 |  |
Again, and in conclusion, the Apostle directs the mind of the believer away from the
flesh, in which will be found no good thing; away from this creation, with its groan and
travail; away from our own ability to pray, through lack of knowledge; away to the Lord
Himself, Who does know, and Who will perform.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8: 28).
Here, then, in the epistle to the Romans, is a glorious example of the blessed results of
adding to faith knowledge, and so of reaching the "persuasion" with which this inner
section of Romans finishes (Rom. 8: 38, 39).
No.3.
"Added knowledge" associated with
the Prize (Philippians).
pp. 193, 194
Let us give our attention for a while to the bearing of the teaching of the Epistle to the
Philippians on this subject. There we find Paul speaking of faith not only doctrinally, but
also in a practical sense. Had he been free to think only of himself, he confesses that he
would have been glad to depart and to be with Christ, but realizing that the churches still
needed his ministry, for a time at least, he was willing to abide in the flesh for their sakes:
"And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for
your furtherance and joy of faith" (Phil. 1: 25).
This `furtherance and joy of faith' however is an active expression and not merely a
passive reception. The Philippians were exhorted to:
"Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"
(Phil. 1: 27).
"For", continued the Apostle,
"unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer
for His sake" (Phil. 1: 29).
But Paul was not the man to enjoin endurance upon others, while he himself went free.
Throughout his ministry he was able to appeal to his `manner of life' as a living example
of the doctrine he taught and professed, so that we are not surprised to find that the next
reference to faith alludes once more to his endurance for the gospel:
"Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice
with you all" (Phil. 2: 17).
The only other occurrences of `faith' in Philippians are in that wonderful summary of
the doctrine of justification by faith, which is found in Phil. 3: 9. After the Apostle had