There are not only those on whom we should show compas sion but also verse 23 suggests, “And others save with fear, pull ing them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." We find here three classes of people who should merit our personal evangelism. First of all, there are those who contend with us. That requires real patience and plenty of it! Secondly, there are those already experiencing the fire of God's judgment. And third, those who are already defiled with whom we must deal cautiously. We are to hate the world, the flesh and the devil. Some years ago in New York City there was a peaceful street demonstration with around 12,000 people marching along the sides of cars. It seems they had taken all of the heroes of the New York City Fire Department and decor ated them with high honors and then paraded them through the streets. The banners on the cars bore the simple legend, “These people have all been saved from burning buildings by the New York Firemen." Back of the cars were the brave men with all of their bright ribbons and medals won for distinguished service. It may be that today you will have the op portunity of snatching someone from the burning. Do it with love! Finally, verses 24 and 25 give us what I personally believe to be the most beautiful paean of praise dis covered anywhere within the pages of God's Word. The words are quite familiar as you consider the bene dictions frequently pronounced by ministers at the close of church services. "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to Page 48
present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceed ing joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, do minion and power, both now and ever. Amen." What a tremendous legacy is to be found in these im portant truths. When our Lord Jesus Christ went away to the glory He gave us the promise that God would keep us from falling (see also Rom ans 8:38, 39). David testified, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with m e ..." And in I Peter 1:5, there is the assurance of God's sustaining pow er which tells us that we are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." God's love tran scends all human love and it is re vealed in the divine love story of Jesus Christ who gave His life that we in turn might live with Him eternally! There are many apostates in the world who are teaching falsely. There are those who have fallen away from those goodly pastures God has provided. May we with the strength that the Lord Him self has given, covenant to do that which will bring honor and glory to His own name until we see Him face to face.
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