Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded… The mists that shrouded the earth before the dawn do not take their flight at the very first touch of the morning sun. But before his waxing strength they disappear. So will it be, the apostle says, with moral mists. God's dealings in this respect, in the dispensation of His grace, accord with what we see every day in the physical sphere. Within certain limits, the exercise of power tends to bring more power. "To him that hath is given." To the "shatirs" who run before the king of Persia — as "Elijah girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel" — practice from childhood has given such activity of limb, that they can keep pace for many hours with a fleet horse. The swing of the heavy hammer makes the muscles of the blacksmith's arms "strong as iron bands." Similarly, "if a man be willing to do the will of God," which is the legitimate exercise of such religious knowledge as he has, "he shall know of the doctrine" further. The believer who, "whereto he has attained, walks by the same," will find his "attainment" increasing continually. For the man who fills his sphere of light with spiritual vigilance — strenuous opposition to the temptations of the world, and the flesh, and the devil — earnest effort, according to opportunity, to extend the kingdom of truth and righteousness — the illuminated circle will steadily widen. (R. Johnstone, LL. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. |
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