Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v05100

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 15KB | 254 lines

05102
 * Believers are to dedicate themselves to God. (1,2) To be
 humble, and faithfully to use their spiritual gifts, in their
 respective stations. (3-8) Exhortations to various duties.
 (9-16) And to peaceable conduct towards all men, with
 forbearance and benevolence. (17-21)

 #1,2 The apostle having closed the part of his epistle wherein
 he argues and proves various doctrines which are practically
 applied, here urges important duties from gospel principles. He
 entreated the Romans, as his brethren in Christ, by the mercies
 of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him.
 This is a powerful appeal. We receive from the Lord every day
 the fruits of his mercy. Let us render ourselves; all we are,
 all we have, all we can do: and after all, what return is it for
 such very rich receivings? It is acceptable to God: a reasonable
 service, which we are able and ready to give a reason for, and
 which we understand. Conversion and sanctification are the
 renewing of the mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the
 qualities of the soul. The progress of sanctification, dying to
 sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more, is
 the carrying on this renewing work, till it is perfected in
 glory. The great enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this
 world. Take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it
 lay in the things of this world, which soon pass away. Do not
 fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the
 flesh, and mind earthly things. The work of the Holy Ghost first
 begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will,
 affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the
 whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness,
 and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to
 God.

05104
 #3-8 Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and
 armed against it. All the saints make up one body in Christ, who
 is the Head of the body, and the common Centre of their unity.
 In the spiritual body, some are fitted for and called to one
 sort of work; others for another sort of work. We are to do all
 the good we can, one to another, and for the common benefit. If
 we duly thought about the powers we have, and how far we fail
 properly to improve them, it would humble us. But as we must not
 be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under a
 pretence of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying
 out ourselves for the good of others. We must not say, I am
 nothing, therefore I will sit still, and do nothing; but, I am
 nothing in myself, and therefore I will lay out myself to the
 utmost, in the strength of the grace of Christ. Whatever our
 gifts or situations may be, let us try to employ ourselves
 humbly, diligently, cheerfully, and in simplicity; not seeking
 our own credit or profit, but the good of many, for this world
 and that which is to come.

05110
 #9-16 The professed love of Christians to each other should be
 sincere, free from deceit, and unmeaning and deceitful
 compliments. Depending on Divine grace, they must detest and
 dread all evil, and love and delight in whatever is kind and
 useful. We must not only do that which is good, but we must
 cleave to it. All our duty towards one another is summed up in
 one word, love. This denotes the love of parents to their
 children; which is more tender and natural than any other;
 unforced, unconstrained. And love to God and man, with zeal for
 the gospel, will make the wise Christian diligent in all his
 worldly business, and in gaining superior skill. God must be
 served with the spirit, under the influences of the Holy Spirit.
 He is honoured by our hope and trust in him, especially when we
 rejoice in that hope. He is served, not only by working for him,
 but by sitting still quietly, when he calls us to suffer.
 Patience for God's sake, is true piety. Those that rejoice in
 hope, are likely to be patient in tribulation. We should not be
 cold in the duty of prayer, nor soon weary of it. Not only must
 there be kindness to friends and brethren, but Christians must
 not harbour anger against enemies. It is but mock love, which
 rests in words of kindness, while our brethren need real
 supplies, and it is in our power to furnish them. Be ready to
 entertain those who do good: as there is occasion, we must
 welcome strangers. Bless, and curse not. It means thorough good
 will; not, bless them when at prayer, and curse them at other
 times; but bless them always, and curse not at all. True
 Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys of
 each other. Labour as much as you can to agree in the same
 spiritual truths; and when you come short of that, yet agree in
 affection. Look upon worldly pomp and dignity with holy
 contempt. Do not mind it; be not in love with it. Be reconciled
 to the place God in his providence puts you in, whatever it be.
 Nothing is below us, but sin. We shall never find in our hearts
 to condescend to others, while we indulge conceit of ourselves;
 therefore that must be mortified.

05118
 #17-21 Since men became enemies to God, they have been very
 ready to be enemies one to another. And those that embrace
 religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose
 smiles seldom agree with Christ's. Recompense to no man evil for
 evil. That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals,
 which are not conscious of any being above them, or of any
 existence hereafter. And not only do, but study and take care to
 do, that which is amiable and creditable, and recommends
 religion to all with whom you converse. Study the things that
 make for peace; if it be possible, without offending God and
 wounding conscience. Avenge not yourselves. This is a hard
 lesson to corrupt nature, therefore a remedy against it is
 added. Give place unto wrath. When a man's passion is up, and
 the stream is strong, let it pass off; lest it be made to rage
 the more against us. The line of our duty is clearly marked out,
 and if our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness, we
 are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by the fiery
 wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth. The last verse
 suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all
 strife and contention, those that revenge are conquered, and
 those that forgive are conquerors. Be not overcome of evil.
 Learn to defeat ill designs against you, either to change them,
 or to preserve your own peace. He that has this rule over his
 spirit, is better than the mighty. God's children may be asked
 whether it is not more sweet unto them than all earthly good,
 that God so enables them by his Spirit, thus to feel and act.
05123
 * The duty of subjection to governors. (1-7) Exhortations to
 mutual love. (8-10) To temperance and sobriety. (11-14)

 #1-7 The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet,
 where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring
 and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us
 themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be
 submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs,
 rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but
 to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that
 many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of
 punishment. Thou hast the benefit of the government, therefore
 do what thou canst to preserve it, and nothing to disturb it.
 This directs private persons to behave quietly and peaceably
 where God has set them, #1Ti 2:1,2|. Christians must not use any
 trick or fraud. All smuggling, dealing in contraband goods,
 withholding or evading duties, is rebellion against the express
 command of God. Thus honest neighbours are robbed, who will have
 to pay the more; and the crimes of smugglers, and others who
 join with them, are abetted. It is painful that some professors
 of the gospel should countenance such dishonest practices. The
 lesson here taught it becomes all Christians to learn and
 practise, that the godly in the land will always be found the
 quiet and the peaceable in the land, whatever others are.

05130
 #8-10 Christians must avoid useless expense, and be careful not
 to contract any debts they have not the power to discharge. They
 are also to stand aloof from all venturesome speculations and
 rash engagements, and whatever may expose them to the danger of
 not rendering to all their due. Do not keep in any one's debt.
 Give every one his own. Do not spend that on yourselves, which
 you owe to others. But many who are very sensible of the
 trouble, think little of the sin, of being in debt. Love to
 others includes all the duties of the second table. The last
 five of the ten commandments are all summed up in this royal
 law, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; with the same
 sincerity that thou lovest thyself, though not in the same
 measure and degree. He that loves his neighbour as himself, will
 desire the welfare of his neighbour. On this is built that
 golden rule, of doing as we would be done by. Love is a living,
 active principle of obedience to the whole law. Let us not only
 avoid injuries to the persons, connections, property, and
 characters of men; but do no kind or degree of evil to any man,
 and study to be useful in every station of life.

05133
 #11-14 Four things are here taught, as a Christian's directory
 for his day's work. When to awake; Now; and to awake out of the
 sleep of carnal security, sloth, and negligence; out of the
 sleep of spiritual death, and out of the sleep of spiritual
 deadness. Considering the time; a busy time; a perilous time.
 Also the salvation nigh at hand. Let us mind our way, and mend
 our pace, we are nearer our journey's end. Also to make
 ourselves ready. The night is far spent, the day is at hand;
 therefore it is time to dress ourselves. Observe what we must
 put off; clothes worn in the night. Cast off the sinful works of
 darkness. Observe what we must put on; how we should dress our
 souls. Put on the armour of light. A Christian must reckon
 himself undressed, if unarmed. The graces of the Spirit are this
 armour, to secure the soul from Satan's temptations, and the
 assaults of this present evil world. Put on Christ; that
 includes all. Put on righteousness of Christ, for justification.
 Put on the Spirit and grace of Christ, for sanctification. The
 Lord Jesus Christ must be put on as Lord to rule you as Jesus to
 save you; and in both, as Christ anointed and appointed by the
 Father to this ruling, saving work. And how to walk. When we are
 up and ready, we are not to sit still, but to appear abroad; let
 us walk. Christianity teaches us how to walk so as to please
 God, who ever sees us. Walk honestly as in the day; avoiding the
 works of darkness. Where there are riot and drunkenness, there
 usually are chambering and wantonness, and strife and envy.
 Solomon puts these all together, #Pr 23:29-35|. See what
 provision to make. Our great care must be to provide for our
 souls: but must we take no care about our bodies? Yes; but two
 things are forbidden. Perplexing ourselves with anxious,
 encumbering care; and indulging ourselves in irregular desires.
 Natural wants are to be answered, but evil appetites must be
 checked and denied. To ask meat for our necessities, is our
 duty, we are taught to pray for daily bread; but to ask meat for
 our lusts, is provoking God, #Ps 78:18|.
05137
 * The Jewish converts cautioned against judging, and Gentile
 believers against despising one the other. (1-13) And the
 Gentiles exhorted to take heed of giving offence in their use of
 indifferent things. (14-23)

 #1-6 Differences of opinion prevailed even among the immediate
 followers of Christ and their disciples. Nor did St. Paul
 attempt to end them. Compelled assent to any doctrine, or
 conformity to outward observances without being convinced, would
 be hypocritical and of no avail. Attempts for producing absolute
 oneness of mind among Christians would be useless. Let not
 Christian fellowship be disturbed with strifes of words. It will
 be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdain and
 blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he has, dare
 I disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty,
 despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not
 the scrupulous believer find fault with his brother, for God
 accepted him, without regarding the distinctions of meats. We
 usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the
 thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view.
 The case as to the observance of days was much the same. Those
 who knew that all these things were done away by Christ's
 coming, took no notice of the festivals of the Jews. But it is
 not enough that our consciences consent to what we do; it is
 necessary that it be certified from the word of God. Take heed
 of acting against a doubting conscience. We are all apt to make
 our own views the standard of truth, to deem things certain
 which to others appear doubtful. Thus Christians often despise
 or condemn each other, about doubtful matters of no moment. A
 thankful regard to God, the Author and Giver of all our mercies,
 sanctifies and sweetens them.

05143
 #7-13 Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must
 agree not to live to themselves. No one who has given up his
 name to Christ, is allowedly a self-seeker; that is against true
 Christianity. The business of our lives is not to please
 ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which
 makes Christ all in all. Though Christians are of different
 strength, capacities, and practices in lesser things, yet they
 are all the Lord's; all are looking and serving, and approving
 themselves to Christ. He is Lord of those that are living, to
 rule them; of those that are dead, to revive them, and raise
 them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another,
 because both the one and the other must shortly give an account.
 A believing regard to the judgment of the great day, would
 silence rash judgings. Let every man search his own heart and
 life; he that is strict in judging and humbling himself, will
 not be apt to judge and despise his brother. We must take heed
 of saying or doing things which may cause others to stumble or
 to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater degree
 of offence; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt
 to our brother.