(Eph. 6:10-24.)
The very blessings of the church set us in a sort of conflict, that, without such blessings, we should not have. Thus we are subject to more of failure and evil. A Jew might do many things that would be monstrous in a Christian and find no defilement of conscience.
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If you and I have more knowledge than many other Christians, there will be more dishonor and failure amongst us, than amongst other Christians, unless we walk according to the light.
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What we call “duties,” but what God calls “cares,” often separate us from Christ. (Mark 4:19.)
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The reason why a saint who has a great deal of joy often gets into failure is because it has taken him away from the present consciousness of dependence; the very goodness of the Lord has made him enjoy himself. There is always a tendency for the flesh to slip in.
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Conscious weakness causes a saint not to dare to move without God.
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We have to stand against the wiles of the devil (it is not said his power). As soon as I can see them, I can avoid them. To discern his “wiles” we should see whether the thing proposed leads from obedience to Christ. (Eph. 6:2).
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This is a remarkable expression, “the evil day.” (Eph. 6:13). It supposes in a general way all this present time, for it is the time of Satan’s temptations.
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“Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” (Eph. 6:14). Truth is never really ours, but as the affections are kept in order by it.
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“And having on the breastplate of righteousness.” (Eph. 6:14). A person not having a clean conscience Satan cows in his walk.
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There is no place so full of peace as heaven—no jar there; myriads of worshippers all in concord, while there are a thousand harmonies round the center of God’s glory.
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The soul in communion with God will live in the spirit of peace. There is nothing more important, to meet the turmoil of the world, than getting into this spirit of peace.
Nothing keeps the soul in such peace as a settled confidence in God. Without this a man will be continually excited, in haste, and full of anxiety.
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There is nothing more dangerous than to use the word when it has not touched my conscience. I put myself into Satan’s hands if I go beyond what I have from God, what is in possession of my soul, and use it in ministry or privately.
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There is nothing more dangerous than the handling of the word apart from the guidance of the Spirit. To talk with saints on the things of God beyond what I hold in communion is most pernicious. There would be a great deal not said, that is said, were we watchful as to this, and the word not so used in an unclean way. I know of nothing that more separates from God than truth spoken out of communion with God; there is uncommon danger in it.
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When living really in the power of communion, we have that energy of supplication that looks for answer.
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Humbleness and dependence should be marked on all a saint’s actions.
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