Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
The appeal was directed to a large congregation that included unbelievers and students, and with special force to those blessed with great light. It urges each hearer to judge for themselves what is right rather than leaving the decision to others. To judge what is right in this sense is to put the whole heart into the service of Christ instead of striving in a tame, listless way without religious interest. That wholeheartedness is maintained by daily prayer and watchfulness. It also means not merely claiming to believe the truth but living and practicing the truth through supreme love to God and to those for whom Christ died.
In the setting of its chapter, this self-judgment embraces the right use of means and honor. It calls for giving freely to God's cause without ostentation. It calls for using the Lord's money without needless adornment. It calls for living with humility rather than seeking human praise or honor.
The appeal was directed to a large congregation that included unbelievers and students, and with special force to those blessed with great light. It urges each hearer to judge for themselves what is right rather than leaving the decision to others. To judge what is right in this sense is to put the whole heart into the service of Christ instead of striving in a tame, listless way without religious interest. That wholeheartedness is maintained by daily prayer and watchfulness. It also means not merely claiming to believe the truth but living and practicing the truth through supreme love to God and to those for whom Christ died.
In the setting of its chapter, this self-judgment embraces the right use of means and honor. It calls for giving freely to God's cause without ostentation. It calls for using the Lord's money without needless adornment. It calls for living with humility rather than seeking human praise or honor.