Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v05800

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 7KB | 118 lines

05804
 #16-24 The apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their
 charity, that it might be known who they were, and how safely
 they might be trusted. It is the duty of all Christians to act
 prudently; to hinder, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions.
 It is needful, in the first place, to act uprightly in the sight
 of God, but things honest in the sight of men should also be
 attended to. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is
 requisite for usefulness. They brought glory to Christ as
 instruments, and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted
 faithful, and employed in his service. The good opinion others
 have of us, should be an argument with us to do well.
05813
 * The reason for sending Titus to collect their alms. (1-5) The
 Corinthians to be liberal and cheerful, The apostle thanks God
 for his unspeakable gift. (6-15)

 #1-5 When we would have others do good, we must act toward them
 prudently and tenderly, and give them time. Christians should
 consider what is for the credit of their profession, and
 endeavour to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all
 things. The duty of ministering to the saints is so plain, that
 there would seem no need to exhort Christians to it; yet
 self-love contends so powerfully against the love of Christ,
 that it is often necessary to stir up their minds by way of
 remembrance.

05818
 #6-15 Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem
 thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed
 sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should
 be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works,
 should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our
 circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct
 our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be
 it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some
 scatter, and yet increase; others withhold more than is meet,
 and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we
 should waste less on ourselves, and sow more in hope of a
 plentiful increase. Can a man lose by doing that with which God
 is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and
 to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of
 temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all
 things; and to be content with what we have. God gives not only
 enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the
 wants of others, and this should be as seed to be sown. We must
 show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of
 charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to
 the praise and glory of God. Let us endeavour to copy the
 example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it
 more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed be God for the
 unspeakable gift of his grace, whereby he enables and inclines
 some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be
 grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all
 eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love,
 through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to life
 and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression,
 measure, or bounds.
05828
 * The apostle states his authority with meekness and humility.
 (1-6) Reasons with the Corinthians. (7-11) Seeks the glory of
 God, and to be approved of him. (12-18)

 #1-6 While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the
 apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We
 should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of
 ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry
 is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual
 purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but
 strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of
 wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must
 be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus
 the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of
 truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel,
 by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe
 the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however
 feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the
 preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always
 been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness.

05834
 #7-11 In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the
 eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not
 think that none outward appearance, as if the want of such
 things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able,
 faithful minister of the lowly Saviour.

05839
 #12-18 If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us,
 this would be a good method to keep us humble. The apostle fixes
 a good rule for his conduct; namely, not to boast of things
 without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed
 to him. There is not a more fruitful source of error, than to
 judge of persons and opinions by our own prejudices. How common
 is it for persons to judge of their own religious character, by
 the opinions and maxims of the world around them! But how
 different is the rule of God's word! And of all flattery,
 self-flattery is the worst. Therefore, instead of praising
 ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God. In a
 word, let us glory in the Lord our salvation, and in all other
 things only as evidences of his love, or means of promoting his
 glory. Instead of praising ourselves, or seeking the praise of
 men, let us desire that honour which cometh from God only.
05846
 * The apostle gives the reasons for speaking in his own
 commendation. (1-14) Shows that he had freely preached the
 gospel. (5-15) Explains what he was going to add in defence of
 his own character. (16-21) He gives an account of his labours,
 cares, sufferings, dangers, and deliverances. (22-33)

 #1-4 The apostle desired to preserve the Corinthians from being
 corrupted by the false apostles. There is but one Jesus, one
 Spirit, and one gospel, to be preached to them, and received by
 them; and why should any be prejudiced, by the devices of an
 adversary, against him who first taught them in faith? They
 should not listen to men, who, without cause, would draw them
 away from those who were the means of their conversion.