The Error of Self-sufficiency

daily-devotionalsWere the other disciples not taught from the same mouth? Did they not with the same faith receive what they were taught? Why then should Peter distrust their weakness and yet presume on his own strength? Though he feels himself chief in following Christ, may he not also be chief in falling from him?

Such is the nature of greatness, that it thinks itself secure from danger and apprehends spiritual immunity in temporal honour. How erroneous is the frailty of man’s nature! How ready we are to trust on the arm of the flesh, confidence, free-will, and supremacy, even against divine predictions of danger. There is no greater cause of weakness and ruin then to think oneself sufficiently armed with the arm of the flesh.

Dr. Edward Reynolds was born in 1599 in Southampton, England. He received his BA degree at Oxford in 1618. In 1622, before studying for his masters, Reynolds became a chaplain to the king and preacher at Lincoln’s Inn, London. The puritanical inclinations of Dr. Reynolds were well known; his character of piety and decorum were evident even in his college years. Edward Reynolds is known as the Bishop of Norfolk, but he was bishop for only the final fifteen years of his life and ministry. Prior to that he was the rector of Braunston, Northamptonshire, for almost thirty years. Although Reynolds was a Presbyterian by conviction, he had a reputation of moderation in his church polity. This was evidenced in his role in the Westminster Assembly. He was the only member to sit on all three of the major committees on the Confession of Faith, and with his moderate spirit provided balance in the discussions.

These devotions are taken from the works of Edward Reynolds. They have been edited for thinkgospel.com. © 2013 thinkgospel.