Discerning Good and Evil ~ LORD JESUS Help Us

"...Strong meat belongeth to them who are of full age, even those who, by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." -Hebrews 5:14 [KJV]

It is almost impossible for any who are called to minister in holy things, or who write about the truths of God, to please every one. Babes, who are unskillful in the word of righteousness, can only like milk. They cry out against strong meat, it offends their stomach. But such should consider, 

(1st.) That they are not always to continue babes, to feed upon infant nutriment. The tender mother tries her infant, again and again, with meat, though its stomach heaves against it, and it has not the art to swallow it. So they must learn to eat strong meat, that they may grow thereby. 

(2d.) God’s children are not all of equal age, therefore strong meat is as necessary for adult men, as milk is for babes; those of full age, or perfect. Not so, compared with the perfect law of God. There is no one upon earth perfect, in this sense, though many, through perfect ignorance of the law, and themselves, pretend to it. But perfect in comparison of babes, respecting the knowledge of the everlasting, electing, immutable love of God in Christ, to sinners—of His freely and fully justifying, and eternally glorifying them, through the blood and righteousness of His Son—and of His effectually calling and sanctifying them, by His Spirit, etc. 

Therefore, (3d.) The most deep and strong truths of God, are held forth in scripture, as strong meat to nourish, comfort, and build up such, who are of full age. Hence it becomes those who labour in the word, to give each their portion; that neither babes on one hand, nor strong men on the other, should have reason to find fault. Babes should not expect the strong to come back to their food; but they should press forward to maturity. How is this to be attained? 

(1st.) “By reason of use.” Constantly searching the scriptures, and hearing them opened and explained. Just as a learner uses his grammar, which contains the rudiments of the language he wants to attain. He cannot get forward without it. He must be perfect in it. He is never to forget its rules. 

(2d.) “By the exercise of the senses.” The internal ones of understanding and judgment. “Seeing Jesus” (Hebrews 2:9.) “Hearing His voice” (John 10:3.) Smelling the sweet odour of His love. His name is as an ointment poured forth (see Songs of Solomon 1:3.) “Tasting that the Lord is gracious” (I Peter 2:3.) “Handling THE WORD OF LIFE AND SALVATION AS HELD FORTH IN THE GOSPEL" (I John 1:1.) 

Thus exercising our senses on Christ, we grow strong to trust Him. We discern that all good is in Him, and all evil is without Him. From blest experience may we prove the wisdom of God’s righteous ways, Who feeds with meat that’s from above, according to our strength and days.

 

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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