_We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves._ THE WEAK AND THE STRONG This noble aphorism contains the highest philosophy and the purest religion. We have here-- I. The principle of association. How much has this come to the fore! We have Life, F... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification._ THE CHARACTER OF CHRISTIAN COURTESY The great aim of the gospel is to raise our views and desires above this life, and furnish us with pure and powerful principles in the direction of our words and actions, far above the will... [ Continue Reading ]
_For even Christ pleased not Himself._ THE SELF-DENIAL OF CHRIST I. Its exemplification. 1. He had the right to please Himself. 2. He ceded it. (1) Seeking not His own case. (2) Bearing the reproach of others. 3. For the benefit of mankind. II. Its design. 1. For faith. 2. For imitation.... [ Continue Reading ]
_For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning._ THE HOLY SCRIPTURES I. What were the scriptures given us for? 1. “Our learning.” They are God’s gift of light to a dark world when it had lost its way and was groping for the wall like the blind. (1) As an intellectual... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded._ THE GOD OF PATIENCE When we say God is patient four things are implied. I. Provocation. Where there is nothing to try the temper there can be no patience. Humanity provokes God. The provocation is great, universal, constant. Me... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now … Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision._ CHRIST A MINISTER OF THE OLD TESTAMENT I. He ministered under it. 1. As a Jew. 2. In conformity with the law. 3. To the Jews. II. Unfolded its meaning. As the truth of God. III. Confirmed its promises, (_J. Lyth, D.D_.) CHRIST THE BOND... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now the God of hope._ THE BLESSING GIVEN TO THE CHURCH AT ROME I. A benediction pronounced. “Filled”-- 1. With what? “joy and peace in believing.” 2. By whom? “the God of hope.” 3. To what end? “that ye may abound,” _etc._ II. A fact stated. 1. The high estimate in which Paul held the Roman... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I myself also am persuaded of you._ PAUL’S TESTIMONY TO THE CHURCH IN ROME I. Its substance. Fall of-- 1. Goodness. 2. Knowledge. 3. Sanctified ability. II. Its value. 1. Honest. 2. Inspired. 3. Kind. (_J. Lyth, D.D_.) CHRISTIAN POLICY The apostle-- I. Praises, but does not flatter.... [ Continue Reading ]
_For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient._ PAUL’S SUCCESS I. Its extent. 1. Matter of notoriety. 2. Needed no attempt on the part of the apostle to exaggerate it. II. The means. 1. Word. 2. Deed. III. The power.... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation._ ST. PAUL’S METHOD OF PROCEDURE St. Paul “strived,” even made it a point of honour--matter of holy ambition to preach Christ in Christless regions, and not where his brethren had been... [ Continue Reading ]
_But as It is written, To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see._ PROPHECY AND THE MEANS OF ITS FULFILMENT This ambition of the apostle was the means of fulfilling a prophecy with respect to the spread of the gospel in heathen countries. Thus it is that God fulfils His predictions and His purpo... [ Continue Reading ]
_For which cause I have been much hindered from coming to you._ PAUL’S DESIRE TO VISIT THE ROMAN CHURCH The apostle had mentioned in the beginning of his letter this desire which he had long cherished (Romans 1:9). He here repeats it. The cause which had frustrated its accomplishment was the princi... [ Continue Reading ]
_But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints._ PAUL’S PRESENT MISSION Paul is now at the end of his second journey to Greece, and at Corinth (Romans 16:1; Romans 16:23). When writing to Corinth, his Jerusalem journey uncertain (1 Corinthians 16:4). Romans, therefore, was written after C... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ._ THE FULNESS OF THE BLESSING OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST Separation is one of the evil fruits of sin. God loves union. When He created Adam He bound together the whole family of man in one co... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now I beseech you … that ye strive together with me in your prayers._ PAUL’S REQUEST FOR PRAYER Observe-- I. The apostle’s request--that they would pray for him. Especially for-- 1. His protection. 2. The success of his mission. II. The arguments he uses. 1. For Christ’s sake; for the love o... [ Continue Reading ]