1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?… I. INQUIRE WHEN CHRISTIAN PROFESSORS MAY BE STYLED THE HOPE, THE JOY, AND THE CROWN OF THEIR MINISTERS. 1. When they appear to be truly converted to God. 2. When they grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. 3. When they walk worthy of their heavenly calling, and bring forth the fruits of righteousness, such as closet duties, family religion, love for Divine ordinances, and Christian ministers, and consistent deportment in the world. II. THE SOLEMN TIME IN WHICH THEY SHALL BE THE HOPE, THE JOY, AND THE CROWN OF THEIR MINISTERS. 1. The second coming of Christ. 2. Ministers and hearers must then meet. 3. Their hope is to meet them at the right hand of God. 4. Their joy to see them partakers of Divine glory. 5. Their crown of rejoicing to behold them as the seals to their ministry. (C. Evans, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? |
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