'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — April 10

Lay up provisions in store against the approach of any temptation. This is a part of our watchfulness. It is in the heart where provision is to be laid up and then we can draw from it for our use. When an enemy draws near to besiege a fort, if he finds it well manned and furnished and well able to hold out, he withdraws and does not assault it. If Satan finds our hearts fortified against his batteries with ample provisions, he not only departs, but he flees (James 4:7). Gospel provisions will keep the heart full of the love of God in Christ. This is the greatest protection against temptation. Joseph was prepared in this way, and on the first appearance of temptation, he cried out, 'How can I do this great evil and sin against God?' The temptation ended and could not lay hold of him. He was furnished with a ready sense of the love of God (Gen. 39:9). 'The love of Christ controls us', said Paul (2 Cor. 5:14). A man should also lay in law provisions with the terror of the Lord in them: the fear of death, hell, punishment. But these are far more easily conquered than the gospel provisions. Hearts trusting in them alone will struggle for a while, but will quickly give over to temptations. We must store up in our hearts a sense of the love of God in Christ, with the eternal design of his grace, with the taste of the blood of Christ, and his love in the shedding of it. We must cherish our adoption, justification, and our acceptance with God. Fill your hearts with thoughts of the beauty of holiness, since this was the design of Christ in his death. With these considerations you will in the ordinary course of walking with God have great peace and security from the disturbances of temptations.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
John Owen, Works, VI:133-134
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.