7.4

Beloved in the Lord, I am deeply troubled and stirred in my spirit because we are clothed with names and carry the outward forms of saints, boasting before unbelievers. I fear that Paul’s saying may be fulfilled in us: “Having a form of godliness, but denying its power.” Because of the love I have for you, I pray to God for you, that you may consider your own life and inherit the things that are unseen.

Truly, my children, even if we give ourselves with all our strength to seek God, we still deserve no credit, for we are seeking what is ours and what is natural to our substance. Truly, beloved in the Lord, you who have prepared yourselves in all holiness to offer yourselves as a sacrifice to God, we will hide from you nothing that is useful. Rather, making these things clear, we will bear witness to what the enemies of virtue try to steal away from the truth.

Know also that the one who is according to the flesh always persecutes the one who is according to the Spirit, and everyone who wishes to live godly in Christ suffers persecution. Therefore Jesus, knowing all the tribulations and temptations that would come upon the apostles in this world, and knowing that through His patience He would destroy all the power of the enemy—that is, idolatry—comforted them, saying, “You have tribulation in the world, but be steadfast, because I have overcome the world.” He also taught them, saying, “Do not fear the world, because all the afflictions of the world are not worthy of the glory that is awaited. If they persecuted the prophets who were before you, they will persecute you also; and if they hated Me, they will hate you also. But be confident, because through your wisdom you will destroy every power of the enemy.”

Concerning the details of the word of freedom by which we have been set free, I have many other things to say to you. But “if I give an opportunity to a wise man, he will become wiser.” Yet we need to console one another with these few words. If the mind has truly perceived, however, it no longer needs the falsehood of bodily speech.