Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v05300

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 7KB | 132 lines

05303
 #14-21 In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between
 sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately
 warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with
 authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And
 as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as
 far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may
 mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian
 truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the
 gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in
 power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering
 persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both
 inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and
 establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive
 language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy
 temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule,
 yet to maintain just authority.
05311
 * The apostle blames the Corinthians for connivance at an
 incestuous person; (1-8) and directs their behaviour towards
 those guilty of scandalous crimes. (9-13)

 #1-8 The apostle notices a flagrant abuse, winked at by the
 Corinthians. Party spirit, and a false notion of Christian
 liberty, seem to have saved the offender from censure. Grievous
 indeed is it that crimes should sometimes be committed by
 professors of the gospel, of which even heathens would be
 ashamed. Spiritual pride and false doctrines tend to bring in,
 and to spread such scandals. How dreadful the effects of sin!
 The devil reigns where Christ does not. And a man is in his
 kingdom, and under his power, when not in Christ. The bad
 example of a man of influence is very mischievous; it spreads
 far and wide. Corrupt principles and examples, if not corrected,
 would hurt the whole church. Believers must have new hearts, and
 lead new lives. Their common conversation and religious deeds
 must be holy. So far is the sacrifice of Christ our Passover for
 us, from rendering personal and public holiness unnecessary,
 that it furnishes powerful reasons and motives for it. Without
 holiness we can neither live by faith in him, nor join in his
 ordinances with comfort and profit.

05319
 #9-13 Christians are to avoid familiar converse with all who
 disgrace the Christian name. Such are only fit companions for
 their brethren in sin, and to such company they should be left,
 whenever it is possible to do so. Alas, that there are many
 called Christians, whose conversation is more dangerous than
 that of heathens!
05324
 * Cautions against going to law in heathen courts. (1-8) Sins
 which, if lived and died in, shut out from the kingdom of God.
 (9-11) Our bodies, which are the members of Christ, and temples
 of the Holy Ghost, must not be defiled. (12-20)

 #1-8 Christians should not contend with one another, for they
 are brethren. This, if duly attended to, would prevent many
 law-suits, and end many quarrels and disputes. In matters of
 great damage to ourselves or families, we may use lawful means
 to right ourselves, but Christians should be of a forgiving
 temper. Refer the matters in dispute, rather than go to law
 about them. They are trifles, and may easily be settled, if you
 first conquer your own spirits. Bear and forbear, and the men of
 least skill among you may end your quarrels. It is a shame that
 little quarrels should grow to such a head among Christians,
 that they cannot be determined by the brethren. The peace of a
 man's own mind, and the calm of his neighbourhood, are worth
 more than victory. Lawsuits could not take place among brethren,
 unless there were faults among them.

05332
 #9-11 The Corinthians are warned against many great evils, of
 which they had formerly been guilty. There is much force in
 these inquiries, when we consider that they were addressed to a
 people puffed up with a fancy of their being above others in
 wisdom and knowledge. All unrighteousness is sin; all reigning
 sin, nay, every actual sin, committed with design, and not
 repented of, shuts out of the kingdom of heaven. Be not
 deceived. Men are very much inclined to flatter themselves that
 they may live in sin, yet die in Christ, and go to heaven. But
 we cannot hope to sow to the flesh, and reap everlasting life.
 They are reminded what a change the gospel and grace of God had
 made in them. The blood of Christ, and the washing of
 regeneration, can take away all guilt. Our justification is
 owing to the suffering and merit of Christ; our sanctification
 to the working of the Holy Spirit; but both go together. All who
 are made righteous in the sight of God, are made holy by the
 grace of God.

05335
 #12-20 Some among the Corinthians seem to have been ready to
 say, All things are lawful for me. This dangerous conceit St.
 Paul opposes. There is a liberty wherewith Christ has made us
 free, in which we must stand fast. But surely a Christian would
 never put himself into the power of any bodily appetite. The
 body is for the Lord; is to be an instrument of righteousness to
 holiness, therefore is never to be made an instrument of sin. It
 is an honour to the body, that Jesus Christ was raised from the
 dead; and it will be an honour to our bodies, that they will be
 raised. The hope of a resurrection to glory, should keep
 Christians from dishonouring their bodies by fleshly lusts. And
 if the soul be united to Christ by faith, the whole man is
 become a member of his spiritual body. Other vices may be
 conquered in "fight"; that here cautioned against, only by
 "flight".  And vast multitudes are cut off by this vice in its
 various forms and consequences. Its effects fall not only
 directly upon the body, but often upon the mind. Our bodies have
 been redeemed from deserved condemnation and hopeless slavery by
 the atoning sacrifice of Christ. We are to be clean, as vessels
 fitted for our Master's use. Being united to Christ as one
 spirit, and bought with a price of unspeakable value, the
 believer should consider himself as wholly the Lord's, by the
 strongest ties.  May we make it our business, to the latest day
 and hour of our lives, to glorify God with our bodies, and with
 our spirits which are his.
05344
 * The apostle answers several questions about marriage. (1-9)
 Married Christians should not seek to part from their
 unbelieving consorts. (10-16) Persons, in any fixed station,
 should usually abide in that. (17-24) It was most desirable, on
 account of the then perilous days, for people to sit loose to
 this world. (25-35) Great prudence be used in marriage; it
 should be only in the Lord. (36-40)

 #1-9 The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, in that
 juncture of time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet
 he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are
 settled by Divine wisdom. Though none may break the law of God,
 yet that perfect rule leaves men at liberty to serve him in the
 way most suited to their powers and circumstances, of which
 others often are very unfit judges. All must determine for
 themselves, seeking counsel from God how they ought to act.