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I. WHAT IN THE GOSPEL MUST OUR CONVERSATION BECOME?

1. The doctrine of the gospel. Living as those who believe —

(1)  That Christ is the Son of God and man (John 1:14).

(2)  That He died for sin, even for ours; that He rose again, ascended, and will come again to judge the world.

2. The discipline of the gospel. That all things be done —

(1)  Decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

(2)  In faith (Romans 14:23).

(3)  In love (Ephesians 5:2).

(4)  In humility (Philippians 4:1-2; Luke 17:10).

(5)  To the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 5:16).

3. Our expectations from the gospel. Live as those who expect (1 John 3:4) —

(1)  Pardon (Ephesians 1:7).

(2)  Acceptance (Galatians 2:16).

(3)  Peace with God (Romans 5:1).

(4)  Joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:16-17; 1 Peter 1:8).

(5)  All the graces of the Spirit (1 Peter 2:9).

(6)  A joyful resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).

(7)  Eternal happiness.

4. Our profession of the gospel, for which we have these rules.

(1)  In departing from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).

(2)  In being new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).

(3)  In loving Christ above all things (Luke 14:26).

(4)  In denying our selves, taking up our cross and following Christ (Matthew 14:24).

(5)  In bearing much fruit (John 15:8).

(6)  In being holy in all manner of conversation (1 Peter 1:15); in thought (Proverbs 12:5; Philippians 4:8); in affections (Colossians 3:2); in words (James 1:26; Ephesians 4:29); in actions (Titus 2:11-12).

(7)  In loving one another (John 42:35).

(8)  In continuing to the end (John 8:31).

II. WHY WALK AS BECOMETH THE GOSPEL?

1. Otherwise we are a shame to the gospel (Hebrews 6:6).

2. Enemies to Christ (Philippians 3:18-19).

3. You will receive no benefit from the gospel (Hebrews 4:1-2).

4. The gospel will rise in judgment against you (John 3:19).

5. But if you walk as becometh the gospel, all its promises shall be made good unto you (John 1:29; John 14:2; Matthew 25:34).

III. WHAT CONVERSATION IS THAT WHICH BECOMETH THE GOSPEL?

1. Towards God.

(1)  A humble conversation (Ephesians 4:1-2; Matthew 11:29).

(2)  Trustful.

(3)  Cheerful (Philippians 4:4).

(4)  Obedient.

(5)  Heavenly (Philippians 3:20).

2. Towards man.

(1)  Meek and lowly (Matthew 11:29).

(2)  Loving (John 13:34-35).

(3)  Just (Matthew 7:12).

(4)  Charitable (1 Timothy 6:17-18).

IV. USE. Walk thus according to the gospel.

1. Motives.

(1)  This is most safe (Proverbs 10:9).

(2)  Most profitable (1 Timothy 6:18; James 2:5).

(3)  Most honourable (1 Samuel 2:30).

(4)  Most pleasant (Proverbs 3:17).

(5)  Most necessary (Luke 10:42) to happiness (Hebrews 12:14).

2. Means.

(1)  Search the Scriptures.

(2)  Frequent ordinances (Romans 10:17).

(3)  Be much in prayer (James 1:5).

(4)  Meditate often (chap. Philippians 4:8).

(5)  Live above your bodies (1 Corinthians 9:27).

(Bishop Beveridge.)

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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;

WEB: Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News;