Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v05850

Text File | 1994-03-01 | 7KB | 120 lines

05850
 #5-15 It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly
 and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by
 thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the
 gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not
 give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching
 the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in
 this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked
 for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan,
 who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has
 upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil
 conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves
 Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the
 atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the
 end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work
 will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach
 either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as
 established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement,
 and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false
 system.

05861
 #16-21 It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble
 themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord;
 yet prudence must direct in what it is needful to do things
 which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has
 wrought for us, and in us, and by us. Doubtless here is
 reference to facts in which the character of the false apostles
 had been shown. It is astonishing to see how such men bring
 their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and
 insult them.

05867
 #22-33 The apostle gives an account of his labours and
 sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of
 God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of
 Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who
 tried to lessen his character and usefulness. It astonishes us
 to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and
 sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance,
 diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all
 these trials. See what little reason we have to love the pomp
 and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle felt so much
 hardship in it. Our utmost diligence and services appear
 unworthy of notice when compared with his, and our difficulties
 and trials scarcely can be perceived. It may well lead us to
 inquire whether or not we really are followers of Christ. Here
 we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we
 may learn to think less of ourselves; and we should ever
 strictly keep to truth, as in God's presence; and should refer
 all to his glory, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is
 blessed for evermore.
05879
 * The apostle's revelations. (1-6) Which were improved to his
 spiritual advantage. (7-10) The signs of an apostle were in him,
 His purpose of making them a visit; but he expresses his fear
 lest he should have to be severe with some. (11-21)

 #1-6 There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself.
 Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body
 was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether
 his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up
 into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together,
 he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet
 know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did
 not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but
 he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation the
 church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope.
 And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the
 glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented with
 the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God.

05885
 #7-10 The apostle gives an account of the method God took to
 keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above
 measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We
 are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some
 great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings
 this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help
 to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us from
 being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered
 to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a
 messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it,
 and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a
 remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns
 in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer
 be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to
 continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are
 continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God
 accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is
 asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes
 denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and
 temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no
 reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards
 us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient
 to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His
 strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is
 manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we
 are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel
 that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive
 strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine
 strength and grace.

05889
 #11-21 We owe it to good men, to stand up in the defence of
 their reputation; and we are under special obligations to those
 from whom we have received benefit, especially spiritual
 benefit, to own them as instruments in God's hand of good to us.
 Here is an account of the apostle's behaviour and kind
 intentions; in which see the character of a faithful minister of
 the gospel. This was his great aim and design, to do good. Here
 are noticed several sins commonly found among professors of
 religion. Falls and misdeeds are humbling to a minister; and God
 sometimes takes this way to humble those who might be tempted to
 be lifted up. These vast verses show to what excesses the false
 teachers had drawn aside their deluded followers. How grievous
 it is that such evils should be found among professors of the
 gospel! Yet thus it is, and has been too often, and it was so
 even in the days of the apostles.