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In the context, the deliverance of God's Church out of her troubles is foretold. In the same words our salvation in Christ is figured forth. "Knowledge" here includes the whole of experimental and practical godliness; for in religion we only know what we feel and do. In making progress in the life of godliness, the two words of our text are — a condition, a rule, and a spur.

I. THE RECOMMENDATION OF OUR TEXT IMPLIES —

1. That the pursuit is worthy.

2. That there is a leader whom we are to follow.

3. That the pursuit is begun. Regeneration has been experienced, pardon has been conferred, spiritual life is possessed.

4. That there is danger of stopping short. There are difficulties without, and foes within.

II. SPECIAL REASONS FOR OBEYING THE TEXT.

1. Only so can the genuineness of our religion be proved.

2. Only so can our mission be fulfilled.

3. Only so can our characters be developed.

4. Only so can heaven be reached. How much there is enfolded in that ward "overcometh." Uncoil it by Divine help in your lives.

III. ENCOURAGEMENTS TO CHEER AND STIMULATE.

1. Bread is provided for the hungry.

2. A staff of promises for the weak.

3. Repose for the Weary.

4. Complete success is guaranteed.

(R. Berry.)

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KJV: Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

WEB: Let us acknowledge Yahweh. Let us press on to know Yahweh. As surely as the sun rises, Yahweh will appear. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain that waters the earth."