Galatians 5:7 You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth? This disease is one which, like that fatal malady which leaves the cheek beautiful and the eye brilliant whilst it rapidly undermines the strength, may allow external appearances to continue specious and flattering, though the work of death is fast going on within. I. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL DECLINE. 1. Remissness in spiritual exercises. (1) Prayer. (2) Bible reading. (3) Church-going. 2. Want of interest in the conversion of others. 3. Worldliness. 4. Laxness in creed. II. THE DANGERS OF THIS STATE. 1. Difficult to restore decayed affection. If the fire be once out, almost impossible to rekindle the embers. 2. The longer any one goes on in this state, the less likely he is to retrace his steps. (H. Melvill, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?WEB: You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth? |
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