The Precepts and Liberty # 2 (and others)

The Precepts and Liberty # 2 (and others)

2. Thereby we are delivered from the bondage of our lusts. No man can serve two masters. In our unregenerate days, we were entirely dominated by our corruptions, for God had no place in our hearts and lives. But the more He possesses our hearts, and the more we are governed by His precepts - the less will sin tyrannize us. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit - and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatans 5:16). To "walk in the Spirit" is to be governed by that Word of Truth which he dictated for us. Therefore, our daily prayer needs to be, "Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin dominion over me" (Psalm 119:133). If some iniquity has "dominion" over me - it is because my steps are not ordered by the Word in all things.

3. Thereby we are delivered from a sin-enslaved will. The natural man's will is quite free to choose - but what determines his choice? His inclinations: he always chooses that which, everything considered, is most agreeable to him. Being fallen, he prefers to serve "self" rather than God; the world more than Christ; the pleasures of sin above holiness; and therefore, he always chooses the former. God makes His people willing in the day of His power to choose Christ by bringing them to feel their need of Him and giving them a desire for Him. The more we love God's and the pleasanter obedience becomes to us - the more the will is emancipated from the power of our corruptions.

4. Thereby are we delivered from the accusations of a guilty conscience. Just so long as we lived in rebellion against God, that inward monitor condemned us; and though at times we succeeded in drowning its voice, there were moments and seasons when our rest was disturbed. But "great peace have those who love your law" (Psalm 119:165). The more we love God's law and the more we seek His precepts - the more freedom have we from convictions of guilt.

5. Thereby are we delivered from the snares of the Fowler. The unregenerate "are taken captive by him at his will" (2 Tim. 2:26), so that it is his behests they perform (John 8:44). But "If the Son makes you free - you shall be free indeed!" (John 8:36).

6. Thereby we are freed from the disapprobation of God. If we are truly seeking His precepts, we shall enjoy the quickenings and comforts of the Spirit; it is our self-will which "grieves" Him and restrains His gracious operations within us. So too we shall escape God's chastenings, for it is when we forsake His Law and disobey His commandments, that He visits our transgressions with the rod and His providences are against us (Psalm 89:30-32).

7. Thereby are we delivered from the bondage of human opinions and customs. There are many professing Christians whose freedom is circumscribed by "the commandments and doctrines of men" with their Touch not; taste not, handle not" (Colossians 2:20-22). But the one who is regulated only by God's precepts will walk at liberty from such impositions.

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)
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A Cold Chill Fell Upon Their Hearts!

It has frequently occurred, that young converts in the ardor of their first love, and while much unacquainted as yet, with what is called the "religious world," have looked upon the church as a "sacred enclosure," within which dwelt a kind of heavenly inhabitants, who could think or speak of little else than the glory which awaited them. In the church, these novices expected to find the sweetest and holiest fellowship, an almost unearthly spirituality, and an uninterrupted strain of pious conversation.

But alas! What a woeful disappointment did the reality produce! In the "sacred enclosure" they found worldly minded professors - almost as intent upon seen and temporal things, as those they had left out in the world!

In the "vestibule of heaven", they beheld professors covered with "earthly dust", disordered with worldly concerns, and given up to worldly amusements!

In the church members, they saw little but worldly conduct, and heard little else but worldly conversation!

A cold chill fell upon their hearts, which checked the ardor of their pious affections; and even they, lately so fervent, soon sunk and settled down into the lukewarmness of those among whom they had come to dwell.

~John Angell James~