COMMENTS
It is only through endurance of hardness as good soldiers of Christ that this desirable condition can be attained, namely, perfect self-control and ability to resist evil; established faith, patience and virtue; settled, abiding rest in Christ; and hope through His word of promise. This undoubtedly was the Apostle's own experience as he grew old in the Master's service, and so may it be ours. Let each departing year find us nearer the glorious summit of perfection!
Our having the privilege of the Gospel-Age calling is one of the most marvelous exhibitions of God's grace. No wonder that its realization requires faithfulness under the most crucial tests of suffering! These sufferings effect three things in our development in the new heart, mind and will. They strengthen us in a right attitude toward evil, in good affections, in the graces and in knowledge; they balance the various parts and qualities of Christian character; and finally they perfect, crystallize, them, and all this is accomplished by the Lord through the power of God's Spirit, Word and providence.
1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Tim. 6:12; Psa. 30:5; Isa. 54:8; Matt. 5:12; Rom. 8:18, 37; 1 Pet. 1:6; Eph. 3:16; 6:10-17; Col. 1:11; 2 Tim. 2:1; 2 Thes. 2:17; 3:3; 1 Thes. 3:12, 3; Jas. 5:8; 2 Pet. 1:12; Rom. 8:29; Luke 6:40; Eph. 4:12; Heb. 13:20, 21.
