PurityHave no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them — Eph. 5:11.
Our reproof of sin may always be through the living epistles of our daily lives, which, as bright and shining lights, should ever reprove by manner, look, act and tone, everything tending toward darkness and sin. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Occasionally it may be proper, and still more occasionally it may be duty, for us to speak or to act in opposition to darkness; but the light of a godly life, testifying for the Truth and exhibiting the holy Spirit, is certainly one of the most forceful reproofs of sin that can be administered—Z '04, 74 (R 2966). In this text the word fellowship means partnership, participation in the works of darkness, the deeds of sin and error. These are unfruitful because they lead to no good results. We have fellowship in such works, when we perform them or support and encourage others in performing them. Of course, those who stand for God, truth and righteousness even to the sacrifice of their all in death cannot participate in such works. Rather their course is to reprove them. This they may do, first, and always, by example, wherein they not only do not do such works, rather their opposites, but also by manner, look and tone show disapproval; then, secondly, and occasionally, by speech expressing their disharmony with, and opposition to, the unfruitful works of darkness. Usually the former method is the most effective reproach; yet at times with the support of the former the latter method will prove the most effective reproof—P '33, 163. Parallel passages: Psa. 19:8; 24:3-5; 51:7; 119:140; Prov.15:26; 20:9; 21:8; 30:12; Isa.1:18, 25; 6:7; Dan. 12:10; Mic. 6:11; Mal. 3:2, 3; Matt. 5:8; John 15:2; Phil. 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:5; 3:9; 5:22; 2 Tim. 2:21, 22; Titus 1:15; Heb. 9:14; Jas. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 3:3. Hymns: 47, 74, 78, 125, 128, 150, 198. Poems of Dawn, 40: The Cost of Discipleship. Tower Reading: Z '98, 211 (R 2335). Questions: Have I striven for purity this week? How? Why? Under what circumstances? With what results? |
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THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
LUKE 9:23.
WOULD ye be My disciples? Consider again:
Can ye follow My footsteps through trial and pain?
Can ye throw away pleasure, and glory, and fame,
And live but to honor My cause and My name?
Can ye turn from the glitter of fashion and mirth,
And dwell like a pilgrim and stranger on earth,
Despising earth's riches, and living to bless?
Can you follow the feet of the shelterless?
Can ye ask from your heart the forgiveness of men?
Can ye list to reproaches, nor answer again?
Can ye pray that repentance to life may be theirs
Who've watched for your falling, who've set for you snares?
When ye hear I am come, then can ye arise,
The joy of your heart springing up in your eyes?
Can ye come out to meet Me, whate'er the cost be,
Though ye come on the waves of a storm-crested sea?
When I call, can ye turn and in gladness "come out"
From the home of your childhood, the friends of your heart?
With naught but My promise on which to rely,
Afar from their love—can ye lie down and die?
Yea, we'll take up the cross and in faith follow Thee
And bear Thy reproach, Thy disciples to be.
Blest Savior, for courage, to Thee we will fly;
Of grace Thou hast promised abundant supply.
LUKE 9:23.
WOULD ye be My disciples? Consider again:
Can ye follow My footsteps through trial and pain?
Can ye throw away pleasure, and glory, and fame,
And live but to honor My cause and My name?
Can ye turn from the glitter of fashion and mirth,
And dwell like a pilgrim and stranger on earth,
Despising earth's riches, and living to bless?
Can you follow the feet of the shelterless?
Can ye ask from your heart the forgiveness of men?
Can ye list to reproaches, nor answer again?
Can ye pray that repentance to life may be theirs
Who've watched for your falling, who've set for you snares?
When ye hear I am come, then can ye arise,
The joy of your heart springing up in your eyes?
Can ye come out to meet Me, whate'er the cost be,
Though ye come on the waves of a storm-crested sea?
When I call, can ye turn and in gladness "come out"
From the home of your childhood, the friends of your heart?
With naught but My promise on which to rely,
Afar from their love—can ye lie down and die?
Yea, we'll take up the cross and in faith follow Thee
And bear Thy reproach, Thy disciples to be.
Blest Savior, for courage, to Thee we will fly;
Of grace Thou hast promised abundant supply.