_From whence come wars and fightings?_ WARS AND FIGHTING--WHENCE THEY PROCEED I. THE QUESTION PROPOSED (James 4:1). We have no very particular information as to the nature of these contests, the parties by whom they were waged, or the matters to which they related. Able interpreters have connected... [ Continue Reading ]
_The friendship of the world is enmity with God_ THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD ENMITY WITH GOD I. WHAT WE ARE TO UNDERSTAND BY THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD. 1. In what sense the word “world” is to be taken (1) “The world” is often put to signify the wicked men of the world, whether unbelievers or b... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy_ THE SPIRIT’S JEALOUSY St. James probably meant to give the sense of Scripture, and not to quote the exact words. Scripture teaches us the truth that “the Spirit which dwelleth in us lusteth to envy,” or rather, “desireth enviously.” I. The class of... [ Continue Reading ]
_But He giveth more grace_ THE GREATNESS OF THE DIVINE GIFTS A SOURCE OF CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGEMENT I. HE GIVETH MORE GRACE THAN WE DESERVE. That may seem a self-evident proposition. It is like saying He giveth what is undeserved to the undeserving--grace that is entirely beyond and above deserving,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Submit yourselves therefore to God_ SUBMITTING OURSELVES TO GOD I. THE DUTY OF SUBMITTING OURSELVES TO GOD. This submission has its commencement and abiding root in the reception of Christ as a Saviour. The natural heart rebels against a gratuitous justification, against the renunciation of every... [ Continue Reading ]