Epistle 295
George Fox's Epistle 295 highlights the necessity of knowing God through His eternal word and the dangers of relying on worldly knowledge and familiarity.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with the Holy Spirit rather than relying solely on knowledge and familiarity that can lead to spiritual danger. He warns that while initial conviction is safe under God's judgment, familiarity without the Spirit can lead to a withering faith, akin to grass that fades away. True knowledge comes from the eternal Word of God, which sustains us spiritually, contrasting with the temporary nature of worldly knowledge. Fox encourages believers to seek the divine nourishment that comes from God's Word, which is essential for spiritual life.
Text
Friends, at the first convincement there is not so much danger, for the spirit of God keeps in the fear of the Lord, and under judgment; then after getting acquaintance or knowledge, and a familiarity, and a liberty, <45> but not in the holy spirit, there is greater danger; and therefore your knowledge and familiarity must be in the invisible spirit; for the flesh fadeth and withereth, as the grass [Isa 40:6f]. So that knowledge and familiarity is as grass that withers; but the word of the Lord endureth for ever [Isa 40:8].
And the right knowledge of one another is this: to know one another in that word which was in the beginning [John 1:1], before man fell; 'for man liveth not by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God [Deut 8:3].' This is the fresh and heavenly food from above, and above all the husks that the swineherd feedeth his swine with, in the unrepented state [Luke 15:16].
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the initial convincement - The role of the Spirit of God - The importance of judgment
- II points: - The dangers of familiarity with knowledge - Distinction between holy spirit and mere knowledge - The fading nature of worldly understanding
- III points: - The eternal nature of God's word - The significance of knowing one another in the word - The contrast between spiritual sustenance and worldly distractions
- IV points: - The necessity of repentance - Living by God's word - The implications of spiritual nourishment
Key Quotes
“the flesh fadeth and withereth, as the grass” — George Fox
“the word of the Lord endureth for ever” — George Fox
“man liveth not by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” — George Fox
Application Points
- Seek to deepen your relationship with God through His word rather than through mere knowledge.
- Be aware of the dangers of complacency in your spiritual journey and strive for continual growth.
- Practice repentance regularly to maintain a close connection with God's truth.