Epistle 185
We should prioritize the power of God and dwell in its authority, rather than following words, reason, or carnal knowledge.
George Fox emphasizes the necessity of obedience to the power of God, which surpasses all earthly authority and darkness. He urges believers to recognize their authority derived from God's power, enabling them to confront and overcome the forces of evil. Fox warns against relying on mere words or human wisdom that lack divine power, encouraging a focus on the true authority found in Christ. He contrasts the authority of the scribes and Pharisees with that of true believers who embody the life of Christ, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with God's will. Ultimately, he calls for a deep connection to the seed of God to truly fulfill the law and the prophets.
Text
All Friends, be obedient to the power of God, which is the higher power, and is above that which abode not in the truth [John 8:44]. So ye that know the power of God, be obedient to it; for ye have authority from the power of God, which comprehends all the powers of darkness, to answer the witness of God in every one [Gal 4:6/1 Jn 5:9f]; and to trample upon all the power of darkness, and its authority. For ye that feel the power that comprehends the world, and all the powers of darkness, keep in the <175> authority, in the power of God.
Mind not words without the power, nor the pleasing of the reason and carnal knowledge, wisdom and understanding [Rom 8:6f], of fancies and thoughts of men; but dwell in the authority, (the power of God,) ye that know it: that over all ye may reign in the seed, who fulfilled the law and the prophets [Mat 5:17]; who spake with authority, and speaks with authority now, more than the scribes and Pharisees [Mat 7:29], the writers of the law and of the prophets, and the speakers of them, who were transgressors against the life that gave forth the words which were written.
And so, the authority of the scribes and Pharisees, who wrote Moses and the prophets, is as the authority of the professing christians, who profess Christ and the apostles' writings, but are without the life and from the seed of God; these are one with them who put Christ to death, and knew not the authority of the seed.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of God
- Above the power of darkness
- Comprehends all powers of darkness
- Authorizes obedience to God's witness
Key Quotes
“Mind not words without the power, nor the pleasing of the reason and carnal knowledge, wisdom and understanding [Rom 8:6f], of fancies and thoughts of men;” — George Fox
“who spake with authority, and speaks with authority now, more than the scribes and Pharisees [Mat 7:29],” — George Fox
“For ye that feel the power that comprehends the world, and all the powers of darkness, keep in the <175> authority, in the power of God.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Prioritize the power of God in your life and dwell in its authority.
- Be obedient to the power of God and its witness in every person.
- Do not follow words, reason, or carnal knowledge, but rather the life and authority of the seed of God.