1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened… I. THE NATURE OF GOSPEL-SINCERITY. 1. A single intention and aim to please God, and approve ourselves to Him through our whole course. 2. An impartial inquiry into our duty. 3. An entire and universal application to the practice of duty, as far as it is known, without stated and allowed reserves and exceptions. 4. A correspondence and harmony between inward sentiments and the words and actions. II. OF WHAT IMPORTANCE IT IS THAT THIS QUALIFICATION SHOULD ATTEND US IN ALL THE EXERCISES OF THE CHRISTIAN TEMPER AND DUTY. 1. It is expressly required by Divine precept in the several branches of our duty. The new man in general, which Christianity teaches us to put on, is, "after God created in true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). The first and great commandment of godliness is thus prescribed (Matthew 22:37). 2. It is indispensably necessary to our acceptance with God. How can that be expected to meet with a favourable regard from God, which was not in intention done to Him? 3. This qualification alone can minister solid satisfaction to ourselves upon reflection. One man may possibly reach his ends with another by disguise; but how low and empty a satisfaction will that produce, if he cannot be satisfied from himself? So the truly good man alone is (Proverbs 14:14). 4. Sincerity will be the easiest method of conduct. What art and pains are needful to wear a disguise tolerably! 5. Herein we shall copy after the most illustrious and excellent examples. Insincerity, on the other hand, is most directly the image of the devil, that false and lying spirit, who, from his craft and deceitfulness, is called "the old serpent," and represented as assuming all shapes and disguises to carry on his designs.This subject may very fitly be applied various ways. 1. As a subject of sorrow for the evident violations of sincerity among those who wear the name of Christians. 2. As a measure of judging ourselves, whether we are in a state of acceptance with God. 3. As a ground of humiliation to the best for the defects in their sincerity, as well as in every particular branch of goodness. 4. As an engagement to cultivate and advance in this excellent qualification. (J. Evans, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: |
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