om. ii. 18,
and the meaning seems to be first that they were to "distinguish the
things that differ," and then as a result they were to "approve the things
that transcend." This spiritual discernment is particularly needful
to-day, as the Christian soul is surrounded by so many views and voices.
Much that appears on the surface to be attractive and charming contains
within it the elements of spiritual danger and disaster, and it is only
by spiritual discernment which comes from abounding and increasing love to
Christ that the soul is safeguarded against evil and led to approve and
follow the things that are superior. It is a vivid picture that the
prophet gives of the Messiah when he describes Him as endowed by the
Spirit of God and made of "quick scent in the fear of the Lord" (Isa. xi.
3, Hebrew). It is this "quick scent" that by the same Spirit the Lord
Jesus Christ bestows upon those who love Him with all the heart.

3. THE PERMANENT RESULT.

Every Christian grace is intended for practical and permanent effect in
character. Our lives are not to be intermittent, but continuous in their
expression of grace and blessing, and all that the Apostle has been
praying for and desiring on behalf of his Philippian Christians was
intended to develop and express in them the solid and permanent realities
of Christian character.

(1) Sincerity; "that ye may be sincere" (ver. 10). This has to do with
motives. The word is thought to mean "tested in the sunlight." Our lives
are to be manifestly true, genuine, sincere, "transparent." "Motive makes
the man," and from time to time it is essential that we should allow
ourselves to be tested and judged in the sunlight of our perfect
fellowship with Christ, just as St. Peter, when asked by his Master, said,
"Lord, Thou knowest all things." Sincerity is one of the essential
features of the true Christian life. The believer, if he is to do the will
of God and commend the Gospel to others, must have no doubtful _arriere
pensee_ but a life lived moment by moment in the perfect brightness of the
presence of perfect holiness.

(2) Consistency; "void of offence" (ver. 10, R.V.). This has to do with
conduct. Not only are we to be inwardly true, but outwardly sure. Our
lives must not hinder others, or put a stumbling-block in their way. Just
as the Master said, "Blessed is he whosoever is not put to stumble by Me,"
so must it be with every follower of Christ. Our lives are to be
stepping-ston