Final Chapters and Final Thoughts

The Bruised Reed (TBR) has been on my “to read” list for many years and I’m glad to have finally read it. I have profited greatly by doing so. With that said, I know there is so much I missed along the way, and much I failed to convey in my chapter summaries. But like any good book, I'm sure a reread would open new vistas of understanding. Perhaps I will do that someday. But for now, here are a few of my highlights from the final two chapters.

One recurring theme that I found particularly encouraging in TBR was a long view of Christian growth and sanctification. Sibbes repeatedly reminds us of small beginnings and growth over time.

See a flame in a spark, a tree in a seed. See great things in little beginnings. Look not so much to the beginning as to the perfection, and so we shall be, in some degree, joyful in ourselves, and thankful to Christ.[i]

Another thing I appreciate about Sibbes is that, although he recognizes our frailty, sin, and weakness, there is no coddling of sin. He calls us to gather our armor and weapons for battle even as he calls us to rest in Christ and trust the sure grip of our Savior.

What coward would not fight when he is sure of victory?[ii]

Let us then bring our hearts to holy resolutions, and set ourselves upon that which is good, and against that which is ill, in ourselves or others, according to our callings, with this encouragement, that Christ's grace and power will go along with us.[iii]

According to our faith, so is our encouragement to all duties, therefore let us strengthen faith, so that it may strengthen all other graces. The very belief that faith shall be victorious is a means to make it so indeed. Believe it, therefore, that, though it is often as smoking flax, yet it shall prevail.[iv]

In short he rallies the bruised reed to take courage, not in self, but in the mercy, power, and love of Christ. To trust the mercy of Christ to forgive sin, the power of Christ to conquer sin and safeguard our victory, and the love of Christ to hold us secure.

Let us know, therefore, that it is dangerous to look for that from ourselves which we must have from Christ. Since the fall, all our strength lies in him, as Samson's in his hair (Judg. 16:17).[v]

Satan knows that nothing can prevail against Christ, or those that rely upon his power. Therefore his study is how to keep us in ourselves, and in the creature.[vi]

Now Christ conquers, and achieves his own ends, but he does so to some extent invisibly. His enemies in us and outside us seem to prevail. But he will bring forth judgment unto victory, in full view of all.[vii]

Since the fall, God will not trust us with our own salvation, but it is both purchased and kept by Christ for us, and we for it through faith, wrought by the power of God, which we lay hold of.[viii]

Let us think when we are troubled with our sins that Christ has this in charge from his Father, that he shall not `quench the smoking flax' until he has subdued all. This puts a shield into our hands to beat back `all the fiery darts of the wicked' (Eph. 6:16). Satan will object, `You are a great sinner.' We may answer, `Christ is a strong Saviour.' But he will object, `You have no faith, no love.' `Yes, a spark of faith and love.' `But Christ will not regard that.' `Yes, he will not quench the smoking flax: `But this is so little and weak that it will vanish and come to naught." Nay, but Christ will cherish it, until he has brought judgment to victory.'[ix]

Things seem to hang on a small and invisible thread. But our comfort is that Christ lives and reigns, and stands on Mount Zion in defense of those who stand for him (Rev. 14:1); and when states and kingdoms shall dash one against another Christ will have care of his own children and cause, seeing there is nothing else in the world that he much esteems. At this very time the delivery of his church and the ruin of his enemies are in progress. We see nothing in motion till Christ has done his work, and then we shall see that the Lord reigns.[x]

So, with that I conclude my reading of this little gem of a book. I have learned some wonderful truths that will add to my joy and help sustain me in times of discouragement. I’ve also learned some precious truths that I will continue to unpack for years to come. I hope and pray whatever time you were able to spend reading TBR was profitable as well.




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[i] The Bruised Reed (pp. 116-117). Kindle Edition.
[ii] The Bruised Reed (p. 115). Kindle Edition.
[iii] The Bruised Reed (p. 119). Kindle Edition.
[iv] The Bruised Reed (p. 119). Kindle Edition.
[v] The Bruised Reed (p. 107). Kindle Edition.
[vi] The Bruised Reed (p. 108). Kindle Edition.
[vii] The Bruised Reed (p. 103). Kindle Edition.
[viii] The Bruised Reed (pp. 109-110). Kindle Edition.
[ix] The Bruised Reed (pp. 115-116). Kindle Edition.
[x] The Bruised Reed (p. 118). Kindle Edition.