THE MERCIES OF GOD; those which he bestows in and through Jesus Christ, as the apostle has exhibited in the former part of this epistle. For he now proceeds to draw from the deep doctrines there unfolded inferences of a practical nature. PRESENT YOUR BODIES; as the priest presented to God the bodie... [ Continue Reading ]
BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD; to its sinful spirit, maxims, customs, and habits. TRANSFORMED; changed, not in outward conduct merely, but in the spirit and temper of your minds. MAY PROVE; know and discern aright by your own experience. The apostle has in view that discernment of God's will whic... [ Continue Reading ]
THROUGH THE GRACE GIVEN UNTO ME; by virtue of my apostolic office, for which the grace of God has furnished me. TO THINK SOBERLY; by forming a just estimate of himself and his gifts, as compared with his brethren and their gifts. TO EVERY MAN THE MEASURE OF FAITH; thus qualifying him for some serv... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL MEMBERS HAVE NOT THE SAME OFFICE; the eye, for instance, cannot perform the office of the ear, nor the hand that of the foot. The perfection of the whole depends upon the perfection of each organ; so with the spiritual body, the church of Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
WE; Christians. ONE BODY IN CHRIST; he is the head, and we are the members of his one body. The perfection of each member and of the whole body of Christ, depends, not upon all being alike, or doing the same things, but upon all being in their proper places, and doing each his appropriate work.... [ Continue Reading ]
GIFTS DIFFERING ACCORDING TO THE GRACE THAT IS GIVEN; God graciously bestows upon different members of the church different talents and gifts, and all are to use them according to his will. PROPHECY; this was one of the spiritual gifts. See note 1 Corinthians 12:28. ACCORDING TO THE PROPORTION OF... [ Continue Reading ]
OR MINISTRY; that is, or having ministry for his gift. Ministry is here ministering to the wants of the brethren, as distinct from prophesying and teaching. LET US WAIT ON OUR MINISTERING; occupy ourselves with it in a humble and contented spirit.... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVETH; for the relief of others. WITH SIMPLICITY; singleness of aim, purity of motive, without selfish ends. RULETH; directeth the concerns of the church. SHOWETH MERCY; by attending on and assisting the sick, sorrowful, and distressed. WITH CHEERFULNESS; with a kind, patient disposition, which... [ Continue Reading ]
IN HONOR PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER; rather, going before, or setting an example to one another in courtesy, kindness, and respect.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN BUSINESS; or in diligence, as the same word is rendered in verse Romans 12:8. The meaning is, that in the exercise of a diligent and earnest spirit we should not be remiss. SERVING THE LORD; by activity of body and mind, wisely and perseveringly discharging the various duties of life. 1 Corinthi... [ Continue Reading ]
IN HOPE; in hope of future glory. INSTANT IN PRAYER; habitual, fervent, persevering in the duty.... [ Continue Reading ]
DISTRIBUTING TO THE NECESSITY OF SAINTS; supplying their wants. GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY; accustomed to provide for needy travellers and strangers, especially such as are laboring or suffering for Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
Good men will desire to do good, not to friends only, or such as do good to them, but also to enemies, and such as do evil. The characters of men are more clearly seen by their treatment of enemies, than of friends. Luke 6:32-36.... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICE-AND WEEP; manifest a deep interest, a tender sympathy in the joys and sorrows of others.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SAME MIND; be united, live in peace. MIND NOT; do not aspire to, or seek after wealth, honor, or powerful earthly connections. CONDESCEND; sympathize and associate with the poor, humble, afflicted, especially such as suffer for righteousness' sake. IN YOUR OWN CONCEITS; do not have such an op... [ Continue Reading ]
RECOMPENSE TO NO MAN; do no evil to any one, because he does evil to you. THINGS HONEST IN THE SIGHT OF ALL MEN; things that are right, lovely, and of good report, as the original word implies. Conduct in such a manner as is suited to meet the enlightened and conscientious approbation of men. Prove... [ Continue Reading ]
AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU; as far as you can consistently with duty, cultivate a peaceful temper, and seek to live in peace.... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVE PLACE UNTO WRATH; do not take revenge upon those who injure you, but exercise a forgiving spirit. Leave the taking of vengeance to Jehovah, to whom it belongs. Deuteronomy 32:35. Individuals against whom crimes are committed, are not to avenge themselves by punishing the criminals. Civil govern... [ Continue Reading ]
FEED HIM-GIVE HIM DRINK; treat him kindly, do him good, and when he is needy supply his wants. Proverbs 25:21-22; MATTHEW 5:44. HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD; which will be adapted to melt him into penitence and love.... [ Continue Reading ]
BE NOT OVERCOME OF EVIL; let not evil conquer you, but do you with kindness conquer it. Kindness towards enemies is a most likely means of making them friends; and if it does not have this effect, but they continue obstinately and wickedly to be enemies to their benefactors, they will ripen for aggr... [ Continue Reading ]