Not perfect in knowledge
In the first place I shall endeavor to show in what sense Christians are not perfect. And both from experience and Scripture it appears, first, that they are not perfect in knowledge: they are not so perfect in this life as to be free from ignorance. They know, it may be in common with other men, many things relating to the present world; and they know, with regard to the world to come, the general truths which God has revealed. They know likewise (what the natural man does not receive, for these things are spiritually discerned, 1 Corinthians 2:14) what manner of love it is with which the Father has loved them, that they should be called the sons of God (1 John 3:1): they know the mighty working of his Spirit in their hearts, and the wisdom of his providence, directing all their paths, and causing all things to work together for their good (Romans 8:28). Yea, they know in every circumstance of life what the Lord requires of them (Micah 6:8), and how to keep a conscience void of offense both toward God and toward men (Acts 24:16).
1771 text
I. 1. In the first place I shall endeavour to shew, in what sense Christians are not perfect. And both from experience and scripture it appears, first, that they are not perfect in knowledge: they are not so perfect in this life, as to be free from ignorance. They know, it may be in common with other men, many things relating to the present world; and they know, with regard to the world to come, the general truths which God hath revealed. They know likewise (what the natural man receiveth not: for these things are spiritually discerned) what manner of love it is, wherewith the Father hath loved them, that they should be called the sons of God: they know the mighty working of his Spirit in their hearts, and the wisdom of his providence, directing all their paths, and causing all things to work together for their good. Yea, they know in every circumstance of life, what the Lord requireth of them, and how to keep a conscience void of offence both toward God and toward man.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 40 in the 1771 Works. Philippians 3:12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.