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Expanded Comments | Additional Comments |
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| 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. |
Stand fast – Adhere to fixed principles, be steadfast in the Lord. R90:1
Strive to maintain. R5356:3
Firmly and loyally with the Lord, our Redeemer, Instructor and King. R3020:4
In the domestic duties of life. R1553:4
Every one who comes to realize the liberty of the sons of God and full freedom from Babylon's bondage should expect to meet other attempts of the Adversary to bring into other bondage or to stumble him. C188
Therefore – Referring to chapter 4. R90:2
In the liberty – All those who have come to Christ and are united to him only. R2134:5
Voluntary enslavement to Christ. R1067:1
The sixteenth century Reformation was a re-awakening of the spirit of liberty, to think inside the foundation lines of the doctrines of Christ. R3019:6
With the Reformation movement came the love of liberty afresh. R3751:3
To be sharply differentiated from the liberty of license. R3017:3
Freedom from bondage to sin. R2389:3, 4418:1
The liberty of reason, of justice and of love. R3857:3
It is one thing to learn our liberty and another thing to avail ourselves of that liberty. R4692:5
The only liberty that is really a blessing. R4707:4
Not liberty or freedom to do wrong, but free to follow the spirit of the Law rather than its letter. R4599:6
It is also true that we should be on guard lest we use our liberty in such a manner as to stumble others weaker than ourselves. We are to use the liberty of self-sacrifice. R4920:1
Justification, the title to life through Christ the Redeemer. R1738:3
Obtained through justification, consecration and adoption through the holy Spirit. R3528:1
The very reverse of the spirit of Papacy. B328
Christians are bound to feel grateful to God for America, and the torch of enlightenment which it has lifted before the masses of humanity, but they look forward to the better government. NS665:3
Wherewith Christ – Follow the Lamb whithersoever he leads. "Whom the Son makes free is free indeed." (John 8:36) C145; Q644:6
Hath made us free – Free from the Law Covenant. F362; R90:5
Resting in Christ. R315:5
Free from all human bondage and sectarianism; and traditions of men. R1575:1, 295:5; SM556:3, 126:1; NS390:1; OV418:1, 388:3
Free from the bondage of sin and death. R4707:4, 1738:3
Christ only gives freedom to those who desire it and will fight for it. R3857:6
By a persistent warfare of the new mind against the old nature. R3858:4
It should be the chief and most enjoyable service to lead others out of bondage of sin into the service of Christ. R1067:5
Freedom to one, is bondage to another. R452:2*
Be not entangled – Free, as Isaac was, as Ishmael was not. F362
By human creeds, confessions, etc. F242; R452:5*
We are to resist determinedly and persistently the attempts of the old master, sin, to bring us again into captivity. R5356:3
One of the deceptive entanglements of our day is that we should join an earthly organization. R1067:2
"Come out of her my people." (Rev. 18:4, 5) R2147:2
Again – Which Satan surely will endeavor to accomplish in every way in his power. C188
Whoever has gotten free should take heed that nothing, church or priest, shall come between his heart and the Lord. R1067:4
Take a firm and positive stand for the truth. R1067:5
With the yoke – The Law Covenant. R1728:5, 1893:1, 973:4
A Judaizing influence. R4623:6
Which condemned all who sought justification under it. R1872:2
The sectarian yoke. C145, C188; R694:2; Q644:6; OV418:1; SM556:2
There are forms of error purporting to be advanced light, which only the elect will escape. R1067:5
Of bondage – To human organizations. F234
The duty for every saint to cast entirely aside every human yoke of bondage, and to assist other saints to the same blessed liberty. R694:2
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| 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. |
I Paul – Paul seems to have been the first of the apostles to grasp the situation of the leading of the Spirit in turning to the Gentiles and of the all-sufficiency of the atonement. R1472:5
Say unto you – You Gentiles, with whom it has not been a national custom. F226; R4624:1, 2175:5, 1526:4
God could have quickly made the truth plain, but he chose to do it gradually. R1472:5
If ye be circumcised – With the object of trying to commend yourselves to God by obedience to the Law. R2604:5, 4624:1, 688:1
Not addressing Jews, but Gentiles. F226
Profit you nothing – Subservience to the Law would lead to rejection of the true gospel. R1734:5, 974:6
The blessings of the two Covenants cannot be mixed. R2424:1
Coming under the domination of the Law Covenant would indicate they had forfeited their standing in Christ. R4624:1
In keeping the seventh day, in hope of keeping the Law and gaining its promised blessings. R543:5
No contradiction with Acts 16:3. Timothy was a Jew. F226; R1526:4
"By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified." (Rom. 3:20) R1042:3
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| 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. |
Every man – Every Jew. R4510:6
A debtor – Paul in writing to the Galatians is warning them against coming under the domination of the Law. R4505:2
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| 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. |
Of no effect – If not trusting in the merits of Jesus sacrifice, you are under sin and its penalty, as though that sacrifice had not been made. R688:1
We of the Lazarus class, the Gospel Church, should not attempt to mix the Law and the gospel, knowing they cannot be mixed. R1042:3; HG386:5
Are justified – Righteous or pure. R687:3
Are trusting that you are justified by the Law (Covenant). R4510:6
There is a disposition in our day for those who have accepted the grace of God, to attempt to justify themselves by works. R2285:3
Whoso observes days in an attempt to keep the Law, has failed to fully appreciate the value of Christ's finished work. R315:2, 2119:3
By the law – Law Covenant. R4510:6
Whosoever purified himself by the Law and circumcision Christ would profit him nothing. R972:5, 416:6*
Because of inherited condemnation and weakness, the Law could not justify any to life. R687:3
Israel's experience under the Law is sufficient to prove to us that "By the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in God's sight." (Rom. 3:20) R542:3; E444
Fallen from grace – Favor. R688:1, 542:3
Lost the trust in the merit of the precious blood. R2285:3
Shows the possibility of falling from God's favor. R1458:2
In accepting the thought that Jesus was a good example, but obedience to the Law was required, God's favor is rejected. R1458:6, 2119:3, 315:2
The false teachings served as siftings to draw off those who were not Israelites indeed. R2206:2
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| 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. |
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| 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. |
Circumcision – Being children of Abraham, according to the flesh, is not sufficient to make us new creatures. R3022:2, 1726:1, 972:5
Nor uncircumcision – The council at Jerusalem did not decide that circumcision should not be considered thenceforth, but that it is not necessary for a Christian. R3022:2
To the Gentile, circumcision was not an optional matter as with the Jew. R3022:4, 2175:5
Faith which worketh – The faith of all Bible worthies was of this type--a working faith. R50:2*
This is the law of love, as it is "the law of faith." (Rom. 3:26) R1322:5*
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| 7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? |
Hinder you – There are many things to overcome, requiring constant effort. R90:6
"Unto the Jew a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness." (1 Cor. 1:23) R863:1
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| 8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. |
This persuasion – Doctrine; or teaching which was being advanced in the Church. R687:6, 2
Some today are turning to works, good deeds and self-denials as the basis of hoped-for future life. R688:1
We need to guard our judgments, so that we be persuaded only of God, even though the Adversary should present his persuasion through recognized teachers. R687:2
Even though it might come through an angel, it is from the Adversary. R688:5
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| 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. |
A little leaven – Corruption, error, sin. F464; T98
The Christianized Jews did not deny Jesus, else the Galatians would have been unmoved by their teachings. R687:5
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| 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. |
That troubleth you – Trust in Christ's redemptive work had been disturbed by Christianized Jews. R687:4
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| 11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. |
Brethren – Believers; sons of God. R1697:1
Offence of the cross – This has not ceased, it is to the Jew and the nominal Christian a stumbling-block, and to the worldly wise foolishness. (1 Cor. 1:23) R684:1
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| 12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you. |
Cut off – Not tormented forever and ever. R356:1
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| 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. |
Brethren – Believers. R1697:1
Called unto liberty – Were called for freedom. Stand by your personal liberty. R4478:6*
The privilege of sacrificing present rights for the sake of the truth and its service. F92; R3752:4
Our real liberty is freedom from error and superstition, and from the bondage of selfishness; and the privilege of showing to others that we are copies of the Master. R4899:6; NS380:2
Our liberty is a liberty to co-operate with our Lord. R1065:3
New creatures find that the knowledge they receive and the spirit of liberty which comes to them through that knowledge has one effect upon their flesh and another effect upon their wills, their hearts. R3751:6
To the flesh – To serve the flesh, to do evil. F92
By love – Not through formality. Any service done in love with a desire to do good. R3543:6
Serve one another – Comfort, refresh, console and assist in the humblest affairs of life, or the trials of life. R3543:6
Service which love prompts renders the most arduous task easy and is acceptable to God. R31:6
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| 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. |
The law – The law of God. R687:3
Our judgments will coincide with his. R1712:5
"The law of the spirit of life." (Rom. 8:2) R1498:3
Is fulfilled – "Fulfilled in us who walk...after the Spirit." (Rom. 8:4) R4504:6
Thou shalt love – Control your liberty by the law of love. R4478:6*, 25:5*
As thyself – It does not say "Better than thyself"; Christ's self-sacrifice in our behalf went beyond this requirement. R3804:6
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| 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. |
Bite and devour – Tending to the destruction of all that is spiritual amongst the Lord's people. R5056:6
The truth seems to take hold of the stronger characters. A diamond surrounded by mud would scratch nothing, but diamonds together are cutting. R3752:1
We should content earnestly for the truth, but those occasions of friction should be waived where no principle of truth is at stake. R3752:4
One another – Even in the Apostles' day, there was a tendency at times to fight each other rather then to fight the Devil, the world and the flesh. R3858:2
Be not consumed – Lost as respects the gracious things to which the Lord has invited us. R3752:5
Let us more and more put on the armor of God to fight our own fleshly weaknesses. R5467:5*
"They that take to the sword shall perish with the sword." (Matt. 26:52) R3738:3
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| 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. |
Walk in the Spirit – Let their daily course of life be in accord with their new nature. R4687:6, 1748:4
The Spirit or mind of Christ, the Spirit of the truth, shall have control. D476; E184; R1861:3, 1554:6
We should guard all the actions of life, as well as all our words. R5124:1
Watch that you are walking in line with the spirit of the truth. R3858:3
To as many as walk by this rule are promised peace and mercy. Forms and ceremonies are not the rule, but the new life itself, the new creature filled with the holy Spirit. R1841:2
In our marriage relationship. R1554:6
Shall not fulfil – The only way to keep down human ambitions, hopes and desires, is to keep filled with the Spirit. R3070:4
The lust – The disposition, mind of flesh. The desire. E201
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| 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. |
The flesh – This term represents the lower and more animal qualities of the person. OV138:1
After six thousand years of falling from the image of God. R3986:2
Lusteth against – Desireth. E200; R5211:3, 4811:1, 3275:2, 3031:5
Fleshly appetites, preferences, propensities, war against the spirit of the new will. R5486:4, 5211:3, 3858:3
Only our hearts are changed--our flesh is much more in harmony with the world than with the new order of things established in our hearts through Christ. R4811:1
The Spirit – The new will or mind. R3031:5
Against the flesh – The new creature is in mortal combat with entrenched sin. R5778:1
The new creature fights the good fight in that he stands loyal to the Lord. R5902:4, 5211:3
There is a constant battle between the new creature, the new will, and the old creature. R4811:4, 2769:5, 2335:3
Anticipate in advance its opposition and proceed at once to mortify. R3275:2
There is no need to go outside and battle with others. R5212:1
In proportion as we yield to the desires of the flesh the spiritual new nature will languish. R3031:5
These are contrary – The two desires being opposed, cannot both be gratified; one will be gratified at the expense of the other. R3858:3, 5211:3, 1857:6; NS449:5
Our affections must be torn from their earthly props, and trained heavenward, held there by the cords of love and devotion to God. R5906:4
The slaughter of the Jerichoites represented the victory of true Israelites over self-will, self-love, self-indulgence and every enemy of the new nature. R1857:6, 4070:3
Ye cannot do – This constitutes our need for an Advocate. NS356:5; Q798:1, 644:2; SM721:2
The battle which ensues is a hard one. R1861:3
Experience proves this to all Christians. R2335:4
Daily we should remember before the throne of heavenly grace our imperfections and blemishes, and ask divine forgiveness. R4643:1
We walk after the Spirit of God's Law as nearly as possible, coming short only where our imperfections of the fall render obedience impossible. SM308:1, 613:1
There are certain fleshly weaknesses, over which the new mind never gets as complete a mastery as it desires. Q649:1; R3858:4
Our ability to gain the victory will be in proportion to our faith in God and our reliance on him. R5296:4
That ye would – That ye new creatures would like to do. E201; R5211:3, 4982:1
Ideals are to be and are higher than capacity and ability. R4982:1
You would follow in the Master's footsteps perfectly, but you cannot do this, you can only hobble after his at very most. R4688:1
Because our flesh is depraved we need the merit of Christ to assist us. R5211:5
Israel's minds were alive to the promises, but their flesh was imperfect. R5286:2, 3353:1
All humanity are sinners. R5032:3, 4982:1
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| 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. |
If ye be – You who have accepted Christ, and who are walking according to the new mind. R3858:5
Led of the Spirit – Walking according to the new mind to the best of your ability, following the lead of the Spirit. R3858:5
Not under the law – Have nothing to do with the law, it cannot condemn you. You are protected under the robe of Christ's righteousness. R3858:5
We are not children of the bondwoman, but the original Abrahamic Covenant. R1728:5
Born free from the slavery and conditions of the Law. R973:3
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| 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, |
Works of the flesh – The old man. R1841:4; NS565:2
Defects of character are works of the fallen flesh. R5117:5, 40:6*
And of the Devil. F408; R3594:1, 1151:3*; HG693:2
Inclinations and cravings of the fallen human nature. R1748:3, 1295:6
The legitimate cravings of the human mind and body, when such gratification will prevent our progress in the narrow way. R5807:1, 1841:4
The kind of works which Satan supports and into which he endeavors to lead mankind. R5184:2
Wholly contrary to the course of a pure heart. R5123:6
Branches coming out of the root of selfishness. R5100:1
All violations of the law of love, come under the head of selfishness and imply injury to our fellow-creatures. R3858:6
Should be put far away from us who seek to be followers of the Lamb. R5765:6, 5766:1
Cease to strive against the old nature, and presently some of these noxious weeds will flourish. R1748:4
The Lord's footstep followers should daily and hourly keep watch over his thoughts, words, deeds and underlying motives. R4524:1
No matter what the form, if we know the thing to be evil we are to abstain from it. R4728:2; SM403:3
Represents the removing of sin from the sanctuary. R109:6*
A desire to do evil where only the opportunity is lacking. R3859:1
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| 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, |
Witchcraft – To prove his lie that the dead are not dead, Satan instituted witchcraft. R1216:2
We should have no communion with the occult. R2172:1; HG726:1; Q804:3
Hatred – Every child of God should feel horrified at the bare suggestion that he possessed anything of this un-Christlike character. R4524:1
Heresies – Sects or denominations. R1130:6*
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| 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. |
Envyings – A seed which thrives rapidly in any heart where it takes root, and who can tell what bitter fruitage it will produce. R2880:3
Of the same spirit as evil surmisings. R5122:6
Murders – Represented in that condition of heart which hates a brother. R3859:1
"He that hateth his brother is a murderer." (1 John 3:15) R4217:1
Bomb-throwing, and other modern devices for killing are included with murder and other devilishness--done by those thinking that they are Christians. OV401:5, 427:4
Drunkenness – Intoxication literally, or symbolically with the spirit of the world, Babylon. R4217:1
No drunkard can hope to be a member of the Body of Christ, the elect Church. R4600:6
We are not to understand that no one who has ever been drunk can enter into the Kingdom of God. R2533:2
The Apostle arrays himself, and all the saints on the side of temperance. R1444:5
I tell you – It would not have done to leave out the grosser forms of sin because they belong to evils which are opposed to the Spirit of God. R1841:4
They which do such – If they continue in that evil course. R4217:5
Doing works antagonistic to righteousness. R4688:1, 121:1*
Just cease to strive against the old nature, and some noxious weed will flourish and crowd out the good. R1748:4
The great majority manifest works of the flesh and the Devil. SM128:3
They have no right to the fellowship of the saints. R1841:5
Shall not inherit – Have no hope of any share in the Kingdom of Heaven. R3858:6, 4217:5
Would that we all might keep this question well in mind. R3679:5
The kingdom – Showing that the Kingdom was not set up at Pentecost but was still in the future. HG368:4
Not meaning that if anyone were overtaken in a fault that this would bar him forever from the Kingdom. R4688:2
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| 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, |
Fruit of the Spirit – Means complete sanctification. SM583; 1
The flowers of sweet odor which belong to the Garden of the Lord. R4688:4
The spirit of a sound mind. R5846:4
Each fruit of the spirit is a part of the necessary preparation for this "evil day," this "hour of temptation," now present. R5678:4, 35:3
Gradually developed and matured by labor. E181; R5393:1, 5124:2, 1841:5
Developments of the heart and character, which come more or less slowly, according to the personality and the environment of each of the spirit-begotten ones. R5224:2
Has much the same significance as "graces of the spirit." A quality being developed would be a fruitage. If we were speaking of an individual's conduct we might speak of the graces which he manifested. R4989:4
There is a difference between a "gift" and a "fruit." R5124:2
Instead of miraculously received gifts, we now grow the fruits, by cultivation. R1998:4; NS205:4; Q48:3
If one does not manifest fruit, there is reason to doubt if he has been begotten of the Spirit. R5393:1, 5224:2, 5134:5
A person, after receiving the holy Spirit, will begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit. R5393:1, 5224:2
Necessary to have an abundant entrance into the kingdom. R5760:5; NS376:6
Those possessing these are not easily offended, but are glad to have such experiences as the Lord's providences may direct to them--specially if these come through the brethren. R5693:1
Not manifest by Christendom, therefore they cannot be Christ's Kingdom. R5829:5, 5825:5, 5134:5, 2999*; OV401:4
An evil spirit displaces, fruits of the spirit. R5100:1, 1151:3*
To live in the cultivation of these graces is to "live in the Spirit." R1748:4
Evidence of vital union with Christ. R81:3*
See 2 Pet. 1:5-8. OV401:4, 427:4
God looked for justice and righteousness as fruits in Christendom. R2804:3*
Is love – The Apostle places love at the head of the list of fruits of the spirit. R5757:1, 32:2*
Manifests itself in wise, helpful activity; pities, helps, comforts, cheers and blesses all within its reach. R4809:3
If we have love to God and for each other, it becomes to us as well as to others an evidence that we have the Spirit of God. R32:2*
Joy – Love exultant. F186
Peace – Love in repose. F186
Because we have submitted ourselves to God. R5393:2
Longsuffering – Love enduring. F186
Gentleness – Love in society. F186
Not rudeness. We have plenty of rudeness by nature. CR447:3; SM363:1
Some are naturally quite gentle. If this be so, we are not to think it a proof of possession of the holy Spirit. R5393:1
Greatness through gentleness. R1708:2
Goodness – Love in action. F186
Faith – Love on the battlefield of life. F186
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| 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. |
Meekness – Love in resignation. F186
Meekness is the foundation for love. SM363:1; CR447:3
The meek man will find it easier to be gentle and patient. R5387:6
Meekness signifies teachableness; you can make no progress without it. CR382:4
Rash people often get into trouble, because there is a lack of meekness. R5387:6
To continue under the leading and instruction of the Lord we must have a spirit of meekness, so the Father can give us the "spirit of wisdom and revelation." (Eph. 1:17) E185
Temperance – Love in training. F186
Self-restraint. R5757:2
Against such – Qualities and characteristics of the new nature. R3859:2
Such as God originally planted in man and which have become vitiated through sin. R4688:4, 1296:1
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| 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. |
That are Christ's – The consecrated, prospective members of his Bride. R3859:3, 960:2
Implying that not all of the congregation at Galatia were such. T117
Crucified the flesh – Have voluntarily agreed that they will live contrary to the emotions and desires of the fallen flesh. R4688:4
Counting the flesh as condemned to death; willing that it die a lingering death. R3859:3
The flesh insists that the new creature would commit a crime in mortifying the flesh. R5248:3
The literal is a slow torturous death; the figurative closely resembles this. R960:2
There is no doubt, that if we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we shall suffer. R212:1*
If any would attain to the divine nature, they must take their sinning nature--the old man--and bring it to this altar, Jesus, and put it to death. R101:5*, 99:3*
Affections and lusts – Passions and desires. (Diaglott) R814:2*
Each shall seek to bring himself into the degree of subjection so the very thoughts of mind and acts of life may be in harmony with the Lord. Q9:5
Does not mean the elimination of every thing natural to man, but, we are to live on a higher plane. Q9:3
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| 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. |
Live in the Spirit – Live in the cultivation of the fruits and graces. R5807:2
The Spirit of God which has quickened us and which ultimately is to perfect us. R4688:4
Walk in the Spirit – Make progress in the spiritual life. R1748:4
Reckon ourselves new creatures, spirit beings, not yet perfect. R3859:3
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| 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. |
Of vain glory – Influence, power, and authority amongst the brethren. R3859:4
Vanity is one of the most dangerous besetments of the Christian; it leads to more trouble, more quarrels, than is generally supposed. R4688:5
Provoking – Whoever manifests a vainglorious spirit tempts another in the same direction; there is a provoking or inciting to an evil course. R3859:4
New creatures in Christ should incite to love and good works. R3859:4
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