Although, therefore, we must come into touch with the world, we seek not to be "of it"

while compelled to be "in it"; we have to use the world, but we seek not all its privileges,

we desire not its friendship, we shall gain or lose with very little difference of feeling so

long as we know that He remaineth. We use the world, but not to the full.

Rotherham renders the word translated "abuse", by "using to the full". J. N. Darby

renders it, "as not disposing of it as their own", and refers to 9: 18, 19 where he renders

the verses:--

The world and all it possesses does not belong to us, our "rights" are heavenly, our

blessings "spiritual", and we pass through the wilderness, and need journeying mercies;

having "food and raiment" we are exhorted to be content; our true possessions are where

our risen Lord is "in the heavenlies".

So wrote the apostle to the church that he honoured by recognizing them to be

spiritual enough to contribute to his needs, without receiving spiritual harm by the

He rejoiced in the Lord very much that their care for him had revived, but he hastened

to assure them that he did not speak as to want, for he had learned in whatsoever state he

was to be content.

The apostle said, "I have learned." Where did he receive this learning? It was not as

he sat at the feet of Gamaliel, excellent teacher as he may have been; it was as he sat at

the feet of Christ.

The first occurrences of the word show that this "learning" is no mere book

knowledge, but something deeper:--