_Now concerning the collection._
COLLECTION IN CHURCH
This is in close connection with the sublime argument about the
resurrection. There is no gulf between doctrine and duty; rather, most
intimate union between the hope of heaven and details of common life
on earth. Duty is the fruit of rightly b... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia._
GOD’S WILL THE RULE AND SPIRITUAL USEFULNESS THE END OF LIFE
I. God’s will should be the rule of life. Paul had made a plan to
visit the Corinthians, to “tarry a while” with them, but he rests
this plan (no doubt dear to his heart) o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear._
PAUL’S AFFECTIONATE RECOMMENDATION OF TIMOTHY TEACHES US THAT YOUNG
MINISTERS
1. Often need encouragement.
2. Should be respected for their works’ sake.
3. Ought not to be despised.
4. Must be treated with tenderness and conside... [ Continue Reading ]
_Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong._
THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CHRISTIAN WARFARE
The associations of war and battle breathe in every word of this
exhortation. It touches the heart as the spirit-stirring address of a
trusted leader touches the hearts of his comrades at so... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let all your things be done with charity._
LOVE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN LOGIC
As means towards the attainment of the best ends there is no
comparison between these. The latter may convince the understanding
and leave the heart unchanged, but the former will win the heart, and
with that gained, the und... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of
Achaia._
THE HOUSE OF STEPHANAS
I. Its happiness--united in--
1. Faith.
2. Hope.
3. Purpose.
II. Its true nobility--precedence of--
1. Heavenly birth.
2. Experience.
3. Rank.
4. Influence.
III. Its devoted service.
1. Love to... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am glad of the coming of Stephanas,… for they have refreshed my
spirit and yours._
SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT
These three honoured members of the Corinthian Church came to consult
the apostle on matters of faith and practice. But their visit was not
simply official, for they were personally attached... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Churches of Asia salute you._
THE SOCIAL TEMPERATURE OF A CHURCH
While doctrines are being discussed in the pulpit, and ecclesiastical
distinctions expressed in modes of worship and of discipline, there
remains to be studied something quite as essential as these to the
future of religion, in t... [ Continue Reading ]
_If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema
Maranatha._
LOVE TO CHRIST
(Ephesians 6:24 and Text):--Though so dissimilar, both texts teach the
same truth, viz., that love to Christ is the indispensable condition
of salvation.
I. Why is love to Christ thus necessary? Because--... [ Continue Reading ]
_My love be with you all._
PAUL’S LOVE TO THE CORINTHIANS WAS
I. Sincere. Witness the Epistle.
1. Its faithful dealing.
2. Wise counsels.
3. Earnest admonitions.
4. Sublime lessons.
5. Patient and loving spirit.
II. Comprehensive--including all, even those who had offended.
III. Christian i... [ Continue Reading ]