Chapter 284—Through Simple, Trusting Faith
The grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:14
.
It is your privilege ever to grow in grace, advancing in the knowledge
and love of God, if you maintain the sweet communion with Christ it is your
privilege to enjoy. In the simplicity of humble faith ask the Lord to open
your understanding, that you may discern and appreciate the precious things
of His Word. Thus you may grow in grace, grow in simple, trusting faith....
Be sure that your spiritual life does not become poor, sickly, inefficient.
There are many who have need of the words and example of a Christian.
Weakness and indecision provoke the assaults of the enemy, and any one who
fails to increase in spiritual growth, in a knowledge of truth and righteousness,
will frequently be overcome by the enemy.
Genuine faith always works by love. When you look to Calvary it is not
to quiet your soul in the nonperformance of duty, not to compose yourself to
sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from
the slime of selfishness. When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has
just begun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome
by vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one
is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted,
devoid of sympathy.... He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words,
and censure and condemn.
Let faith, like a palm tree, strike its penetrating roots beneath the things
which do appear, and obtain spiritual refreshment from the living springs
of God’s grace and mercy. There is a well of water which springeth up
into everlasting life. You must draw your life from this hidden spring. If
you divest yourselves of selfishness, and strengthen your souls by constant
communion with God, you may promote the happiness of all with whom
you come in contact. You will notice the neglected, inform the ignorant,
encourage the oppressed and desponding, and, as far as possible, relieve the
suffering. And you will not only point the way to heaven, but will walk in
that way yourselves.
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