Christ, relying always upon Him not only to provide for our needs, but to keep us from the evil which men do to us as we try to serve Him (v. 6). Fur thermore, we must be mindful of the leadership of those who have been divinely commissioned to teach us and to lead us on in the service of Christ. We must imitate their faith, that to gether we may achieve the purpose to which their lives are dedicated (v. 7). 2. T he C onviction of S ound D octrine ( w . 8-15) We must fix our faith upon Christ. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, yea and for ever” (v. 8 ASV). Therefore, He was sufficient for the trials of those who went before us; He is sufficient for our present problems; and He wiU be sufficient through all ages to come. Further more, He is our eternal message as God’s remedy for sin. With our faith fixed in Him, we shall not be carried about by every strange doctrine which comes along (v. 9). Now, as then, there are many devilish doctrines which would deter us in our divine purpose. To avoid these we are to have our hearts established in the gospel of grace, not in the mere exter nal rites and ceremonies of religion. We are not to be ashamed of Christ or of His redemption by blood (vv. 10-15). Instead, we are to share the reproach which sinful men place upon Him. As the sin offering of Judaism was burned outside the camp as being unfit for human consumption, so was Christ crucified outside the gate of Jerusalem. But we are not to let Him bear His cross of shame alone while we go free. Rather let us offer our sacrifice of praise as with our lips we continue to confess His name. 3. T he C onviction of C ooperative S ervice ( vv . 16-19) In our service for Christ we are to seek always to do good (v. 16a). Fur thermore, we are to contribute our money (communicate, cf. II Cor. 9:13) to the ongoing of his work, for such is pleasing to God (v. 16b). Again we are reminded to submit ourselves 34
conviction. This is no mere skirmish in which we are engaged, but a war to the finish. It is no place for reeds shaken with the wind, or for lounge lizards who wear soft raiment and live in king’s houses (Matt. 11:7-9). 1. T h e C o n v ic t io n o f P e r s o n a l P u r it y ( w . 1-7) If we continue in our God-given destiny, our hearts must be filled with LIFE'S A GAME How often we feel disappointment, regret, W hen we fail in some sort of test. It seems then our future is hopeless, and yet It may later turn out for the best. There're nights that we worry and toss in our bed Over something we fear may befall. Then find that the morning brings promise instead: W hat we feared, doesn't happen, at all. A n d how many times, when our plans go astray, That we grumble resentment and chafe; The life that seems now to hold only dismay W e may one day look back on, and laugh. It's all part of living, these problems and sorrow; But we cannot help wondering when W e 're feeling disheartened, perhaps by tomorrow, W e will not remember them then. — J. M cAleer with love both for our brethren and for strangers (vv. 1-2). We are to be mindful of our compatriots who suf fer for the cause of Christ, knowing that we also may be called upon to do the same (v. 3). Our home life must be above reproach (v. 4). Knowing that the love of money is the root of all evil, our whole manner of life (con versation) must be free from covet ousness (v. 5). Our first concern must be not for self but for the cause of
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