John Wesley

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith John Wesley (1703-1791) Introduction to the Author John Wesley was one of 19 children born to Samuel and Susanna Wesley. His father was an Anglican clergyman and his mother was devoted both to God and to her children. John attended Christ Church College at Oxford, was ordained an Anglican Priest as was made a Fellow of Lincoln College. While he was at Oxford, he and a group of his friends banded together to encourage one another to live a holy life. Their methodical approach to holiness led others at the college to refer to them as 'Methodists'. Although Wesley grew up a deeply religious man, something was lacking in his heart. On May 24, 1738, he attended a prayer meeting at which the leader read Martin Luthers preface to the book of Galatians. it was then, Wesley wrote, that he first understood that God loved him, even him and the gospel became rooted in his heart. With his heart 'strangely warmed' Wesley embarked on an unusual preaching ministry, especially to the common folk in the English countryside. Historians have said that by evangelizing the common people of the 18th century England, Wesley saved the country from a bloody revolution. His impact on England was dramatic during his lifetime and even more dramatic on America after his death as many Methodists preachers crisscrossed the frontier with his message. The following excerpts come from his famous work Christian Perfection. In that book, Wesley gives practical advice to those who want to move toward perfection, which for Wesley did not mean a state of sinlessness but a desire to be fully in love with God with one's whole heart, soul, mind and strength. Excerpts from 'Christian Perfection' 1. The Danger of Pride The first advice I would give to those who have been saved from sin by grace is to watch and pray continually against pride. We often think that we have no need of anyone else's advice or reproof. Always remember, much grace does not imply much enlightenment. Beware even the appearance of pride. Let there be in you that lowly mind which was in Christ Jesus. Be clothed with humility. Let modesty appear in all your words and actions. One way we do this is to own any fault we have. Never dream that this will hurt the cause of God - in fact it will further it. be open and honest when you are rebuked and do not seek to evade it or disguise it. rather let is appear just as it is and you will thereby not hinder but adorn the gospel. 2. The Danger of Antinomianism or Lawlessness The next advice I can give is to caution you to beware of antinomianism, which is the belief that there is no need for laws in the life of the Believer. Beware of thinking, Because I have the love of God I do not need holiness. Or Since I pray all the time I have no need for set times of private prayer or Because I am spiritual I have no need for self-examination. Instead, let this be your thought, I prize thy commandments above gold or precious stones. O what love I have found in your laws! All day long I will study in it. 3. The Danger of Sins of Omission Sins of omission are avoiding to do good of any kind when we have the opportunity. We must beware of these sins and instead be zealous of good works. Do all the good you possibly can to the bodies and souls of your neighbors. Be active. Give no place to laziness. Be always busy. Whatever your hands finds to do, do it wil all your might. Also be slow to speak. it is said that in a multitude of words sin abounds. Try not to talk too much or for a long period of time. Especially avoid pious chitchat or religious gossip. 4. The Danger of Desiring Anything but God Also beware of desiring anything but God. Do not allow the desires for tasteful food or any other pleasure to the senses the desire for money or praise or power to rule you. While you have the ability to feel these desires you are not compelled to feel them. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free. Be an example to all of denying yourself and taking up your cross daily. let others see that you are not interested in any pleasure that does not bring you nearer to God, nor regard any pain which does. Let them see that you simply aim at pleasing God in everything. 5. The Danger of Schism Beware of schism, or making a tear in the Church of Christ. Ceasing to have a reciprocal love for one another is inner disunity which is at the very root of all outward separation. Beware of everything that leads to this separation. Do not despise or run down any preacher. Do not exalt anyone above the rest lest you hurt both him and the cause of God. Do not even give a single thought of separating from your brethren, whether their opinion agree with your or not. Be patient with those who disagree with you. Do not condemn those who do not see things just as you do. O beware of touchiness, of testiness of an unwillingness to be corrected. beware of being provoked to anger at the least criticism and avoiding those who do not accept your words. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Reflection 1. Wesley begins this selection by discussing the dangers of pride. He lists some of them as ascribing to ourselves what comes from God, thinking too highly of our gifts, thinking we have no need of correction, believing that we have no need of others in the church, imagining that non believers have nothing to teach us and being reluctant to admit our faults. Which of these do you struggle with the most? 2. Wesley discusses the danger of sins of omission (not doing things we ought to have done). What are your most nagging sins of omission? 3. Wesley deals with the problem of schism. Have you experienced this problem in your local church? In a small group? In your family? According to Wesley, how should we deal with this problem? 4. In 1 Cor. 13:1-8 Paul urges the believers in Cornith to aim toward love above al else. It seems the Corinthians were placing too much emphasis and importance on their individual gifts and not enough on the right use of their gifts, which is to build up one another. In what ways have you struggled with this same problem? 5. John Wesley urges us to be active. this week endeavor to 'do all the good you possibly can' Shift your focus from your sins of comission to your sins of omission. 6. Wesley strongly suggests that we do not run down any preacher. Avoid the easy tendency toward schism that comes from being a fan of one preacher or teacher to the detriment of another. 7. Schism happens not only when we seek to follow a popular leader who suits our fancy, but also when we separate from fellow members over a difference of opinion on an nonessential matter. this week strive to make amends where this has occurred. 8. Both Wesley and Paul urged their listeners to pursue love above all else. Examine you life this week. How much love is demonstrated in my life? List what you need to change about your attitudes and actions toward those around you.