio product releases, sign up for our newsletter on the homepage at Theodio.com. We’ll let you know when that happens. And just for providing your email address, you’ll be eligible for a special offer as well. This audiobook has been a long labor of love for us. We can’t wait to get it to you. SIX FACTS ABOUT THE DEVIL AND HIS SCHEMES For seven chapters in Precious Remedies against Satan's Devices, Thomas Brooks lays out numerous facts about the devil, exposing our enemy's tactics against us. He explains how Satan lures us, discourages us, and emotionally wrecks us. We learn how the devil keeps unbelievers from coming to Christ, and how he uses false teachers to spread lies. And yet, despite the mountain of evidence the author provides, some readers may remain unconvinced of the necessity of these warnings. So, in his final chapter, Brooks offers the following six facts about the devil, to prevent objections. Having said all he has said, Brooks lays down counter-arguments against those who say these teachings are unnecessary. First, let’s hear from Brooks in his own words. Then we’ll break down those facts about the devil for you here in modern language. CONCLUSION As we look forward to concluding this season of the Theodio Podcast next time, I want to mention one thing I’ve learned studying this book. There is a lot to know and understand about our enemy. Sometimes our warfare against him can seem daunting, perhaps overwhelming. Yet Brooks never ceases to encourage us along the way. We are going to win this war. Our battle will conclude. Until then, our journey must be faithful and resolute. We have everything we need to be victorious. And as our next episode features the book’s conclusion, we’ll share more on that topic then. As always, we’re so glad you’ve continued on this journey with us. Please come back next time as we reach the end. The post Episode 43: Know Your Enemy [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-43-know-your-enemy/] appeared first on Theodio [https://theodio.com].

[https://theodio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/episdode-042-how-to-avoid-false-teachers.png] SHOW NOTES * Episode blog post: What does the Bible say about false teachers? [https://theodio.com/false-teachers/] * Podcast introduction:Yabo Obien [https://www.yaboobien.com/] * Logo design: Jeff Lyons at Light & Story [https://lightandstory.com/] * Original music:Makeup and Vanity Set [https://www.makeupandvanityset.com/] * Kindle version ofPrecious Remedies against Satan's Devices [https://amzn.to/2A28Hp7]by John Hendryx atMonergism.com [https://www.monergism.com/] * Text forPrecious Remediesprovided byGraceGems.org [https://www.gracegems.org/] What’s the big deal about false teachers? Why should we learn to know the true shepherds from the wolves? That’s what we’ll find out this time. Welcome back to the Theodio Podcast, I’m your host Dan Kassis. We’re walking though the book Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks. Along with a segment of our original audio production of the book, we provide commentary and fresh insight, bringing this work of classic theology to life for you. Only four episodes to go in season 1. One episode each from chapter 7 and 8, and then the conclusion of Precious Remedies. Last time we concluded a five-part series [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-41-the-one-thing-you-must-do/] on the devil’s tactics against unbelievers. This time we’re going to discuss all of chapter 7, about 11 & 1/2 minutes from our original audio production. Speaking of which … would you like to know when that audiobook releases? Sign up for our email newsletter on the homepage at Theodio.com. We’ll send you an announcement about the release, along with a special offer I think you’ll like. All we need for now is your email address. And be sure to check your email account for the confirmation we’ll send you. Expect to have our original audio production of Precious Remedies some time this summer. In chapter 7, Thomas Brooks warns us about false teachers. He states Satan uses such wielders of error to deceive, delude, and undo his victims. According to the Bible, false teachers are a deadly menace, not just an annoyance or distraction. Such wicked messengers attacked the Israelites, drawing them away from God's law. Jesus warned his followers about them, calling them wolves in sheep's clothing. And the apostles confirmed and clarified the Lord's warnings, labeling false teachers dogs and evil workers. Such strong language reveals the mortal peril of prophetic error. Truth is the Christian's life blood. Knowing it sets us free. So, if we fall prey to Satan's lies from the mouths of the liars he employs, we cut ourselves off from life-giving, freedom-winning truth. MAINTAINING BIBLICAL BALANCE We've talked about the two ditches analogy [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-9-repentance-is-difficult/] before. It's the idea that there are two equal but opposite errors on either side of a biblical truth. It's easy to steer into one or the other without realizing it. For example, you might think it's okay to sin because repentance is easy. Or, you might avoid repenting of sin because you fear the difficulty of returning to God. The better, safer way is to stay in your lane. Be forgiven, but don't go on sinning (Jn. 8). This analogy applies to false teachers as well. One ditch into which you can drive is heresy hunting, finding error in every teacher and arguing over every minor doctrinal point. The other ditch is turning off your spiritual discernment and embracing any teacher in the name of peace and unity. But we Christians cannot, should not unite over that which the Bible calls us to divide. Similarly, we should not cause division over non-essential matters. Staying in the driving lane requires the right mix of discernment and discretion. The mature Christian calls out false teachings and teachers when they pose a true spiritual threat, but remains watchfully silent over issues of personal preference or stylistic difference. Thomas Brooks was a good pastor who loved his flock. His care for his readers emanates from his text. Here in chapter 7 he provides seven characteristics of false teachers. Brooks beckons his readers inside the protective fence of spiritual discernment, wisdom, and truth. Let’s hear from Brooks now. CONCLUSION We hope you have a healthy understanding of false teachers, how to avoid them and remain focused on the truth. Next time will be our only episode from the final chapter of Precious Remedies. Brooks shares six propositions concerning the devil and his schemes. After spending many pages pinpointing specific tactics, our author will zoom back out again and look at the big picture. It’s a good way to bookend this journey we’ve been on. Please come back and listen again. The post Episode 42: How to Avoid False Teachers [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-42-how-to-avoid-false-teachers/] appeared first on Theodio [https://theodio.com].

Theodio Podcast Episode 41: The One Thing You Must Do [https://theodio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/episdode-041-one-thing-you-must-do.png] SHOW NOTES: * Episode blog post:How great the Father's love: How to stop worrying and love your election [https://theodio.com/election-chosen-love/] * Podcast introduction:Yabo Obien [https://www.yaboobien.com/] * Logo design: Jeff Lyons at Light & Story [https://lightandstory.com/] * Original music:Makeup and Vanity Set [https://www.makeupandvanityset.com/] * Kindle version ofPrecious Remedies against Satan's Devices [https://amzn.to/2A28Hp7]by John Hendryx atMonergism.com [https://www.monergism.com/] * Text forPrecious Remediesprovided byGraceGems.org [https://www.gracegems.org/] Why pursue a relationship with Christ if he hasn't chosen you? Learn how Satan uses the biblical doctrine of election to keep people from God. Welcome back to the Theodio Podcast, I’m your host Dan Kassis. We’re walking though the book Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks. Along with a segment of our original audio production of the book, we provide commentary and fresh insight, bringing this work of classic theology to life for you. In this episode, we conclude a five-part series on the devil’s tactics to discourage unbelievers from coming to Christ. In part one [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-37-how-jesus-out-loves-your-sin/] we learned Satan tells some people they have sinned too much for God to save them. Not true. In part two [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-38-who-is-worthy/] we learned you can’t become “worthy” of God’s love, that it’s Christ’s worthiness to be the Savior that matters. But the enemy tries to shift this burden of worthiness onto lost people. Then we learned that, while our human emotions are good and healthy, they don’t determine our ability to repent of our sins. In other words, despite what Satan whispers to us, we don’t have to feel “sorry enough [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-39-sorrow-remorse-salvation/]” to be saved. Then last time [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-40-does-jesus-really-want-me/] Thomas Brooks assured us, through God’s word, that Jesus really is willing to save us. His willingness is equally given to all who desire forgiveness and freedom. Satan is wrong when he tells us we are the exception. So here we are this time at the end. And this is a big finish, because it touches on a sometimes controversial topic: election. Scripture is clear that God saves his elect, those he has predestined. So our enemy tries to convince us we aren’t one of the elect. We aren’t in the club, one of the cool kids, not invited to the party. Our audiobook segment in this episode is the briefest in the whole series, just 1:43 to be exact. Thomas Brooks didn’t think it was necessary to expound much on this topic. Maybe that’s because there just wasn’t much to say in response to such a weak argument. So I’m going to take a few minutes to talk about election. A TRUSTWORTHY ELECTION We just experienced an election in the U.S. in which one of the candidates consistently expressed distrust in its reliability. He cast doubt on the electoral process and the outcome. He caused many voters to doubt the results of state vote tallies and to question the news agencies that reported them. This undermining of a bedrock institution of our democratic republic could have destroyed our citizens' hope for a fair and valid election. It may have discouraged them from voting, thereby altering the outcome. But it didn't. Voters showed up and cast their choices in record numbers [https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/elections/voter-turnout/] in 2020. We trusted the system our founders constructed hundreds of years ago. Citizens placed their faith in polling place volunteers and government agencies to execute a free and fair election, during a global pandemic, no less. And it worked. No political election is perfect. But a peaceful, reliable outcome proves the value of a citizenry's faith in it. Faith is not a magical force or methodological formula. It's only as good as the object in which a person places it. And if your faith is in the God who proves his value over and over in the saving of souls, you cannot fail. CHOSEN OF GOD The biblical doctrine of election is, in a morbid way, like the subject of death. We can't deny it exists, but we don't like to talk about it. For some reason it causes arguments and discomfort. It's similar to the word predestination. We can't avoid it when the Bible contains the phrase: He predestined us. So it helps to clearly define the term. The Greek noun eklektos also has a verb form, eklegomai. Some English translations render it chosen or choose, rather than the elect or to elect. The verb's action is always from God toward those he choses and not the reverse. God is the chooser; we are the chosen. God even uses the term toward Jesus in some scriptures to indicate the Lord is the one chosen to bring salvation to the world. For instance, when Peter in his first epistle references Isaiah 28:16 as speaking of Christ, the Greek translation is a choice stone. Jesus is thus the one God elected to become the foundation of redeemed mankind. HOW AND WHY DOES GOD CHOOSE US? Now that we know what elect means, we should briefly explore how the New Testament uses it to discover to what, or why, we are elected. This is an incredibly deep, rich subject that deserves a lifetime of study. So for our purposes we'll outline some noteworthy uses of the term here. We are elected: 1. To receive eternal life (Acts 13:48) 2. To become like Jesus, to be justified by faith and glorified in the end (Ro. 8:28-30) 3. To be holy and blameless before God (Eph. 1:4) and to receive an inheritance from him (v. 11) 4. To receive the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 1:4) so that we might be sanctified, set apart for his glory (2 Thess. 2:13) Taken together, these scriptures plainly reveal election is an act of God's will. He elects believers to accomplish his purposes, which is part of a great plan he determined before us and without our input or consent. I found this statement from The Gospel Coalition's Concise Theology Series [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/election/] essay helpful. An unconverted sinner is incapable of choosing God, apart from the Holy Spirit's awakening power, because sin makes the gospel both foolish and unwanted. Thus: > This consideration of the blinding effects of human depravity is a necessary corrective to a common mischaracterization of election. Scripture nowhere allows the notion that some who may have wanted to be saved were refused. WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH OUR ELECTION? That we cannot choose God doesn't absolve us of any responsibility. Follow the above cited scriptures to their conclusions. You'll note that the New Testament writers consistently add therefore language after their use of election. In other words, now that you know God chose you, what should you do? The apostles teach we should have faith that our election is sure. We should believe it is true and hold fast to it as a promise. Because of this, we should live holy lives, avoiding sin and pursuing acts of love and service to God and to our fellow chosen brothers and sisters. In short, the doctrine of election must drive our ever increasing reflection and likeness of Christ's life and actions. DOUBTING YOUR ELECTION In his final device, Brooks explains how our enemy tricks some people through clouding their thoughts about God's election. If you aren't elect, nothing you can do will win God's favor. And so he causes them to doubt God has chosen them. It's a subtle tactic that may remind you of Jesus, in the gospel of Matthew, explaining to his disciples how God will separate his sheep from the goats at the end of this age. If you're a goat, that's it. There's no hope for you. Therefore, why seek God's mercy? Brooks's remedies to this device are the briefest in the entirety of his book. In theological works, this usually means little needs to be said. Satan's argument is weak, so the answers need scant explanation. Let's learn how Brooks encourages unbelievers to trust God's promises by faith and find hope in their hearts' desire to know him. CONCLUSION So, what’s the answer to the title of this podcast episode? What is the one thing you must do? Believe. That concludes this episode of the Theodio Podcast, and our five-part series. Next time is our one episode from chapter 7 of Precious Remedies. We’re going to talk about yet another controversial topic: false teachers. If evangelists are God’s messengers for the truth, false teachers are Satan’s emissaries for everything contrary to that truth. Thomas Brooks will provide us with ample armament against those who would lead us astray with lies. I really don’t want you to miss this one. Come back and listen again. The post Episode 41: The One Thing You Must Do [https://theodio.com/podcast/precious-remedies/episode-41-the-one-thing-you-must-do/] appeared first on Theodio [https://theodio.com].