Jumpstarter 6 of 10

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Question 6

Henry Scougal’s quote warns against “loitering in the ditch” waiting for omnipotence, insisting on “concurrent endeavors” and “actuating those powers we have already received”; what would “loitering in the ditch” look like in the real habits of a sincere Christian, and what “powers already received” are you currently failing to actuate?

Another way to ask: What would it look like for a sincere Christian to “sit in the ditch” and wait for God to do everything? What abilities or help God has already given you are you not using right now?

Direct Answer In the transcript’s terms, “loitering in the ditch” would look like a sincere Christian waiting for God to change them while neglecting deliberate obedience and effort—expecting grace to operate without “concurrent endeavors.” The “powers already received” would be the grace, inner strengthening, and transformed life God provides, which we must actively “bestow ourselves” to use.

Support from Transcript:

Scougal says we “must not… wait till omnipotence pulls us from there.”
He adds, “We must bestow ourselves and actuate those powers we have already received.”
Bercot interprets this as biblical: “That’s exactly what Scripture teaches.”
Romans 12 shows active response: “present your bodies a living sacrifice… do not be conformed… be transformed.”
Titus 2 describes grace as instructive: grace “teaching us that… we should” deny lusts and live godly.
Clement supports the same dynamic: without earnestness a man “achieves nothing,” but eagerness receives “the addition of the power of God,” and if eagerness is abandoned “the Spirit… is also restrained.”

Discussion Follow-ups Where do you tend to call inaction “waiting on God”? What specific act of obedience would count as “bestowing yourself” this week?

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Jumpstarter 6 of 10