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| 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. |
Brethren – Believers, sons of God. R1697:1
Overtaken in a fault – Through ignorance or temptation, which he cannot control. R5491:6
Through some infirmity of character or temperament. R549:5*
Become entangled with some form of sin, not by reason of sympathy with sin, but by reason of weakness of the flesh or by unfavorable environment. R5561:6, 3647:1, 2879:2; E117
These stumblings are not the sin unto death. R4830:5
Which are spiritual – Greek: pneumatikos; spirit-begotten, and possessed of the new mind. E313
The most spiritual ones of the Church. R5561:6
We should show our own spirituality in the manifestation of the spirit of meekness and kindness toward the one at fault. R5899:6
"We, then, that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Rom. 15:1, 2) R3647:2
Restore such an one – Restore in love. Our sympathy for our brethren must broaden and deepen so that we love the brethren as Christ loved us. R5757:4, 3647:1
Our warnings, reproofs, or withdrawal of fellowship are to be in the nature of correctives, with a view to restoring. R3035:2
From the careless condition where the new mind has become stupefied and the old mind has gotten the ascendency over it; "save a soul from death." (James 5:20) R4628:3
Illustrated when one, slandering another by intimation, refuses to stop and his conduct is revealed to the one slandered. This is a proper application of the Golden Rule. R4283:3
To a condition of righteousness and fellowship with God. R5561:6
Spirit of meekness – Greek: pneuma; disposition. E313
A meek manner. R5561:6
Love them as brethren ought to love, heartily, thoroughly, sympathetically, compassionately; especially assisting them spiritually in the conquering of sin, but also in temporal matters. R2879:2
Kindly urging the erring one to strive against his fault. R3647:2
The reproof will be a blessing from the Lord if given in that spirit and received in that spirit. R5693:1
Let justice always be tempered with mercy. F416
Considering thyself – Remembering that we also are imperfect in the flesh. R5561:6
Thou also be tempted – By the old selfish nature, in violation of some of the requirements of the perfect law of love. D476
If not in the same manner, possibly in some other manner, in which you are weaker. R3035:4, 549:5*
By remembering we ourselves might at some time be overtaken in a fault in the future, if we had not in the past. R5899:6
At some time or other inadvertently fall into sin, contrary to the heart intentions. R5561:6
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| 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. |
Bear ye – Seek to relieve by sympathy and counsel. R3646:6
Assisting one another in battling against the weaknesses of the flesh and the besetments of sin. R5562:1, 3647:1
Love's quick discernment is always watchful and ready with the word in season, the cordial friendliness and the helpful hand if need be. R3647:1, 549:6*
"We ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16)--in seeking to assist thehe Lord and to his standards. R5562:1
Bind up the Body of Christ that there be no schism in the Body. R3647:5
Another's burdens – Of bereavement, financial embarrassment, business and family cares, physical and mental suffering, sudden distress, great perplexities, anxieties, and conscious sins. R3647:1
Faults, infirmities. R549:5*
When the surges of trouble roll high, and the timid, shrinking soul is almost overwhelmed by them, how soothing is the sympathy and counsel of a fellow-member of the Body of Christ. R3646:6
The Greek word means that which tires. R549:3*
Whatever makes a man grow weaker. R549:5*
Fulfil – Let this blessed law of Christ rule more fully in us, and let its hallowed influence shine out upon the world, showing them how it brings peace and harmony and happiness. R3647:5
The law of Christ – The law of love. R3647:2, 3646:6, 1498:3
The general law of Christ. A law of service and self-sacrifice in the interests of others. A law of love. R5562:1
Those who, finding such a brother, merely throw back their heads, denouncing him in a haughty, imperious, holier-than-thou manner, have not yet attained a proper appreciation of what is the law of Christ. R5562:1
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| 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. |
To be something – "Vainly puffed up in his fleshly mind." (Col. 2:18) R1920:5
One great danger which besets all the true followers of Jesus is headiness--thinking too highly of self, and therefore, not thinking highly enough of the brethren, especially those who stumble in some particular in which this individual has not himself, as yet, stumbled. R5562:1
When he is nothing – It sometimes happens that those who are ignorant as well as poor become puffed up in their fleshly mind as well as those who are wise and rich. R1920:5
We are bundles of imperfection; on the strength of our own merit we could not commend ourselves to God nor have his favor. R5562:2
Deceiveth himself – Modesty and simplicity are traits to be cultivated by rich and poor. R1920:5
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| 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. |
Prove his own work – Instead of seeking to judge or to reprove his neighbor or brother in Christ. R5562:2
Every Christian is individually responsible for the exercise of his own Christian common sense, in faith and conduct. R1777:2, 1788:5
It was the neglect of this principle of the right and duty of the individual judgment in proving all things by the inspired Word, that brought upon the church the snare of the great apostasy. R1788:6, 1777:1
Rejoicing in himself – To whatever extent he can see that he is progressing in putting away the works of the flesh, and putting on the graces of the holy Spirit, to that extent he has ground for rejoicing R5562:2
His faith will be so established by the Word of the Lord that it will be his own, and in no sense dependent upon another. R1788:5
Not in another – Without in any sense or degree seeking to compare himself with others and thus to estimate himself wholly by the imperfections which he may see in others. R5562:2
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| 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. |
Bear his own burden – Seeking to find out his own weaknesses, and therefore not being a burden or reproach to others--either to the Lord or the brethren. R5562:2
Rather than to lean upon the brethren; each is to remember his own personal responsibility and not to get weary in well doing. R5899:5
Not only seek to bear his own burdens as far as possible, but to seek to bear somebody else's burdens. Q334:2
Discharge his own proper duties; a different word in the Greek than in verse 2. R549:5*
The Greek word means that which loads. R549:5*
Whatever is needful to carry--such as a soldier's kit, or a ship's freight. R549:5*
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| 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. |
Taught in the Word – Those who receive blessings from a teacher. R5562:3
God designed to instruct his people by means of each other. F263
Communicate unto him – Those receiving instruction should not fear to communicate to the better instructed teaching brother any thought that they might have respecting the Word. R2500:6
Telling of any blessings received or of any clearer views of the Word of God which have come to them. R5562:3
Call his attention to any matter seeming to bear on the subject discussed; thus all are to be critics--never, however, for debate or for fun or to find fault, but to keep the Body of Christ and his teachings pure. F263
It would be as proper to ask Berean questions of sisters as well as brothers. These would not be considered as teaching, but a learner reciting what he or she had learned. R4122:5
Even the humblest shall think for himself and thus develop an individual faith and character. F263
There is no room for clericism. R5562:3
The Apostle may also have meant that those who receive blessings from a teacher may properly seek opportunity for recompensing him, either with thanks or with cooperation or some way helping to forward the work. R5562:3
"Communicate" is a broad word and includes not only thoughts sentiments, etc., but may be understood also to mean some manner of support. F264; R2500:6
Or helping to forward his work of teaching in any good way. R5562:3
Good things – Not to be understood to mean a personal appeal for money, charity, or support. R2500:6
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| 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. |
Be not deceived – Some might deceive themselves into thinking that they might live according to the flesh, and then go to the Lord in prayer and have the matter all forgiven and corrected. R5665:2
God will not be pleased with anything less than your continual opposition to every form of unrighteousness. Many are thus deceived, professing to be the Lord's people and yet blind to justice, righteousness, in many of the affairs of life. They exercise too much mercy in dealing with their own shortcomings and not enough in dealing with the shortcomings of others. R3323:2
There is a danger of being deceived as to whether we are sowing to the spirit or the flesh. The flesh is very crafty. The new mind needs to guard continually lest it fall into a trap of the old nature. R4829:6, 5665:1
God is not mocked – Cannot be deceived, cannot be trifled with. If God has entered into a covenant with us, nothing else than our agreement will stand. R5226:2
It is not enough that we make a consecration of ourselves to God, but we need to show by the earnestness of our conduct that we have received a transforming power in our lives. R5934:2
Though others may be deceived, God cannot be mocked by our outward service of him and his truth while inwardly living according to the flesh. R4829:6, 5562:3
If we endeavor to find justification for doing that which we recognize as contrary to the Golden Rule we are merely attempting to deceive ourselves, in a manner which will not deceive our Lord. NS590:4
God can read the heart and discern the motive. R3859:4, 3323:3
Those who find themselves in any degree of sympathy with evil qualities are deceived if they think themselves to be the Lord's people. R3323:3
Do not think you can do evil and get good results. R5665:2
All divine law is the operation of fixed principles of righteousness, having for their object the peace and happiness of all intelligent creatures. R1654:3
If we sow to the wind, we shall reap the whirlwind. R1653:3, 5665:2
"There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, neither hid that shall not be known." (Luke 12:2) R1653:3, 1655:1
Whatsoever – The operations of this law are most manifest upon classes and nations, because their prominence gives them worldwide publicity and because their harvest must of necessity be in the present life. R1654:5
Divine retribution seems generally to be that of sequence, so that under it, rewards and punishments follow naturally. God sometimes steps beyond this order, as with the second death and the exaltation of the Church. R1655:5
The fact that retribution is often delayed is frequently presumed upon by the foolish, who vainly think that they can sow their crop of wild oats and never realize their harvest. R1654:4, 5665:3, 1655:2
A course of life or conduct, that would bring good results, or a course that would bring evil results. R5665:3
Every inch that we yield--whether in thought, word or action--means so much decrease of spiritual power; and the new creature grows weaker. R5934:3
Illustrated by Aesop's fable of the donkey who slowly inches his way into the blacksmith's shop and kicks out the blacksmith. R5934:6
A character, which is plastic in early life, becomes fixed and fossilized in the course of years. R1654:5
A man – The Church; the consecrated people of God. R5899:1, 5934:2, 5561:6, 3323:5, 1653:3; OV392:3
This will be true of the world as respects their sinful flesh, during the Millennium, but not now. R5935:1; OV392:3
Every human being could take a profitable lesson from this verse and receive a blessing in proportion as he would follow it's spirit. R5899:1
Soweth – All conduct must be incited by previous thought. R5665:3
Wilfully, intelligently. R5225:2, 4909:5
The thought of sowing is that of planting with a view to development or result. R4828:2
In the past you sowed to the flesh; wasted time, used your body improperly. You have learned a lesson; put it to good use. Hereafter, try to live in harmony with God's will. OV450:1
True of the whole world, also. R5361:4, 5666:4, 5255:1, 1653:3
Our justification before God does not remove at once all the results of previous transgression. But the penitent and forgiven one has promise of grace to help with his inherited and cultivated weaknesses. R1654:3
Shall he also reap – A principle of the divine arrangement that sowing will bring reaping, and that the thing reaped shall be of the same character as the thing sowed. R5562:3, 5665:2, 5303:4, 5225:1, 1653:3
Either in the present life or in that which is to come. R5309:1, 1655:3
In the cleansing process, the justified believer must, of necessity, experience some of the baneful results of a past course of sin. R1654:3
The conditions which will expose the evils of past life--bring about retribution to the evildoers, will also make manifest the good deeds of the righteous. R1655:2; HG639:1; NS439:2, 813:6
The Millennial age is set forth as a day of reckoning, of trial, of judgment. R1654:1
Every evil word or act, or violation of conscience will have its effect upon the character and thus have to do with either elevating or degrading each individual. HG489:6; NS334:1
This is our judgment day; and the judgment of the world will proceed upon the same general principles. They will first be brought to a knowledge of the truth, and will then be judged accordingly. R1655:6, 1426:4
The world has sown to the wind the seeds of selfishness, and now they are about to reap the whirlwind of anarchy and terror and the destruction of all law and order and national and social organization. R1654:5
Whoever violates conscience, much or little, will proportionately be disadvantaged in the future. OV129:2; R5303:4
Whoever sows a life of sin and self-indulgence will not reap glory, honor, immortality, by a "death-bed repentance" but a more depraved disposition than that with which he was born. HG645:3
Every act, word, look or thought is a seed, and will bring results in our own minds, hearts and conduct; and whether or not we shall bring forth thirty, sixty, or one hundredfold, or no fruitage. R3771:5, 4828:2
A brother who is a murderer at heart (1 John 3:15), because of light enjoyedation of his character than the grosser, but ignorant, murderer. R1655:4
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| 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. |
For he that – In the Church. R3323:5, 5665:5, 4828:3
Begotten of the Spirit. R279:5, 142:6
Soweth to his flesh – To sensuality or to any earthly desires contrary to the new nature. The things of the fallen flesh, which are always contrary to the Spirit. R5934:2, 5665:5, 4828:2
By allowing the selfish, unjust, unrighteous desires of the flesh to have sway in his heart and life. R3323:5, 5934:3, 5226:4, 4829:6, 4828:2
Seeking to do according to their fleshly wills, and pleasing the fleshly minds of friends or relatives. R5562:4
If we make a change merely in our profession, while still sowing to the flesh, the result will not be according to our profession, but according to our doing. R5934:2, 3859:5
If we allow the envious, selfish, vain-glorious, ambitious spirit to control, with more or less of anger, hatred, strife, and dissension, we may surely expect the legitimate crop will not become the reverse of this. R3859:5
Spending of time, energy, money, in the pursuit of pleasure or of earthly things or riches. R5899:4
Yielding to the old creature. R5934:6
Live in willful sin. R142:6, 279:5
All obedient Christians are seeking to eradicate and destroy the weeds of sin and selfishness which spring naturally in their flesh because of heredity. R5899:2
Does not mean a thorough rebellion against the Lord, but rather the procurement and the sowing of bad seed. R5899:4
It is a mistake to suppose that a reasonable gratification of the flesh is proper. Every gratification of the fallen flesh satiates only the animal propensities. R4828:2
It is the spirit of Satan, which has become dominant in the human family, ever since Adam ate of the forbidden fruit. R5665:4, 5666:4
Better clothes, delicious food, a desire to live on a good street and in a fine house, are not necessarily sinful things. All these are of the flesh, but they are not what the Apostle is referring to here. R5934:3
Reap corruption – Death; the end will be death. R3859:5, 5934:3, 5899:5, 5665:6
The second death. R3323:5, 4828:3
They have already surrendered their human life-rights. R4828:3
This does not mean that if any of God's people should have some earthly desire or wrong sentiment spring up in their minds they would die instantly, or instantly be cut off from any hope of future life on the spirit plane. R5934:2
In proportion as we are derelict, as we sow seeds of evil, in that same proportion shall we be sowing to corruption. R5665:6, 5562:5
Moral and spiritual degeneration. R5666:1
But – The new creature develops at the expense of the old creature, the old nature, which must be put to death. R5935:1
Soweth – Acts, words and thoughts are the good seeds; and they must be sown carefully and persistently. There is just one storehouse from which they are supplied--the Word of God. R5899:3
To the Spirit – Resisting the desires of the flesh toward selfishness, and exercising the new mind toward the things that are pure, noble, good, true; the things that are spiritual. R3323:5, 4829:6, 4828:3
Living a spiritual life, seeking to serve the will or Spirit of God in all words, deeds and thoughts. R5562:4
To the best of our ability to understand the Lord's will, lay down our lives. R5934:2
This is done by the new creature, the new mind, the new will, and not by the flesh. R3859:5
If we follow a course with a view to keeping out body in condition for best service, if our flesh has a craving for certain things that would not be for our spiritual welfare, the new creature is to say, "No you cannot have it." R5934:3
The heart of the Christian is consecrated soil. Special flowers and fruits are to be cultivated. These are styled fruits and graces of the holy Spirit. R5899:2, 4829:5, 4828:5
Whoever sows to the spirit will reap in kind. R5665:3, 5226:4
If they wish to attain glory, honor and immortality, they must live according to the Spirit of God, the spirit of God's law, the spirit of righteousness. R5665:5, 4828:5, 3859:5
They must conform their lives to the life of Christ, their Exemplar. R5665:5, 5562:4, 4828:6, 3859:5
Life everlasting – Everlasting life shall be reaped as a gift-reward, to the those who seek for it by living according to the spirit of holiness. E386; R1878:4
Everlasting life and the Kingdom. R4830:4
Be overcomers. R5934:5
Does not mean that only those who attain the complete mastery of the flesh will receive any blessing, but, unless we manifest an appreciation of spiritual things, we shall not be fit for everlasting life. R5562:5
The spiritual body. R3859:5
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| 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. |
In well doing – To live according to the lines marked out by the holy Spirit through the words of Jesus and the apostles. R5562:5
Not only start out well by making a full consecration, but continue faithful, and not be weary of striving against sin. R5562:6
Rise from the ashes of discouragement and lift the cross with renewed zeal. R5095:4
Not in well-meaning. R1802:4*
If we faint not – Our Captain will lead us to certain victory, if we faint not. R1859:2
Labor diligently and fervently, to the extent of our opportunities and abilities. R2334:6
Pray in faith, nothing doubting. R5710:1
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| 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. |
Opportunity – After having done first of all the Father's will. E117; SM12:T
Development of character-likeness to our Lord is our first duty. Nothing that we can possibly do for others should be considered as appropriate for taking the place of the work for ourselves individually. SM635:1, 639:1
What God's people are to do for the world is to be merely secondary, merely what opportunity may offer. Their chief work is to be for themselves. SM635:1
Where it will not interfere with our consecration vows. R5932:4
If there are many opportunities for service we are to exercise the spirit of a sound mind as to which would be the will of the Lord for us. R5358:2
Our obligations are limited to our opportunities. R934:3*
Next to the household of faith should come our more distant relatives. R4854:4
Instant in season, and out of season; we should do it gladly. R5358:1, 5644:4
At the expense of our own time and convenience. R5258:4, 3180:3; SM639:T
When our Lord Jesus, for a brief time, had no Jewish companions to preach to, he used the occasion to preach to the Samaritan woman. R2574:5
Let us do good – Without limitation, in word or deed. R5357:1, 317:4
If we have the Master's Spirit we will desire to do good unto all men. R5375:6, 5724:6, 5357:4, 3929:6, 2586:1, 2551:5, 2435:5; Q625:5
Temporally or spiritually; especially spiritually. R1593:6, 2879:3; NS271:4
In justice and in love. NS393:3
If any one can dispel the darkness of ignorance and let in light, he will surely do great good. No other work could be so grand as to make known to others God's character, plan and will concerning us. R5357:1,3, 5449:1, 5353:6, 4182:1, 829:5*
There is a higher work than social uplift and "good works." We are to give our life and time to this--the instruction for all who have the ear to hear respecting the Almighty, his will, his purpose, his plan. R5357:3; SM637:1
In doing this work we resort to every lawful means--by the printed page, orally, or by pictorial presentations. R5357:4
In so doing we shall be copying our Heavenly Father's character. He is the Fountain of Blessing. A disposition to do good to everybody. R5562:6, 4766:1, 3946:3
Give a kind word, a smile, a pleasant tone, a little civility wherever proper. R5357:5
Be a good Samaritan, a kind friend, a loving father and husband, a generous neighbor. R2684:6; Q808:2
We are representatives of righteousness and should deal so with others. R4919:2
A requirement for our development into the likeness of Christ. R5932:4
Our blessing is associated with activity on behalf of others. NS808:3
"Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can." R5471:6*
Unto all men – Be kind to the thankful and unthankful, to the believing and unbelieving. R1588:1
Including our enemies. F189; R4766:2
Including those who have been disfellowshipped by the Church. F290
The disposition to do good to everybody. R5562:6; SM635:3
Defend others, help them to overcome sin. NS61:5
Our efforts that will go toward the world of mankind are to be only the side-glances. R2415:4
If we can find no opportunities to do good to the household of faith then all our energies may be devoted to others. R934:3*
This is in addition to merely avoiding harshness toward those who have been overtaken in a fault, guarding ourselves in sowing to the Spirit and not to the flesh; and avoiding weariness in this good way. (Verses 1-9) R5562:6
Especially – Chiefly and directly; giving these always the preference. R2415:4, 5786:2, 5358:4, 2423:5, 934:3*; CR473:2
We can readily afford to let the work for the world wait God's due time while we spend all our little talent in ministering to the pressing necessities of the household of faith. R494:5
Household of faith – In a strict sense, includes only those who are consecrated. In a broad sense, would include those counting the cost. R5358:1, 2740:4; SM638:1
Those who have the faith once delivered to the saints. (Jude 3) SM636:1
Both the Little Flock, the Royal Priesthood, and the Great Company, the antitypical Levites. R4654:2, 4389:2,6; NS73:6, 847:3
The Church of the first-born. R4537:4, 4389:6, 2415:4; OV203:6
The Lord's children. R5562:6; Q644:6
Spiritual Israel. R1742:4
All those invited to become the Bride of Christ were previously related to him as members of the household of faith. R4476:3
Opportunity of serving "the Body of Christ" is limited to the present age. R2448:6
God himself is dealing only with that household at this time. SM637:1
We are to think kindly and generously of all those whom God has brought into his family. They should always be first in our thoughts. R5843:2, 4702:6
Be generous, be kind to everybody, but especially to the saints. Every service lovingly and gladly rendered to the saints is rendered unto God's glory. R5818:6, 5724:6, 3946:3, 3939:6, 2755:1
Ready to lay down our life for the brethren. R5358:5, 5127:6, 3180:3; SM12:1; NS61:5
If we have a choice of doing something for the saints or for a neighbor, then we should give the preference to the Lord's saints, whether they be Presbyterian saints or what not. Q644:6
It is our duty to help everybody who is feeling after the Lord and amenable in any degree to the Word of Truth. R5697:1
If these demand all our time we may be doing nothing for the lost sheep, but only helping to perfect those whom the Lord has already found. R5428:1, 5357:6
We are not to think of giving the world the same affection or love or interest that we give to the household of faith. Neither does God. R5724:6, 4766:4
This does not mean that we are to be negligent of those of our immediate households and our special responsibilities to these. But, aside from these, the spiritual brethren should have first place in our hearts. R2879:3, 2448:6
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| 11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. |
How large a letter – All of Paul's epistles were written by some one else, except this one, one of the shortest. R1540:5, 2118:4
Although a learned man, Paul wrote very few of his own epistles; because his eyes were not restored to their former strength. R2825:1, 2118:4
He could write only with difficulty. R1540:5
The Greek would give the thought that these words apologize for the use of very large characters, such as a semi-blind person would use. R2118:4; CR468:3
With mine own hand – In spite of my weak eyes, my "thorn in the flesh." (2 Cor. 12:7) F651; R2118:4, 1540:1
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| 12 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. |
As many – Illustrated today by some who refrain from preaching the truth on the "hell" question for fear of losing members. R2599:1
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| 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. |
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| 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. |
God forbid that I – Far be it from me. (Revised Version) R5596:2, 5919:2
Glory – How beautiful is the Gospel of the cross as compared with any other! R5919:3
In the cross – The necessity for Jesus' death as the redemption-price for the sins of the world. R5919:2
No wonder the Apostle makes the cross of Christ the center of his preaching, declaring, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission" of sins! (Heb. 9:22) R5919:6
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| 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
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A new creature – "Old things have passed away, and all things have become new." (2 Cor. 5:17) R2129:1
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| 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. |
As many – New creatures, begotten and led of the Spirit of God. R1841:2,4
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." (1 John 2:15) R1589:5
This rule – If we are living according to the rule of the new nature, we must have the fruits of the spirit in some measure, even from the very start of our Christian experience; and these are surely growing. R1841:5
The rule of the preceding verse. Forms and ceremonies are not the rule, but the new life itself, the new creature, led of the Spirit. R1841:2
Peace be on them – Notwithstanding our lameness and halting steps in following the lead of the Spirit, God gives his blessed peace. R1841:1
The Lord's dear voice brings comfort, strength and rest, in the midst of all the cares and perplexities of the way. R5807:5
And mercy – Because our best efforts to walk after the leading of the holy Spirit will be imperfect. R1841:2
The Israel of God – "They are not all Israel which are of Israel." (Rom. 9:6) C62
Overwhelming evidence that the House of Israel was no longer regarded by our Lord and the apostles as the "ten tribes" merely. C293; R1341:1
Spiritual Israel, as contrasted with fleshly Israel. R2086:5, 5092:2, 637:6*; D23; CR485:3
The Christian Church. B204
God's people--all who love God in truth and sincerity--Israelites indeed. C62
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| 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. |
Marks of the Lord Jesus – Evidences that I am his servant and follower. R5189:3
The blows he had received when he had been whipped and beaten because of the witness to the truth and his fidelity to the Lord. CR432:3; 312:4
The legitimate children of God can be readily identified, not by titles, or gowns, but as the early church of priests was identified--by their love for the truth and their sacrificing for it. R985:4
We are bond-servants of Jesus Christ, and, like Paul, we glory in being so branded. R1738:6; CR432:3
In olden times, slaves were branded to indicate that they belonged to a person. CR432:3; 312:4
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| 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. |
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