_Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God._ THE SALUTATION I. The character of Paul. 1. There were two things the apostle knew confidently. (1) That he was “not meet to be called an apostle.” The same humility should mark us. Our humility, however, must not weaken fa... [ Continue Reading ]
_I thank my God … for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ._ APOSTOLIC THANKSGIVING FOR I. The grace they had received. 1. Freely given. 2. Richly supplied. 3. Amply confirmed. II. The hope they anticipated. They waited confidently for-- 1. The coming of Christ. 2. Their final... [ Continue Reading ]
_So that ye come behind in no gift._ GIFT This word plays a large part in this Epistle. As the form of the Greek indicates, it denotes in general every concrete product in which grace is embodied. The various powers, which so often in St. Paul’s writings bear the name of χάρισματα_, _are certainly... [ Continue Reading ]
_God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son._ THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD On this eternal, self-existent fidelity we can repose with safety. I. It is well that we have something sure, for talk as we will of the fidelity of man and woman, there is much to say also of their... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now I beseech you … that ye speak the same thing, and that, there he no divisions among you._ THE APOSTOLICAL EXHORTATION TO UNITY I. What it includes--unity. 1. In confession. 2. In spirit. 3. In object. II. How it is enforced--by the name of Christ, implying-- 1. His will. 2. His authorit... [ Continue Reading ]
_For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel._ PAUL’S PREACHING I. It exalted the Cross of Christ as the central element of the gospel. The apostle does not teach that truths associated with the details of Christian belief and living are not proper themes for the pulpit; nor that r... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God._ THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS I. Its character. 1. Simple in its facts. 2. Humiliating in its doctrines. 3. Startling in its announcements. II. The result. 1. Foolishness to t... [ Continue Reading ]
_For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise._ TRUE WISDOM The discovery of what is true, and the practice of that which is good, are the two most important objects of philosophy. (_Voltaire_.) HUMAN WISDOM I. Its character. 1. Presumptuous in its attempts. 2. Proud in its assumpt... [ Continue Reading ]
_For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God._ WISDOM AND SALVATION I. Paul meant that men had tried to know God in His wisdom, not in His righteousness, not in His love, and had failed. 1. The wisdom of God is revealed in the universe, in man and in history--revealed but... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE JEWS REQUIRE A SIGN, AND THE GREEKS SEEK AFTER WISDOM. Christianity viewed in three aspects I. As associated with a great fact. “Christ crucified.” This maybe looked at-- 1. Historically. As an historical fact it is the most-- (1) Famous. (2) Influential. (3) Best authenticated. 2. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
_But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God._ THE OFFENCE AND SUCCESS OF THE CROSS God will always so ordain it in His providence that some shall at all times welcome His gospel. First, for the accomplishment of His own elect. Secondly, God... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God stronger than men._ THE GOSPEL AS CONTEMPLATED BY MAN AND EMPLOYED BY GOD I. Its doctrine--is foolishness, yet wiser than men. II. Its agencies--are weak, yet stronger than men. (_J. Lyth, D. D_.) FOR YE SEE YOUR CALLING,... [ Continue Reading ]