Rare Jewel: Chapter 9

Here are the notes to Chapter 9.

The Evils of a Murmuring Spirit, Part Two

1. There is evil in it.

     F. Murmuring undoes your prayers. Pray for "daily" bread.

     G. Murmuring has woeful effects.
          i. You lose a great deal of time.
          ii. It unfits you for duty by its distraction.
          iii. Bad resolutions are made in a discontented fit. 
          iv. Unthankfulness breeds from murmuring. 
          v. Murmuring makes you liable to other temptations. 

     H. Murmuring is folly.
          i. It takes away the present comfort you do have.
          ii. You gain nothing by it.
          iii. It eats out the good and sweetness of a mercy before it comes, like a worm-eaten nut.
          iv. It makes your affliction heavier. 

     I. There is great danger in murmuring because it provokes God's wrath.
          i. It may cost you your life, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
          ii. It slights God's mercies.
          iii. It is contrary to faith, as you aren't believing God's word. 
          iv. It may tempt you to murmur more and bring even greater wrath upon you.  
          v. Murmuring is a wrangling and contending and striving with God himself. 

     J. There is a great curse of God on murmuring and discontent, so far as it prevails in one who is wicked.
          i. They shall grudge and not be satisfied.
          ii. They will lose perspective of reality. 
          iii. The curse is threatened because they didn't serve God with joy for the abundance of all things. 

     K. There is much of the spirit of Satan in a murmuring spirit. 

     L. A murmuring spirit brings disquiet your entire life. 

     M. God may withdraw his care and protection. 

     N. Humble yourself to break the pattern of discontent.