Happy is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of Yahweh; and he does meditate in his law day and night. And he will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also will not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. — Psalm 1:1-3.

The information in this publication has been adapted from a discourse given by Dr. John Edgar. Brother Edgar died in the year 1910 CE. For several years before his death, he delivered many discourses on the Bible in the United States and Great Britain.

(1) The more we inquire into the laws that govern the material and spiritual worlds, the more we find them in harmony with each other. Therefore we conclude that they owe their existence to the same author. The material-minded man is likely to place the laws of the material world first, but the man of the God knows that the spiritual laws are the more important. In fact, it would seem as if the Creator actually arranged every thing in the material world so as to make clear to our understanding the great spiritual truths that otherwise might be beyond our comprehension.

(2) We find many examples of this in the scriptures. For instance, the nation of Israel is repeatedly symbolized as a vine tree, a tree that is quite useless except for one purpose, fruit-bearing. Turn to the 15th chapter of Ezekiel, and see what the prophet says: “The word of Yahweh came to me saying: ‘Son of man, how is the wood of the vine tree better than any other wood, the vine branch which is among the trees of the forest? Is wood taken from it to make any object? Or can men make a peg from it to hang any vessel on? Instead, it is thrown into the fire for fuel; the fire devours both ends of it, and its middle is burned. Is it useful for any work? Indeed, when it was whole, no object could be made from it. How much less will it be useful for any work when the fire has devoured it, and it is burned?’ Therefore this is what the Supreme Sovereign, Yahweh, says: ‘Like the wood of the vine tree among the trees of the forest, that I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will set my face against them. They will go out from one fire, but another fire will devour them. Then you will know that I am Yahweh, when I set my face against them. Hence I will make the land desolate, because they have persisted in unfaithfulness,’ says the Supreme Sovereign, Yahweh.” Yahweh could have made the vine a great tree like the fir or the cedar, but he did not choose to do so, doubtless because he wished to illustrate his purpose with regard to the nation of Israel, namely, that the sole primary object for which he has chosen them was that they might bear the fruits of righteousness: “And now, Israel, what does Yahweh your God require of you, but to reverence Yahweh your God, to walk in his ways, and to love him, and serve Yahweh your God with all you heart and with all your soul, to keep the commandments of Yahweh and his statutes, that I have commanded you this day for your good?” — Deuteronomy 10:12,13.

(3) Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled in the year 70 CE when the nation of Israel was thrown into the fire of trouble and destroyed. Our Master, Jesus, explains the reason in the 21st chapter of Matthew, 43rd verse: “Therefore I say to you: ‘The Kingdom of God will be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” — the fruits of righteousness.

(4) Christendom has made the same mistake in this respect as did natural Israel. Like the nation of Israel, the so-called “Christian nations” have depended on their own strength and their own wisdom instead of on Yahweh’s, and they have become great in the eyes of the world. They have failed to see that the sole primary object for which our Lord is choosing his people is that they should bear the fruits of righteousness, as the apostle tells us: ‘Be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Messiah, to the glory and praise of the Mightiest.” (Philippians 1:11) For this reason, Yahweh is casting them off and is giving the Kingdom to a nation bearing the fruits thereof, the holy nation, redeemed out of every kindred and tongue and people, despised and rejected by men, but chosen by God. “In every nation whoever reverences Him and works righteousness is accepted by him.” (Acts 10:35) “For you see your calling, brothers, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things that are mighty; and the base things of world and the things that are despised God has chosen, and the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” — 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.

(5) To be Yahweh’s people, we must not only believe in the Messiah, but we must also suffer for his sake (Philippians 1:29). We must deny ourselves and lift up (Strong’s #142) our stake (Strong’s #4716 – stauros does not appear to refer to a death instrument here, but rather to our symbolic “stake” — our worldly possessions and ambitions — that we have driven into this present evil world, as can be seen by the context.) daily and follow him. (Luke 9:23-26; Matthew 10:37-39; 16:24-26; Mark 8:34-38; Romans 12:2,3; Galatians 1:4) Those who do this are the true Israel, the true vine. They are the nation who will inherit the Kingdom of God. Why? Because they have recognized that they must not depend upon worldly wisdom, worldly strength, worldly position, or upon anything else that this world can offer, but that their dependence is to be entirely upon Yahweh. They are striving with his help to cultivate the fruits of righteousness. It was because Jesus and his disciples followed this course that he could say: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman,” “I am the vine, you are the branches.” — John 15:1,5.

A Tree Planted by Rivers of Water

(6) However, the tree described in the first Psalm, unlike the vine mentioned by Jesus and Ezekiel, does not refer to the nation of Israel but to the individual man of God. It may at first seem strange that God would compare a man to a tree; but it is evident from the Psalmist’s use of the illustration that there must be some truth underlying it, and if we can only find out what this truth is, doubtless we will be enriched by it spiritually.

(7) A tree planted by rivers of water has, as a rule, plenty of life, because it has access to and absorbs plenty of water. The same tree if transplanted to the desert, would soon die from lack of water. So it is with the man of God. It is only when he has access to the rivers of water of truth, the books of the Bible, that he can grow spiritually, and the more of the truth he absorbs and uses, the more vitality he gets.

(8) Before there can be a tree there must be a seed and that seed must be sown in prepared ground. If the ground is hard, it must be broken up, but it does not always require such energetic treatment. In the parable of the sower, our Master spoke of the different kinds of ground, and said the good ground was the pure and honest heart. (Matthew 13:3-8,18-23) The preparation of the ground means the process by which we come to a realization that we cannot of ourselves be pleasing to Yahweh, and that, therefore, we need a savior. If, while in this attitude of mind and heart, we turn to have faith toward Yahweh through Jesus Messiah, we are then ready to receive the word into our heart, become justified by faith, have peace with God and become new creatures in Jesus Messiah. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 5:1,2) Thus the ground in which the seed is sown is the heart purified by faith. — Acts 15:9.

(9) The seed as Jesus explained (Matthew 13:9), is the word of the kingdom, the glad message that Messiah’s kingdom is to be set up on earth, and that, if only we deny ourselves and take up our stake daily and follow Christ, we will be heirs of God with him in that kingdom to the glory of God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:29; James 2:5) If the seed is properly received into the pure and honest heart, it at once begins to take root and sprout. The root represents the faith of the new creature.

(10) There are two necessary acts of faith in our relationship with the Father, the faith of justification and the faith of dedication. Our Master Jesus did not need to take the first step because he was never anything but just or righteous, but he dedicated himself by faith. (Hebrews 10:5-7; John 4:34) He had such faith in his Father in heaven that he delighted to do his will, even though he knew that this meant the surrender of all his life rights as a human being; that he would be blotted out of existence, and that the mighty power of God would be required to raise him from the dead to a new plane of life, a seat at the right hand of his Father in the heavenly places. (Psalm 40:8; Ephesians 1:19,20) This does not require so much faith on our part because Jesus was the first to rise from the dead. (Acts 26:23) He led the way, and we know what our Heavenly Father has done for him, he is abundantly able and willing to do for us.

(11) The two acts of faith are shown in the fifth chapter of Romans. In the first verse, we are told that it is by faith that we are justified and so have peace with God; and then in the next verse we are told further that it is by faith also that we have access into the favor wherein we stand, the favor of sanctification (setting apart – dedication), and so rejoice in hope of the glory of God, the glory as Adam had before he sinned. (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7,8; Romans 3:23; 5:2) Being made free from sin, we then become servants of God. (Romans 6:22) The first act of faith, by which we are justified, is the preparation of the ground, the heart. If the seed, the word of glad tidings of the kingdom, is properly received into such a heart and takes root there, the new creature is begotten. The root is the faith of the new creature, the second act of faith, the faith of dedication. It is the small beginning which eventually, if permitted to grow, will develop into the mature fruit tree, the man of God, the developed new creature in Jesus Christ.

(12) When the seed of the fruit tree is sown it sends out little root tendrils to absorb water and the various minerals or earthly elements that have been dissolved by the water. Soon a little stem sprouts and shows itself above ground. This little stem then sends out little branches, which, with the root and the stem grown thicker and longer and stronger year by year. When the branches put forth leaves and eventually buds, flowers and fruit, we have the mature fruit tree.

The New Creature Compared to a Tree

(13) Let us now consider the various parts of the tree in detail and compare these with the various stages in the development of the new creature as outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7, and we will be struck with the wonderful likeness of the illustration, which under the guidance of the holy spirit, the Psalmist uses as recorded in the first Psalm. The apostles words are: “Besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith fortitude, and to fortitude knowledge, and to knowledge self-control, and to self-control patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”

The Root of Faith

(14) The first of the traits is the root of faith. As with the root of a tree, its tendrils are at first small and delicate, but they grow and spread in all directions with the continued growth of the new creature. The root of a tree has two functions:

(15) -1- It is the part of the tree that takes hold of the ground. At first the hold is very feeble, so that even a child could pluck it up; but in time, when the tree is large, it would defy the united strength of many strong men to uproot it. It is the same with our faith as new creatures. Faith is the part that takes hold of the ground, the justified heart or will. At first, when our faith is small, we could be easily uprooted, were it not that Yahweh is caring for us at this as at every stage. Gradually with our spiritual development, the various branches of our faith grow and spread out so as to take a firmer hold of our hearts. Some of them take hold of that part of our heart or will that regulates our thoughts, so that we come more and more to think as Jesus thought; others take hold of those parts of our heart or will that regulate our speech and general conduct, so that we gradually come to talk as Jesus talked, and walk as he walked. The more our faith grows and the firmer the hold it takes of our heart, the better we are able to withstand the assault of the enemy. Faith is the great foundation attribute, the one without which it would be impossible to for us to grow. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” — Hebrews 11:6.

(16) -2- The other function of a root of a tree is the absorption of water from the ground, and of the various earthly or mineral elements of the ground, which can be dissolved by the water and are useful for the growth of the tree. Water forms three-fourths of the weight of most plants. Accordingly it is indispensable. If the tree were deprived of it for even a day, it would begin to wither. Coming from the “rivers of water,” beside which the tree is planted, it percolates through the ground, searches out the various earthly elements that are there, dissolves them little by little, and is then absorbed by the root. All the water that enters into the structure of the tree comes by the root; none of it enters by any other part, not even through the leaves.

(17) The rivers of water by which the new creature is planted are the different books of the Bible, and the water of truth from them percolates into our hearts, through the channels of our eyes and our ears. When it enters our hearts, it searches out the different natural elements of our fallen human nature which it finds there, and gradually dissolves them. One of these elements is ambition, which leads the natural man to strive to be great in this world, to make a name for himself, to accumulate riches, etc. However desirable this may be from the worldly point of view, it is a wrong principle so far as the dedicated disciple of Jesus is concerned; but when the truth gets into the heart, the natural element of ambition is gradually dissolved, and as it becomes absorbed along with the water of truth, it is transformed from a worldly ambition into a spiritual ambition, an ambition belonging to the age to come. (Luke 18:30; Mark 10:30; Hebrews 6:5) This spiritual ambition leads the new creature to strive to please Yahweh, whatever men may think of him; it leads him to lay up in store for himself treasure in heaven, and makes him “desire earnestly the best gifts,” in order that he may be counted worthy of receiving the honors to be bestowed on the faithful in the age to come. He is so enabled to satisfy the desires of his heart in glorifying Yahweh as participants in the seed of Abraham which is to bless all the families of the earth. — Genesis 22:18.

(18) Another natural element is that of combativeness which many of possess to a greater or less extent. The material-minded person who has this quality of combativeness is likely to be very objectionable, but when such a person becomes a new creature in Christ, the truth searches out the natural combativeness in his heart and gradually dissolves it, and as it becomes absorbed by the faith of the new creature, it is transformed into a spiritual combativeness. This quality is one of the finest that can be possessed by the disciple of Jesus, because properly directed, it enables him to carry on a warfare against the world, the flesh, and the devil, and so to fight the good fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12) The material-minded person uses his combativeness to fight others for the sake of himself; the dedicated disciple of Jesus uses his combativeness to fight himself for the sake of Yahweh and others. We must all have this quality, to some extent at least. If we do not possess it naturally, we will have to pray to our Heavenly Father to assist us. You know how the skillful gardener adds to the ground whatever elements may be lacking, if they are necessary to the growth of the tree. I am sure Yahweh will give us whatever elements are needful to our spiritual growth.

(19) The root, then, represents our faith, and just as the root is the only part of the tree that absorbs water, so the disciple of Jesus receives the truth only by one means, namely, his faith. If a person lacks faith, he will not be able to receive the truth. It is because of this that many find truth publications very difficult to understand. They do not have the root of faith in their hearts. But the new creature by his faith can, and must drink in the water of truth. If he is deprived of it for even a day, he begins to wither.

(20) What is in the root that enables it to absorb water with the dissolved earthly elements? It is the sap, and the process of absorption is called endosmoses. By endosmoses is meant the natural law by which, when a fluid is separated by a porous wall from a more concentrated fluid, the latter absorbs the former. The sap is thicker than the water in the ground and therefore absorbs it with its dissolved earthly elements through the medium of the root. Similarly, the holy spirit (which we understand is represented by the sap), by a spiritual process corresponding to endosmoses, absorbs the water of truth together with the natural elements which have been dissolved by the truth; and the medium through which this absorption if effected is our faith, the root of the new creature. In this way the measure of the holy spirit is gradually increased in the new creature, and just as the sap not only nourishes the root but ascends to the other parts of the tree, the trunk, branches, leaves, etc., and nourishes them also, so the holy spirit thus increased in measure and strength, develops not only the faith of the new creature, but also the other attributes that we have yet to consider.

Add to Your Faith, Fortitude

(21) If a seed is sown and takes root, no one is at first aware of the fact. It is not until the little root adds to itself a stem and the stem appears above the ground that we say: “Ah! A seed has been planted there, and it has taken root.” The stem is the first visible manifestation. This brings us to our second point. The apostle Peter states: “Add to your faith, fortitude.” The word translated “virtue” in the King James Version properly means “fortitude” or “valor.” (See Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott; Strong’s Greek #703) When we present ourselves in dedication to Yahweh, the root of faith, the first step in the development of the new creature, is in our hearts, but at first no one knows it except ourselves. It is not until we add to our faith fortitude that others come to know that the Word of Truth has taken root. Fortitude is the first visible manifestation of the new creature. If we do not develop fortitude, our faith will die; just as in the case of the natural seed, if a stem fails to appear, the root will die.

(22) What does this quality of fortitude mean? It means the courage of our faith. When we add to our faith fortitude, we not only believe in our heart, but we also make public declaration with our mouth that Jesus is our Master, and it is when we begin to tell this to people and to show it in our daily life and conduct that others learn that we are Christians. (Romans 10:9-11) We must not be ashamed of Christ. If we are, he will be ashamed of us when he comes to reckon with us. (Luke 9:26; Mark 8:38; 1 Peter 4:16; Romans 1:16; 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:12) No matter where we go, or where we are, we should be ready to give a witness, even if only by passing out tracts. Many take a supply of tracts with them at all times. Perhaps while on the train or bus we may see fellow passengers; our faith tells us to hand them some tracts, but our flesh rebels. At such times, remember Paul’s statement: “I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ.” (Romans 1:16) Let faith have the victory! Having the courage of your convictions, hand out the tracts. You will find that is not so dreadful after all.

(23) Why should we not be ashamed of the Good News of Christ? It is such good news! Poor groaning humanity is waiting for it’s fulfillment. (Roman 8:19) Even though people may sneer or jeer at you, or persecute you for believing it and proclaiming it, in the next age they will remember your good works which they see, and will glorify Yahweh on your behalf. — 1 Peter 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:10.

(24) Valor or fortitude is that quality that enables us to give the truth to others and to model our own lives by it and to persevere in both in spite of opposition, and also in spite of repeated failures. At first when we are only young plants, we bend at ever blast of adversity, but in time when we grow more mature, we are able to withstand any storm that may assail our faith in Yahweh and his truth.

Add to Your Fortitude, Knowledge

(25) When you begin to preach the truth to others, you find very soon that you cannot explain it so clearly as you would wish, and questions are put to you which you find you cannot answer. For instance, you will be asked: “Is that not a second chance?” and “Would that not lead to sin?” (See our publications: Understanding Kingdom Mysteries and The Restoration of All Things) The effect is to send you again and again to the rivers of truth to refresh your memory, and add to your fortitude knowledge. And while refreshing your memory, you will find your heart refreshed also. The more you impart the truth to others, the more you add to your own knowledge, the clearer and more precious the truth becomes to you. Again when you begin to mold your life in accordance with the will of Yahweh, the various experiences through which you pass, the opposition you receive, the failures you make, and all the many trials and difficulties that you are bound to encounter on the narrow way, send you again and again to the Word of God for instruction as well as for comfort and exhortation.

(26) Just as there are many branches in a good tree, so many branches of knowledge are needed to be cultivated by the true Christian who desires to conformed to the image of Christ. Seeking to know God, his glorious qualities and his wonderful plan, and Christ, the express image of the Father, the true Christian develops branches of knowledge in the heavenly direction. Alongside these he finds it necessary and pleasant to develop branches of knowledge concerning the Prophets and the Apostles and the other saints of old as well as the saints in Messiah, and still other branches concerning the fruits of the spirit and the exceeding and precious promises of God. (Galatians 5:22,23; 2 Peter 1:4) Besides these there are many more! Including lower down, branches of knowledge concerning the schemes of the devil, and also the various temptations (troubles and allurements) that come to us from the world and from our flesh. We must see to it that we can say with the apostle Paul: “We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11) If you think it is unnecessary to know more about the devices of the devil you will not be forewarned, and not being forewarned you will not be forearmed, with the probable result that sooner or later you will be overthrown by the adversary.

(27) Still lower down, and tending to grow earthward are many branches of secular knowledge that are not so important as the others. Yet they are necessary in some degree to the proper understanding of the Bible. For instance, we ought to know something about grammar and meaning of words. It is helpful also to know a little of the Greek, and possibly also of the Hebrew language, at least a few words for the better understanding of the truth. A knowledge of geography, history, botany, etc., is often helpful in grasping the meaning of many of the illustrations and historical and geographical allusions so frequently met with in the scriptures. But while adding to our fortitude knowledge, it is essential that we should attend also to the next of the apostle’s injunctions:

Add to Your Knowledge, Self-Control

(28) If there were no branches on a tree, there would be no fruit, and small branches would bear little fruit. So it is with the new creature in Christ Jesus. Without knowledge of God and his glorious plan of redemption he will bear no fruit, and if this knowledge should be small, his fruitage will also be small. It is evident then, that we must cultivate many branches of knowledge. But a fruit tree does not grow simply for the purpose of having branches. However fine these branches may be, it must develop fruit in order to justify its existence. This will necessitate judicious pruning. A tree that is not pruned simply runs to wood. Similarly, the purpose for which the new creature must develop the various branches of knowledge is that he may in due time bear an abundant fruitage of love, and for this purpose careful pruning and training will be necessary.

(29) In the case of the new creature, however — and here the analogy between the tree and the new creature fails — much is left to the freedom of his will. He is treated as a reasoning being, and is expected to do much of his own pruning. Paul says: “For if we judge ourselves we will not be judged, but if we are judged we are disciplined by Yahweh so that we may not be condemned with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:31,32) In other words, we should daily examine ourselves and exercise self-control. If we do not, we are not using the spirit of a sound mind, and the Master will have to prune or discipline us, just as a skillful gardener has to prune the tree that has not reasoning power to guide it. — 2 Timothy 1:7.

(30) The sole object of our studies should be to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that do not need to be ashamed. (2 Timothy 2:15) The development of the different branches of knowledge should be controlled that we may grow on them the fruit of love. That is what the branches are for; and the reason why there is so many branches, is that there may be more fruit.

(31) We need to exercise control, especially in regard to the branches of secular knowledge. In the natural fruit tree the lowest branches tend to grow towards the earth. After the same fashion the branches of secular knowledge are prone to grow earthward. We should remember not to cultivate these branches simply for the purpose of acquiring knowledge, nor for earthly purposes other than our daily avocation (and then to as restricted an extent as possible), but only in order to understand God’s Word, and so help our spiritual growth. The more time and energy we devote to the cultivation of secular branches, the more our spiritual growth is likely to become stunted, and our fruitage of love of poor quality. The brothers can be of assistance to one another in this matter. For instance, this study is based on the secular branch of botany, by which we are endeavoring to explain to you the Psalmist’s meaning and through this the apostle Peter’s exhortation, so the spiritual growth of all may be aided.

(32) We have seen, then, that a tree that is not pruned runs to wood. It may become large and imposing, but its fruit is scanty and or poor quality. So it is with the new creature if he does not excise self-control. “Knowledge puffs up but love builds up.” — 1 Corinthians 8:1.

(33) Self-control must be exercised also in order to keep the body under, so that we may not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind to prove what is the good and acceptable will of God. (1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 12:2) Self-control is needed so that we may not be unduly cast down by our failures, nor exalted by our successes. It is needed to prevent us from being turned aside from the narrow way by rebuffs or persecutions, or from becoming filled with pride because of flatteries.

Add to Your Self-Control, Patience

(34) We cannot develop patience until we are able to exercise self-control. This quality of patience is represented by the leaves of the tree. You may say: “That is very strange. What is it about the leaves of a tree that enables them to represent patience? Leaves will grow on a tree though it has not been pruned.” That is true and here again the analogy between the tree and the new creature fails, but there are several points of close resemblance between the leaves of a tree and the patience of the man of God.

(35) If you see a tree without leaves at a time when you expect them, you say at once: “I am afraid that that tree is dying,” and if you have any interest in it, you water it, in order, if possible, to give it life. But if you see that it has a profusion of green leaves you say: “Ah! There is plenty of life in that tree,” and if it is a fruit tree you expect to get good fruit in time. So it is with the new creature. If you see a man of God who has not developed this quality of patience at a time when you should have expected it, you say: “I am afraid he is dying spiritually.” Then you give him the water of truth and pray for him, and help him as much as you can, in order, if possible, to give him life. (James 5:20; 1 John 5:16) On the other hand, once you see patience developed, you say he has spiritual life in him and the more patience he has the more spiritual life you think he has, and the more you expect that in due time the ripe fruit of love will make its appearance.

(36) There are two special qualities possessed by the leaves of a tree that cause it to resemble patience. One is their mobility, and the other is the fact that they absorb Carbonic Acid gas, and split it up into Carbon and Oxygen. The carbon is then used for the growth of the tree, and the oxygen, that element of the atmosphere that sustains the life of humans and the lower animals, is given off into the air.

(37) -1- You know how mobile are the leaves of a tree. When a puff of wind comes the leaves all bend under it, and then, when it has passed, they recover themselves immediately as if nothing had happened. In this respect the leaves differ markedly from the trunk of a well developed tree. The trunk represents our fortitude, our firmness to principles; the leaves on the other hand, represent our patience, our yielding to troubles and trials where no principle is at stake.

(38) Just as in the case of the well developed natural tree the strong trunk, together with the firm hold that the root has in the ground, prevents the tree from being uprooted by any strong wind or other cause, so the mature man of God, because of his deep faith and strong courage in Yahweh (not in himself), is able to stand firm against the wind of any false doctrine or anything else intended by the Adversary to cause him to swerve from his duty to Yahweh. We are told that the servant of Yahweh must not strive, but we are told also that he must contend earnestly for “the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3) Very different from this is the quality of patience. There are plenty of trials that come to us from without which do not affect matters of principle. In such cases we must yield, we must exercise patience.

(39) Remember the example of our Savior, Jesus. When the truth was at stake, when he was tempted to turn aside from the will of his Father, nothing could make him swerve. Knowing that Yahweh would help him, he set his face like a flint; and he knew that he could not be confounded. (Isaiah 50:7) He has strong fortitude, but at the same time he had infinite patience. His persecutions and adversities he bore meekly, patiently. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return, and he allowed himself to scourged, spat upon and sneered at, without retaliating. — Matthew 27:31; Romans 2:23.

(40) -2- The other quality possessed by the leaves is the power of absorbing carbonic acid gas, splitting it up into carbon and oxygen, assimilating the former and returning the latter to the atmosphere. All the carbon (charcoal) in the tree is extracted from the atmosphere and it is the leaves alone which do this wonderful and laborious work. Yet carbon forms one half the dry weight of a tree. It is represented chiefly in the woody fibre which gives strength to its various parts. This reminds us that it is only when we have the quality of patience that we can add moral fibre to our spiritual being, and so develop strength in our integrity. That is why the apostle James urges us to let patience have her perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. — James 1:3,4.

(41) On the undersurface of leaves there are a many little pores called somata (mouths), through which the carbonic acid gas is absorbed into the leaves and the oxygen is liberated into the atmosphere. Little particles, called chlorophyll granules, which give the green color to the leaves, seize hold of the carbonic acid gas the moment it enters, and split it up into its component parts, one part carbon and two of oxygen. the carbon is assimilated to give strength to the various parts of the tree. The two parts of oxygen, on the other hand, escape into the air. Thus plants absorb carbonic acid gas, and give off oxygen.

(42) In the case of humans and the lower animals, the process is exactly reversed. Through their lungs they absorb oxygen and exhale carbonic acid gas. Oxygen is life giving to man and animals, and carbonic acid gas is poisonous to them, and if there were not plants the atmosphere would soon become exhausted of oxygen and surcharged with carbonic acid gas, and all flesh would die. How wonderful is the wisdom of our Creator in this interchange and balance of our material surroundings.

(43) There is the same relationship between the material-minded and the spirit-minded person as there is between animals and plants. The atmosphere in which trees and animals live, represents our environment, the circumstances amidst which our lives are spent. The oxygen would fitly represent those circumstances that lead to material prosperity, and carbonic acid gas those that lead to material adversity. The material-minded person thrives on material prosperity, just as he thrives on oxygen. It is life-giving to him. Just see the effect produced on the person by giving him an increase of salary or better position. Doesn’t he thrive! Doesn’t he enjoy himself! The more prosperous he is in a material sense, the more he comes to think that the evil in this world has been overrated. But suppose earthly adversity comes, he is at once cast down. Should his adversity increase, so does his depression, and with its continuance he becomes more and more dejected and despondent, until in extreme cases he falls into such a state of despair that he may finally commit suicide. Thus, material adversity, like carbon acid gas is poisonous to the material-minded person. “The sorrow of the world works out death.” — 2 Corinthians 7:10.

(44) With the spirit-minded person, the new creature in the Messiah Jesus, the reverse condition is realized. If the new creature received no physical, financial, or social adversity, he would wither away spiritually. “For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, not to be regretted.” (2 Corinthians 7:10; See also 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 4:12,13) He requires adversity for his spiritual growth. By means of patience, he splits it up, takes the good out of it in order to add righteous fiber to his being, and gives off the double portion of prosperity to others.

(45) There is thus the same interchange and balance between the man of God and the man of the world as there is between plants and animals. Just as men and animals absorb oxygen and exhale carbonic acid gas, and trees on the contrary, absorb carbonic acid gas and emit oxygen, just so worldly men, while themselves thriving on material prosperity, inflict adversity on those who are endeavoring to live godly in Jesus. The latter, instead of being injured by the experience, make use of every earthly adversity that comes to them to do good to the world as they have opportunity. At the same time they add to their own spiritual strength and sustain their own spiritual life. Jesus declared this truth when, after telling his followers that God’s true prophets had always been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and bidding them rejoice and be exceeding glad when they were reviled and persecuted for this sake, he added: “You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:10-13) Just as salt exercises a preservative influence on flesh, and as plants exercise a preservative influence on animals, so the saints of God have along exercised a preservative influence on the world, for the few righteous men in the world have preserved it from destruction. That is what Paul meant when he made reference to Isaiah: “Except Yahweh of armies had left us as a seed we would have become as Sodom and been made like Gomorrah.” (Romans 9:20; Isaiah 1:9) It was because there were not even ten righteous men in Sodom that Yahweh destroyed it. — Genesis 18:16-32.

(46) Before leaving this part our subject, we would like to draw your attention to two other points of importance. The first is that the proportion of carbonic acid gas in the atmosphere is very small, only one five-hundredth that of oxygen. So it is also in the spiritual atmosphere of the new creature. The proportion of adversity is, as a rule, much less than that of prosperity. Consequently we must be careful not to waste any of it.

(47) The other point is that the carbonic acid gas is absorbed and split up only under the influence of the light and warmth that comes from the sun. During the night time this action entirely ceases. In the same way, it is only when the new creature is under the influence of God’s light and warmth, his wisdom and love emanating from the Good News, that he can get the good out of every adversity by means of his patience. “Beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the holy spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God.” — Jude 20,21.

Add to Patience, Godliness;
and to Godliness, Brotherly kindness;
and to Brotherly kindness, Love

(48) The tree is now well grown — root, trunk, and branches. It has been pruned and trained, and it has produced a profusion of fresh, green leaves. We can picture before our minds just such a strong beautiful disposition, full of spiritual life and energy, giving grateful shelter to man and beast. Full of faith, and with a strong courage in Yahweh, he is not afraid to speak about Christ, and model his life according to his conception of Christ. Not only does he know the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, but he can expound it to others and make plain to those with a hearing ear the mysteries of the kingdom of God. (Matthew 13:11; 11:15) Indeed, so numerous and extensive may be the branches of knowledge that he had cultivated that he may have been asked to have some prominent position in a religious organization. Such a character as this would surely be the admiration of all fellow servants of Yahweh who know him, but even this may not be the sum of all his virtues. His self-control may be such that he is able to keep calm in all circumstances, to keep his body under, and to so arrange his reading and observation that he studies only such subjects and these in such a way that his spiritual growth may be increased. Lastly, his patience may be so perfect that he is able to endure adversity, reviling, and persecution, and return good for evil. Surely, you would say, such a beautiful character as that would be qualified for the Kingdom of Heaven.

(49) No, something more is necessary before he can be accepted as heir of the kingdom. If with all these excellent qualities he has not in his due season grown love, Yahweh will cut him down as of no further use. Strange, is it? No, we never grow fruit trees for their foliage; we grow fruit trees for their fruit. If the good that a man does to others is at the best merely the outcome of his faith, knowledge, and patience, and in order to build up his usual spiritual character, if he does not reach the stage when the good he does to others is the outcome of love for them and for Yahweh, he has not fulfilled the purpose for which God had chosen him. Love must be the motive underlying all our words and actions before God will recognize us as having cultivated the fruit of holiness. It is only to such as develop this God-like quality of love that Jesus will say in his own time: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things.” — Matthew 25:21.

(50) Paul gives this though in the beautiful words of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: “If I speak with tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become as a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and if I have all faith so that I could move mountains, and do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give out all my belongings to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, and do not have love, it brings me no benefit.”

(51) Just as a fruit tree in addition to its leaves must develop buds, blossoms, and last of all, fruit, in order to justify its existence, so the man of God must add to his patience godliness, to his godliness brotherly kindness (Greek, philadelphia, Strong’s #5360), and to his brotherly kindness, love (Greek, agape, Strong’s #26). The godliness is represented by the buds, the brotherly kindness is represented by the blossoms, and the love by the fruit. The bud, the blossom and the fruit represent three stages, the ultimate one being the fruit, that for which the tree is grown. In the same way godliness, brotherly kindness and love represent three stages, the ultimate on being love in the all-comprehensive sense, the fruit for which the new creature is trained and developed.

Add to Your Patience, Godliness

(52) The Greek word from which godliness is translated does not mean God-likeness. It is true that the root meaning is God-likeness, but this is an example of the error into which one may fall by insisting too strongly on the root meaning of words. Godliness is one of many words that have changed their meaning in the course of time. If it meant God-likeness, it would not be necessary to add to it brotherly kindness and love, because God is love, and if we are like God we should have reached the mark of love in its all-comprehensive sense, the mark of perfect love. The Greek word translated “godliness” in the verse we are considering is “eusebeia,” which means piety, reverence toward God. Our English word “godliness” in its usual meaning is, therefore, a good translation of the Greek term.

(53) That is the bud, the first stage in the formation of the fruit of love. The person who has reached only this stage is not so attractive as one who has added to his godliness brotherly kindness. The bud is a little hard, green thing. The germ of the blossom and fruit is there, but it is hidden from sight, covered over with a had capsule, and if you were to put the bud into your mouth, you would find it rather bitter, unpleasant to the taste. Those who have reached the stage of godliness may be expected in due time to develop the fruit of love, but so far they have only the beginning of it.

Add to Your Godliness, Brotherly kindness

(54) Godliness is a good quality, but it is only the bud stage, the first or duty stage of love. Those who come to know God better will add to their godliness brotherly kindness. This is represented by the blossom. Just as there comes a time when the petals that are forming inside the bud become so large that one fine morning, through the kindly influence of the sun’s light and warmth, they burst the hard capsule and the bud becomes a blossom, so there comes a time in the development of the new creature, who is being conformed to the image of Christ, when, through the influence of the wisdom and love of God that shines from the pages of the Good News the love that is growing in his heart burst the reserve which has hitherto restrained it, and he finds that he has added to his godliness or duty love, brotherly kindness. That which helps the Christian most is the Master’s new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) John explains this in his first letter, chapter 3, verse 16: “By this we know we love, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” A tree in blossom is peculiarly attractive. Its beauty and its fragrant odor appeal to us. Is it not exactly the same with many dear brothers and sisters of our acquaintance? Their beauty of character and the sweet smelling savor of their many self sacrificing acts of kindness appeal to us. We are attracted to them. Is it not the same with any assembly of the Master’s brothers who present the beauty and fragrant odor of brotherly love? Is not the love manifest among the brothers a feature for attraction of those on the outside?

(55) But remember that “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” Our hearts will sometimes tell us that we have developed this brotherly kindness when we have not done so. So long as the germ is shut up inside a hard capsule of reserve, we have reached only the bud stage. It is not until the petals have burst open the hard covering that we can truly say we have reached the blossom stage. To have reached the blossom stage of love for the brothers our love must be seen. It must not be shut up within our hearts but must be manifested by kind, loving words and many little, and possibly some great self-sacrificing acts of love. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:35) But how are all men to know it, unless they see us manifest this love? If they do see it, especially if they see it in trying circumstances when they would least expect it, then they will know that we are Jesus’ disciples.

(56) Remember to say often to yourselves: “Do I have this love shut up in my heart? — If so, I have only developed the bud of godliness.” Or: “Am I showing the brothers my love by my words and actions? — If so, I am glad, for that means that I have developed into the blossom stage, and soon I should expect to develop the fruit of all-comprehensive love.” Remember that to love a brother means that you will tell him so; but it also means more, as the apostle says: “Do not be loving in word [only], but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18) Brothers, let us all pray to Yahweh that he will enable us not only to have thoughts and desires in the direction of loving the brothers in Christ with pure heart fervently, but that we will love them as Christ loved us, namely, by laying down our lives for them in the way he did, no matter whether they are kind and loving to us in return, or are speaking evil of us and are unkind toward us. Let us remember that we are all still in the fallen flesh and liable to err.

(57) This brings us to a special point of likeness between the blossoms of trees and this love for the brothers. The blossoms lay down their lives for one another. (1 John 3:16) It so happens that God has formed them in such a way that no blossom can fertilize itself, for the pollen, the life-giving part of the flower, ripens first. It is not until the pollen has been cast off that the germ inside ripens, ready to receive and be fertilized by the pollen from other blossoms. When it has been fertilized, the petals fall off and the fruit begins to grow. How does the pollen get to the other blossoms? It is by means of insects that fly about from flower to flower, carrying pollen with them on their legs and bodies. They do this, not for the purpose of fertilizing the blossoms, but in order to suck the sweetness out of them.

(58) That is exactly what happens to us. When we have blossomed forth into brotherly kindness, we are a mark for Satan. He is not the adversary of the world, for the whole world, we are told, already lies in the wicked one (1 John 5:19), but he is the adversary of those who show the spirit of Christ, the spirit of love. The more we manifest brotherly kindness, the more we are a prey for Satan. It is he who sends along the insects of trouble to suck the sweetness out of our lives and to carry away our vitality.

(59) Many insects are beautiful to look at; frequently they appear quite insignificant. But let one of these creatures alight on our hand or neck or other exposed part of our body, and begin to crawl over us, how disgusted we feel! Instinctively we brush them off or try to kill them. Brothers, these insects represent the trials that come to the new creature. When they visit some of the other brothers, they do no look so very bad. They may appear to us sometimes almost insignificant. But let them alight on us, and at once we find how very disagreeable they are, much more so than we had expected. Instinctively we try to get rid of them, but just as with insects, the more we fight against them the worse, as a rule, they become, and the majority of them are poisonous.

(60) In sending us trials for the purpose of sucking the sweetness out of our lives, and poisoning us, Satan succeeds so far as the fallen body is concerned. Our pollen, our human vitality, goes with the trials. But it is just here that Satan defeats his own ends, because by these same trials, the new creature is strengthened in integrity, and learns how to sympathize with others who are passing through similar experiences. We are prepared in the same way that Jesus was prepared, for “it became him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:10) The trials with which God permitted Satan to tempt our Lord Jesus were the same as those that we endure. He was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” — Hebrews 4:15.

(61) The more trials we have, if we are rightly exercised by them, the better we are enabled to sympathize with our brothers in their sufferings, not only with those of them who are rejoicing in the light of the truths we have learned, but also with such as are still in bondage in the popular churches, or are out in the wilderness condition disgusted with all professions of religion. The more we sympathize with them, the more of our time, money, talents, influence, and energies we will surrender for the temporal and especially for their spiritual interests. We do not consider ourselves first and our brothers afterwards, but the reverse of this. We lay down our lives, our human vitality, for them, just as the blossoms lay down their lives for one another.

(62) One very important fact to remember is that the blossoms have nothing whatsoever to do with sending the insects to other blossoms. Though we know that the trials that come to us as new creatures work together for our spiritual good, and are therefore essential for us, we should have nothing to do with putting trials upon others. As Jesus said: “The offences must of necessity come, but woe to the man through whom the offence comes!” (Matthew 18:7) Yahweh will permit Satan and all who are willing to be his agents to place trials upon the brothers, knowing that these will act as tests for them, and if rightly used, will enable them to become more developed spiritually, but Yahweh’s vengeance will surely come sooner or later upon all “through whom the offence comes!” May it never happen that any of us should act as agents of Satan in this or any other way! If we should happen to be led into placing trials upon the brothers, let us confess our sins at the throne of grace and endeavor to make amends for the wrong we have committed.

Add to Your Brotherly kindness, Love

(63) The blossom, which has given up its sweetness and vitality, is ready to be fertilized and become developed into fruit through further visits of the insects bearing the pollen from other blossoms. Likewise, the new creature who has through trials lost much of the sweetness and vitality of his human life, and is laying down his life for the brothers, is ready to develop from love for the brothers into love in its all-comprehensive sense through the visitation of further trials, and through the sympathetic assistance of his brothers who are laying down their lives for him. In this way he learns to sympathize not only with his brothers in Jesus the Messiah, but also with the world of mankind, and finally with his enemies.

(64) -1- While endeavoring to love righteousness and obey God (duty love), he discovers how very frail he is, and how much he desires other to make allowance for his failings. -2- This teaches him to make allowance for the frailties of the brothers, and enables him to learn how to love them (brotherly love). He finds how much good he can do himself and them by bearing patiently with them and treating them kindly, lovingly, even though to do so he has to sacrifice what he might justly call his rights. -3- In this way, through these further trials and through the help that he himself receives from the brothers who are laying down their live for him, he becomes, so to speak, fertilized, and develops the fruit of love (all-comprehensive love). He finds that he is now able to sympathize with both friends and enemies, to make large allowances for their many failings, and to do them good as he has opportunity, for “love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8; James 5:20) In this way he is getting himself ready to rule and judge with Christ and bless the world.

(65) The best way to overcome your enemies is to be kind to them. (Luke 6:27,28,35; Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:17,22; Proverbs 10:12; 17:9; 24:17; 25:21,22) Very few enemies can withstand persistent kindness, if your love for them is genuine. (1 Peter 1:22; 2 Corinthians 6:6) The fruit of love implies love for Yahweh, love for righteousness, love for the brothers, love for mankind in general, love for enemies, love for everything except evil. It is love in the all-comprehensive sense of the term. When we have reached that stage, we have reached the mark of perfect love.

(66) This does not mean, however, that there is now no more room for development. At first the fruit is small, hard, green, wrinkled, and of unpleasant odor and bitter taste. When eaten, it is likely to be rejected. That represents the quality of our love at the first. In due time, if all goes well, the unripe fruit give place to the ripe fruit, large, soft, and velvety to the touch. It is pleasant to the eyes, the odor is fragrant, and when eaten it is delicious and good for food. That is how our love is when it is ripe.

(67) If the fruit is left on the tree, insects attack it just as they attacked the blossoms, and in time it falls to the ground and withers away. But there is something left; there are seeds inside, which, when sown, produce other trees. So it is with the man of God. Trials come upon him to the end; and, then, when he falls in death he will in due time be in the kingdom in bringing forth other trees for righteousness. That is how it was with Jesus, as he said: “Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it remains alone; but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.” (John 12:24) It has been estimated that the proportion of the dead to be raised will be 144,000 to each of joint-heirs with the lamb. (Revelation 14:1; Romans 8:17; 144,000 X 144,000 = 20,736,000,000) Other heirs who receive earthly bodies are also pictured in this as they also will have a part in blessing all the families of the earth. — 1 Corinthians 15:35-40; Isaiah 32:1; Psalm 45.

(68) There are two further points which we need to consider. -1- When a seed is sown, the root does not grow and spread out in every direction and become very large before the stem begins to grow, and the stem does not continue growing until has reached full development before the branches begin to appear, and so with the other parts of the tree. So, also, we do not find faith reaching its full development before fortitude becomes manifest, nor fortitude before knowledge, etc. What we do find is, as in the case of the tree, that all the divine qualities enumerated by the apostle Peter appear in the order mentioned by him, within a comparatively short period, varying with the individual, and that then, year by year, they continue to grow more or less quickly.

(69) -2- The other point to be remembered is, that if you sow a seed in the ground, and nobody takes care of it, the result may be that a fruit tree will grow there, but the fruit that grows on that wild tree will be of very poor quality, and the tree itself will be stunted, badly developed. On the other hand, if the tree should be attended to by a skillful gardener, it will grow fully and symmetrically, and its fruit will be large, soft, and luscious. Compare, for instance, the crab apple tree with the properly cultivated apple tree. It is the same with the new creature. However anxious we may be that we will produce fruit in our season and that our leaf will not wither, no anxiety or exertion on our part will give the desired result apart from the loving care of Yahweh, the husbandman. Unlike a tree, we have intelligence and are left largely to the freedom of our will. If we withdraw ourselves from Yahweh’s care, our spiritual growth will be stunted, and our fruitage of love will be small and of poor quality. The more we submit ourselves to him, and the less we rely upon ourselves, the better our spiritual growth will be, and the better fruit we will be able to grow. (John 15:1; James 5:7) “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your cares upon him, for he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:6-7

Questions

(1) What comparisons can we make between the spirit and material worlds?

(2) What is often used in the scriptures to symbolize Israel and how?

(3) How and when was the prophecy of Ezekiel fulfilled?

(4) What mistake have so-called “Christian” nations made, similar to Israel of old?

(5) Besides believing in Messiah, what else must a true worshipper to?

(6) What does the tree that the Psalmist referred to symbolize?

(7) What is the significance of the tree being planted by a river of water?

(8) Before there can be a tree, what needs to be done, and what does this represent in the disciple of Jesus?

(9) What is represented by the seed? (Matthew 13:9) What is represented by the root?

(10) Describe the two acts of faith needed in our relationship with the Father. How did these two acts of faith relate to the Messiah?

(11) How are the two acts of faith presented in the apostle’s letter to the Romans? Describe how these two acts of faith are depicted in the tree.

(12) Briefly describe the growth of a tree from the seed.

(13) What scripture are we comparing the growth of a tree?

(14) What is represented by the root of the tree? How is the root at first?

(15) Describe the first function of the root of a tree, and how does this correspond to the quality of faith?

(16) What is the second function of the root of a tree? What is required to fulfill this function? What happens if this requirement is not met?

(17) What is represented by the rivers of water by which the new creature is planted? What happens when the water enters our hearts? What kind of ambition does it instill?

(18) What does the water do to the natural element of combativeness in the heart of the new creature?

(19) What is the only source for the tree to receive water? How is this likened to the quality of faith?

(20) What is in the root that enables it to absorb water with the dissolved earthly elements? Describe the process by which water is absorbed into the root. What do we understand to represented by the sap? Describe the process in the new creature by which the waters of truth are absorbed by the new creature.

(21) How does one become aware of the fact that a seed has taken root? What must be added to faith? What will happen to our faith if we do not add this quality?

(22) What does this quality of fortitude mean? When we add fortitude to our faith, what does it lead us to do? Should we be ashamed of telling others about the Good News?

(23) Why should we not be ashamed of the Good News about Christ?

(24) Why is fortitude needed in the development of the new creature?

(25) When you begin to preach the truth to others, what will you soon learn? What effect does this experience cause the new creature to do, and with what effect?

(26) How are the various branches of a tree represented in the development of the new creature?

(27) What else is represented by the lowest branches on the tree?

(28) What is needed before a tree can bear fruit, and how is this fulfilled in the new creature?

(29) In the case of the new creature, who is responsible for the pruning, and how is this done?

(30) What is the sole object of our studies? The development of the various branches of knowledge should be so controlled to bring forth what?

(31) With regard to what branches do we need to exercise special control and why?

(32) What, therefore, becomes of the new creature who does not exercise self-control, as illustrated by the branches on a tree?

(33) Why is self-control so important to the new creature?

(34) What is represented by the leaves of the tree, and why does this at first to appear strange?

(35) How does the analogy of the leaves on a tree find a correspondence in the development of patience?

(36) What two qualities possessed by the leaves of a tree cause it to resemble patience?

(37) What does the mobility of leaves represent in patience?

(38) What does the root and the trunk of a well-developed tree represent regarding the new creature? In this regard, what does the mobility of the leaves represent?

(39) How do we find an example in Jesus of the matters just discussed in the last paragraph?

(40) What other quality is possessed by the leaves? What does this remind us of?

(41) What is on the undersurface of leaves? What are these for and what happens next?

(42) How is this process reversed in humans and other animals?

(43) What does the atmosphere in which trees and animals live represent? What does the oxygen represent? What does the carbonic acid represent? What does the material-minded person thrive on? What if adversity comes to the material-minded person?

(44) How is the above contrasted with the spirit-minded person?

(45) How does the balance between trees and animals find a parallel in the interchange and balance between the man of God and the man of the world?

(46) How does the proportion of carbonic acid to oxygen find a correlation in the experiences of the new creature?

(47) What other point is noted concerning the carbonic acid gas?

(48) Describe the new creature as he may now be represented in the well-grown tree.

(49) What else is necessary before he can be accepted as heir of the kingdom?

(50) How does Paul express the necessity of love?

(51) What is represented by the buds, the blossoms and the fruit?

(52) Explain what is meant by “godliness.”

(53) How does the bud represent godliness?

(54) How does the blossom represent brotherly kindness?

(55) What must we remember concerning our hearts respecting the development of brotherly love?

(56) What do we need to remember to say often in our hearts and for what purpose?

(57) Describe how the blossoms “lay down their lives for one another.”

(58) How is this represented in the new creature?

(59) What is represented by the insects?

(60) What do the trials sent by Satan work in us?

(61) What do the trials enable us to do?

(62) What very important fact should we remember? How is this represented in the new creature?

(63) What is represented by the fruit?

(64) What does the new creature discover as he endeavors to love righteousness and obey Yahweh? What does this teach him? What, then, plays a part in the development of the fruit of love in the new creature?

(65) What is the best way to overcome enemies? What does the fruit of love imply?

(66) What is represented in the ripening of the fruit?

(67) What happens to fruit left on the tree? How is this represented in the new creature?

(68) What is another point we need to remember?

(69) What additional point also needs to be remembered?

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