Thoughts for Young Men, J.C. Ryle 4.4

Nearing the end of the fourth part of J.C. Ryle’s Thoughts for Young Men. Ryle considers the public means of grace: “For another thing, be diligent in the use of all public means of grace.”

Ryle wants the young men he cares for so deeply to understand the importance of attending to the means of grace the Lord has blessed them with. Some of these public means of grace he focuses on are: regularly hearing the preaching of Christ’s gospel and keeping of the Sabbath.

On why God uses means of grace in the lives of the believer, Ryle says, “Because he is a God that works by means, and it is his law and will that in all man’s dealings with him means shall be used.”

Ryle says Satan will attempt to persuade believers against means by having us consider some ways that they are ineffective. To that, Ryle argues, “The value of means of grace, like other things, depends in a great measure on the manner and spirit in which we use them.”

With respect to the importance of hearing the preaching of the gospel of Christ, Ryle says, “…there is a restraining power and influence in the ministry of the gospel, under which I earnestly desire every young man to be brought. There are thousands whom it keeps back from evil, though it has not yet turned them unto God;” Quoting Whitefield, Ryle reminds the reader, ‘The gospel keeps many a one from the gaol (jail) and gallows, if it does not keep him from hell.’

On the importance of keeping the Sabbath, Ryle may hold a stricter view than some of us. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)

Ryle discourages activity on the Sabbath and says, “let none of these things move you to depart from this settled rule, that God’s day shall be given to God.”

While I don’t hold to as strict of a view of the Sabbath as Ryle does, I do understand his concern. A general disregard for the Sabbath can lead to disregard for the church, and then a disregard for the Bible, and then God.

Ryle also highlights a fascinating anecdote from Judge Hale, ‘Of all the persons who were convicted of capital crimes while he was upon the bench, he found only a few who would not confess, on inquiry, that they began their career of wickedness by a neglect of the Sabbath.’

Even if we don’t hold to a strict view of Sabbath rest like Ryle, we would do well to consider some of the potential pitfalls of taking it too lightly:

- What did Jesus mean by saying the Sabbath was made for man?

- How can we benefit from observing Sabbath rest?

- Am I not appreciating God’s intent for the Sabbath?

- How can I lead my family in observing Sabbath rest?

The Banner of Truth Trust

Intro created and performed by Isaac Johnson