Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v05400

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 7KB | 119 lines

05411
 #15-23 It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he
 may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up
 his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his
 charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the
 apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love,
 and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though
 he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ,
 yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do
 away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and
 win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of
 Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to
 all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good
 was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach
 this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully
 watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but
 trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as
 to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.

05420
 #24-27 The apostle compares himself to the racers and combatants
 in the Isthmian games, well known by the Corinthians. But in the
 Christian race all may run so as to obtain. There is the
 greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our
 strength, in this course. Those who ran in these games were kept
 to a spare diet. They used themselves to hardships. They
 practised the exercises. And those who pursue the interests of
 their souls, must combat hard with fleshly lusts. The body must
 not be suffered to rule. The apostle presses this advice on the
 Corinthians. He sets before himself and them the danger of
 yielding to fleshly desires, pampering the body, and its lusts
 and appetites. Holy fear of himself was needed to keep an
 apostle faithful: how much more is it needful for our
 preservation! Let us learn from hence humility and caution, and
 to watch against dangers which surround us while in the body.
05424
 * The great privileges, and yet terrible overthrow of the
 Israelites in the wilderness. (1-5) Cautions against all
 idolatrous, and other sinful practices. (6-14) The partaking in
 idolatry cannot exist with having communion with Christ. (15-22)
 All we do to be to the glory of God, and without offence to the
 consciences of others. (23-33)

 #1-5 To dissuade the Corinthians from communion with idolaters,
 and security in any sinful course, the apostle sets before them
 the example of the Jewish nation of old. They were, by a
 miracle, led through the Red Sea, where the pursuing Egyptians
 were drowned. It was to them a typical baptism. The manna on
 which they fed was a type of Christ crucified, the Bread which
 came down from heaven, which whoso eateth shall live for ever.
 Christ is the Rock on which the Christian church is built; and
 of the streams that issue therefrom, all believers drink, and
 are refreshed. It typified the sacred influences of the Holy
 Spirit, as given to believers through Christ. But let none
 presume upon their great privileges, or profession of the truth;
 these will not secure heavenly happiness.

05429
 #6-14 Carnal desires gain strength by indulgence, therefore
 should be checked in their first rise. Let us fear the sins of
 Israel, if we would shun their plagues. And it is but just to
 fear, that such as tempt Christ, will be left by him in the
 power of the old serpent. Murmuring against God's disposals and
 commands, greatly provokes him. Nothing in Scripture is written
 in vain; and it is our wisdom and duty to learn from it. Others
 have fallen, and so may we. The Christian's security against sin
 is distrust of himself. God has not promised to keep us from
 falling, if we do not look to ourselves. To this word of
 caution, a word of comfort is added. Others have the like
 burdens, and the like temptations: what they bear up under, and
 break through, we may also. God is wise as well as faithful, and
 will make our burdens according to our strength. He knows what
 we can bear. He will make a way to escape; he will deliver
 either from the trial itself, or at least the mischief of it. We
 have full encouragement to flee from sin, and to be faithful to
 God. We cannot fall by temptation, if we cleave fast to him.
 Whether the world smiles or frowns, it is an enemy; but
 believers shall be strengthened to overcome it, with all its
 terrors and enticements. The fear of the Lord, put into their
 hearts, will be the great means of safety.

05438
 #15-22 Did not the joining in the Lord's supper show a
 profession of faith in Christ crucified, and of adoring
 gratitude to him for his salvation ? Christians, by this
 ordinance, and the faith therein professed, were united as the
 grains of wheat in one loaf of bread, or as the members in the
 human body, seeing they were all united to Christ, and had
 fellowship with him and one another. This is confirmed from the
 Jewish worship and customs in sacrifice. The apostle applies
 this to feasting with idolaters. Eating food as part of a
 heathen sacrifice, was worshipping the idol to whom it was made,
 and having fellowship or communion with it; just as he who eats
 the Lord's supper, is accounted to partake in the Christian
 sacrifice, or as they who ate the Jewish sacrifices partook of
 what was offered on their altar. It was denying Christianity;
 for communion with Christ, and communion with devils, could
 never be had at once. If Christians venture into places, and
 join in sacrifices to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the
 eye, and the pride of life, they will provoke God.

05446
 #23-33 There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had
 been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was
 sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had
 been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is
 lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity
 by no means forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows
 uncourteous behaviour to any, however they may differ from us in
 religious sentiments or practices. But this is not to be
 understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous
 worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians
 should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others,
 or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we
 do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring
 him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where
 express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent
 spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.