1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels… I. WHAT IS IT FOR THAT GOD WHO WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH AND JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT TO BE SEEN OF ANGELS? 1. We may hence collect the esteem they had for the person of our Lord. 2. The esteem the angels had for our blessed Lord appears from their care to promote the design that He came about. Christ is seen and admired of the angels in His design as well as His person because it is their care to spread the gospel. II. The next general head is to consider it as a MYSTERY that our God should be seen of angels. Now this part of the story, that He was seen of angels, is wonderful. 1. This was a Saviour of whom they had no need, for they never sinned. 2. It farther enhances this wonder that they should pay so much regard to one who came down into a nature beneath their own. III. I have no more to do upon this branch of the Christian religion than to show you how it is a mystery of GODLINESS. 1. The belief of this gives life and soul to our duty. 2. Another act of our duty is a courageous profession of His name. 3. From His being seen of angels, in the way that I have described, we are encouraged in our dependence upon His grace, as that which is sufficient for us. 4. Here is an argument for your care and love to the people of a Redeemer. Parallel Verses KJV: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. |
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