THE K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
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ing and mystery of Christ’s humble service. (8) View what Jesus knew (v. 3) with what He did (vs. 4, 5) in order to see its fujl significance. (9) Wear this “tab” in your service: \ T-owel. A-pron. ' B-asin. Humility. “I do not quarrel with Paul’s lan guage,” said the'old-Puritan, “but I do dispute his right to push me out of my place.” “Less tljan the least of all saints” is my place.” LESSON (1 Cor. 15 :9 ), ILLUSTRATIONS John Ruskin said, W. H. Pike “I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility.” “They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be 'proud,” said Fla- vel. “The doctrine of grace humbles man without degrading him and exalts him without inflating him,” said Charles Hodge. “Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice, and yet every body is content to hear. The master thinks it good doctrine for his servant, and laity for the clergy, and the clergy for the laity,” said John Selden. When Prince Albert (Duke of Edin burgh) voyaged to South Africa years ago in the Euryalus, some natives vis ited the vessel by invitation and to their great astonishment fqund the prince engaged in washing the deck barefooted. The sight puzzled them exceedingly and after talking the mat ter over they dictated an address to the captain in which they said they now understood the reason of England’s greatness, when the son of her great Queen becomes subject to a subject of the realm, so that he may learn wisdom, and wound up by saying that Queen Victoria should be their sovereign and their children’s for all time to come.
Salvation is a finished work, resting upon the crucifixion and resurrection oi our Lord. Fellowship is determined upon our walking in the light and con fession of our sins (1 John 1 :7 ). Jesus is preparing them for Com munion, and communion depends upon confession and forsaking of sin. The spear of the Roman soldier brought forth blood and water—blood for the sinner, and water for the saint. (1 Pet. 1:18, 19). ( 3) The Supreme Service. “If I then your Lord and Master.“ He had set them an example—a pattern for service. Kings visiting kings washed each other’s feet. Here is the King of kings, wash ing the feet of those who were kings and priests, though humble followers. “I am among you as one that serveth.” The highest possible place for any believer is^ that of a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:37). “Blessed are those servants whom the I Lord when he cometh, shall find watch ing; verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” Happiness in the Christian life de pends fipon obedience. “Trust and Obey.” The motto of the Prince of Wales is “I serve.” What is yours? PRACTICAL POINTS (1) The hour had come for Christ, and it will come for every Christian. (2) The heart of service lies in service from the heart. (3) You may preach a powerful sermon by some simple service. (4) It is an honor to perform the hum blest service for Christ. (5) Self-seeking is a sign of the sordid heart. (6) Service must be measured by the motive which prompts it. (7) Occupied with the act, father than the action, Peter misses the mean
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