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I. THE BEST THING ON EARTH. The gospel is called "the word of righteousness" because it reveals —

1. The true standard of righteousness. God's character is the foundation; God's will the rule.

2. The highest exemplar of righteousness — Christ.

3. The true way to righteousness — following Christ.

II. THE BEST THING ON EARTH BADLY USED. The word is " unskilfully " used when used —

1. Controversially. Fighting for dogmas.

2. Sectarianly. Fighting for sects.

3. Mercenarily. Fighting for money and position.

4. Unlovingly. Lacking the unbounded love and exquisite tenderness of the system.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

WEB: For although by this time you should be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food.