In understanding these scriptures, it is important to understand who Paul is addressing, and also when he is giving commands of the Lord, and when he is giving counsel. The context makes so much difference in meaning, whatever the language.

A great many... have only an intellectual understanding without an actual experience in the soul. They... are often received as the children of God by those who do not discern between the "fellowship of the Spirit" and a mere fellowship of doctrine.

Jehoshaphat got too far from God and too close to Ahab. The same will happen to you and me unless we live continually in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Without His aid... sin does not appear so exceedingly sinful anymore.

It takes wisdom from above to know when to correct.... One method or rule will not apply to every child, since they have different temperaments, different dispositions, and also much variation in intellectual comprehension.

I prayed earnestly that God would direct me where I should live and labor next. I was plainly directed to a certain congregation, and it was in that place that I first plainly and clearly saw the church of God functioning as it should.