2

2

THE HANDLING OF DIVINE MATTERS

M. W. Biggs

Revelation 1: 1–3, 12–20; 5: 1–7; 8: 1–5; 10: 1–7

Before speaking of the subject that is on my heart to bring

before you, namely, the way we should handle the things of

God, I should like to say a few words by way of introduction for

the sake of those who are young in the faith.

The word translated “servant” in verse 2 is rendered

“bondman” in the New Translation. I draw your attention to this

because if we are to understand and rightly to value the book

of Revelation it is necessary for us to have reached the

experience in our souls of being bondmen of Jesus Christ.

When we were unconverted we were bondmen to sin; but the

believer is entitled to know that through the death of the Lord

Jesus, his bondage in that connection may cease. Christ

having died to sin and risen again and our old man having

been crucified with Him, we are entitled to reckon ourselves to

have died to sin, and to present our bodies as alive from the

dead as living sacrifices to God and to put on the Lord Jesus

Christ.

God has in grace met our needs whether as to the burden of

our sins or the power of sin within; and in response to His

compassion we may live to Him and for Him. We first learn

Christ as Saviour, as the One who has perfectly met our need;

we then come under His control as Lord and enter the

kingdom of God, having power in the Holy Spirit, who has

been given to us, to do God’s will, being supported by Christ

as priest.

Then God supplied what we needed, and now we may think of

His interests. We are bondmen; and are privileged to have no

outside or selfish