Philippians 1:27-30 Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent… I. A CONVERSATION BECOMING THE GOSPEL MUST BE WISE, FOR THE GOSPEL IS A SYSTEM OF KNOWLEDGE. Hence it is called light. There are three states with regard to gospel knowledge. 1. The heathen are children of night. 2. The Jews had some light. 3. Christians are children of the light and of the day. Christians ought to excel in this light. II. A CONVERSATION BECOMING THE GOSPEL SHOULD BE CHEERFUL, FOR THE GOSPEL IS A SYSTEM OF JOY. 1. As such it was predicted. 2. Joyful results universally followed its establishment. 3. It has lost none of its power to bless. (1) In duty. (2) In trials. (3) Death. III. A CONVERSATION BECOMING THE GOSPEL MUST BE HOLY, FOR THE GOSPEL IS A SYSTEM OF SANCTITY. 1. There is no holiness in theory or practice outside. But — 2. The gospel (1) teaches it; (2) requires it; (3) produces it. IV. A CONVERSATION WORTHY THE GOSPEL SHOULD BE CHARITABLE, FOR THE GOSPEL IS A SYSTEM OF BENEVOLENCE. Nothing is more unbecoming to it than a selfish, grasping temper. (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; |
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