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Watch Your Words, September 13
It is written.... It is written again.... For it is written.
Matthew 4:4-10
.
Some who in times past have been honored of God, have become ensnared
by the deceptions of the enemy. They have been warned of their danger, but
in refusing to hear the warnings sent them, they have become more and more
deceived, until finally they are found fighting against the Lord and against
His workers.
Those who stand upon the rock of eternal truth will sometimes meet such
opposition as will call for very decided action. At such times let every word
be carefully weighed, lest you injure the souls of those you desire to help.
Keep your tongue as with a bridle. Remember that God has not given to you
the work of judging your brethren....
From the Word of God gather all the comfort and encouragement possible,
and present this to souls struggling with perplexities and difficulties. But
never bring a railing accusation against those who are deceived....
In meeting the enemy in the wilderness, Christ’s response to his wicked
insinuations was, “It is written.” When Satan presumed to claim the ownership
of the whole world, and asked Christ to worship him as God, He who with a
word might have called to His assistance legions of angels, merely said, “Get
thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and
him only shalt thou serve” (
Matthew 4:10
). The intensity of this conflict we
but partly understand. It seemed as though the Saviour would die on the field
of battle, but He withstood the wily foe. His words so carefully chosen, were
as sharp as a two-edged sword. Satan was thoroughly repulsed. He realized
that the Prince of Life could not be deceived by any sophistry.
We are now upon the field of conflict....
Let the Word of God be our study....
To as many as believe in Him, Christ gives power to become the sons
of God. Those who are thus denominated as members of the royal family
will live for Him who is the propitiation for their sins. As they follow on to
know the truth, their feet are planted on the sure foundation. Neither flood nor
storm can sweep away their foundation.—
Letter 289, September 13, 1905
, to
“My Brethren in the Ministry.”
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