_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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.... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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.... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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.... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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 (Romains 1:9). He here repeats it. The
cause which had frustrated its accomplishment was the princ... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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
(Romains 16:1; Romains 16:23). When writing to Corinth, his Jerusalem
journey uncertain (1 Corinthiens 16:4). Romans, therefore, was written
after... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_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... [ Continuer la lecture ]