To His Parents
George Fox encourages his parents to return within and wait to hear the voice of the Lord, growing in discernment and faithfulness in the present time.
Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34617 preaches on the concept of 'Possession' as described in Titus 2:14, where believers are depicted as Christ's costly possession and distinctive treasure. The term 'periousios' signifies a rich and distinctive possession, originally applied to Israel as God's chosen people and now transferred to believers in Christ. Believers are no longer their own but belong to Christ in a special sense, being His treasured possession. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to be zealous for good deeds, dedicated, and on fire for God's work, reflecting their unique relationship with Him.
Text
To His Parents (1652)
Dear father and mother in the flesh, but not of that birth which speaks to you: for like to that which doth beget, is that which is begotten. Praises, praises be given to my heavenly Father, who hath begotten me again by the immortal word.
To that of God in you both I speak, to beseech you both for the Lord's sake, to return within, and wait to hear the voice of the Lord there; and waiting there, and keeping close to the Lord, a discerning will grow, that ye may distinguish the voice of the stranger, when ye hear it. Oh! be faithful! Look not back, nor be too forward, further than ye have attained; for ye have no time, but this present time: therefore prize your time for your souls' sake. And so, grow up in that which is pure, and keep to the oneness; then shall my joy be full. So fare ye well! And the Lord God of power keep you in his power! To him be praises for evermore.
G.F.
Sermon Outline
- The True Birth
- The fleshly birth is not the true birth
- The true birth is through the immortal word
Key Quotes
“Praises, praises be given to my heavenly Father, who hath begotten me again by the immortal word.” — George Fox
Application Points
- We must be faithful in the present time and not look back or be too forward.
- Growing in discernment will help us distinguish the voice of the stranger from the voice of the Lord.
- Prizing our time is essential for our souls' sake.