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  CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD, HOW THEY GROW
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: Spiritual growth occurs through a life of self-unconsciousness,
trusting in God's provision and living on Christ's life.

Topics: "Moral Guidance", "Spiritual Focus"
Scripture References: Job 16:12, Proverbs 4:25, Lamentations 3:12, Matthew 6:33, John 15:5, 1 Corinthians 9:26, Philippians 3:14, 2 Timothy 2:12, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:1

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DESCRIPTION
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The preacher discusses the Greek word 'skopos,' which refers to a
distant mark or goal that one aims to hit, emphasizing its importance as
the first word in a Greek sentence. 'Skopos' is used in the Septuagint
to denote an observer or watchman, highlighting the role of a man of God
as a watchman for God. The sermon delves into the concept of 'skopos' as
a moral and spiritual target, drawing parallels to an archer aiming at a
target and a runner fixated on the finish line.

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CONTENT
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It is said that a mother found her small boy standing beside a tall
sunflower, with his feet stuck in the ground. When she asked, "What in
the world are you doing there?" he naively answered, "Why, I am trying
to grow to be a man." His mother laughed heartily at the idea of his
being planted in the ground in order to grow like the sunflower. Then,
patting him gently on the head, she said, "Why, Harry, that is not the
way to grow.

You can never grow bigger by trying. just come right in and eat enough
good food and have plenty of play and you will soon grow to be a man
without trying so hard." Harry's mother was right.

There could not be a better answer to the question: "How do the lilies
grow?" than Hannah Whitehall Smith's comment, "They grow without
trying." Our deepest spiritual life is the life of self unconsciousness
through which we become united to Christ. We live continually on His
life, being nourished, fed and constantly filled with His Spirit and
presence and all the fullness of His imparted life.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/consider-the-lilies-of-the-field-how-they-grow/
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