Holiness: For the Will of God Is Your Sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 [Annotated, Updated]

by J.C. Ryle

None are so likely to maintain a watchful guard over their own hearts and lives as those who know the comfort of living in close communion with God. They know the benefit and will fear losing it. They will dread falling from the high position and ruining their own contentment by bringing clouds between themselves and Christ. He who goes on a journey with little money takes little thought of danger and cares little how late he travels. He, on the contrary, who carries gold and jewels will be a cautious traveler. He will look well to his roads, his lodgings, and his company, and will run no risks. It is an old saying, however unscientific it may be, that the fixed stars are those that tremble most. The man who most fully enjoys the light of God’s reconciled countenance will be a man tremblingly afraid of losing its blessed consolations and jealously fearful of doing anything to grieve the Holy Spirit.