Warfare by A. J. BRISTOL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1916

Warfare

By A. J. BRISTOL

A. J. BRISTOL

For many months war has raged in Europe. The result of present battles may determine the fate of nations. For many centuries war has been waged against those who are seeking eternal life. The conflict is nearly ended, and we are not in doubt as to which side we will finally triumph. Right will win, but whether we as individuals shall be victors depends entirely upon us.

In 2 Peter 1:11, A. R. V., we read, “Thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Any course of conduct implied in the word “thus,” which has such great reward, deserves careful study.

In verse 5 and following is found the main admonition, “For this very cause [of having become partakers of the divine nature] adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love.” Let us briefly study these graces which have promise of such great reward.

Faith

This scripture implies faith as the means by which we have “become partakers of the divine nature”—been “born again.” So we will give no special study here to this all-important grace. We say all-important, for without faith it is “impossible to please” God. But faith is not the only grace, for even in our faith we are to supply—

Virtue

Virtue means, primarily, manliness, bravery, as the first element of all goodness. The root idea of virtue is preserved in some other English words, as “virile,” “vim.” So the admonition to supply this characteristic in our faith, precludes all idea of a merely passive reception of the divine nature. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ, are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that he endured.”—“The Desire of Ages,” p. 73.

Knowledge

In your virtue supply knowledge. The above-mentioned forceful qualities so essential to progress in the divine life are to be wisely directed. There is no excuse for us to go on manifesting “a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” In acquiring knowledge, reading and study play an important part. Paul exhorted Timothy to “give attendance to reading” and to “study.” 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15. The true sources of knowledge are God’s Word and his works, made vitally real and intelligible to us through prayerful communion with the Creator. It was by these means that Jesus increased in knowledge until he was “greater than Solomon.” And we are told that “he gained knowledge as we may do.” See “The Desire of Ages,” page 70.

Self-Control

In your knowledge supply self-control. This language teaches that the Christian will exercise self-control in the acquirement and use of knowledge. One who is naturally gifted in acquiring knowledge will not allow himself to spend all his time in study; neither will one to whom study is a task be content to remain in ignorance. Above all things, those who heed this scripture will refrain from any course which will make less fortunate seekers for knowledge feel uncomfortable in their presence. They remember that “knowledge [by itself] puffeth up.”

Not alone in matters of knowledge does the Christian exercise self-control; but like the contestants in the Olympic games of old, he “exerciseth self-control in all things.” 1 Cor. 9:25. There has been no provision made for Christians

to go on in the old way, showing the traits of the natural man,—an ungovernable temper, peevishness, impatience, sullenness, jealousy, envy, or even gloominess, sadness, or anxiety. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

Patience

In your self-control supply patience. We are likely to think of patience as the grace which enables us to remain calm and gentle under trying circumstances, but the idea conveyed by the Greek word ὑπομονή is rather that of steadfast continuance. Those who heed this instruction will persevere in self-control as long as life shall last,—not controlling themselves for a little while and then yielding to the natural inclinations.

And not alone in self-control will be manifested that perseverance which holds out to the end. It will be manifest in every circumstance and undertaking of the Christian. The importance of this sort of patience is indicated by the many promises made to those who exercise it. We are exhorted not to “be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:9. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10. “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matt. 24:13.

Godliness

In your patience supply godliness. This grace consists of reverence, piety, and worship. As one advances to the place where he steadfastly pursuing his course of right-doing, he might be tempted to feel that he is now able of himself to make a success of his Christian warfare; but instead of becoming exalted because of his attainments, cultivation of this grace will make him continually acknowledge God as the source of his strength and success.

Brotherly Kindness

In your godliness supply brotherly kindness. These English words, like the Greek original, are very expressive, and indicate a thoughtful consideration of the welfare of our brethren. In our experience of godliness we shall not, like the Pharisee, thank God that we are not as other men (Luke 18:11), but remember the exhortation, “The faith [or any other grace] which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God.” Rom. 14:22. We are not of those who are “comparing themselves among themselves” (2 Cor. 10:12) to the disadvantage of their brethren. We shall neither censure nor blame those who have not yet attained a knowledge and experience equal to our own. Instead, our brotherly kindness will only “provoke unto love and to good works.” Heb. 10:24.

Love

In your brotherly kindness supply love. The kind acts we do for our brethren should not be performed from a sense of duty merely, but there should be as tender, warm love for our brethren in the church as for members of our own families in the flesh. This pure, unselfish

love, flowing forth to gladden the hearts of all, is like a stream in the desert; and its possession proves us to be indeed the children of God. It is, as it were, a band to hold all Christian graces to us, and likewise holds us to God, and is therefore called “the bond of perfectness.” Col. 3:14. “God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him.” 1 John 4:16. “We are fitted for heaven, for we have heaven in our hearts.”

Washington, D. C.