_Am I not an apostle?_ Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? SIGNS OF APOSTLESHIP Why should Paul, departing from his usual custom, speak here of himself and his claims? Undoubtedly because these were questioned. Now wishing to incite the Corinthians to self-denial, Paul exemplifi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?_ THE BAFFLE OF LIFE We have here-- I. An inspiriting metaphor. When life is represented as a warfare, some peaceful minds may feel a little alarmed, yet there are others who feel their blood pulsing the stronger at the thought that life is to be o... [ Continue Reading ]
_But I have used none of these things._ PAUL’S CONDUCT I. Does not establish a general rule. Because-- 1. He maintains his right. 2. Voluntarily concedes it. 3. Under particular circumstances. II. Commends disinterested effort. The desire of personal advantage-- 1. Should never be the motive... [ Continue Reading ]
_For if I do this thing willingly I have a reward._ PURITY OF MOTIVE REQUIRED IN EVERY CHRISTIAN MINISTER I. Wherein it consists. 1. A willing service. 2. Without respect to fee or reward. 3. He may receive but must not bargain for it. II. Its importance. 1. If pure, Christ will reward him.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews._ THE FLEXIBILITY OF CHRISTIANITY In Paul’s hands the Christian ministry was like the Gift of Tongues. The gift was one; but it fell upon the ear of the Roman in Latin, upon the ear of the Egyptian in Coptic. Not a bad emblem of the manne... [ Continue Reading ]
_They which run in a race, run all, hut one receiveth the prize._ THE GREEK ATHLETIC FESTIVALS AND THEIR LESSONS 1. Of these the most famous was that held every fifth year at Olympia in the west of Peloponnese. Very famous and ancient also was the Isthmian festival held every two years at the Isth... [ Continue Reading ]
_Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things._ LAWFUL STRIVING I. The fact that the Christian life is a striving after an end. This text is out of joint with much of the language of the present day. Such as “the rest of faith”--as if Christian life were inaction. This is not... [ Continue Reading ]
_I therefore so run, not as uncertainly._ NOT AS UNCERTAINLY In the Grecian games the uncertainties of every earthly race are symbolised. This uncertainty is one of the saddest aspects of experience. There are laurels for a few winners, but many are the losers. Some nearly win the race, and miss b... [ Continue Reading ]
_I keep under my body … lest … I myself should be a castaway._ KEEPING UNDER THE BODY The body is a bad master though it may be a good servant. St. Paul does not wish to be rid of it, but he desires to put it in its proper place. I. It is quite essential to a high morality to have a respectful sen... [ Continue Reading ]