February 25th, 1961                                       "Are You Growing in Faith?"                                      Late Mr. N. Daniel

II Peter 2:5-8

"And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)"

Peter a man of real experience is speaking here.  He speaks of Lot who was vexed with the conversation of the wicked.  Lot was a righteous man- but not the type of man that God wanted.  He had no faith.  He had training under Abraham but he did not grow in faith.  I met a pastor who carried out his duties very well.  I was impressed and wondered where he had learnt all that.  He had been trained by a great bishop.  Alas, I found that he failed very badly.  He was one who had turned to God during his sickness.  Such a turning is usually not deep.  It is true that trouble turns us to God.  But when the trouble is crossed, one must be thoroughly cleansed.  It is only the Holy Spirit that can give such a true turning.  Lot was righteous but he could not impart that righteousness even to his wife or children.

The bible speaks of clouds without rain.  We are warned about such people- people who do not have inner victory but speak of such victories.  When you speak to deceivers you must cleanse yourself because that spirit is contagious.  When you talk to others you must be careful.  If you are not in the Spirit, their words will pull you down.  They can speak great swelling words.  Only those who bring every thought to be examined by Christ are useful for God's service.  Relatives who put on religion are a great danger.  Beware of their thoughts.  Great is the mystery of godliness.  Be alert.

I know a young man who was very eager to preach in his church.  It was his ruin.   Do not seek conspicuity.  Sound Christian life is very difficult to obtain.   Our friends must be chosen by God.  We must be cleansed from the evil that comes into us by hearing evil conversation.  Great is the purpose God is preparing you for, and Satan wants you to deviate from the right path.  Men of God did not swerve from the path God showed them.  They rather lay down their lives than to turn aside.