Do You Really Love Him? (and others)
"She has done a good work for Me" ( Mark 14:6).
If what we call love doesn't take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love. If we have the idea that love is characterized as cautious, wise, sensible, shrewd, and never taken to extremes, we have missed the true meaning. This may describe affection and it may being us a warm feeling, but it is not a true and accurate description of love.
Have you ever been driven to do something for God not because you felt that it was useful or your duty to do so, or that there was anything in it for you, but simply because you love Him? Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I'm not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things - things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him.
There are times when it seems as if God watches to see if we will give Him even small gifts of surrender, just to show how genuine our love is for Him. To be surrendered to God is of more value than our personal holiness. Concern over our personal holiness causes us to focus our eyes on ourselves, and we become overly concerned about the way we walk and talk and look, out of fear of offending God. "...but perfect love casts out fear..." once we are surrendered to God (1 John 4:18). We should quit asking ourselves, "Am I of any use?" and accept the truth that we really are not of much use to Him. The issue is never of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time.
Wisdom From Oswald Chambers
"When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth? We all have faith in good principles, in good management, in good common sense, but who amongst us has faith in Jesus Christ? Physical courage is grand, but the man who trusts Jesus Christ in the face of the terrific problems of life is worth a whole crowd of heroes!
~Oswald Chambers~
_______________________
Death is a change of company
"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!" (Philippians 1:23).
A believer's last day is his best day! Death is a change of company. In this world, the godliest man must live with the wicked, and converse with the wicked, etc. This is a part of their misery; it is their hell on this side of Heaven! This worked upon the heart of David: "Woe to me that I dwell in Meschech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!" (Psalm 120:5).
I have read of a godly woman, who, being near death, cried out, "O Lord, do not let me go to hell where the wicked are, for You know that I never loved their company while in this life!"
"Oh, that I had in the desert, a lodging place for travelers - so that I might leave my people and go away from them; for they are all adulterers, a crowd of unfaithful people!" (Jere. 9:2).
And this was that which vexed and tore Lot's righteous soul, "Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)." (2 Peter 2:7-8).
Oh, but death is a change of company. A godly man does but change the company of profane people, of vile people, etc. - for the company of God and angels; and the company of weak Christians - for the company of just men made perfect.
"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful - but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." (Revelation 21:27).
"Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." (Revelation 22:15).
~Thomas Brooks~
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Saturday, February 22, 2020
The Remedy for a Troubled Heart!
The Remedy for a Troubled Heart!
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God - believe also in Me!" (John 14:1).
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Saviour forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. Inward commotion, or confusion, such as is referred to in the text, unfits us for social duties, pious exercises, and usefulness in the church of God. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes a remedy for heart trouble, or inward anxiety:
1. "Believe in God." "Believe in God as your Father - as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him ordering all events with consummate wisdom; overruling all with infinite skill; and sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for "chance" - for His government is perfect.
There can be no unkindness - for His love is infinite.
All will be directed right - for He personally superintends every detail in the universe!
The floating of the atom, the rolling of the sea, and all the movements of every mind - are alike under His control and direction!
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me." Believe that I sympathize with you; that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare; that I never withdraw My eye or heart from you for one moment; that I will support you in every place, and under every trial; that My arm shall be stretched out for you, to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world; that I will save you to the uttermost; that I will show you a brother's love; that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress; that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you!
Believe that I will fill my characters in your experience, as your Saviour, Brother, Friend!
Believe that I will fulfill My word to you; every promise, the largest, the kindest - "for Heaven and earth shall pass away - but My word shall not pass away, until all be fulfilled."
"Let not your heart therefore be troubled. It does not befit you as My redeemed child. It is injurious to you. It dishonors Me. It can do no good. Therefore watch against it, as against a foe! Pray against it, that you may have grace to overcome it. Strive against it, for it is your duty. Always view worry as an evil, as an evil which it is possible to overcome. View it as inconsistent with your profession, as injurious to your soul, as dishonoring to your God."
There is no cause for you to be troubled, for your God performs all things for you. It is inconsistent for you to be troubled, for your Saviour has bequeathed you His peace. It is sinful for you to be troubled, for you are bidden to cast all your care upon the Lord, and are assured that He cares for you. All your worry will not change the color of a hair, will not weaken the power of one foe, will not lighten a single burden - it is therefore folly - as well as sin!
The remedy is before you. It was prescribed by the great Physician; it has proved effectual in innumerable instances; it is just suited to you, it was intended for you! Will you use it, and prove its beneficial effect?
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who lived for you, labored for you suffered for you, died for you, rose for you, and is now in Heaven pleading for you - says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God - believe also in Me!"
Be still my heart - these anxious cares,
To you are burdens, thorns, and snares;
They cast dishonor on your Lord,
And contradict His precious Word!
Did ever trouble yet befall
And He refuse to hear your call?
And has He not His promise past,
That you shall overcome at last?
He who has help'd me hitherto,
Will help me all my journey through,
And give me daily cause to raise
New Ebenezers to His praise!
~James Smith~
(The End)
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God - believe also in Me!" (John 14:1).
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Saviour forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. Inward commotion, or confusion, such as is referred to in the text, unfits us for social duties, pious exercises, and usefulness in the church of God. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes a remedy for heart trouble, or inward anxiety:
1. "Believe in God." "Believe in God as your Father - as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him ordering all events with consummate wisdom; overruling all with infinite skill; and sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for "chance" - for His government is perfect.
There can be no unkindness - for His love is infinite.
All will be directed right - for He personally superintends every detail in the universe!
The floating of the atom, the rolling of the sea, and all the movements of every mind - are alike under His control and direction!
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me." Believe that I sympathize with you; that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare; that I never withdraw My eye or heart from you for one moment; that I will support you in every place, and under every trial; that My arm shall be stretched out for you, to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world; that I will save you to the uttermost; that I will show you a brother's love; that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress; that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you!
Believe that I will fill my characters in your experience, as your Saviour, Brother, Friend!
Believe that I will fulfill My word to you; every promise, the largest, the kindest - "for Heaven and earth shall pass away - but My word shall not pass away, until all be fulfilled."
"Let not your heart therefore be troubled. It does not befit you as My redeemed child. It is injurious to you. It dishonors Me. It can do no good. Therefore watch against it, as against a foe! Pray against it, that you may have grace to overcome it. Strive against it, for it is your duty. Always view worry as an evil, as an evil which it is possible to overcome. View it as inconsistent with your profession, as injurious to your soul, as dishonoring to your God."
There is no cause for you to be troubled, for your God performs all things for you. It is inconsistent for you to be troubled, for your Saviour has bequeathed you His peace. It is sinful for you to be troubled, for you are bidden to cast all your care upon the Lord, and are assured that He cares for you. All your worry will not change the color of a hair, will not weaken the power of one foe, will not lighten a single burden - it is therefore folly - as well as sin!
The remedy is before you. It was prescribed by the great Physician; it has proved effectual in innumerable instances; it is just suited to you, it was intended for you! Will you use it, and prove its beneficial effect?
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who lived for you, labored for you suffered for you, died for you, rose for you, and is now in Heaven pleading for you - says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God - believe also in Me!"
Be still my heart - these anxious cares,
To you are burdens, thorns, and snares;
They cast dishonor on your Lord,
And contradict His precious Word!
Did ever trouble yet befall
And He refuse to hear your call?
And has He not His promise past,
That you shall overcome at last?
He who has help'd me hitherto,
Will help me all my journey through,
And give me daily cause to raise
New Ebenezers to His praise!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Sanctification # 4
Sanctification # 4
Who will say that he is completely sanctified? Rather, what believer will not readily acknowledge that there is in his heart and life - room for more seriousness, humility, zeal for God, thankfulness, prayerfulness, faith, hope, love, patience, and meekness? Surely every Christian will say, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect - but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 3:12-14).
Reader, are you sanctified?
What are your views of sin? Is it in your estimation, the abominable thing? What are your feelings towards sin? Do you hate it? Do you mourn over it? Do you confess it with sorrow before God? Do you turn away from it with disgust?
What think you of Christ? How do you feel toward Him? What know you of fellowship with God? What is it makes heaven desirable to you? Is it the holiness of the place, employments, and society? Unless you hate sin, loathe self, prize the open fountain, cling to Jesus as your only hope, and pant for holiness as the sick man for health - your sanctification is very doubtful!
Remember, no holiness - no heaven! You must be born again. You must be washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God - or you will be found "in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity."
But we would not distress the weak believer, or wound the feeble-minded; and therefore we observe, that the most thoroughly sanctified, still feel the warfare within; the law in the members still wars against the law of the mind, and at times prevails. Corruption will work, satan will tempt, and darkness at times gathers over the soul. The work of sanctification is not perfect, and at times it appears very feeble; but do not yield to fear, do not give way to despondency. The principles of grace are immortal, they must live, and shall overcome at the last. Seek more grace. Seek holiness. Seek it at the Cross - at the throne of grace, from the God of all grace. Seek it by prayer - seek it by faith - seek it with hope. "The Lord will give grace," (Psalm 84:11); He will give more grace," (James 4:6).
Let nothing satisfy you but holiness, or entire consecration to God. Heaven requires it, the law demands it, atoning blood gives a title to it, the promise secures it to every believing applicant, the throne of grace is accessible, that we may seek it, the Spirit works it, trials deepen it, and the resurrection will complete it.
Your heavenly Father is holy, and He says, "Be holy - for I am holy." "As He, therefore, who has called you is holy - so be holy in the whole of your conduct" (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
The more you are sanctified...the deeper will be your humility, the more vivid your views of sin, and the stronger your confidence in God.
And yet, perhaps, while others are admiring the consistency of your life, and, it may be, even envying your attainments - you will be lying low before God, as the chief of sinners, and occasionally crying out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death!" (Romans 7:24).
For the nearer we are to the Lord... the more vivid and painful our views of sin, the stronger our desires after perfect holiness, and the more we value and trust in the finished work of Jesus.
Then the mouth is shut, in point of boasting; but is opened wide to praise and pray.
Do not then be discouraged or mistaken - but pour out your heart before the Lord, and cry mightily to God.
"May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
~James Smith~
(The End)
Who will say that he is completely sanctified? Rather, what believer will not readily acknowledge that there is in his heart and life - room for more seriousness, humility, zeal for God, thankfulness, prayerfulness, faith, hope, love, patience, and meekness? Surely every Christian will say, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect - but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 3:12-14).
Reader, are you sanctified?
What are your views of sin? Is it in your estimation, the abominable thing? What are your feelings towards sin? Do you hate it? Do you mourn over it? Do you confess it with sorrow before God? Do you turn away from it with disgust?
What think you of Christ? How do you feel toward Him? What know you of fellowship with God? What is it makes heaven desirable to you? Is it the holiness of the place, employments, and society? Unless you hate sin, loathe self, prize the open fountain, cling to Jesus as your only hope, and pant for holiness as the sick man for health - your sanctification is very doubtful!
Remember, no holiness - no heaven! You must be born again. You must be washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God - or you will be found "in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity."
But we would not distress the weak believer, or wound the feeble-minded; and therefore we observe, that the most thoroughly sanctified, still feel the warfare within; the law in the members still wars against the law of the mind, and at times prevails. Corruption will work, satan will tempt, and darkness at times gathers over the soul. The work of sanctification is not perfect, and at times it appears very feeble; but do not yield to fear, do not give way to despondency. The principles of grace are immortal, they must live, and shall overcome at the last. Seek more grace. Seek holiness. Seek it at the Cross - at the throne of grace, from the God of all grace. Seek it by prayer - seek it by faith - seek it with hope. "The Lord will give grace," (Psalm 84:11); He will give more grace," (James 4:6).
Let nothing satisfy you but holiness, or entire consecration to God. Heaven requires it, the law demands it, atoning blood gives a title to it, the promise secures it to every believing applicant, the throne of grace is accessible, that we may seek it, the Spirit works it, trials deepen it, and the resurrection will complete it.
Your heavenly Father is holy, and He says, "Be holy - for I am holy." "As He, therefore, who has called you is holy - so be holy in the whole of your conduct" (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
The more you are sanctified...the deeper will be your humility, the more vivid your views of sin, and the stronger your confidence in God.
And yet, perhaps, while others are admiring the consistency of your life, and, it may be, even envying your attainments - you will be lying low before God, as the chief of sinners, and occasionally crying out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death!" (Romans 7:24).
For the nearer we are to the Lord... the more vivid and painful our views of sin, the stronger our desires after perfect holiness, and the more we value and trust in the finished work of Jesus.
Then the mouth is shut, in point of boasting; but is opened wide to praise and pray.
Do not then be discouraged or mistaken - but pour out your heart before the Lord, and cry mightily to God.
"May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Sanctification # 3
Sanctification # 3
Sanctification is evidently a principle end of all the purposes, promises, and operations of the glorious Jehovah.
We are chosen in Christ - that we might be holy." (Ephesians 1:4).
We are redeemed by Jesus - to be "a peculiar people unto Himself, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
We are "called with a holy calling" (2 Timothy 1:9).
And we are to be presented before our God at last, "holy, unblamable, and unreprovable in His sight" (Col. 1:22; Jude 24, 25).
We are now called "holy brethren" (Hebrews 3:1); "a holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5); "holy and beloved" (Col. 3:12; and the "holy temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 3:17, 6:19).
"This is the will of God, even our sanctification," (1 Thess. 4:3; and until our sanctification is complete, and we exactly resemble the Lord Jesus Christ, in body, soul, and spirit - our salvation will not be finished, nor God's glorious purpose accomplished. We must be like Him, for we are predestined to it: "we shall be like Him - for we shall see Him as He is" (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2).
The temples of the Holy Spirit shall be thoroughly purified! The bride, the Lamb's wife, shall be free from every spot, wrinkle, or any such thing! The children of God shall be perfect - as their Father who is in heaven is perfect.
The INSTRUMENT by which this work is effected, is the Word of God, the truth as it is in Jesus. Hence he prayed, "Sanctify them through Your truth, Your Word is truth," (John 17:17. Every doctrine, promise, precept, and narrative in God's Word - is of a sanctifying tendency; all teach us to avoid sin, cleave to the Lord, and perfect holiness in his fear.
"By the Word of God we are begotten again," (James 1:18); by the same incorruptible Word, we are preserved in the faith, (1 John 3:9); and it is said to work effectually in all those who believe, (1 Thess. 2:13). But it is the Word as believed, as pleaded at the throne of grace, as obeyed in the life, for without faith the Word will not profit. (Hebrews 4:2). But by faith, it purifies the heart. (Acts 15:9).
Afflictions and trials are often employed to teach us the value, use, and importance of the Word; and, in connection with the Word, they further our sanctification. Yes, believer, your sorrows, your troubles, your bereavements, are all necessary; they are to wean you from earth; to raise your thoughts and affections to Heaven; and to urge you on your way to your Father's house!
They are but your Father's voice, saying "Arise and depart; for this is not your rest; because it is polluted!" (Micah 2:10).
Our Father chastens us in love, not for His own pleasure - but for our profit; that we might be partakers of His holiness. (Hebrews 12:10).
Let us therefore prize and use the gospel, seeking to know all that is included in the apostle's words, when he said, "But we all with open face beholding, as in a glass, the Lord's glory - are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Cor. 3:18).
The work of sanctification is PROGRESSIVE. At first we see the new-born babe, "desiring the sincere milk of the Word, that he may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2).
Then the young man who is strong, and has overcome the wicked one, (1 John 2:14). At length the father in Christ, who knows Him who was from the beginning. (1 John 2:13).
There is "first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the head." Therefore we are exhorted to "grow in grace" (2 Peter 3:18); "purge ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1); "be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18); and "to abound in the work of the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).
John, speaking of the present privileges and bright prospects enjoyed by the saints, says, "And every one who has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 2:3).
Progressive holiness is just this: the more entire yielding of the understanding to God's Word; the more hearty surrender of the will to God; the more steady fixing of the affections on heavenly things; and the more complete consecration of the entire person to the Lord's glory.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 4)
Sanctification is evidently a principle end of all the purposes, promises, and operations of the glorious Jehovah.
We are chosen in Christ - that we might be holy." (Ephesians 1:4).
We are redeemed by Jesus - to be "a peculiar people unto Himself, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
We are "called with a holy calling" (2 Timothy 1:9).
And we are to be presented before our God at last, "holy, unblamable, and unreprovable in His sight" (Col. 1:22; Jude 24, 25).
We are now called "holy brethren" (Hebrews 3:1); "a holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5); "holy and beloved" (Col. 3:12; and the "holy temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 3:17, 6:19).
"This is the will of God, even our sanctification," (1 Thess. 4:3; and until our sanctification is complete, and we exactly resemble the Lord Jesus Christ, in body, soul, and spirit - our salvation will not be finished, nor God's glorious purpose accomplished. We must be like Him, for we are predestined to it: "we shall be like Him - for we shall see Him as He is" (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2).
The temples of the Holy Spirit shall be thoroughly purified! The bride, the Lamb's wife, shall be free from every spot, wrinkle, or any such thing! The children of God shall be perfect - as their Father who is in heaven is perfect.
The INSTRUMENT by which this work is effected, is the Word of God, the truth as it is in Jesus. Hence he prayed, "Sanctify them through Your truth, Your Word is truth," (John 17:17. Every doctrine, promise, precept, and narrative in God's Word - is of a sanctifying tendency; all teach us to avoid sin, cleave to the Lord, and perfect holiness in his fear.
"By the Word of God we are begotten again," (James 1:18); by the same incorruptible Word, we are preserved in the faith, (1 John 3:9); and it is said to work effectually in all those who believe, (1 Thess. 2:13). But it is the Word as believed, as pleaded at the throne of grace, as obeyed in the life, for without faith the Word will not profit. (Hebrews 4:2). But by faith, it purifies the heart. (Acts 15:9).
Afflictions and trials are often employed to teach us the value, use, and importance of the Word; and, in connection with the Word, they further our sanctification. Yes, believer, your sorrows, your troubles, your bereavements, are all necessary; they are to wean you from earth; to raise your thoughts and affections to Heaven; and to urge you on your way to your Father's house!
They are but your Father's voice, saying "Arise and depart; for this is not your rest; because it is polluted!" (Micah 2:10).
Our Father chastens us in love, not for His own pleasure - but for our profit; that we might be partakers of His holiness. (Hebrews 12:10).
Let us therefore prize and use the gospel, seeking to know all that is included in the apostle's words, when he said, "But we all with open face beholding, as in a glass, the Lord's glory - are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Cor. 3:18).
The work of sanctification is PROGRESSIVE. At first we see the new-born babe, "desiring the sincere milk of the Word, that he may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2).
Then the young man who is strong, and has overcome the wicked one, (1 John 2:14). At length the father in Christ, who knows Him who was from the beginning. (1 John 2:13).
There is "first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the head." Therefore we are exhorted to "grow in grace" (2 Peter 3:18); "purge ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1); "be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18); and "to abound in the work of the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).
John, speaking of the present privileges and bright prospects enjoyed by the saints, says, "And every one who has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 2:3).
Progressive holiness is just this: the more entire yielding of the understanding to God's Word; the more hearty surrender of the will to God; the more steady fixing of the affections on heavenly things; and the more complete consecration of the entire person to the Lord's glory.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 4)
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Sanctification # 2
Sanctification # 2
The nature of sin is discovered and hated, the practice of sin is deplored and avoided, the consequences of sin are feared, and full salvation from sin is sought.
The ways of the Lord appear pleasant, the time and talents are employed in His service, the Bible becomes the daily companion, the saints appear the excellent of the earth, and the ordinances of the gospel yield profit and pleasure.
Jesus is now the object of faith, the subject of meditation, and appears altogether lovely.
No sanctified person ever thinks lightly either of sin or the Saviour; but the heart rests on His atonement, the tongue pleads His name, the soul thirsts for His grace, and the whole person seeks shelter and safety in His perfect righteousness. He is now trusted, loved, and obeyed. He is all in all.
The sanctified man generally enjoys prayer; but he feels that he must pray when he does not; for prayer is the vital breath of his soul, the vent of his sorrows, the expression of his desires, and the utterance of his feelings.
He daily feels more and more his need of Jesus, observes his numerous defects, grieves over his departures from God, repents of every sin, and longs to be exactly like his dear Redeemer.
He often mourns because he sins against God so gracious - and yet rejoices because he is saved in Jesus with an everlasting salvation. He can only maintain a peaceful, happy conscience by frequent application to the open fountain. Nor does he feel quite satisfied, unless he enjoys the witness of the Spirit in his heart. He walks with God, and habitually aims to please Him. The bent of his mind is to spiritual things, and they become natural to him - he pursues, loves, and enjoys them.
Sanctification includes all the graces and fruits of the Spirit - as faith, hope, love, patience, humility, meekness, fidelity, and temperance. It is the desire of the truly sanctified, to do the whole will of God from the heart, and to suffer all his sovereign will with resignation.
His pattern is the life of Jesus; His rule is the precepts of the gospel; and his aim is to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
He is spiritually minded. He lives upon Jesus, and lives to Jesus. As God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved - he longs to clothe himself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Col 3:12, 13). His daily business is to "add to his faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love" (2 Peter 1:5-7).
He daily renounces all dependence on his doings and feelings, and rests on the finished work of Jesus alone, for his acceptance with God, and title to eternal life. To him the gospel, which proclaims a full and free salvation by faith alone - is good news; holiness is the only element in which his soul enjoys health; sin and sinners are a constant cause of grief; and freedom from all impurity is the reigning desire of his heart.
He mortifies his members, crucifies the flesh, puts off the old man with his deeds, and lives by faith on the Son of God.
Such is sanctification, as set forth in God's holy Word, and experienced by the Lord's people.
The AGENT in this great work is the HOLY SPIRIT - to Him, and to Him alone, it is to be attributed. It is His office and work to sanctify; and all real sanctification is the effect of His indwelling, the proof of His power, and the display of His grace.
The Father's love chose us unto salvation; the Son's blood redeemed us from damnation; and the Spirit's power sanctifies and makes us fit for glory.
Thus the whole Godhead is manifested, engaged, and glorified, in our salvation: and Father, Son, and Spirit, are alike known, loved, believed, and adored.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
The nature of sin is discovered and hated, the practice of sin is deplored and avoided, the consequences of sin are feared, and full salvation from sin is sought.
The ways of the Lord appear pleasant, the time and talents are employed in His service, the Bible becomes the daily companion, the saints appear the excellent of the earth, and the ordinances of the gospel yield profit and pleasure.
Jesus is now the object of faith, the subject of meditation, and appears altogether lovely.
No sanctified person ever thinks lightly either of sin or the Saviour; but the heart rests on His atonement, the tongue pleads His name, the soul thirsts for His grace, and the whole person seeks shelter and safety in His perfect righteousness. He is now trusted, loved, and obeyed. He is all in all.
The sanctified man generally enjoys prayer; but he feels that he must pray when he does not; for prayer is the vital breath of his soul, the vent of his sorrows, the expression of his desires, and the utterance of his feelings.
He daily feels more and more his need of Jesus, observes his numerous defects, grieves over his departures from God, repents of every sin, and longs to be exactly like his dear Redeemer.
He often mourns because he sins against God so gracious - and yet rejoices because he is saved in Jesus with an everlasting salvation. He can only maintain a peaceful, happy conscience by frequent application to the open fountain. Nor does he feel quite satisfied, unless he enjoys the witness of the Spirit in his heart. He walks with God, and habitually aims to please Him. The bent of his mind is to spiritual things, and they become natural to him - he pursues, loves, and enjoys them.
Sanctification includes all the graces and fruits of the Spirit - as faith, hope, love, patience, humility, meekness, fidelity, and temperance. It is the desire of the truly sanctified, to do the whole will of God from the heart, and to suffer all his sovereign will with resignation.
His pattern is the life of Jesus; His rule is the precepts of the gospel; and his aim is to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
He is spiritually minded. He lives upon Jesus, and lives to Jesus. As God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved - he longs to clothe himself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Col 3:12, 13). His daily business is to "add to his faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love" (2 Peter 1:5-7).
He daily renounces all dependence on his doings and feelings, and rests on the finished work of Jesus alone, for his acceptance with God, and title to eternal life. To him the gospel, which proclaims a full and free salvation by faith alone - is good news; holiness is the only element in which his soul enjoys health; sin and sinners are a constant cause of grief; and freedom from all impurity is the reigning desire of his heart.
He mortifies his members, crucifies the flesh, puts off the old man with his deeds, and lives by faith on the Son of God.
Such is sanctification, as set forth in God's holy Word, and experienced by the Lord's people.
The AGENT in this great work is the HOLY SPIRIT - to Him, and to Him alone, it is to be attributed. It is His office and work to sanctify; and all real sanctification is the effect of His indwelling, the proof of His power, and the display of His grace.
The Father's love chose us unto salvation; the Son's blood redeemed us from damnation; and the Spirit's power sanctifies and makes us fit for glory.
Thus the whole Godhead is manifested, engaged, and glorified, in our salvation: and Father, Son, and Spirit, are alike known, loved, believed, and adored.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)