1,000 SERMON OUTLINES

By F.E. Marsh, Edited by Barry L. Davis, D.Min.

Copyright©2014 Barry L. Davis

Visit us at: www.pastorshelper.com for more great ministry resources!

About the Author: Dr. F.E. Marsh committed his life to studying the Bible and explaining its riches to
others through his preaching and his many books and outlines. In addition to being a well-known
conference speaker, he served as a minister of the Bethesda Free Church, in Sunderland, U.K. for
twenty years.
 Table of Contents
1. "About" of Grace
2. "Above"
3. Abram's Journey of Faith
4. Abraham's Intercession
5. Abraham's Vision
6. "Agree"
7. Abundant Supply
8. "According To"
9. A Group of Glad Ones
10. Activities of God
11. "Afar Off"
12. Activities of Jesus
13. Activities of the Christian Life
14. Activities of the Christian Life
15. "All" in Romans
16. "Again"
17. "After That"
18. Acts of Christ
19. "All Things"
20. All-Ness of the Christian Life
21. The "All" Psalm
22. "Altogether"
23. "All That He," or "She Had"
24. Angel's Resurrection Message
25. Anxiety and Committal
26. Appreciation
27. "Arm of the Lord"
28. A Servant of Jesus Christ
29. A Sevenfold Exhortation
30. "As He Hath Promised"
31. "At All Times"
32. "As Many"
33. At—in Time to Come
34. At Certain Places
35. "At Hand"
36. A Threefold Taking
37. Atonement
38. Attitudes of the Believer
39. Attention of Grace
40. Authority
41. Bands of Love
42. "Be"
43. Bags
44. Barnabas—Full of the Spirit
45. "Bear"
46. Believer's Attitude
47. Because
48. Becomingness
49. "Before God"
50. "Began to Be—"
51. "Before God"
52. Believer's Calling
53. Behold the Christ
54. Believers Are
55. Believers Are Called
56. Believer's Outlook
57. "Be Sober"
58. "Be Not Afraid"
59. "Be Strong"
60. "Beware"
61. Bible
62. Bible Study
63. Blunders
64. Blessings of the Upright
65. Blessed Ones
66. Blessings Which Come to the Meek
67. Blind Man's Confession
68. Blindness of Sinners
69. Body
70. Body of Faith
71. "Brought"
72. "Born Again All Over"
73. Bow of Promise
74. "Brotherland"
75. "Brought Out"
76. Builded, Founded, and Grounded
77. Bundle of Blessings
78. Bundles
79. Business
80. Called Out of Egypt
81. Calling—Conduct
82. "Candles" and "Lamps"
83. "Candles"
84. "Cannot" Things the Sinner Cannot Do
85. "Cannots" in John's Gospel
86. "Cannot"—Some Things God Cannot Do
87. "Christian Endeavor"
88. Changes
89. Chain of Golden Links
90. Characters Around the Cross
91. Characteristics of a Believer in Christ
92. Characteristics of God’s Word
93. Christ
94. Christ and Evil Spirits
95. Christ About His Father's Business
96. Christ and His Finished Work
97. Christ and Prophecy Re His Crucifixion
98. Christ and "Many"
99. Christ and the Holy Spirit
100. Christ As the Boy of Nazareth
101. Christ Crucified
102. Christ and the Inness of Things
103. Christ Causes the Lame to Walk
104. Christianity—What Is It?
105. Christ Declared God
106. "Christ" in Ephesians 5
107. Christ in Contrast to Pharisees
108. Christ Crucified
109. Christ in Hebrews
110. Christ in His Humanity
111. Christ in 1 Peter
112. Christ Is All
113. "Christ Is All"
114. Christ, Our Example in Humility
115. Christ, Our Example in Obedience
116. Christ "Higher Than the Heavens"
117. Christ Risen
118. Christ, Our Power
119. Christ, Our Ransom
120. Christ, Our Substitute
121. Christ's Agony in Gethsemane
122. "Christ's"
123. Christ's Ability
124. Christ's Atonement and Advent
125. Christ's Attractability
126. Christ's Authority
127. Christ's Blood
128. Christ "Saw"
129. Christ's Character
130. Christ's Body of Glory
131. Christ's Coming
132. Christ's Coming
133. Christ's Coming
134. Christ's Coming and Our Responsibility
135. Christ's "Coming Forths"
136. Christ's Conquests in the Book of the Revelation
137. Christ's Coming Introduces The millennium
138. Christ's Cure
139. Christ's Commendations
140. Christ's Death—Eight Questions
141. Christ's Compassion
142. Christ's Death
143. Christ's Death Foretold and Explained
144. Christ's Death
145. Christ's Death
146. Christ's Death in Its Depths
147. Christ's Death—Seven Facts
148. Christ's Face
149. Christ's Death in John 12:21-33
150. Christ's Death, Blood, and Suffering
151. Christ's Five "Mys"
152. Christ's Fascination
153. Christ's Faultlessness
154. Christ's Fivefold Glory
155. Christ's Goal
156. Christ's Headship
157. Christ's Hour
158. Christ's "I Give's" in John
159. Christship of Jesus
160. Christ's I "Have's" in John 17
161. Christ's Incarnation
162. Christ's Identification with Us
163. Christ's "I Speak" in John's Gospel
164. Christ Sitting
165. Christ Sitting
166. Christ's Kingdom
167. Christ's Kingdom Predicted
168. Christ's Knowledge
169. Christ's Lordship
170. Christ's Love
171. Christ's Message On Being Saved
172. Christ's Names As the Incarnate One
173. Christ's Need
174. Christ's Outlook
175. Christ's Passion
176. Christ's Prayer in Gethsemane
177. Christ's Perfectness
178. Christ's Rebukes
179. Christ's Reply to Laodicea
180. Christ's Resurrection
181. Christ's Resurrection
182. Christ's Resurrection ("Proofs")
183. Christ's Resurrection
184. Christ's Resurrection
185. Christ's Scars
186. Christ's Resurrection in Romans
187. Christ's Sevenfold Character
188. Christ's Resurrection Proclaimed
189. Christ's Words
190. Christ's Return
191. Christ's Unchangingness
192. Christ's Sevenfold Suffering
193. Christ's Suffering in His Body
194. Christ's Sufferings at the Hands of Men
195. Christ Stands Alone
196. Christ's Steadfastness
197. Christ Taking Hold
198. Christ, the Believing One
199. Christ, the Center
200. Christ, the Foundation
201. Christ, the Living One
202. Christ, the Great One
203. Christ, the Object of Wonder
204. Christ, the Ladder
205. Christ, the Light
206. Christ, the Objective of Life
207. Christ, the Refuge
208. Christ, the Overcomer
209. Christ the Secret of Spiritual Life
210. Christ, the Sight Giver
211. Christ, the Son of God
212. Christ, the Stone
213. Christ, the Teacher
214. Christ, Son of God and God the Son
215. Christ, the Substitute
216. Christ, the Superior One
217. Christ, the Worthy One
218. Christ Was "Made"
219. Commands of the Lord
220. "Coats" of the Bible
221. "Cold" and Its Effects
222. Cold Things
223. Comfort
224. Comforters
225. Comforts
226. Coming of Christ
227. Coming of Christ
228. Coming Superman
229. Commands of the Lord
230. Commands to Safeguard
231. Companions of the Devil
232. Complaints
233. Condition of Man As a Sinner
234. Conditions
235. Confession
236. Confession (Daniel's)
237. Consecration
238. Consecration
239. Consecration
240. Consider
241. "Consider" and Conclude
242. Contempt
243. Contentment
244. "Continue"
245. "Continued"
246. "Contrary to Jesus"
247. Contrariness
248. Conversion of Paul
249. Converting Power of the Cross
250. "Could Not"
251. Courage
252. "Covered"
253. Craftiness
254. Creation Proves a Creator
255. Cries in Places
256. Critics and God's Word
257. Cross Assures the Millennium
258. Cruelty to Paul
259. "Crucified to the World"
260. Cut
261. Daniel
262. Daniel's Protector
263. Daniel Praying
264. Day by Day
265. Darkness and Its Treasures
266. "Day of the Lord"
267. Death of Christ
268. Death of Christ
269. Deborah the Patriot
270. Definite Details of Prophecy
271. Degrees of Faith
272. Demoniac
273. Devotion of the Virtuous Woman
274. Depression
275. Disobedience
276. Desirable Things
277. Different Kinds of Consciences
278. Divine Qualities and Possessions
279. Difficulties
280. "Divers," or Manifold
281. Divineness of the Gospel
282. Doctrine of the Bible
283. Doctrine of God
284. Doctrine of Christ
285. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
286. Doctrine of Man
287. Doctrine of Sin
288. Doctrine of Salvation
289. Doctrine of the Church
290. Doctrine of Angels
291. Doctrine of the Last Things
292. Double Blessings
293. Dying Well
294. Doubles
295. Doubles of the Christian
296. "Dry" Things
297. "Dust" in the Bible
298. Ears—Various Kinds
299. "Ears" in Action
300. Eight Commands
301. Eight Touches by Christ
302. Effectual Things
303. "Elohim"
304. Encouragement to Faith
305. "End"
306. Enoch
307. Endued with Power
308. "Escaped"
309. Eunuch and Philip
310. Essentials for the Lord's Work
311. "Even As"
312. "Even So"
313. Eve's Three Sins
314. Evidences
315. Evidences
316. Evidences of Abiding in Christ
317. Evidences of Life
318. Evidences That "We Know"
319. Except
320. Exhortations Relative to the Christian Life
321. Exhortations in Hebrews
322. Exhortations in Hebrews
323. Exhortations in Hebrews
324. Exhortations in Hebrews
325. Exhortations in Hebrews
326. "Eyes Lifted Up"
327. Faith in John's Gospel
328. Faces Covered
329. Faith
330. Faith
331. Faith and the Faith
332. Faith, Love, and Hope
333. Faith's Answer—"Yes"
334. Faith's Act and Attitude
335. Faith's Obedience
336. Faith's Occupation
337. Faith: Its Power, Heroes, and Phases
338. Fear
339. "Fear"
340. "Fear Not"
341. "Fear Not"
342. "Feet"
343. Fellowship with Christ in Sacrifice and Suffering
344. Feasts of Jehovah
345. Findings of Christ
346. First and the Last Word
347. First Things
348. Five Looks
349. Flee, Follow, Fight
350. "Follow Me"
351. "Follow Me"
352. Foreheads
353. "Forget Not"
354. "Forgiven"
355. "Forgiven"
356. "Form" of New Testament Facts
357. "Forgiveness of Sins"
358. Forsaken
359. Four Prosperous Things
360. Fortress
361. "Found in Him"
362. Fourfold Peace
363. "For You"
364. Four Essential Things for Christian Workers
365. Four Remarkable Prayers
366. Fourteen Things Done to Christ
367. Fully Saved
368. "Further"
369. Gardens
370. Garments
371. Garments
372. Garments
373. Gates
374. Gates
375. "Gathered Together"
376. "Gave Up"
377. "Giveth"
378. Glorious Things of the Glorious Gospel
379. "Giveth"
380. "Glory"
381. "Go"
382. God
383. "God Hath"
384. "God"
385. God and Iniquity
386. "God of Peace"
387. "God Is"
388. God's Bringings
389. God's Constant Ministry
390. God's Givings
391. God's Delights
392. God's Deliverance of Israel by the Hand of Moses
393. God's Grace to Israel
394. God's "I Have's"
395. God's People Are
396. God's Succor
397. God's Thought and Testimony About Christ
398. God's Will
399. God's Word
400. God the All-Wise
401. "Good"
402. Good Cheer for Believers
403. "Good Work"
404. "Good" Things in Matthew
405. "Going"
406. Gospel
407. Gospel
408. Gospel
409. Gospel's Threefold Message
410. Grace
411. Grace and Glory
412. "Great Things"
413. "Grow Up," "Go Out," "Get Up"
414. "Grieved" People
415. Grubs
416. Hand of God
417. Hand of the Lord in the Acts
418. Happiness
419. Hard Things
420. Harvest
421. Head of Christ
422. Healing of the Body
423. Heavy
424. Heedless Man
425. "He Hath"
426. "He Shall Be Great"
427. "He Spake"
428. "He Will... Come"
429. "Himself"
430. Hindrances
431. "His"
432. "His"
433. "Hold Fast"
434. "Holiness Unto the Lord"
435. "Holy" ("Hagios")
436. Holy Spirit As the Speaker
437. Holy Spirit in Genesis
438. Holy Spirit "Upon"
439. Home
440. Hope
441. Hope
442. House
443. How to Help in the Lord's Work
444. Humility
445. "I Am Not"
446. "I Am Persuaded"
447. I Am with You"
448. "If Any Man"
449. Indwelling Christ
450. Inabilities
451. "In Christ" and "in the Lord"
452. "Incline Thine Ear"
453. "In the Mount"
454. Indicators
455. Indispensable Things
456. "In His Sight"
457. "In the Sight"
458. Inness of Things
459. "In No Wise"
460. Intercession
461. In the Dumps, and Out of Them
462. "In the Night"
463. "In Vain"
464. "I See"
465. "In the Presence"
466. "Is Able"
467. Israel: God's Peculiar People
468. Israel's Sinful Condition
469. "I Will"
470. "I Thank God"
471. "I Will Bring"
472. "I Will Go"
473. "I Will" of God's Covenanting Grace
474. "I Will's" in Isaiah 65
475. "I Will Sing"
476. "Jesus Answered and Said"
477. Jehovah: A Tower
478. Jehovah Psalm
479. J—E—S—U—S
480. Jehovah's "I Will's" in Isaiah 49
481. Jesus Found in Places
482. "Jesus Said," or "He Saith," and "He Said"
483. "Jesus Saith," "Said," "Spake," and "Cried"
484. "Jesus Looked Round About"
485. "Jesus Took"
486. Jew and Palestine
487. Joshua, the Leader
488. Judgment
489. Jubilee
490. Judgments Relating to Believers
491. Justification
492. King Saul's Down-Grade
493. Knotty Nots
494. "Knowledge"
495. Lean, Look, and Listen
496. Lack of Vision
497. "Lamps"
498. "Last"
499. Leading
500. Leaving Things
501. Leaning in the Wrong Direction
502. "Let Down"
503. Leaving Things
504. "Left All"
505. "Let God"
506. "Let Not"
507. "Lifted Up"
508. "Lets" Which Let in a Blessing
509. Letting the Light Shine at Home
510. "Let Us" in Hebrews
511. Life Eternal
512. Lifter
513. Life in Christ
514. "Life Indeed"
515. Life's Blood
516. Light
517. Little Things to Be Avoided
518. "Lift Up"
519. "Light"
520. "Light"
521. Like
522. Like Producing Like
523. Little Sins
524. Little Things God Uses
525. Living—How?
526. Longings
527. Look at the Past
528. "Looks"
529. Look at Things in the Right Light
530. Losing Things
531. Looks of the Believer
532. "Look Upon"
533. Lord's Friendship
534. Lordship of Christ
535. Love
536. Love
537. Love
538. Love for the Book
539. "Love" in John 15
540. Love of God
541. Love of God
542. Love's Characteristics
543. Love's Superlativeness
544. Love's Character
545. Love's Unfailingness
546. Lusts of the Flesh
547. "Manifold"
548. Manna
549. "Many"
550. Marks of a Disciple in Galatians 6
551. Meeting the Lord
552. Meetness
553. Meet Things
554. Mercy
555. "Me's" of Prayer
556. Message of the Gospel
557. Millennial Reign of Christ
558. Millennium—What Is It?
559. Millennium Indicated
560. Millennium Pictured
561. "Mind to Work"
562. "Mine Eyes"
563. Mistakes and Molders of Life
564. "My Feet"
565. "Mountains a Way"
566. Muse On Calvary
567. "My"
568. "Moved" Persons
569. "My Confession"
570. "My God"
571. Name of Jesus
572. Nazarite
573. Nehemiah's Prayer
574. Nehemiah's Weeping
575. New Birth
576. New Things in the New Creation
577. Non-Consenters
578. "No Orders, Except From the King"
579. "Not I, but Christ"
580. "Nots"
581. Nots in Ecclesiastes 5:1-10
582. "Not Worthy"
583. "Now"
584. "Now" of the Believer's Blessing
585. Notable Commands
586. Obedience
587. Obedience
588. "Obeyed Not"
589. "Observe"
590. Only One Name
591. Obtaining People
592. "Off"
593. "Oh, That I!"
594. "On"
595. Oneness
596. "Opened" Things in Luke
597. Opportunity
598. Our Attitude to God's Word
599. "Our God"
600. "Our God" in the Psalms
601. "Our Hearts"
602. "Our Sins"
603. "Our Sins"
604. Outlook
605. "Outers"
606. "Out of the Eater Cometh Forth Meat"
607. Outlook in the Epistle to the Hebrews
608. Patience
609. "Outside the Camp"
610. Parasites
611. Patience
612. Paul's Confidence
613. Paul's Deposit
614. Paul's Exhortations and Testimony
615. Paul's Message
616. Paul's Manner
617. Paul's Molestations
618. Paul's Personal Experience
619. Paul's Personal Injunctions to Timothy
620. Paul's Prayer
621. Paul's Regard for His Brethren
622. Paul's Sevenfold Character
623. Paul's Sevenfold Boasting
624. Paul's Threefold Ambition
625. Paul's Three "I Have's" of Climax
626. Paul's Way in Prayer
627. People in a Hurry
628. "People of God"
629. "Perfect Heart"
630. Perfection of Christ
631. Perish
632. Personal Possessions—"Whose"
633. Personal Pleas
634. Peter's Backsliding
635. Peter's Experiences
636. Peter's Restoration
637. Phases of Prayer
638. Philippian Jailer
639. Philip, the Evangelist
640. Pillars of "the Faith"
641. Places Where Believers Should Not Be Found
642. "Pleasure of Jehovah"
643. "Poured Out"
644. Power
645. Power
646. Power of Christ's Coming
647. Power of Christ's Presence
648. Power of His Presence
649. Power of God
650. Power of the Cross
651. Practicality
652. Pray—How to Do It
653. Prayer
654. Prayer—What It Is
655. Prayer of Faith
656. Prayer's Attitude
657. Prayer's Effectiveness
658. Prayer and Persons
659. Praying for Others
660. "Promise of the Father"
661. Precept and Promise
662. Pre-Millennial Coming of Christ
663. Presence of the Lord
664. "Precious Blood of Christ"
665. Presence
666. Price to Be Paid
667. Pride
668. Promise in Joshua 1
669. Promises
670. Promptness of Faith
671. Proofs
672. Proofs of the New Birth
673. Psalm 47
674. Psalm 143
675. Purchase
676. Qualifications Which Workers Need
677. Queen of Sheba
678. Questions About Ability
679. Ready
680. Redemption—What Is It?
681. Redemption Exemplified
682. "Rejoice"—the Foundation
683. "Rejoice" —the Reasons
684. Rejoicing People
685. Rejoicing Persons
686. Relative Positions
687. "Rejoice" in What?
688. Religion or Christ?
689. "Remember Me"
690. Reminders to Workers
691. Rent Things
692. "Rest"
693. Rest in Seven Aspects
694. Restoration of Jews to Palestine and Glories
695. Results of Communion
696. Revival
697. Riches
698. Rich Fool
699. Robbing God
700. Right
701. "Rise Up"
702. Rules
703. Royal Commissions
704. Rules for Conduct
705. Runners
706. Sabbath
707. Saints in Wrong Places
708. Safeguards
709. Saint's Medicine Chest
710. Salvation
711. Satan and Job
712. "Salvation"
713. Satan in the Book of the Revelation
714. Satan's Activities
715. Satan's Activities
716. Satan's Activities
717. Satan's Many Parts
718. Scriptures
719. Satan's Subtle Service
720. Satan's Wicked Ways
721. Satan's Wily Wiles
722. Saved "From" and "To"
723. "Saved"
724. "Save Me"
725. Savior
726. Sea of Crystal
727. Second Choice
728. Secret of Victory Over the World
729. Seeing Christ
730. Seeing Jesus
731. Seeing Savior
732. Seek
733. Seeking
734. Seeking Sinner
735. Service of the Believer
736. Self Voices
737. Self-Seeking
738. "Sent Forth"
739. "Set Forth"
740. Sermons in Stones
741. Seven Acts
742. Seven "Great" Things in Hebrews
743. Sevenfold Sanctification
744. Seven Golden Links
745. Seven Golden Links of Grace
746. Seven Greatest Things
747. Seven "I Wills" of Grace
748. Seven Secrets in 1 John
749. Seven Stars
750. Seven Traits of Faith
751. "Shall Be Given"
752. "Shall Come"
753. "Shall Come to Pass"
754. "Shall See"
755. "Shed"
756. Sheep
757. Shook Off
758. Shortness
759. Shoulders
760. "Shut In"
761. Sight of Sights
762. Silence Before the Lord
763. Sin
764. Sin and Sins
765. Sin
766. Sin Is a "Trespass"
767. Sin Is Iniquity
768. Sin—Its Fact
769. Sin—Its Nature
770. Sin of Not Doing
771. Sin's Indelibility
772. Sinner Compared to Many Things
773. Sin—What Is It?
774. Sins Against the Holy Spirit
775. Sins of the Body
776. Sins of God's People
777. Sins of the Mind
778. Skins
779. Snares
780. "So"
781. Sorrowful Ones
782. Sonship
783. Soulish Life
784. Sound Things
785. "Spent"
786. "Spent All"
787. Specified Need
788. Spiritism
789. Spiritual Blessings
790. Spiritual Grace From God
791. Standing in the Will of God
792. Standard for Workers
793. Standing in God's Presence
794. Stars
795. Stephen
796. Stephen's Characteristics
797. Stephen's Shining Face
798. Steps in Consecration
799. Steps in the Christian Life
800. Steps Into the Deeper Life
801. Straight Things
802. "Straight"
803. "Stripped"
804. "Strong"
805. "Strong" Things
806. "Such"
807. "Suddenly"
808. Suppositions
809. "Sure Things"
810. Surprises
811. Swallowed Up!
812. "Take Heed to the Sure Word of Prophecy"
813. Tears
814. "Tell Me"
815. "Temptation"
816. Ten Links in Genesis 1
817. Tests
818. Tests to Try Spirits
819. "That Day" in Zechariah 14
820. The Christ Mind
821. "The Church of the Future"
822. "The Eight Spots of God's Children"
823. The Faith
824. "The Faith of Our Fathers"
825. The Good Samaritan
826. The Gospel
827. The Heart and Hand Psalm
828. The Holy Spirit
829. The Ideal Church
830. The Ignorance of the Unsaved
831. The Lord Before His People
832. The Light
833. The Lord's Walk
834. The Millennium
835. The Millennium
836. The Lord Resting
837. The New Creation
838. "Them That Love Him"
839. The Personal Element
840. The Personnel of Psalm 63
841. The Power of His Name
842. The Prayer of Prayers
843. The Prayer of Daniel
844. "Therefore"
845. The Seven R's of Christ's Return
846. The Sinner's Walk
847. "The Spirit"
848. The World
849. "The World, the Flesh, and the Devil"
850. "They Went"
851. Things God Expects From His Children
852. Things in Common
853. Things in Which God's People Should Delight
854. Things of Christ in Ephesians
855. Things of Christ
856. Things of God
857. Things "of God"
858. Things of God
859. Things to Do
860. Things That Are Near
861. Things Which Abide
862. "Thou"
863. Things Which the World Cannot Do
864. "This."—Exclamations
865. Thirsting
866. "This"—Christ's Personality
867. "This"—Distinctive Messages
868. "This" in Romans
869. "This Wise"
870. "This Man"
871. "Thither"
872. "This Woman"
874. "Threefold Cords"
875. Three "I Knows" of Paul
876. Three Separated Men
877. Three Looks
878. Three "so Great" Things
879. Three "Whereby's"
880. "Time" and "Times"
881. "Thyself"
882. Times of Prophecy
883. "Today"
884. "Together"
885. "To Himself"
886. Tongues
887. Tongues
888. Tongues
889. "Took"
890. "To," or "Unto Me"
891. Traits of a Wicked Sinner
892. Touches
893. Touch of Christ
894. "To Walk"
895. Towers
896. Traits of God's Word
897. "Transgression"
898. "Transgressors"
899. "Treasuring Up"
900. Trees
901. Trembling People
902. "Trespass"
903. Tribulation: The Great One
904. "Tried"
905. Trouble
906. True Delight
907. Troubled Ones
908. Truths Associated with Singing
909. Two Natures
910. Unbelief—Its Powers
911. Unbelief—What It Does
912. Unseen
913. Unbelief
914. "Unto the End"
915. "Unto the Lord"
916. "Unto You"
917. "Unworthy"—"Worthy"
918. Upper-Room Meeting
919. "Upon a Rock"
920. Upright
921. Upward Life
922. Vain Things
923. "Verily, Verily, I Say Unto You"
924. "Vexed"
925. Vicariousness
926. Victory
927. Victory
928. Voices Heard Around the Cross
929. Waiting Upon the Lord
930. Waiting On the Lord
931. "Walketh"
932. "Walk In"
933. Walk in the Spirit
934. Wanting and Not Wanting
935. "Washed Out"
936. Washing
937. Watching Workers
938. Weeping Ones
939. "We Have"
940. "We Live"
941. Wells
942. Wells of Salvation
943. "Well Doing"
944. "Went Forth"
945. "Went Out"
946. "Went's"
947. What a Christian Is Said to Be
948. "What" and "Like Manner"
949. What Are the Waves Saying?
950. What Believers Are in John's Gospel
951. What Believers Are "Made"
952. What Christ Was Made
953. What God Will Do in Answer to Prayer
954. "What has Jesus Done?"
955. What Is Before Us?
956. What Is Christ to Us?
957. What Is Heaven?
958. What Is Man?
959. What Is Sin?
960. What Men Have Done, and Will Do with the Scriptures
961. What the Lord Hath Given
962. What Makes a Christian?
963. What's of Weight
964. What the Lord Will Do
965. What the Lord Wishes Us to Do
966. What the Lord Knoweth
967. "What Think Ye of Christ?"
968. What Will Take Place When Christ Comes with His People?
969. What Will Take Place When Christ Returns
970. "When"
971. "Where Art Thou?"
972. "Wherefore's" and "Therefore's" of the Christian Life
973. "Wherefore's" and "Therefore's" of Gospel Truth
974. Wholeness
975. Wholeness
976. "Wings" of the Lord
977. Why Did Christ Die?
978. Widows
979. "With God"
980. "Wilt Thou?"
981. Wise People
982. Woman of Samaria
983. Word of God
984. Word of God
985. Word of God: Its Authority and Adaptability
986. Words
987. Words
988. Words of Christ
989. Work
990. "Worthy"
991. Workers' Equipment
992. Worthy Things and Men
993. Wrath of God
994. "Your"
995. "Your Eyes"
996. Your Faith
997. "Your" Versus "Ours"
998. "Yourselves"
999. "Yourselves"
1000. Zealous People
 1. "About" of Grace
1. Protection of Grace. "Hast Thou not made an hedge about him?" (Job
1:10).
2. Pathway of Grace. "God led the people about, through the way of the
wilderness of the Red Sea" (Exod. 13:18).
3. Discipline of Grace. "He led him about and instructed him" (Deut. 32:10).
4. Diligence of Grace. "I must be about My Father's business" (Luke 2:49).
5. Direction of Grace. "Let your loins be girded about." "Girt about" (Luke
12:35; Eph. 6:14).
6. Life of Grace. "Always bearing about in the body," etc. (2 Cor. 4:10).
7. Aim of Grace. "Went about doing good" (Acts 10:38).
 2. "Above"
"Born From Above" (John 3:3)
1. Christ, who came "from above" did a work for us which was outside in its
merit and worth—John 3:31.
2. Life. The life which qualifies us for the Kingdom of God is "from
above"—John 3:3, 5. The word "again" should be "above," and is so given in
John 3:31.
3. Love. The "perfect gift" of God's love and grace is "from above," as well
as every good gift of His providence—Jas. 1:17.
4. Wisdom. The wisdom which makes us wise is "from above"—Jas. 3:17.
5. Affection. To set our affection on "things above" is to evidence we need
resources above and beyond us—Col. 3:1, 2.
6. Protection. We need "above all" the Shield of Faith (Christ) to shield us
from the enemies' attacks—Eph. 6:16.
7. Satisfaction. Covering all and in all the Lord Himself, who is above, is the
One who can take out of danger and bring us into untold blessing—Psa.
18:16-19.
 3. Abram's Journey of Faith
Gen. 12:4-9; 13:1-4, 14, 18
There is a path to be found, and God alone can find it; so if we would find the
path we must find God by being found by Him.
1. The Departure of Faith—12:4. Abram "departed out of Haran," the half-
way place of compromise, and this was "as the Lord had spoken to Him."
Faith's authority and action is always based upon what God says—Rom.
10:17. Obedience is the act of faith. When we will what God wills, we show
our faith.
2. The Destination of Faith—12:5; "This land" (ver. 7). "They went forth"
to "Canaan," and "into the land of Canaan they came," and there "Jehovah
appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land." The land
was God's gift of earthly possession to Abram and his seed. God has given to
faith "all spiritual blessing in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). See how many blessings are
mentioned in Ephesians 1, and "name them one by one."
3. The Worship of Faith. Three times we read of Abram in connection with
an altar, and in three different relations. First, when Jehovah gave Abram the
land—12:7; second, when he was restored after his backsliding into Egypt—
14:4; and third, as he progressed on his journey—14:18. The altar, in its
typical meaning, is worship founded on sacrifice. The Cross of Christ's
sacrifice is the basis of God's giving—Rom. 8:32, the plea for restoration—
Heb. 9:13, 14, and the spur to progress in Christian life and service—2 Cor.
5:14-16. The only place where we can worship God is in and at the Cross of
Christ's atoning sacrifice. We cannot worship Him if we are in the Egypt of
the world and lack heart separation to Him. The altar and tent are not
mentioned as long as Abram is in Egypt—see Gen. 12:9-13:4.
4. The Declension of Faith. Abram "went down into Egypt," and when he
had "come into Egypt" he compromised with Sarah, caused Pharaoh pain,
told a lie about Sarah, and was sent away by the Egyptians—12:10, 14, 17,
19, 20. When a child of God gets out of communion with the Lord, he will
often do what a man of the world would scorn to do. Our faith will wane if
we are not watchful, even as a plant will languish for want of attention. A
musty room means the exclusion of light, sun, and air, and a declining faith
will cause the whole spiritual life to be lacking in the warmth of love, the
light of knowledge, and the air of the Spirit's life-imparting grace.
5. The Vision of Faith—13:14-16. The Lord told Abram to "look," after he
was separated from Lot. Lot was the man who looked on the plains of Jordan
—13:10, and soon was in Sodom. He followed the eyes of his inclination, but
Abram followed the direction of the Lord. When we see things at the Lord's
bidding we always find a blessing; but when we look with the eyes of self-
will we are courting a bane. To see the Lord is to see things in their true light
—Heb. 11:27. To see things truly there is a needs be for the heart to be clean,
the hands right, the spirit possessed by Christ, and the soul dominated by the
Spirit.
6. The Journey of Faith. There are seven stages in the journeyings of
Abram.
From the Ur of idolatry to the Haran of compromise—11:31.
From the Haran of compromise to the Canaan of blessing—12:4, 5.
From the Canaan of blessing and the "Moreh" of conflict to the Bethel of
prayer—12:6-8.
From the Bethel of prayer to the "going and journeying" (margin) to "the
south" of bordering on the Egypt of the world, and to the Egypt of straitening
—12:9-20.
From the Egypt of backsliding to the Bethel of restoration—13:1-4.
From the Bethel of restoration to the Hebron of fellowship—13:18.
7. The Advance of Faith. When the Haran of compromise is left, the Egypt
of the world is abandoned, and Lot is cut off; then Abram is able to "look"
with God into His purpose for him, and to "walk" through the land, and dwell
with the Lord in the Hebron of fellowship—13:14-18. Hindrances gone, faith
advances. When faith advances in the ways of God, it enjoys His word and
keeps on in fellowship with Him.
 4. Abraham's Intercession
Genesis 18:18-33
Dr. Joseph Parker, in referring to Sodom, and Abraham's prayer for it, and
God's knowledge of its sin, said: "There are four great facts to consider. 1,
That God holds inquest upon the moral condition of cities. 2, That God is
accessible to earnest human appeal. 3, That the few can serve the many. 4,
That human prayer falls below Divine resources." There are several traits in
Abraham's intercession.
1. He was confident in spirit, for he stood before the Lord—v. 22.
2. He was definite in his plea, for he prayed that Sodom might be spared for
the sake of the righteous in it—v. 23-25.
3. He pleaded what the Lord was, and His righteousness, as arguments for
his prayer to be answered, for he confessed the Judge of all the earth would
do right—v. 25, 26.
4. His intercession was humble in tone, for he confessed he was but dust and
ashes—v. 27.
5. And his petition was persistent in spirit—28. And yet it failed in its
continuance, for he left off in his intercession before the Lord left off in His
giving—v. 32, 33.
 5. Abraham's Vision
Genesis 18:1, 2
FELLOWSHIP is the soul of friendship, or the common interest that the one has
with the other.
The Lord appeared to him—1, 2. If the different occasions when God
appeared to Abraham are looked up, it will be found they were crisis points in
his history. On this occasion God promised a son to him. Every true Christian
experience begins with a vision of Christ, and we fail to see anything that is
worth seeing till we have seen Him. Recall how this fact is illustrated in the
lives of—
1. Moses, the Leader—Exod. 3:2.
2. Isaiah, the Prophet—Isa. 6:1.
3. Paul, the Apostle—Acts 9:3-5.
4. Peter, the Fisherman—Luke 5:8.
5. John, the Disciple—Rev. 1:17.
6. Gideon, the Warrior—Judges 6:12.
7. Jacob, the Prince—Gen. 32:24-30.
 6. "Agree"
The Greek word for "agree" in Matthew 18:19, means to symphonize and
suggests a musical harmony, where chords are tuned to the same key, and
struck by a master hand.
1. There is a symphonizing which we should avoid, that is, a concert for the
furtherance of evil, like Ananias and Sapphira, when they "agreed together"
to tempt the Holy Spirit—Acts 5:9.
2. There is a symphonization which we should recognize, namely, when the
working of God's providence agrees with the fulfilment of God's Word (see
the word "agree" in Acts 15:15).
3. But the symphony which is specially pleasing to the Lord is when His
people agree in a concert of prayer, as Judah did—2 Chron. 20:4, as the
disciples did in the upper room—Acts 1:14, as the Church did for Peter—
Acts 12:12, and as Nehemiah and his workers did—Neh. 4:9.
 7. Abundant Supply
"Able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20).
"The principal and most valuable characteristic of the cod is its amazing
fecundity. It has been calculated that a single fish will deposit nine millions
of eggs, a number which in its vastness simply bewilders us, for we cannot at
all realize what such a mighty host means." What is true in this realm of
Nature is true in every other, and especially in the realm of grace, for the
Lord provides—
1. Abundant Grace to save us—Rom. 5:20.
2. Abundant Pardon to forgive us—Isa. 55:7.
3. Abundant Satisfaction to fill us—Psa. 36:8.
4. Abundant Peace to quieten us—Phil. 4:7.
5. Abundant Life to equip us—John 10:10.
6. Abundant Joy to gladden us—Phil. 1:26.
7. Abundant Power to energize us—Col. 1:11.
 8. "According To"
In Ephesians 1
1. Predestination. "According to the good pleasure of His will," He hath
predestinated us to the place of children (v. 5).
2. Benediction. "According to the riches of His grace," He has blessed us in
Christ (v. 7).
3. Revelation. "According to His good pleasure," He hath made known to us
the secret of His will (v. 9, 10).
4. Inheritance. "According to the purpose" of His counsel, He hath given us
an inheritance in Christ (v. 11).
5. Power. "According to the working of His mighty power," He energizes us
for life and labor (v. 19).
 9. A Group of Glad Ones
The words "Glad," "Rejoice," etc., are one and the same in the Greek.
1. A Glad Savior—Luke 15:5.
2. A Glad Sinner—Luke 19:6; Acts 8:39.
3. A Glad Servant—Acts 11:23.
4. A Glad Sufferer—Col. 1:24.
5. A Glad Saint—2 John 4.
6. A Glad Surveyor—Col. 2:5.
7. A Glad Scoffer—Luke 23:8.
 10. Activities of God
Among the activities of God on behalf of His people, we have—

1. Hurrying Feet in Grace for our blessing—Luke 15:20.

2. Holding Hands in Power for our security—John 10:29.
3. A Loving Heart in Sympathy for our encouragement—John 16:27.
4. Listening Ears in Attention for our prayers—Psa. 34:15.
5. Watching Eyes in Outlook for our enablement—2 Chron. 16:9.
6. Gracious Lips in Promise for our faith—Song of Solomon 5:13.
7. Everlasting Arms in Upholding for our sustainment—Deut. 33:27.
 11. "Afar Off"
There are many characters who are said to be "afar off."
1. A Demon-Possessed Man, when he "saw Jesus afar off," ran and
worshipped Him (Mark 5:6).
2. The Women at the Cross were "beholding" Him "afar off" (Matt. 27:55).
3. Peter followed his Lord "afar off" when he ought to have been near (Luke
22:54).
4. The Lepers, conscious of their disease, "stood afar off" (Luke 17:12).
5. The Publican, knowing his sin and unworthiness, stood "afar off" (Luke
18:13).
6. The Gentile Sinners are "afar off" from Jewish blessings and promises
(Acts 2:39; Eph. 2:13, 17).
7. Old Testament Saints did not enjoy to the full the blessings of the Gospel,
but they saw them "afar of" (Heb. 11:13).
 12. Activities of Jesus
In John 11 The Man of men, the greatest Person who ever lived.
1. The Listening Friend. "Jesus heard" (v. 4).
2. The Loving Lord. "Jesus loved" (v. 5).
3. The Gracious Teacher. "Jesus answered" (v. 9).
4. The Wondrous Speaker. "Jesus saith" and "spake" (v. 13, 23).
5. The Timely Visitor. "Jesus came" (v. 17).
6. The Located Savior. "Jesus was" (v. 32).
7. The Seeing Helper. "Jesus saw" (v. 33).
8. The Troubled Groaner. "He groaned and was troubled" (v. 33, 38).
9. The Weeping Compassionator. "Jesus wept" (v. 35).
10. The Believing Son. "Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, Father" (v. 41).
11. The Commanding Life-Giver. "He cried" (v. 43).
12. The Constant Worker. "Jesus did... done" (v. 45, 46).
13. The Undisputed Witness. "This Man doeth many miracles" (v. 47).
14. The Delivering Substitute. "Jesus should die" (v. 51, 53).
 13. Activities of the Christian Life
1. Shining. Arising to shine—Eph. 5:14.
2. Running. Running to win—1 Cor. 9:24-27.
3. Helping. Helping to succor—Phil. 4:3.
4. Sowing. Sowing to reap—Gal. 6:7-9.
5. Fighting. Fighting to subdue—1 Tim. 6:12.
6. Praying. Praying to bless—1 Tim. 2:1, 2.
7. Fishing. Fishing to catch—Matt. 4:19.
 14. Activities of the Christian Life
1. Following to prove—John 10:27.
2. Growing to attain—Eph. 4:15.
3. Walking to accomplish—Eph. 5:1, 2.
4. Working to benefit—Rom. 12:6-16.
5. Wrestling to conquer—2 Tim. 2:5.
6. Washing to cleanse—John 13:14.
7. Reaching to gain—Phil. 3:13, 14.
 15. "All" in Romans
1. Sin. "All have sinned" (Rom. 3:23).
2. Subjection. "All under sin" (Rom. 3:9).
3. Sacrifice. "Gave Him up for us all" (Rom. 8:32).
4. Supply. "Freely give us all things" (Rom. 8:32).
5. Supplication. "All who call upon Him" (Rom. 10:12).
6. Superintendence. "Lord over all" (Rom. 10:12).
7. Support. "The God of Peace be with you all" (Rom. 15:33).
 16. "Again"
The importance, intensity, and repetition of a given act, or the statement of a
truth, is seen in the word palin, rendered "again." The importance of
distinguishing words given "again" is seen if we contrast two other words.
"Again" should be "above" in the sentence, "Born from above" (John 3 is
given "above" in verse 31). Another word, "again," is the word associated
with Christ rising "again" from the dead. It means to stand up. Strictly
speaking, "again" can only be applied to a second act. Christ did rise the
second time. He was standing in life before He died, and He stood up again in
resurrection; but in the instances where palin is used of Christ, it means a
repetition.
1. Life Given and Taken. "I lay down My life, that I may take it again"
(John 10:17, 18). Here is the double purpose of deliberate action. His death
and resurrection were no accident.
2. "Written" and "Written Again." To Satan's partial quotation of
Scripture, Christ gave him an utterance of full statement. "Jesus said to him,
It is written again" (Matt. 4:7).
3. Hands Upon Eyes and Again. There was a double touch with Christ in
His healing of the blind man—Mark 8:23-25.
4. Christ's Repeated Statement. The disciples were astonished at Christ's
teaching about riches, but He emphasized His statement by repeating it—
Mark 10:23, 24.
5. Peace and Peace. "Jesus saith to them again" (John 20:21). He gives a
double peace. The peace of the Cross and the peace of Himself—John 14:27.
6. Prayer and Prayer. "He went away again" (Matt. 26:42, 44). To pray
again is to get into the heart of things.
7. Coming and Coming. "I will come again" (John 14:3). His future coming
is associated with His first.
 17. "After That"
1. Trusting after hearing—Eph. 1:13.
2. Communion after cleansing—Lev. 14:8.
3. Revelation after separation—Gen. 13:14.
4. Service after consecration—Num. 8:15, 22.
5. Power after the Spirit's coming—Acts 1:8.
6. Thanksgiving after blessing—Deut. 16:13-17.
7. Glory after suffering—1 Peter 5:10.
 18. Acts of Christ
The acts of Christ are frequently referred to in connection with the word
"Forth."
1. His Power to Heal. "Put forth His Hand" (Matt. 8:3).
2. His Power to Send. "Jesus sent forth" (Matt. 10:5).
3. His Power to Sow. "Sower went forth to sow" (Matt. 13:3).
4. His Power to Manifest. "Manifested forth His glory" (John 2:11).
5. His Power to Direct. "Putteth forth His own sheep" (John 10:4).
6. His Power to Evidence. "Jesus Christ might shew forth" (1 Tim. 1:16).
7. His Power to Return and Reward. "Will come forth and serve" (Luke
12:37).
 19. "All Things"
"All things" occurs 221 times in the Bible.
1. They are of God as to their Source. "All things are of God" (2 Cor. 5:18).
2. Are for the sake of the believer as to their Object. "All things" are yours—
1 Cor. 3:21.
3. Work together for good as to their Purpose. "All things work together for
good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28).
4. Christ Head over the Church as to their Arrangement. "Head over all
things to the Church" (Eph. 1:22).
5. The believer may know, hence his Privilege. "Teacheth you of all things"
(1 John 2:27).
6. The believer can do, hence his Power. "Do all things through Christ which
strengthened" (Phil. 4:13).
7. Granted in answer to Prayer, hence his dependence. "All things,
whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer" (Matt. 21:22).
8. Only possible to Faith, hence his responsibility. "All things are possible to
him that believeth" (Mark 9:23).
9. Are to be Proved, hence his diligence. "Prove all things" (1 Thess. 5:21).
10. Thanks to be given for, hence his gratitude. "Giving thanks for all things"
(Eph. 5:20).
11. Their End at hand, hence his watchfulness. "The end of all things is at
hand" (1 Peter 4:7).
12. To be Inherited by the believer, hence his hope. "Inherit all things" (Rev.
21:7).
 20. All-Ness of the Christian Life
How many of God's saints know the fullness of blessing found in connection
with the little word "all" in the following Scriptures.
1. God has blessed us with "all spiritual blessings in Christ" (Eph. 1:3).
2. He has "given all things that pertain to life and holiness" (2 Peter 1:3).
3. He is able to make "all grace abound toward you" (2 Cor. 9:8).
1."All the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ" (2 Cor. 1:20).
5. He desires we should be filled into "all" His fullness —Eph. 3:19.
6. He can supply "all" our need, according to His riches in Christ Jesus—
Phil. 4:19.
7. He assures us "all things" are ours—1 Cor. 3:21, 22.
 21. The "All" Psalm
Psa. 34, R.V.
1. A Joyful Chorister. "I will bless Jehovah at all times" (v. 1).
2. A Delivered Suppliant. "Jehovah... delivered me from all my fears" (v. 4).
3. A Saved Saint. "Jehovah... saved him out of all his troubles" (v. 6).
4. A Confident Witness—v. 17. "Jehovah heard, and delivered out of all
troubles."
5. Escaped Believer—v. 19. "Afflictions... Jehovah delivereth him out of
them all."
6. A Preserved Servant—v. 20. "He keepeth all his bones."
 22. "Altogether"
1. What man is. "Every man at his best is altogether vanity" (Psa. 39:5).
2. What man has become. "Altogether become filthy" (Psa. 53:3).
3. What God's Word is. "The judgments of Jehovah are true and righteous
altogether" (Psa. 19:9).
4. What God thinks about man's thinking about Himself. "Thou thoughtest
that I was altogether such a one as thyself" (Psa. 1. 21).
5. What the convicted saint knows God knows. "There is not a word in my
tongue, but, lo, O Jehovah, Thou knowest it altogether" (Psa. 139:4).
6. God's other blessing of His people. "Thou hast altogether blessed them
these three times... what the Lord saith, that will I speak" (Num. 23:11, 26;
24:1, 10, 13).
7. The secret of blessing. "That which is altogether just shalt thou follow,
that thou mayest live and inherit the land" (Deut. 16:20).
 23. "All That He," or "She Had"
1. A Clean Separation. "Abram went up out of Egypt... and all that he had"
(Gen. 13:1).
2. A Beautiful Type. "Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac" (Gen. 25:5;
John 3:35).
3. A Worthy Ruler. "All that he had he put into his hand" (Gen. 39:4, 6).
4. A Prosperous Man. "The blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had"
(Gen. 39:5).
5. A Bankrupt Servant. "Commanded him to be sold... and all that he had"
(Matt. 18:25).
6. A Weary Quest. "Spent all that she had, nothing bettered" (Mark 5:26).
7. A Magnificent Gift. "Cast in all that she had" (Mark 12:44).
 24. Angel's Resurrection Message
Matt. 28:1-10:18-20
The angel's message is full of the grace and glow of the Gospel. Weigh his
sevenfold message.
1. The "Fear not" (v. 5) of Love. The earthquake caused the keepers to
shake and quake; we are therefore not surprised that the lightning
countenance of the angel should fill the women with consternation.
2. The "I know" of Appreciation. The angel knew the loving quest of the
women. He knew they wanted to see the loved form that they had last seen on
the cruel Cross. Faith's memory always centers in the Cross.
3. The "He is not here" of Reminder. He had said He would not remain in
the grave. We do not always find what we expect, but we discover the
unexpected to our joy and comfort.
4. The "He is risen" of Joy. He travelled through the realm of Hades, and
preached the Gospel to the spirits in prison—1 Peter 3:18; 4:6; and now He is
risen triumphant over death, Hell, the grave, and the Devil—Heb. 2:14; Rev.
1:18.
5. The "See the place" of Observation. The place of expiation was Calvary
—Luke 23:33; the place of glory will be in the Father's mansions—John 14:2,
3; and the place of resurrection was an empty tomb.
6. The "Go quickly" of Commission. To go and "tell" others that "He was
risen from the dead" when they expected still to find Him lifeless, gave wings
to their feet and a glow in their hearts.
7. The "Ye shall see Him" of Expectation. To hear He was risen was good,
but to have the assurance of seeing Him was better.
 25. Anxiety and Committal
"Be Not Anxious" Matt. 6:25, R.V.
"Glass, with anxiety!" Strange expression this! What does it mean? These
words accompanied a parcel sent from Norway to England, and they were
intended to indicate that the sender feared, from the fragile nature of the
contents, that some mishap might befall it.
Is there not a lesson here for Christians? Might not some of us be rightly
labelled, "Christians with anxiety?" In many instances there is no need for a
label, as anxiety is only too plainly stamped upon the countenance, although
the apostolic injunction is, "In nothing be anxious" (Phil. 4:6. R.V.). Some
obey this command in certain circumstances only, while others reverse the
reading, and live as though they were to be anxious for everything. The Lord
wishes His children to carry their worries and anxieties to Him; and to leave
them with Him. Here are seven things which He bids us cast upon Him, or
commit unto Him.
1. Commit Yourself unto Him. "He is able to keep that which I have
committed unto Him against that day" (2 Tim. 1:12). Paul deposited himself
in the hands of the Heavenly Banker; and, as the money in the Bank of
England is kept safe in the strong-rooms within and by the guard without, so
was the apostle, for he was kept by the Holy Spirit within, and by the Lord
who encamped round about him.
2. Commit Your Soul unto Him. "Wherefore let them that suffer according
to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as
unto a faithful Creator" (1 Peter 4:19). Suffering we shall have, but if we
commit the keeping of our souls unto the Lord in well-doing, as the three
Hebrew young men did, we shall, like them, cut loose our bonds, and gain the
company of Jesus.
3. Commit Your Spirit unto Him. "Into Thine hand I commit my spirit"
(Psa. 31:5). If the Lord has the control of our spirit, He will control us
altogether.
4. Commit Your Way unto Him. "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also
in Him; and He shall bring it to pass" (Psa. 37:5). If we commit our way unto
Him, we shall never stray from Him.
5. Commit Your Works unto Him. "Commit thy works unto the Lord"
(Prov. 16:3). If the Lord controls the works and the workers, there will be no
clashing in the working.
6. Commit Your Burden unto Him. "Cast thy burden upon the Lord" (Psa.
55:22). If the Lord is our Burden-bearer, we shall be free to bear one
another's burdens.
7. Commit Your Care unto Him. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He
careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). One, John Careless, a martyr, in writing to a
friend, said: "Now my soul is turned to her old rest again, and has taken a
sweet nap in Christ's lap. I have cast my care upon the Lord, who careth for
me, and will be careless, according to my name." If we cast all our cares upon
Him, He will take all care of us.
 26. Appreciation
Many appreciations were given of the Right Hon. JOHN MORLEY. Mr. A. G.
Gardiner, writing in the Nation, says of him: "In an active life that covered
nearly half a century of history, he played a part as disinterested, as elevated,
and as free from blemish as that of any man in our public annals. Neither as
journalist, author, nor statesman, did he fall on any great issue below the high
standards which he professed, and by which he lived. He never trimmed his
sails to the popular breeze, never deserted a cause which he believed to be
just, never put truth in the balance against any private end. To his essay 'On
Compromise' he affixed this motto: 'It makes all the difference in the world
whether we put truth in the first place or in the second place.' It may, I think,
be said with confidence that no man in our public life ever lived more
steadily and unfalteringly by the lamp of truth than John Morley."
Thus says one of the great statesmen, as viewed from the outside. Sometimes
we lack in appreciating each other as believers in Christ. We need to follow
Paul's example, and record what we see in others.
1. Of the Nameless Brother, he said his praises were in all the churches—2
Cor. 8:18.
2. Of Epaphras, he said, "He laboured fervently in prayer" (Col. 4:12).
3. Of Epaphroditus, he said, "He ministered to my wants" (Phil. 2:25).
4. Of Onesimus, the slave, he said, He is "a faithful and beloved brother"
(Col. 4:9).
5. Of the Women in Philippi, he said, "They laboured with me" (Phil. 4:3).
6. Of the Thessalonian Saints he said, "From you sounded out the Word of
the Lord" (1 Thess. 1:8).
7. Of Onesiphorus, he said, "He oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of
my chain" (2 Tim. 1:16).
 27. "Arm of the Lord"
Isa. 53:1
1. Redeeming Arm to Deliver—Exod. 6:6.
2. Great Arm to Achieve—Exod. 15:16; Psa. 98:1.
3. Persistent Arm to Accomplish—Deut. 4:34.
4. Promising Arm to Overthrow—Deut. 7:18, 19.
5. Powerful Arm to Overawe—Deut. 26:8.
6. Strong Arm to Scatter—Psa. 89:10, 13.
7. Strengthening Arm to Empower—Psa. 89:21.
 28. A Servant of Jesus Christ
The Greek word for "servant," in the Book of Revelation, means a slave, and
is rendered "bondman" and "bond"—6:15; 13:16; 19:18. It occurs fourteen
times, and in eleven instances indicates a servant of God, or of Christ.
1. Revelation. "Shew unto His servants" (11; 22:6). God reveals to His
servants what He does not make known to the world.
2. Possession. "His servant John" (1:1). We are the Lord's by creation,
calling, purchase, and possession.
3. Opposition. "Seduce My servants" (2:20). Satan and his emissaries do not
trouble those who are his, but he and they are always at work to beguile and
blast the Lord's.
4. Preservation. "Sealed the servants of our God" (7:3). Things are sealed for
security and secrecy, so the Lord hides and preserves His own.
5. Completion. "As He hath declared to His servants" (10:7). God will fill to
the full all He has declared shall be.
6. Compensation "Shouldest give reward unto thy servants" (11:18). The
Lord has eyes to see, a heart to appreciate any service done to Him, and a
reward is in His hands for those who have served.
7. Recognition. "Moses, the servant of God" (15:3). The Lord knows each of
His servants by name.
8. Retribution. "Avenge the blood of His servants" (19:2). The saints who
are saintly do not vindicate themselves, but the Lord does.
9. Ascription. "Praise our God, all ye His servants" (19:5). Worship is the
out-going of the heart in praise, gratitude, and adoration to the Lord.
10. Consecration. "His servants shall serve Him" (22:3). "Serve Him." To
serve Him means loyalty, affection, thoroughness, and disinterestedness.
 29. A Sevenfold Exhortation
Hebrews 12
1. Stripped Bodies. "Lay aside every weight," etc. (v. 1). The simile used is
the putting off of a garment, as the athlete who lays aside every encumbrance
before he runs in the race.
2. Looking Eyes. "Looking unto Jesus" (v. 2). The figure indicates the
looking away from one object to another. Christ is the Leader and Completer
of faith. We have a Perfect Example of faith to follow, and a Perfect
Indweller to impart the faith He requires.
3. Lifting Hands. "Lift up the hands," etc. (v. 12). A loving heart to Christ in
remembering how He lifted us up from sin to Himself, will prompt us to have
hands for Christ in helping others in need.
4. Straight Paths. "Make straight paths," etc. (v. 13). The best way to restore
others is to be perfectly sure we are right with God ourselves. We need to be
straight ourselves if we would straighten others.
5. Pursuing Feet. "Follow peace," etc. (v. 14). Peace is the terminus which is
reached by travelling in the way of holiness.
6. Alert Attention. "Looking diligently," etc. (v. 15). Not to take in supplies
is to be devoid of provender. To fail the grace of God is to fail to take God in
His grace, who never fails.
7. Good Service. "Serve God acceptably," etc. (v. 28). To be well-pleasing to
God is the highest form of service. Acceptable service has love for its motive,
truth for its guide, the Spirit for its power, and God's glory for its end.
 30. "As He Hath Promised"
The Lord binds Himself to His Word of Promise, and we command His
fulfillment when we obey the conditions attached thereto. Ponder the words,
"as He hath promised," in the following Scriptures.
1. Bestowment. After Jehovah had brought Israel into the land of Canaan, "as
He" had promised (see seven "I wills" in Exod. 6:6-8), they were to call to
mind God's giving in redemption by keeping the feast of the Passover. A
lively memory causes the heart to sing in loving praise. To forget His
redeeming love, His saving grace, His liberating, His supplying gifts, His
gracious presence, His guiding Word, and His willing service, is to express
the deepest ingratitude.
2. Enlargement. "When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as He hath
promised, thou mayest eat flesh" (Deut. 12:20). Previously to this command,
the children of Israel were prohibited from eating only such animal food as
had been offered in sacrifice, but now they could have as much as they
desired; and the reason given is, because they were enlarged, that is, having
greater facilities for production, there was greater provision for supply. An
enlargement of soul always means an enlargement of capacity to appreciate
what the Lord gives.
3. Avouchment. "The Lord hath avouched thee this day to be His peculiar
people" ("a people for His own possession," R.V.), "as He hath promised
thee" (Deut. 26:18). Israel had avouched the Lord to be their God—v. 17, and
He responds by taking what they gave. Nothing gives the Lord greater
pleasure than to possess us when we want to be possessed; when we love
Him well we are willing to let Him take all. Adam's sleeping—Gen. 2:21;
Abram's giving—Gen. 22:16; Rebekah's going—Gen. 24:58; Moses'
forsaking—Heb. 11:24-27; Ruth's clinging—Ruth 1:16; Jonathan's
surrendering—1 Sam. 18:4; David's growing—1 Chron. xii; mighty men's
risking—1 Chron. 11:17-19; widow's casting—Luke 12:59; Mary's anointing
—John 12:3, are a few illustrations of what results when the Lord possesses.
4. Accomplishment. "For the Lord your God fighteth for you, as He hath
promised you" (Joshua 23:10). Israel was an instrument of judgment to repel
the inhabitants of Canaan because of their sins. We who believe in Christ
have foes of a different character to contend with, namely, principalities and
powers in heavenly places. When we walk with the Conqueror we shall
surely conquer. Mark what the "Lord your God" is said to have done all down
Joshua 23, and don't forget the whole reason is in the "FOR" of verse 10.
When the Lord drives out we can chase out our enemies.
5. Fulfilment. "The Gospel of God, which He had promised afore by His
prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord"
(Rom. 1:1-3). The Scriptures are meaningless unless we see Christ in them,
but they are meanful if we see Him. Adam, the man; Abel, the shepherd;
Noah, the Savior; Enoch, the godly; Abraham, the giver; Isaac, the offered;
Jacob, the toiler; and Joseph, the provider, foregleam His glory. The offerings
are types of the many-sidedness of His atoning sacrifice; and the messages of
the Psalms and the prophets proclaim His worth and work.
6. Advent. "Now He hath promised... Yet once more I shake not the earth
only, but also Heaven" (Heb. 12:26). If the passage is pondered from which
the writer to the Hebrew Christians quotes—Haggai 2:5-9, it will be seen it
has to do with the Lord's Coming in power to set up His Kingdom on the
earth. The nations will then recognize the Lord in Jerusalem, for when He
shakes the earth and the Heavens, and the nations, then the nations will
acknowledge the Lord, for "the precious things of all the nations shall come"
(2:7, R.V.), that is, shall be brought as offerings—see Zeph. 3:10; Zech.
14:16.
7. Enrichment. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is
tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
that love Him" (Jas. 1:12; 2:5). Crown-wearers are first of all cross-bearers.
Those who stand the test of trial take their place among those who have
triumphed.
 31. "At All Times"
1. Trust. "Trust in Him at all times" (Psa. 62:8).
2. Praise. "I will bless the Lord at all times" (Psa. 34:1).
3. Love. "A friend loveth at all times" (Prov. 17:17).
4. Righteousness. "Blessed... is he that doeth righteousness at all times" (Psa.
106:3).
5. Desire. "My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments
at all times" (Psa. 119:20).
6. Faithfulness. "It is good to be zealously affected at all times" (Gal. 4:18,
R.V.).
7. Concern. "He maintain the cause... of His people at all times" (1 Kings
8:59). "The Lord... give you peace at all times" (2 Thess. 3:16, R.V.).
 32. "As Many"
1. "As many as were baptized into Jesus Christ" (Rom. 6:3).
2. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Rom.
8:14).
3. "As many as walk according to this rule" (Gal. 6:16).
4. "As many as be perfect" (Phil. 3:15).
5. "As many as I love, I rebuke" (Rev. 3:19).
6. "As many as received Him," etc. (John 1:12).
7. "As many as were ordained to eternal life" (Acts 13:48).
 33. At—in Time to Come
The objective of Christ's Coming is often found associated with the Greek
preposition "en," which denotes a fixed position, as being in a place, state, or
time.
1. "At His Coming," those who are "Christ's" will be claimed by Him—1
Cor. 15:23.
2. "At the Last Trump, "those who are the Lord's will be "changed in the
twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:52).
3. "At His Appearing," Christ will reward those who have endured trial with
"praise, honor, and glory" (1 Peter 1:7).
4. "At His Coming," we may be "ashamed before Him" if we are not found
abiding in Christ—1 John 2:28.
5. "At the Revelation" (1 Peter 1:13) of Christ we shall have a fresh
revelation of God's grace.
6. "At that Day" of His appearing, Christ will give those who have loved
His approach a crown of righteousness—2 Tim. 4:8.
7. "At Hand" is the time when the predictions of the Revelation will be
fulfilled—Rev. 1:3; 22:10.
 34. At Certain Places
Places in which people were found.
1. "At the Beautiful Gate" a poor cripple was found—Acts 3:10. Like many
Christians, he had life, but not liberty.
2. "At the Door" Peter knocked for admittance—Acts 12:13. The saints
often need to be knocked up to have fellowship with them.
3. "At the Sepulcher" Mary Magdalene was found—John 20:11. Where she
had last seen Him dead, she met Him alive.
4. "At His Feet" Mary fell, to find comfort about the death of her brother—
John 11:32.
5. "At the Fire" Peter "warmed himself," when he ought to have been near
his Lord—Mark 14:54.
6. "At Home" is the place to show piety at first—1 Tim. 5:4.
7. "At the Door" the Lord is found when a church is wrong, instead of being
inside—Rev. 3:20.
 35. "At Hand"
The italicized words in the Scriptures are the same in the Greek.
1. An Hour of Woe. "The hour is at hand" (Matt. 26:45).
2. A Means to an End. "By the which we draw nigh unto God" (Heb. 7:19).
3. A Reciprocal Action. "Draw nigh unto God, and He will draw nigh unto
you" (James 4:8).
4. A Cheering Lord. "Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them" (Luke
24:15).
5. A Returning Savior. "The Coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:8).
6. A Near Redemption. "Your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).
7. An Approaching Day. "The Day is at hand" (Rom. 13:12; Heb. 10:25).
 36. A Threefold Taking
Three times the compound word "paralambano" occurs in John's Gospel. The
word means to take near to one's self, hence to have with one the object thus
taken. "Lambano" occurs many times in the aforesaid Gospel, at least forty-
five times, and is generally given "receive" and "took;" but where the prefix
"para" is added to "lambano" it means to take near to one's self.
1. Rejection. The Spirit's lament about Christ's own is, "His own received
Him not" (John 1:11). Being His kinsmen and possessions, they should not
only "receive" (lambano) Him, but receive Him near with glad hearts,
surrendered wills, and communing spirits. What an added touch of meaning
is given when the Spirit goes on to say, "As many as received (lambano)
Him, to them gave He the right to become the children of God" (1:12). Those
who were not His kinsmen who receive Him, become His kinsmen. Those
who had not the relationship of life, by the life of relationship enter into a
closer bond.
2. Crucifixion. "And they took (paralambano) Jesus and led Him away."
This was after Pilate had weakly and against his conviction delivered Him to
be crucified. Wicked hands took Him near to themselves and led Him to the
"place of a skull." Their ill-intent of wickedness carried out the God-intent of
purpose—Acts 2:23. The manner of His death was prophesied—John 19:37;
its cause was sin—Rom. 4:25; its power was love—Gal. 2:20; its basis was
grace—Heb. 2:9; its unfolding is wisdom—1 Cor. 1:23; its practicality is
separation from self, sin, and the world—Rom. 6:6; Gal. 5:24; 6:14; and its
end is identification with Christ—Matt. 27:44; Gal. 2:20. The word "crucified
with" in these passages signifies co-crucifixion.
3. Expectation. "I will come again and receive you to Myself," or, as it might
be given, "I am coming to take you to be near to Myself" (John 14:3). When
Christ returns for His own, He comes as the Savior to redeem—Rom. 8:23; as
the Uniter to gather—1 Thess. 4:13-18; as the Blessed Hope to gladden—
Titus 2:13; as the Transformer to glorify—Phil. 3:20, 21; as the Lover to
present—Eph. 5:27; as the Lord to reward—1 Cor. 3:14; 4:5; and as the
Friend to receive to Himself.
 37. Atonement
The atonement of Christ's death is—
1. The Sin-cleanser of the sinner's conscience—1 John 1:7.
2. The Self-annuller of the old life—Gal. 2:20.
3. The Soul-sanctifier of the saint's life—Heb. 13:12.
4. The Service-inspirer of the believer's work—2 Cor. 5:14.
5. The Victory-giver in the warrior's conflict—Rev. 12:11.
6. The Magnet-drawer to the Church's communion—1 Cor. 10:16.
7. The Song-incentive of Heaven's praise—Rev. 5:9.
 38. Attitudes of the Believer
In Relation to Christ
There are some terms which relate to the Christian life which are of pressing
importance, because of the issues which are involved in relation to them. The
following seven words indicate a few aspects of the Christian's life, namely,
"Believe," "Pray," "Abide," "Walk," "Take," "Stand," "Watch."
1. To Believe on Christ is the secret of the Christian life—Gal. 2:20,
2. To Pray to Christ is the stay of the Christian life-Phil. 4:6.
3. To Abide in Christ is the strength of the Christian life—John 15:4.
4. To Walk as Christ is the shining out of the Christian life—1 John 2:6-9;
1 Peter 2:21.
5. To Take from Christ is the supply of the Christian life—Isaiah 27:5.
6. To Stand with Christ is the staple of the Christian life—Eph. 6:14.
7. To Watch for Christ is the standing order of the Christian life—Mark
13:33. The term watchfulness is a comprehensive one. It signifies far more
than merely holding the truth of the Lord's Coming. It covers the whole trend
of the spiritual life in the variety of its traits.
 39. Attention of Grace
"Fear Not! Ye Are of More Value Than Many Sparrows" (Luke 12:7)
The careful attention of the Lord to details is aptly expressed when we
remember He—
1. Names His sheep—John 10:3.
2. Numbers our hairs—Matt. 10:30.
3. Counts our steps—Job. 31:4.
4. Books our thoughts—Mal. 3:16.
5. Bottles our tears—Psa. 56:8.
6. Takes our hands—Isa. 41:13.
7. Supplies our need—Phil. 4:19.
 40. Authority
When we are under the authority of Christ, we have all His authority behind
us. The usage of the word for authority (exousia ) is instructive and inspiring.
1. Authority to Heal "Power (exousia) to heal sicknesses" (Mark 3:15).
2. Authority over Demons. "Power (exousia) over unclean spirits" (Mark
6:7).
3. Authority to Preach. "Go... all power (exousia) is given unto Me" (Matt.
28:18).
4. Authority to Become. "Power (exousia) to become the children of God"
(John 1:12).
 41. Bands of Love
Hosea 11:4
1. Christ's Life Illustrates His Love. See how often He is said to be "moved
with compassion" (Matt. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 20:34; Mark 1:41; 5:19; Luke
7:13). His life, like the sun in its shining, was beneficent in its ministry.
2. Christ's Cross Displays His Love. "He gave Himself up" (Gal. 2:20, R.V.;
Eph. 5:2, 25, R.V.). Think of what He gave up, to what and for whom He
gave Himself, and the outcome of His giving.
3. Christ's Grace Confirms His Love. Believers are loved, loosed, and
lifted—Rev. 1:5, R.V., and nothing can separate from His love. See the seven
things that ordinarily can separate in Romans 8:35; and the ten things that
would divide in Romans 8:38, 39.
4. Christ's Truth Affirms His Love. The words of truth assure us of the
continuity of His love—John 13:1, as well as the measure and manner of it—
John 15:9, 12.
5. Christ's Friends Testify to His Love. His love is particular in its affection
—John 11:5, sympathetic in its service—John 11:35, and confiding in its
fellowship—John 13:23.
6. Christ's Spirit Imparts His Love—Rom. 5:5; 1 John 4:16. He leads to
the love that saves, imparts the love that sanctifies, and is the secret of the
sacrificing love that serves.
7. Christ's Operation through us Demonstrates His Love—2 Cor. 5:14.
The constraining power of His love is the moving force to impel in holy
service and lowly sacrifice.
 42. "Be"
The commands of the Lord are always imperative. They leave no choice with
us, but to choose His choice.
1. "Be Holy." "Be ye holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Pet. 1:15, 16),
and the reasons are, "Because" God is "Holy," and because He calls us to this
devoted life in separation to Him.
2. "Be Perfect." (2 Cor. 13:11). "Perfect" means to be in joint, to be adjusted,
and is used of nets being mended—Matt. 4:21, of being "joined together" (1
Cor. 1:10), and of one being restored to what he was before—Gal. 6:1.
3. "Be Still" (Psa. 46:10). The secret of knowing God is to be still in
humbleness before Him, and let every voice but His be hushed.
4. "Be Sober." "Be sober," that is, hold oneself in hand, so that others shall
not take us unawares—1 Pet. 5:8.
5. "Be Faithful" (Rev. 2:10). When faith and love burn within the temple of
our being, faithfulness will characterize the life.
6. "Be Glean." "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord" (Isa. 52:11). If
the heart of the inner life is clean the hand of outward service will
correspond.
7. "Be Filled" in the Spirit—Eph. 5:18. This is the most essential, for when
the Spirit pervades the being, the atmosphere of His presence will be known.
 43. Bags
1. Weights in a bag—Deut. 25:13.
2. Stones in a bag—1 Sam. 17:40, 49.
3. Transgressions in a bag—Job 14:17.
4. Holes in a bag—Haggai 1:6.
5. Gold in a bag—Isa. 46:6.
6. Covetousness in a bag—John 12:6; 13:29.
7. A Hand in a bag—1 Sam. 17:49.
 44. Barnabas—Full of the Spirit
Acts 11:22-24
Evidences of being full of the Spirit.
1. A Seeing Eye. "Had seen the grace of God."
2. A Glad Heart. "Was glad."
3. A Ready Foot. "He came."
4. A Helpful Tongue. "Exhorted them all."
5. A True Character. "He was a good man."
6. A Consecrated Man. "Full of Holy Spirit" (see 4:36, 37).
7. A Believing Soul. "Full of faith."
 45. "Bear"
Christ bore our sins on the Cross, and bears the iniquity of our holy things.
1. Personally, when anyone sinned he was liable to bear the consequence of
his act, whether he knew his sin or not. "If a soul sin... though he wist it not,
yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity" (Lev. 5:17).
2. Substitutionary, atonement for sin was only made by the shedding of
blood. The blood of the bullock and the goat on the great day of atonement
was specifically to "make an atonement. "No less than sixteen times does the
verb occur in Leviticus 16After the blood of the goat had been shed, by a
priestly act of transference, he is said to place the sins of the children of Israel
"upon the head of the live goat," and he shall "bear upon him all their
iniquities" (Lev. 16:21, 22).
3. Representatively, Aaron being the representative of Israel, he appeared
before the Lord to act for them, and wore the priestly garments that he might
"bear the iniquity" of their holy things (Exod. 28:12, 29, 30, 38).
4. Typically, the sin-offering was essentially "to bear the iniquity of the
congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord" (Lev. 10:17).
This was its counterpart in John's message about the Lamb of God, who
"taketh" (beareth) away the sin of the world.
5. Prophetically, in the unfolding of the Spirit's utterance, Christ is said to
have "borne our grief," and to "bear the sin of many" (Isa. 53:4, 12).
6. Dogmatically, the Holy Spirit declares that Christ was "manifested to take
away our sins" (1 John 3:5). The meaning of "take away" is to bear by taking
up the load upon one's self, and thus to take away the load of guilt resting
upon others.
7. Practically, the sins and their consequence are removed for the believer,
for it was for "our sins" He was manifested; and now we are dead to the sins
that put out Lord to death—1 Peter 2:24.
 46. Believer's Attitude
To the Doctrine (Teaching) of the Holy Spirit
1. Continue in it steadfastly as wholehearted believers in Christ—Acts 2:42.
2. Be shaped by it continually as pliable saints—Rom. 6:17.
3. Feed upon it personally as dependant disciples—1 Tim. 4:16.
4. Attend to it regularly as diligent scholars—1 Tim. 4:13.
5. Take heed to it thoroughly as earnest stewards—1 Tim. 4:16.
6. Teach it faithfully as consistent doers—1 Tim. 6:3; Titus 2:7, 10.
7. Preach it tenaciously as zealous workers—2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 2:1.
8. Hold it firmly as convinced witnesses—Titus 1:9; 2 John 10.
9. Abide in it as satisfied servants—2 John 9.
 47. Because
1. The Exciter of Wrath. Sin. "Because of these things (sins) cometh the
wrath of God" (Eph. 5:6).
2. The Reason of Love. God's love. "We love Him because He first loved
us" (1 John 4:19).
3. The Cause of Failure. Want of faith. "Because of unbelief" (Heb. 3:19).
4. The Evidence of Life. Love to others. "Because we love the brethren" (1
John 3:14).
5. The Secret of Preservation. Christ's livingness. "Because I live, ye shall
live also" (John 14:19).
6. The Power of Quickening. The Holy Spirit. "The Spirit is life because of
righteousness" (Rom. 8:10).
7. The Prompter of Kindness. Christ's ownership. "Because ye belong to
Christ" (Mark 9:41).
 48. Becomingness
The word in italics in the texts is one and the same in the Greek.
1. A Subjective Savior. "Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness"
(Matt. 3:15).
2. A Suffering Kinsman. "It became Him," etc. (Heb. 2:10).
3. A Holy Priest. "Such an high priest became us" (Heb. 7:26).
4. A Woman's Attitude. "Is it comely (becoming) that a woman?" (1 Cor.
11:13).
5. A Saintly Walk. "As becometh saints" (Eph. 5:3).
6. A Corresponding Act. "Which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1).
7. An Answering Life. "Which becometh women professing godliness" (1
Tim. 2:10).
 49. "Before God"
In the Book of Revelation
1. "Stood before God" (8:2).
2. "Ascended up before God" (8:4).
3. "Voice... before God" (9:13).
4. "Witnesses... before the God of the earth" (11:3, 4).
5. "Elders... sat before God" (11:16).
6. "Accused before God" (12:10).
7. "Remembrance before God" (16:19).
8. "Stand before God" (20:12).
 50. "Began to Be—"
1. A Mighty Hunter. "Began to be a mighty hunter" (Gen. 10:8).
2. An Amazed Savior. "Began to be sore amazed" (Mark 14:33).
3. A Perplexed Band. "Began to be sorrowful, and to say... Is it I?" (Mark
14:19).
4. A Willful Bankrupt. "Began to be in want" (Luke 15:14)
5. A Mutual Joy. "They began to be merry" (Luke 15:24).
6. A Glorious Theme. "Great salvation; which began to be spoken by the
Lord" (Heb. 2:3).
 51. "Before God"
1. "Righteous before God" (Luke 1:6).
2. "Favor before God" (Acts 7:46).
3. "Memorial before God" (Acts 10:4).
4. "Present before God" (Acts 10:33).
5. Truth "before God" (Gal. 1:20).
6. "Acceptable before God" (1 Tim. 5:4).
7. Charged "before God" (1 Tim. 5:21).
 52. Believer's Calling
God called Abram from the land of idolatry to go with Himself to a land of
promise—Heb. 11:8. See from Deuteronomy 8 what kind of land it was.
Those who believe in Christ are called—
1. From the darkness of sin and ignorance, to the knowledge and light of
God—1 Peter 2:9.
2. From the bondage of legalism (doing things because we ought) to the
liberty of the Gospel—Gal. 5:13.
3. From the turmoil of unrest and disquietude, to the peace and quietness of
reconciliation with God—Col. 3:15.
4. From the death of spiritual death of trespasses and sins, unto eternal life
—John 5:24.
5. From the unholiness of the self life to the holiness of fellowship with
God—1 Peter 1:15.
6. From the wrangling of self-interest, to partnership with Christ's
sufferings—1 Peter 2:21; 3:9.
7. From the uncertainty of the future, to the "eternal glory" in Christ—1
Peter 5:10.
Let us walk worthy of our calling—Eph. 4:1; and make it "sure" by our
obedience—2 Peter 1:10.
 53. Behold the Christ
1. "Behold My Servant" (Matt. 12:18). See Him in His life, labour, and
love.
2. "Behold the Lamb" (John 1:29, 36). See Him in His sinlessness and
sacrifice.
3. "Behold the Man" (John 19:5). See Him in His beauty and sympathy.
4. "Behold the Sower" (Matt. 13:3). See Him in words, works, and
faithfulness.
5. "Behold your King" (John 19:14). See Him in His might, majesty, and
authority.
6. "Behold the Greater" (Matt. 12:41, 42). See Him in supremacy, pre-
eminence, and glory.
7. "Behold your God" (Isa. 40:9). See Him in His Deity, dignity, and
giving.
 54. Believers Are
1. Saved from condemnation—Rom. 8:1.
2. Accepted in the Beloved—Eph. 1:6.
3. Made meet for the inheritance—Col. 1:12.
4. Sanctified in Christ—1 Cor. 1:2.
5. Sealed with the Holy Spirit—Eph. 1:13, R.V.
6. Possessors of eternal life—1 John 5:12.
7. Blessed in Christ with all spiritual blessings—Eph. 1:3. Here are riches
indeed!
 55. Believers Are Called
1. "Children" for kinship—1 John 3:1, 2, R.V.
2. "Saints" for holiness—1 Cor. 1:2.
3. "Christians" for identification—Acts 11:26.
4. "Brethren" for fellowship—Heb. 2:11.
5. "Sheep" for character—John 10:3.
6. "Servants" for employment—Matt. xxv 14
7. "Friends" for companionship—John 15:15.
When we are called anything, we are supposed to be true to what we are
called.
 56. Believer's Outlook
Briefly summarized, we may say there is a sevenfold outlook of blessing
before the believer.
1. We shall "meet" Christ—1 Thess. 4:17, and that means, as the word
"meet" suggests, we shall be caught up to meet Him in the air, and come back
with Him to the earth.
2. We shall "see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2), not as He was in humiliation and
death, but as He is in glory and incorruptibility.
3. We shall be received by Him—John 14:3, as He promised, "I will receive
you to Myself," which means He will take us to His heart.
4. We shall stand before Him that our life and service may be tested, and our
conduct towards our fellow-believers scrutinized—Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:12-
15; 9:5; 2 Cor. 5:10.
5. We shall be rewarded by Him, for when we stand before the judgment
seat of Christ it is that each may have his praise from God—1 Cor. 4:5.
6. We shall be "like" Him in all the beauty of His manhood, and body of
glory—1 John 3:2; Phil. 3:20, 21.
7. We shall be with Him, and have the joy of His companionship for ever—1
Thess. 4:17.
 57. "Be Sober"
Frequently we are exhorted to "be sober," to "think soberly" (Rom. 12:3), and
to "live soberly" (Titus 2:12).
1. "Be... Sober" in all the spheres of life, that the office filled may be
commended—1 Tim. 3:2.
2. "Be Sober" in wakefulness, and not allow the sleep of slothfulness to mar
us—1 Thess. 5:6.
3. "Be Sober," and put on the armour of faith, love, and hope, and thus be
prepared for the assaults of the enemy—1 Thess. 5:8.
4. "Be Sober," and thus be vigilant to qualify against the assaults of the
Devil, and overcome his devices—1 Peter 5:8.
5. "Be Sober," and "watch unto prayer," for the end of all things is at hand—
1 Peter 4:7.
6. "Be Sober," is the command to young and old—Titus 2:2, 4, 6, for unless
we watch we shall be worried.
7. "Be Sober," and "hope to the end"—1 Peter 1:13, for the Coming of the
Lord draweth nigh.
 58. "Be Not Afraid"
1. "Be not afraid" when Christ says, "It is I" (Matt. 14:27).
2. "Be not afraid" when He says, "Arise" (Matt. 17:7).
3. "Be not afraid" when told to "go" and "tell" (Matt. 28:10).
4. "Be not afraid "when Christ says, "Believe" (Mark 5:36).
5. "Be not afraid" of what may happen, provided God is feared—Luke 12:4-
7.
6. "Be not afraid" when God commands us to "speak" (Acts 18:9).
7. "Be not afraid" when ungodly men are a "terror" (1 Peter 3:14).
 59. "Be Strong"
God's commands are His promises, which enable us to carry out His precepts.
1. "Be strong" to possess God's possessions, as He urged upon Joshua—
Joshua 1:6.
2. "Be strong" to obey Jehovah's commands, by unfaltering response to them
—Joshua 1:7.
3. "Be strong" in the face of difficulties, because the Lord is with us to see us
through them—Joshua 1:9.
4. "Be strong" in the face of the declension of others, for the Lord bids us to
be of "good courage"—Joshua 1:18.
5. Pass on His Word, "Be strong," to others, as Joshua did to the children of
Israel, and overcome all your enemies—Joshua 10:25.
6. "Be strong," for the Lord bids thee "fear not" those who oppose us, for
He pledges Himself not to fail us—Deut. 31:6.
7. "Be strong," for the Lord hath sworn to give what He has promised—
Deut. 31:7.
 60. "Beware"
God's commands remind us of our responsibilities. Beware of—
1. The Bane of Covetousness. "Beware of covetousness" (Luke 12:15).
2. The Dogs of Evil. "Beware of evil workers" (Phil. 3:2).
3. The Traditions of Men. "Beware lest any man spoil you through
philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men" (Col. 2:8).
4. The Leaven of Self-righteousness. "Beware of the leaven of the
Pharisees" (Luke 12:1).
5. The Blight of Forgetfulness. "Beware lest thou forget the Lord" (Deut.
6:12).
6. The Concision of Judaism. "Beware of the concision" (Phil. 3:2).
7. The Error of the Wicked. "Beware lest ye also be led by the error of the
wicked" (2 Peter 3:17).
 61. Bible
B Beautiful in its language—Psa. 23.
I Incorruptible in its nature—1 Peter 1:23.
B Blessed in its bestowments—Psa. 22
L Loving in its message—John 3:16.
E Enlightening in its guidance—Psa. 119:105.
 62. Bible Study
On Hebrews 13:20, 21
1. Personal Title of God. "The God of Peace." The God of Peace proclaims
the calm of His holiness, the quiet of His love, the stillness of His rest, the
power of His Word, the resources of His grace, the steadiness of His purpose,
the harbor of His care, the beauty of His character, and the glory of His
nature.
2. Powerful Act of God. "That brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus."
Without disturbing swathing bands, weight of spices, heavy stone, God
brought Christ through them all. Hades could not hold Him, nor the grave
detain Him, nor Hell hinder Him. The resurrection of Christ proclaims the
greatness of God's power, and also its might.
3. Pastoral Character of Christ. "That great Shepherd of the sheep." His
sheep are blood-bought, hand-kept, spirit-led, grace-guarded, word-
sanctified, divinely-marked, and promise-fed. He is great to do all these
things, and loves to serve them. He lives to bless them, as He died to
purchase them.
4. Propitiating Blood of the Covenant. "Through the blood of the
everlasting covenant." By means of (as "through" signifies) Christ's Blood,
Heaven is satisfied, justice is magnified, law is gratified, Hell is stultified,
saints are sanctified, sinners are vivified, Christian workers are intensified,
and believers will be glorified. The covenant was made between Father and
Son, and we get the benefit, and that benefit is eternal in its blessing.
5. Perfecting of the Saints. "Make you perfect in every good work to do His
will." To answer to God's will by being thoroughly adjusted to His Word, is
to be perfect. For this perfection we need the Perfect One. The will of God,
nothing less, nothing more, nothing else. When God has His way with us we
get our way with Him, because we only want what He gives. To be God-
made is to be God-stayed.
6. Performance of the Lord. "Working (margin, "doing") in you." Mark the
present tense, "working." Not "did work" nor "will work," but is "working."
When the Lord puts His hand to the plough He never looks back. There is no
looking back with Jehovah. When He takes up, He never gives up. When He
begins He completes.
7. Pleasing to the Lord. "That which is well-pleasing in His sight." The
consciousness of the Lord's presence is the soul of consecration. To please
the Lord always produces a pleasure to the one who does it. Here again the
Lord is the end, as well as the beginning and centre. The Leviticus of His
pleasure is reached by the Exodus of His redemptive leading; and the Genesis
of His grace.
8. Preposition of Grace. "Through Jesus Christ." The preposition "through"
means, by means of the active agency of our Lord. His activities did not
cease at the Cross; they began there with a new purpose and power. He is still
the active agent by means of whom all blessing flows to us. We never can get
beyond the sphere of His grace. Any and everything we need as saints and
servants, as well as sinners, is "through Jesus Christ" our Lord.
9. Praise to the Lord. "To whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen." We
may well bless Him with our praises, since He has blessed us with His
mercies. A thankless man is a disgrace and a dishonor, but a thankful man is
a delight and an honor.
 63. Blunders
The blunders of God's saints, as recorded in His Word, are meant to be
beacons to tell us to keep off the rocks upon which they went.
1. David's laziness, and his consequent fall—2 Sam. 11:1-4.
2. Solomon's lustfulness, and the consequent backsliding—1 Kings 11:1-6.
3. Hezekiah's pride, and its resultant captivity—Isa. 39:1-8.
4. Miriam's jealousy, and the leprosy which came to her as punishment—
Num. 12:1-10.
5. Lot's selfishness, and his humiliating rebuke from the Sodomites—Gen.
13:11; 19:9.
6. Peter's self-confidence, and his consequent downward course—Luke
22:33.
7. The self-exultation of the Church at Corinth, and the resultant
chastisement—1 Cor. 11:30, are all recorded that we may avoid their
mistakes and escape their punishments.
 64. Blessings of the Upright
One said of a devoted Christian man in his business, "He commands my
custom, for all his goods are Christian;" and of another, "He sells a Christian
shovel." When we are "upright in heart and life and business, we need no
recommendation."
The upright man, and not the leaner, is ever the blessed one. If the Book of
Proverbs is carefully studied, it will be found there are many blessings which
come to the upright.
1. The upright "dwell in the land" of promised blessing—2:21.
2. The upright have Jehovah as their strength—10:29.
3. The integrity and righteousness of the upright bring guidance and
deliverance—11:3, 6, 11.
4. The upright are a joy to the Lord, and He delights to answer their prayer
—11:20; 15:8.
5. The upright find that the Lord keeps them, causes them to flourish, and
obtain definite direction—13:6; 14:11; 21:29.
6. They find "good things in possession" (28:10). "No good will Jehovah
withhold from them who walk uprightly" (Psa. 84:11).
 65. Blessed Ones
The word "blessed" in the following passages means "happy." The soul of
happiness may be summarized as contentment, peace, and joy. The blessed or
happy ones are those:
1. "Whose robes are washed in the Blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 22:14, R.V.).
2. Whose iniquities are forgiven through God's grace—Rom. 4:7, 8.
3. Who obey Christ's Word to minister to others—John 13:17.
4. Who endure temptation by getting the victory—James 1:12.
5. Who give of their substance rather than receive—Acts 20:35.
6. Who have not seen Christ, and yet believe in Him—John 20:29.
7. Who fulfill the conditions embodied in the twelve Blesseds of Christ found
in Matthew's Gospel—Matt. 5:3-11; 11:6; 13:16; 24:46,
 66. Blessings Which Come to the Meek
1. Satisfaction. "The meek shall eat and be satisfied" (Psa. 22:26).
2. Discretion. "The meek will He guide in judgment" (Psa. 25:9).
3. Instruction. "The meek will He teach His way" (Psa. 25:9).
4. Salvation. "Save all the meek of the earth" (Psa. 76:9).
5. Exaltation. "The Lord lifteth up the meek" (Psa. 147:6).
6. Beautification. "He will beautify the meek" (Psa. 149:4).
7. Valuation. "A meek and quiet Spirit" (1 Peter 3:4).
 67. Blind Man's Confession
John 9
To truly confess Christ is to stand with Him, and tell what one knows
experimentally. Mark the use of the personal pronoun "I."
1. The "I am" of personality—v. 9.
2. The "I went" of obedience—v. 11.
3. The "I received" of blessing—v. 11.
4. The "I know not" of ignorance—v. 12.
5. The "I washed" of cleansing—v. 15.
6. The "I know" of experience—v. 25.
7. The "I see" of sight—v. 25.
8. The "I have told you" of emphasis—v. 27.
9. The "I might" of desire—v. 36.
10. The "I believe" of faith—v. 38.
 68. Blindness of Sinners
Naturally we are—
1. Blind to our condition before God—Rom. 3:11.
2. Blind to the beauty of Christ—Isa. 53:1.
3. Blind to the grace of God—Rom. 11:8.
4. Blind to the things of the Lord—1 Cor. 2:9-14.
5. Blind to the presence of Christ—Rev. 3:18, 19.
6. Blind to the need of the new birth—John 3:3-7.
7. Blind to the evil around—Eph. 2:2, 3.
 69. Body
1. A Sacrificing Priest—Rom. 6:13; 12:1. The words "yield" and "present"
are the same.
2. A Sacred Temple— 1 Cor. 6:19; 3:16. Faith recognizes what we have in
Christ, and makes it true in the experience by the Holy Spirit.
3. A Possessed House—1 Cor. 6:13, 15. The Lordship of Christ is an
essential truth which is sadly neglected.
4. A Preserved Saint—1 Thess. 5:23. The Lord expects us to be blameless,
and He can keep us so if we trust Him.
5. A Diligent Keeper—1 Cor. 9:27. If the body has the uppermost place, it
will retard and injure the spiritual life.
6. An Obedient Slave—1 Cor. 6:20. The believer, as a slave, is responsible
to recognize the Lord's claim, and to allow Him to have absolute control of
the entire being.
7. A Saved Believer—Rom. 8:23; Phil. 3:20, 21. Believers are waiting for
their glorified bodies. When they have them their salvation will be complete.
 70. Body of Faith
1. Eyes of faith, to see—Heb. 11:1.
2. Ears of faith, to listen—John 5:24.
3. Hands of faith, to grip—John 1:12.
4. Feet of faith, to walk—John 10:27.
5. Mind of faith, to think—Phil. 2:5.
6. Heart of faith, to love—Rom. 10:9.
7. Taste of faith, to appreciate—1 Peter 2:3.
 71. "Brought"
1. Brought Out. "The Lord hath brought him out of prison" (Acts 12:17).
2. Brought Forth. "He brought Jesus forth" (John 19:13).
3. Brought To. "He brought him to Jesus" (John 1:42).
4. Brought Up. "Brought again from the dead" (Heb. 13:20).
5. Brought Low. "Brought low for their iniquity" (Psa. 106:43).
6. Brought Near. "Brought thee near to Him" (Num. 16:10).
7. Brought Home. "The Lord hath brought me home" (Ruth 1:21).
 72. "Born Again All Over"
"When I was born again, I was born again all over." I am afraid there are
some, who, while they are born again—that is, have life in Christ—are not
born again "all over;" but they are like one who, when he was asked if he was
religious, said, "Yes, in parts." To be wanting in any department of the
Christian life is like the children of Israel, of whom it is said, they "came
short" (Heb. 4:1). Of Mephibosheth we read, he was "lame on both his feet.
"The Lord does not want any of His children—
1. To be lame in their experience—Heb. 12:13.
2. To be puffed up with the big head of pride—1 Cor. 4:6, 18, 19.
3. To have the twist of sectarianism—1 Cor. 1:10-12.
4. The swelling of conceit—Rom. 11:25.
5. The listless hand of sloth—Prov. 20:4.
6. The feeble knees of a decrepit experience—Heb. 12:12.
7. The hard heart of unbelief—Heb. 3:12.
8. The coming short of His purpose—2 Peter 1:4-11.
 73. Bow of Promise
Genesis 9:13
There is a sevenfold bow of promise. He promises—
1. Help in need—Heb. 13:5, 6.
2. Strength in weakness—Isa. 41:10.
3. Cheer in despondency—Matt. 14:27.
4. Guidance in perplexity—Psa. 32:8.
5. Peace in trouble—Isa. 66:12.
6. Joy in sorrow—Isa. 61:3.
7. Power in service—Acts 1:4-8.
 74. "Brotherland"
"All one in Christ." If we are in Christ, we share a common brotherhood in
Him. One relates how, in the days of the war, "I was at the front in the early
days, and after a bad bit of an engagement I came upon a German officer in a
shell-hole. He was in a terrible state, poor fellow, and we couldn't take him
in, so I decided to stay with him. His mind was perfectly clear, and he said,
'Colonel, don't you think this is strange?' 'What's strange?' I asked. 'Well,' said
he, 'if you and I had met in the trenches, I suppose you would have tried to
kill me for the sake of the Motherland, and I should have tried to kill you for
the sake of Fatherland; yet here you are trying to save me for the sake of—
Brotherland.' More of the same kind he said in those last hours, and when the
end came he was in my arms and his head was on my breast, and I don't mind
telling you I—I kissed him."
The Brotherhood of Believers in Christ—
1. Christ Himself is the Center of brotherhood—John 17:6.
2. Faith in Christ is the Beginning of Brotherhood—John 1:12.
3. The Holy Spirit is the Power of Brotherhood—1 Cor. 12:13.
4. The Word of God is the Guide of Brotherhood—Col. 3:11.
5. Love is the Evidence of Brotherhood—John 13:34, 35.
6. The recognition of Christ is the Responsibility of Brotherhood—1 Cor.
12:1-27.
7. The witness of Christ to the World is the Business of Brotherhood—John
17:21.
 75. "Brought Out"
The word Exago is rendered "led out," "brought out," and "fetch out."
1. Separation. "Led him out of the town" (Mark 8:23).
2. Crucifixion. "Led Him out to crucify Him" (Mark 15:20).
3. Benediction. "Led them out as far as Bethany" (Luke 24:50).
4. Destination. "Leadeth them out" (John 10:3).
5. Liberation. "The Lord brought him out" (Acts 12:17).
6. Redemption. "Brought out"... "lead out" (Acts 7:36; 13:17; Heb. 8:9).
7. Expulsion. "Brought them out, and desired them to depart" (Acts 16:37,
39).
 76. Builded, Founded, and Grounded
To build a true and lasting character.
1. We need to rest on the ground work of Christ's atonement for safety—Gal.
2:20.
2. To be united to the living rock of Christ's personality for life—Matt.
16:18.
3. To be empowered by the power of Christ's Spirit for ability—Acts 1:8.
4. To be fused and fired by the love of Christ's nature for practical love—2
Cor. 5:14.
5. To be dominated by the truth of Christ's Word for sanctity—John 17:17.
6. To be held in the grip of Christ's keeping for security—John 10:28.
7. To be swayed by Christ's aim to please God in the life—Rom. 15:3.
8. To have Christ Himself dwelling in the heart of the will—Eph. 3:17.
 77. Bundle of Blessings
In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
1. "Loved" by the Lord and "beloved."
2. "Chosen" by the Lord and saved.
3. Sanctified by the Spirit and The Truth.
4. Called by the Gospel to the glory.
5. Given by Christ and The Father "everlasting consolation and good hope
through grace."
6. Comforted hearts, established feet, and holding hands "in every good
word and work," and to "hold fast" the things taught.
7. Specification. Mark the centre flowers. "Loved," "salvation,"
"sanctification," "truth," "gospel," "glory," "consolation," "hope," "grace,"
"comfort," and "good."
 78. Bundles
1. A Bundle of Money which brought trouble—Gen. 42:35.
2. A Bundle of Life which brings blessing—1 Sam. 25:29.
3. A Bundle of Myrrh which speaks of love—Cant. 1:13.
4. A Bundle of Sticks which contained a viper—Acts 28:3.
5. A Bundle of Tares which foretells judgment—Matt 13:30.
 79. Business
"Not Slothful in Business" (Rom. 12:11)
There is a story related of a great English nobleman of the last century (Lord
Palmerston), who witnessed an accident in London, when a little girl fell
down and smashed a pitcher with a quart of milk in it. Lord Palmerston said
to her: "My dear, don't cry, don't cry! I have not any change with me now, but
I will meet you here tomorrow at twelve o'clock on this bridge, and I will
give you a shilling to buy another pitcher and some more milk." The next day
Lord Palmerston was in a business meeting with a large company of
gentlemen, and when the hour came to meet the little girl he said,
"Gentlemen, I have an engagement." "Oh!" was the reply, "but there is
important business going on, sir." "I cannot help it. I have a previous
engagement made yesterday. I must keep the word of my promise to meet the
individual."
In all our business it is well that we mind the Lord's business. His injunction
to us as His servants is: "Do business till I come," for when He returns He
will want to know "what business" we have "done" (Rotherham's Translation
of Luke 19:13, 15).
The word for "business" in Romans 12:11, is rendered "haste," "diligence,"
"carefulness," "forwardness," and "earnest care." Our business for the Lord
should be done—
1. With a set purpose, as Mary when she went with "haste" into the hill
country—Luke 1:39.
2. With "diligence," as he who "ruleth" is exhorted to do—Rom. 12:8.
3. With "care," as in the sight of God—2 Cor. 7:12.
4. With attention to detail, as Paul recognized, when he spoke of the
"carefulness" of the saints' repentance in Corinth—2 Cor. 7:11.
5. With earnestness, as in the case of Titus, when the apostle recognized the
"earnest care" in him—2 Cor. 8:16.
6. With specific aim, as the Spirit enjoins believers to give "diligence" to add
to their faith—2 Peter 1:5.
7. With the main object in all "business" to be serving the Lord—Rom.
12:11.
 80. Called Out of Egypt
Exodus 9:1
The call has a double application. It was a call to Pharaoh: "Let My people go
that they may serve Me," and it was a call to the Israelites to get out of Egypt.
1. It was a call based upon God's covenant with Abraham, to give to him
and his seed the promised land—Exod. 6:2-4.
2. It was a call of deliverance, for Jehovah had determined to deliver Israel
from the burden and bondage of Egypt—Exod. 6:5, 6.
3. It was a call based on sacrifice, as the whole of Exodus 12 depicts in the
Passover ordinance.
4. It was a call based on promise, for Jehovah had said, "I will take you to
Me for a people, and I will be to you a God" (Exod. 6:7).
5. It was a call associated with what Jehovah calls "a difference" which He
put "between the Egyptians and Israel" (Exod. 11:7).
6. It was a call illustrating power, for the night of Israel's deliverance was an
exhibition of the right hand of God's delivering grace for Israel, and His
outstretched arm of judgment against the Egyptians—Exod. 12:42.
7. It was a call associated with a memorial feast to remind Israel of what
Jehovah had done in bringing them out of Egyptian bondage—Exod. 12:43-
51.
 81. Calling—Conduct
Remember what you are called, and be what you are—
1. As a Saint. Be holy—Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2.
2. As a Christian. Be Christlike—Acts 11:26.
3. As Salt. Be pungent—Matt. 5:13.
4. As a Light. Be true—Matt. 5:14.
5. As an Epistle. Be legible—2 Cor. 3:2.
6. As a Soldier. Be valiant—2 Tim. 2:3.
7. As a Child. Be obedient—1 Peter 1:14, 15.
 82. "Candles" and "Lamps"
The word for "candle" is rendered "lamp" (Exod. 27:20) and "light" (2 Sam.
21:17).
1. A Lighted Candle. "Thou wilt light my candle" (Psa. 18:28).
2. A Supplied Lamp. "Oil to cause the lamp to burn" (Exod. 27:20).
3. An Ordained Lamp. "I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed" (Psa.
132:17).
4. A Constant Lamp. "Her lamp goeth not out" (Prov.31:18).
5. A Protected Lamp. "That thou quench not the light of Israel" (2 Sam.
21:17).
6. A Used Lamp. "Search Jerusalem with candles" (Zeph. 1:12).
7. An Extinguished Lamp. "The lamp of the wicked shall be put out" (Prov.
13:9).
 83. "Candles"
1. A Lighted Candle. "Light a candle" (Matt. 5:15).
2. An Essential Candle. "The light of the body is the eye" (Matt. 6:22).
3. A Useful Candle. "Light a candle, and sweep," etc. (Luke 15:8).
4. A Shining Candle. "He was a burning and a shining light" (John 5:35).
5. A Burning Candle. "Your lights burning" (Luke 12:35).
6. A Necessary Candle. "sure Word... a light that shineth," etc. (2 Peter
1:19).
7. A Glorious Candle. "The Lamb is the Light thereof" (Rev. 21:23).
 84. "Cannot" Things the Sinner Cannot Do
1. Cannot reverse what God does. "I cannot go beyond the Word of the
Lord" (Num. 22:18).
2. Cannot find God by Himself. "I cannot perceive Him" (Job 23:8, 9).
3. Cannot supply what is lacking. "What is crooked cannot be made
straight" (Eccles. 1:15).
4. Cannot please God—Rom. 8:8.
5. Cannot see or enter the Kingdom of God—John 3:3, 5.
6. Cannot be where Christ is. "Whither I go ye cannot come" (John 8:21, 22,
43).
7. Cannot pass the gulf which divides the saved from the unsaved in the next
life—Luke 16:26.
 85. "Cannots" in John's Gospel
1. The natural man "cannot see" or "enter the Kingdom of God" (3:3, 5).
2. The sinner "cannot come" or "go" where Christ is, as long as he is
unsaved—7:34, 36; 8:21, 22.
3. The unregenerate "cannot hear" Christ's Word (8:43).
4. The "Scripture cannot be broken" (10:35).
5. The world "cannot receive" the Holy Spirit (14:17).
6. The believer "cannot bear fruit" of himself (15:4).
7. Conditions often limit Christ's revelation to us, so He has said, "Ye cannot
bear them now" (16:12).
 86. "Cannot"—Some Things God Cannot Do
1. He cannot break His Word. "Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35).
2. "God cannot lie" (Titus 1:2).
3. "God cannot deny Himself" (2 Tim. 2:13).
4. "God cannot be tempted of evil" (Jas. 1:13).
 87. "Christian Endeavor"
"We Endeavored" Acts 16:10
A GOOD Christian endeavorer is—
1. Christ Encircled. "In Christ" (2 Cor. 12:2).
2. Christ Enthroned. "Christ sanctified as Lord in the heart" (1 Peter 3:15,
R.V.).
3. Christ Empowered. "Can do all things in Christ" (Phil. 4:13).
4. Christ Enlightened. "Christ shall give thee light" (Eph. 5:14).
5. Christ Enjoyed. "I rejoice in the Lord greatly" (Phil. 4:10).
6. Christ Experienced. "Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20).
7. Christ Expanded. "Grow up into Him in all things" (Eph. 4:15).
 88. Changes
1. Repentance is a change of purpose—Luke 15:18; 1 Thess. 1:9.
2. Salvation is a change of position—Eph. 2:6-8.
3. Justification is a change of state—Rom. 5:1.
4. Adoption is a change of family—Eph. 1:5.
5. Redemption is a change of masters—Eph. 1:7.
6. Sanctification is a change of life—1 Thess. 5:23, 24.
7. Consecration is a change of will—Rom. 12:1, 2.
 89. Chain of Golden Links
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
1. Divine Origin. "If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creation"
(margin). The Christian life is an implantation of the Divine, a translation into
the Divine, and a reproduction of the Divine.
2. Divine Operation. "All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to
Himself by Jesus Christ." Three things are stated here—the worker, the
means, and the blessing. The Worker is God. We are God-called, saved,
justified, kept, used, filled, and sanctified. The means of our blessing is "by,"
or more correctly, "by means of Jesus Christ;" and the blessing mentioned is,
"we are reconciled to Himself."
3. Divine Ordination. "Given to us the ministry of reconciliation...
committed unto us the word of reconciliation." All believers have this
ministry and word committed and given to them. The word is that "God was
in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself," and the end and aim of all
ministry, to get men reconciled to God and each other.
4. Divine Office. "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." The counterpart
of Christ for us is, we are for Christ. As lights to shine for Him, as witnesses
to testify for Him, and as an embassage to be on service for Him.
5. Divine Opportunity. "We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to
God." As the priests of old acted for God and the people, so believers act for
God and others. We pray to men for God, and we pray to God for men.
6. Divine Offering. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us." He is a
Message that has in it the melody of Heaven's music, and yet how deep its
meaning and mystery! "Made sin!" Made what I was and did! Yes, and that's
the reason He can make us other than what we are.
7. Divine Obtainment. "That we might be made," or become, "the
righteousness of God in Him!" Being "in Him," who is the Righteousness of
God, we must be what He is, even as the ingrafted shoot is part of the tree.
 90. Characters Around the Cross
Luke 23
In the scene of scenes many characters are seen. Heaven's greatest giving,
and man's greatest sin. If the chapter is read through it will be observed how
many people are seen in their different relations to Christ—
1. The Accusing Multitude
2. Weak Pilate
3. Smiling Herod
4. Murderous Barabbas
5. The Cruel Rabble
6. Bearing Simon
7. Weeping Women
8. Sinful Malefactors
9. The Loving Father
10. The Deriding Rulers
11. The Mocking Soldiers
12. The Praying Thief
13. The Believing Centurion
14. The Beholding Relatives
15. The Mourning People
16. The Religious Authorities
17. Thoughtful Joseph
 91. Characteristics of a Believer in Christ
As Revealed in John 15
Every metaphor and simile of the Christian life elucidates some trait of the
character of a Christian.
1. A Branch for Fruitfulness—5. A branch in a vine is the outcome of the
productive quality of the root and stem, and is dependent for its fruitfulness
from them. Through the branch the vine manifests itself in fruit. It needs to
be cleansed, and pruned to bring its fruit to perfection. Being united to Christ,
we bring forth fruit, and as we allow the Vine-dresser to develop us, we bring
forth the "more fruit," yea, "much fruit," and the fruit that remains—2, 8, 16.
The fruit is "love" (Gal. 5:22).
2. A Disciple for Faithfulness—8-10. Discipleship is evidenced by
fruitfulness. Being a disciple, we "learn" of Christ, we follow Him, and we
are obedient to Him—Matt. 11:29; Luke 9:23; John 13:34.
3. A Friend for Communion—15. Three things evidence friendship,
namely, confidence, sympathy, and fellowship. We might call these love in
exercise, like the love of Jonathan for David.
4. A Chosen One for Holiness—16. When anyone or anything is set apart
for a given purpose, and that purpose is achieved, the election is seen. We
prove our election by selecting the things that faith adds to itself—2 Peter
1:10.
5. An Ordained One for Benefit—16. Fruit is produced for another's
benefit, is lasting in its blessing, and is a forerunner of answered prayer. See
the "that" in verse 16.
6. A Servant for Employment—20. To serve such a Master is a privilege,
even though we may have to suffer because of our association with Him. He
has saved us to serve, and we save ourselves from many things in serving.
7. A Witness for Testimony—27. A witness is one who knows, and is able
to tell out what he has seen and heard. The thing that gave power and brought
conviction in the early days was what was evidenced in the disciples—Acts
1:8; 2:37; 4:13.
 92. Characteristics of God’s Word
The following characteristics of the Word will indicate in some measure what
it means to preach it.
1. "The Word of God" to reveal (Heb. 4:12).
2. "The Word of the Lord" to command (1 Thess. 1:8).
3. "The Word of Christ" to inspire (Col. 3:16).
4. "The Word of the Gospel" to gladden (Acts 15:7).
5. "The Word of Salvation" to deliver (Acts 13:26).
6. "The Word of Reconciliation" to preach (2 Cor. 5:19).
7. "The Word of Grace" to build up (Acts 20:32).
8. "The Word of Faith" to assure (Rom. 10:8).
9. "The Word of Truth" to arm (2 Cor. 6:7).
10. "The Word of Righteousness" to feed (Heb. 5:13).
11. "The Word of Life" to attract (Phil. 2:16).
12. "The Word" in its exclusiveness (Matt. 13:19, 20, 21, 22, 23).
13. "The Faithful Word" to instruct (Titus 1:9).
14. "The Engrafted Word" to save (Jas. 1:21).
15. "The Sincere Milk" to feed (1 Peter 2:2).
16. "The Sure Word of Prophecy" to enlighten (2 Peter 1:19).
 93. Christ
Jesus as the Christ was the Messiah, the Sent One of God to do a work for us
(see the 43 times in John's Gospel He is spoken of as the One who was
"sent," and the purpose why He was sent—John 20:31). As the Christ He has
—
1. "Died for us"—Rom. 5:8.
2. He was raised for us—Rom. 6:9.
3. He lives in us—Gal. 2:20.
4. He has redeemed us—Gal. 3:13.
5. He brings us near to God—Eph. 2:13.
6. He strengthens us—Phil. 4:13.
7. He is the Object for our concentration in life—Phil. 1:21.
 94. Christ and Evil Spirits
There are many who are possessed by evil spirits still.
1. The evil spirits of the greed of covetousness—1 Tim. 6:10.
2. The love of the world—2 Tim. 4:10.
3. The inflation of pride—1 Tim. 3:6.
4. The exaltation of self—3 John 9.
5. The blight of error—1 Tim. 1:19, 20.
6. The division of sectarianism—1 Cor. 1:11-13.
7. The demon of envy—Acts 7:9. These are some of the evil spirits around.
Christ can expel these, and cure from the ill effects, as He did of old—Luke
8:2.
 95. Christ About His Father's Business
What was His Father's business?
1. To do the Father's work—John 10:37.
2. To proclaim the Father's words—John 17:8.
3. To reveal the Father's character—John 1:14, 18.
4. To glorify the Father's Name—John 12:28.
5. To carry out the Father's will—Luke 22:42.
6. To unfold the Father's love—John 16:27.
7. To bring to the Father's house—John 14:2.
 96. Christ and His Finished Work
Christ and His finished work is—
1. The Panacea for the ill of sin—1 John 1:7.
2. The Peace-maker for our reconciliation with God—Col. 1:20.
3. The Price for our redemption from sin's slavery—Titus 2:14.
4. The Power which enables us to overcome Satan's malice—Rev. 12:11.
5. The Potentiality which constrains us to live for God—2 Cor. 5:15.
6. The Pattern for our imitation in dying to self—John 12:24, 25.
7. The Propeller in Christian service—2 Cor. 5:14.
 97. Christ and Prophecy Re His Crucifixion
A whole host of prophecies gather round the Cross of Christ. No candid
reader of the Scriptures can doubt for one moment that such passages of Holy
Writ as Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 had a literal fulfillment in the death of Christ.
There are several particulars in relation to the crucifixion of Christ which are
specified as fulfillments of prophecy.
1. The casting of lots about His clothes—John 19:24; Psa. 22:18.
2. His thirst—John 19:28; Psa. 69:21.
3. His bones not being broken—John 19:36; Exod. 12:46; Psa. 34:20.
4. His body being pierced—John 19:37; Zech. 12:10.
5. His being crucified according to the Roman law, and not being stoned to
death according to Jewish custom—John 18:31, 32; Matt. 20:19.
6. His being numbered among the malefactors—Mark 15:28; Isa. 53:12.
The above are a few of the many fulfillments of prophecy in the crucifixion
of the Savior.
The fulfillment of prophecy is a comfort to God's saints, for it demonstrates
His carefulness to keep His Word, and a warning to the unsaved, for since He
keeps to the minutiae of His promise to His people, He will surely fulfill His
threats to the ungodly.
 98. Christ and "Many"
1. Many healed by touching Him—Matt. 14:36.
2. He gave His life a "Ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28).
3. He "shed" His Blood for "many" "for the remission of sins" (Matt. 26:28).
4. Christ "cast out many devils," and delivered them who were possessed—
Mark 1:34; Luke 4:41.
5. "Many hearing Him were astonished" at His teaching (Mark 6:2).
6. "As many as received" Him are "born of God" (John 1:12, 13).
7. Gives "eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (John 17:2).
 99. Christ and the Holy Spirit
In Luke 4
Evidences of being "full" of the Holy Spirit are seen in Christ's experience.
1. Led. "Led by the Spirit."
2. Tested. "Tempted of the Devil."
3. Word Used. "It is written."
4. World Refused. "Get thee behind Me Satan."
5. God only Recognized. "Him only shalt thou serve."
6. Victory. "Satan departed."
7. Testimony Borne. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me."
 100. Christ As the Boy of Nazareth
Luke 2:40-52
How many stars shine in the sky of Christ's early days as the Boy of the
humble home of Nazareth.
1. The Growing Child. The Child grew. He was supernatural in His being as
"The Son," but He was perfectly natural in His childhood.
2. The Strong Spirit. "Waxed strong in spirit." The spirit nature in man is
evidenced in his individuality and in his intelligence—1 Cor. 2:11.
3. The Wise Mind. "Filled with wisdom." To be wise is good, but to be filled
with wisdom is better. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge.
4. The Graced Boy. "The grace of God was upon Him."
5. The True Israelite. He went with His parents to Jerusalem to keep the
Passover—41, 42.
6. The Tarrying Lad—43. The reason why He tarried is given by Himself.
He felt He must be about His Father's business—49. The consciousness He
had come into the world to do a definite work was pressing upon Him.
7. The Missed Son—43-45. The parents of Jesus lost Him in one day, and it
took three days to find Him. They supposed He was with them, but
suppositions do not make realities. It takes a longer time to recover our
blessings than it does to lose them.
8. The Central Figure—47. He was found "in the midst" of the doctors,
"hearing them, and asking them questions."
9. The Higher Relationship—49. How startled Mary must have been when
she heard the words: "Wist ye not I must be about My Father's business?"
especially following her statement: "Thy father and I have sought Thee
sorrowing."
 101. Christ Crucified
There are several ways in which the crucifixion of Christ is spoken of.
1. The fact of it. The manner of His death. The fulfillment of Scripture—
John 19:18-24.
2. The place where He was crucified: "Where our Lord was crucified"—Rev.
11:8; Luke 23:33.
3. The sinful act of crucifixion. The word, "to crucify" in Acts 2:23, means to
fix with ill intent and act.
4. The associates of His crucifixion were two thieves—Luke 23:32, 33.
5. The crucifixion of Christ is the theme of the Gospel—1 Cor. 1:23, 24; 2:2;
Gal. 3:1.
6. The subjective power of the Cross is death to self, sin, the flesh, and the
world—Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20; 5:24; 6:14.
7. The grave consequence of apostasy from Christ is to make Him bleed
again—Heb. 6:6.
 102. Christ and the Inness of Things
Christ ever taught the inness of things.
1. To Nicodemus it was inward life—John 3:7.
2. To the woman of Samaria, inward supply—John 4:14.
3. To Saul of Tarsus, inward light—Acts 26:13-19.
4. To the demoniac, inward liberty—Mark 5:15.
5. To the palsied man, inward blessing—Mark 2:5, 9.
6. To Simon the Pharisee, inward love—Luke 7:47.
7. To the Pharisees, inward cleansing—Matt. 23:25, 26. Whitewash is good
for cellars, but it is no good for sinners.
Sinners need to be washed white in the Blood of the Lamb.
 103. Christ Causes the Lame to Walk
Matt. 15:31
How many people are walking by the aid of spiritual crutches. The crutches
of self-help, the crutches of dependence upon others, the crutches of worldly
means, and the crutches of carnal reason. The Lord can make us—
1. "Walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4).
2. To walk "by faith" (2 Cor. 5:7).
3. To walk "in the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16).
4. To walk "in love" (Eph. 5:2).
5. To walk "in wisdom" (Col. 4:5).
6. To walk "in the truth" (3 John 4).
7. To walk "after His commandments" (2 John 6).
 104. Christianity—What Is It?
"Christianize your modern Christianity," so said Joseph Cook, of Boston, on
one occasion. Or, as it has been put in another quarter, "There is a
tremendous lot of Ianity, but very little Christianity." That leads one to ask
the question, "What is Christianity?" There is only one answer—"Christ."
1. Christ in the glory of His Deity—Matt. 16:16.
2. Christ in the glow of His Love—2 Cor. 5:14; Gal. 2:20.
3. Christ in the reality of His Humanity—1 Tim. 2:5.
4. Christ in the sufficiency of His Death—Heb. 9:14, 28.
5. Christ in the indwelling of His Spirit—Eph. 3:17.
6. Christ in the beauty of His Character—Heb. 7:26.
7. Christ in the hope of His Glory—Col. 1:27.
 105. Christ Declared God
"He Hath Declared Him" John 1:18
"Six-years-old tip-toed softly up to the little low crib where one of the world's
very latest hopes was lying throned and swathed in the coverlets that love had
sewn for its coming," writes Collier's Weekly. "Big brother's face was gravely
intent, his eyes bright and shining. He stooped far over and gazed down at
that wrinkled, peevish bit of a face.
"'Now, baby brother,' he whispered into one tiny red ear half hid by the
clustering black hair, 'tell me about God before you forget.' "Before the world
closes in on the new life you have brought to our greying days. Before work
and money and clothes, and what people say, can matter to you. Before these
earthly things have their way, and you lose touch with that eternal mystery
and glory of which you were a part only such a little while ago.
"'Quickly, brother, before you forget!' If only we grown-ups could remember.
There was One once who did."
"There was One who did" tell us about God, and who did not "forget," and
that One was Christ. He did not forget—
1. God's Will, but delighted to do it—Heb. 10:7; Psa. 40:8.
2. God's Word, but made it known—John 17:8.
3. God's Ways, but walked in them—Acts 2:22; 10:38.
4. God's Work, but fulfilled it—John 17:4; 19:30.
5. God's Worth, but revealed it—John 3:16.
 106. "Christ" in Ephesians 5
1. CHRIST—in the sacrifice of His atonement. "Christ... hath given Himself
for us" (v. 2).
2. CHRIST—in the wealth of His Kingdom. "Kingdom of Christ" (v. 5).
3. CHRIST—in the light of His grace. "Christ shall give thee light" (v. 14).
4. CHRIST—in the authority of His headship. "Christ is the Head" (v. 23).
5. CHRIST—in the dominion of His claims. "Church is subject unto Christ"
(v. 24).
6. CHRIST—in the purpose of His love. "Christ also loved the Church" (v.
25).
7. CHRIST—in the care of His attention. "As Christ also the Church" (v. 29,
R.V.).
 107. Christ in Contrast to Pharisees
Christ plainly indicates the outward observances of ceremonies will not
suffice, but the inward life of consecration to God. He says, we must have a
righteousness which exceeds that of a religious Pharisee—Matt. 5:20. If we
contrast the conduct of a Pharisee with the character of Christ's holy
principles, we shall see how much the latter goes beyond the former.
1. The Pharisee thought that the whitewash of religiosity would do—Matt.
23:26, but Christ emphasizes the purity of a clean heart—Matt. 5:8.
2. The Pharisee was satisfied with the inflation of self-righteousness—Luke
18:11, but Christ calls for the denial of self itself—Luke 9:23.
3. The Pharisee measured himself with the rule of self-importance—Matt.
23:6, 7, but Christ gauges everything by the holiness of God—Matt. 7:24.
4. The Pharisee was pugnacious in his hold upon little things of minor
importance, but loose in his obedience to the weighty claims of Jehovah—
Matt. 23:23, but Christ points to the path of loving obedience—John 13:34.
5. The Pharisee was an expert in laying burdens upon others—Matt. 23:4,
but Christ was the Example of lifting burdens from the oppressed—Matt.
11:28.
6. The Pharisee boasted of his earthly relationship to Abraham—Matt. 3:9,
but Christ declares likeness to God in action is of more importance—Matt.
5:44, 45.
7. The Pharisee would not go near the sinners to help them—Matt. 9:11,
but Christ sought to benefit them by His teaching and grace—Luke 15:1.
8. The Pharisee believed in the form of fasting—Matt. 6:16, but Christ
emphasized the needs be of being right with God—Matt. 6:33.
 108. Christ Crucified
"The Power of God" 1 Cor. 1:24
1. Power to reconcile to God—Eph. 2:16.
2. Power to separate from the world—Gal. 6:14.
3. Power to exalt to the highest place—Phil. 2:9.
4. Power to extinguish the flesh—Gal. 5:24.
5. Power to remove the handwriting of ordinances—Col. 2:14.
6. Power to put off the old man with his deeds—Rom. 6:6.
7. Power to ignore sinful self—Gal. 2:20.
8. Power to set forth Christ before others—Gal. 3:1.
 109. Christ in Hebrews
1. He saves to the uttermost—7:25.
2. He lives eternally—7:25.
3. He obtains redemptively—9:12.
4. He appears continually—9:24.
5. He sits permanently—10:12.
6. He pleads incessantly—7:25.
7. He succors effectively—2:18.
 110. Christ in His Humanity
He was—
1. Divine in His origin—Mark 15:39.
2. Faultless in His character—Luke 23:4.
3. Powerful in His actions—Matt. 8:27.
4. Loving in His grace—Luke 15:2.
5. Wonderful in His teaching—John 7:46.
6. Perfect in His offering—Heb. 10:12.
7. Unchanging in His priesthood—Heb. 7:24.
 111. Christ in 1 Peter
1. Resurrection of Christ our Hope—1:3.
2. Appearing of Christ our Reward—1:7.
3. Suffering of Christ our Glory—1:11.
4. Blood of Christ our Redemption—1:19.
5. Sacrifice of Christ our Acceptance—2:5.
6. Footsteps of Christ our Example—2:21.
7. Death and Resurrection of Christ our Pledge—3:18, 22.
8. Suffering of Christ our Joy—4:12, 13.
9. Eternal Glory of Christ our Call—5:10.
 112. Christ Is All
Everything comes easy when we know Christ He is—
1. Oil to the wheels of life—1 John 2:20.
2. Light in the lamp of the heart—John 8:12.
3. Salt in the character of being—Col. 4:6.
4. Power in the machinery of service—Phil. 2:13.
5. Love in the dwelling of home—John 11:5.
6. Food on the table of need—John 6:35.
7. Sweetness in the cup of trial—1 Peter 1:7, 8.
 113. "Christ Is All"
Col. 3:11
He is—
1. Life to the body of truth—Col. 3:16.
2. Light to the realm of thought—Eph. 4:20, 21.
3. Energy to the machinery of work—1 Cor. 1:24.
4. Music to the notes of life—Heb. 2:12.
5. Soul to the sphere of conduct—Gal. 2:20.
6. Love to the heart of affection—2 Cor. 5:14.
7. Grace to the beautifying of character—Eph. 3:8.
"I never was anything till I knew you," said Tom Hood to his wife; and we
are never anything until we know Christ and the Holy Spirit.
 114. Christ, Our Example in Humility
"Let This Mind Be in You" Phil. 2:5
There are many illustrations of Christ's humility.
1. In the manger of His birth—Luke 2:7.
2. In the bedlessness of His life—Luke 9:58.
3. In the dependence upon others—Luke 8:3.
4. In the service to His disciples—John 13:14.
5. In the borrowing of an ass—Matt. 21:2.
6. In the asking for a drink—John 4:7.
7. In the burial in another's grave—Luke 23:53.
He who takes the lowest place on earth will find himself exalted to the
highest place in Heaven.
 115. Christ, Our Example in Obedience
"Obedient Unto Death" Phil. 2:8
His obedience was not to death as a master, but His path of obedience, in the
things He did and suffered, led Him to obedience unto death as a goal—Heb.
5:8; Psa. 40:8. Obedience is the—
1. Proof of Love—John 14:15, 21.
2. Badge of Loyalty—Rom. 16:19.
3. Soul of Liberty—Rom. 6:16.
4. Securer of Blessing—Isa. 1:19.
5. Spirit of Service—Joshua 24:24.
6. Meaning of Worship—Heb. 11:8.
7. Livery of Holiness—1 Peter 1:14.
 116. Christ "Higher Than the Heavens"
The Holy Spirit rings the changes on the word "made" in the Epistle to the
Hebrews, in calling attention to what Christ has been "made."
1. As Man, He is "made a little lower than the angels" (Heb. 2:7).
2. As Kinsman, He is "made like His brethren" (Heb. 2:17).
3. As Sufferer, He is "made perfect" through His sufferings (Heb. 5:9).
4. As High Priest, He is "made an high priest after the order of Melchisedec"
(Heb. 6:20).
5. As Surety, He is "made surety of a better covenant" (Heb. 7:22).
6. As Inheritor, He is "made so much better than the angels" (Heb. 1:4).
7. As Exalted, He is "made higher than the Heavens" (Heb. 7:26).
He took the lowest place when He was made "a little lower than the angels"
in His incarnation (Heb. 2:7); but He has obtained the highest place by His
ascension, for He is made higher than the angels.
The expression, "made higher than the Heavens," at once puts Christ in
contrast to others.
 117. Christ Risen
"He Is Risen" Matt. 28:6
The fact Christ had been in the tomb proclaimed three things: sin's climax,
love's giving, and Christ's accomplishment.
1. Sin's Climax. "He was buried" is the Spirit's affirmation, and is a part of
the Gospel's message (1 Cor. 15:1-4). One of the answers to the question,
"Why did Christ die?" is, He died to give a satisfaction for man's sin. If we
eliminate the fact of sin's presence and penalty, His death has no meaning.
Professor Orr declared: "The whole of Christianity is but a Divine counsel
and provision for repairing the ruin of man's sin." At the Cross sin abounded
to its wicked climax, for there it superabounded beyond anything it had done
before, and yet there, grace did much more abound. One has well said: "The
Cross is God's final treatment of sin, the one compendium work of grace, and
the hinge of human destiny. Apart from sin, the Cross has no meaning. It was
the exhibition of the worst in the heart of man, and the best in the heart of
God."
2. Love's Giving. God delivered Christ up for our offences, and raised Him
on account of our justification—Rom. 4:25.
Our beloved Lord deliberately gave up His life for us. Love alone gave Him
to die for our sin. Love alone enabled Him to give Himself out in death, and
love could not be satisfied with anything else.

"Love saw the need, and all the need has met;
Love gave its best when life so rich He gave;
Love spent its all when for our sins He died;
Love comes in grace, and with His blood doth save."

3. Work Accomplished. Christ not only died, but accomplished what no

other could do in dying. Death did not come to Him in the fulfillment of His
mission; it was the fulfillment of His mission. His death was no accident
(Luke 23:46, R.V.). His star of destiny was His death on Calvary. Dr. Denny
says of Christ's death: "It is in this the atonement lies. Christ finished it. He
finished it alone. No one can do it after Him. No one needs to do it." Happy
are we if we know our individual interest in Christ's death, and can say with
the old Scottish woman, who was asked about her soul's salvation, "The
Father and the Lord Jesus settled the matter of my salvation between them,
and I got the benefit."
 118. Christ, Our Power
1. The power of His resurrection to raise us above an earthly and selfish life
—Phil. 3:10.
2. The power of His grace to strengthen in trial—2 Cor. 12:9.
3. The power of His Spirit to make Himself a reality to us—Eph. 3:16, 17.
4. The power of His preservation to keep to His heavenly inheritance—1
Peter 1:4.
5. The power of His love to bestow all things which pertain to life and
godliness—2 Peter 1:3.
6. The power of His ministry to operate through us—Acts 1:8; 3:12; 4:3.
7. The power of His strength to enable us to be faithful—2 Tim. 1:12, R.V.,
margin.
 119. Christ, Our Ransom
"Who Gave Himself a Ransom for All" 1 Tim. 2:6
The word antilutron, in the above passage of Scripture, means a procuring
price paid instead of others.
Frequently we are reminded Christ gave Himself to meet our liabilities. His
ransom was a—
1. Sin-answering Ransom. "Gave Himself for our sins" (Gal. 1:4).
2. God-man Ransom. "Who gave Himself a Ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:6).
3. Sinner-answering Ransom. "Gave Himself for us, that He might redeem
us from all iniquity" (Titus 2:14).
4. Love-provided Ransom. "He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16).
5. Life-substituted Ransom. "Give His life a ransom for many" (Matt.
20:28).
6. Grace-given Ransom. "Bread that I will give is My flesh" (John 6:51).
7. Grateful-remembered Ransom. "This is My Body given for you: this do
in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).
 120. Christ, Our Substitute
In Isaiah 53
1. He was a Bearing Substitute, for "He hath borne our griefs" (v. 4).
2. He was a Crushed Substitute, for He was "wounded," "bruised," and
chastised (v. 5).
3. He was a God-punished Substitute, for Jehovah "laid on Him the iniquity
of us all" (v. 6).
4. He was a Silent Substitute, for "He opened not His mouth" (v. 7).
5. He was a Sinner's Substitute, for "He was numbered with transgressors"
(v. 12).
6. He was a Sin-made Substitute, for He was made "an offering for sin" (v.
10).
7. He will be a Rewarded Substitute, for "He shall see of the travail of His
soul and be satisfied" (v. 11).
 121. Christ's Agony in Gethsemane
1. "Began to be sorrowful" (Matt. 26:37). Like an on-coming storm which
causes the barometer to fall, so the conflict through which Christ was about
to pass caused Him to be weighted with sorrow.
2. "Began to be sore amazed" (Mark 14:33). "Sore amazed" is rendered
"greatly amazed" (Mark 9:15) and "affrighted" (Mark 16:5, 6). As an
apparition will cause the observer to be frightened, so as Christ looked into
the cup He was about to drink it startled Him with the awfulness of its
ingredients.
3. "To be very heavy" (Mark 14:33). The word is given in Phil. 2:26, "full
of heaviness." As the liquid cement hardening in a vase filled with it will
cause it to be weighted beyond intention, so Christ was made heavy with the
weight of sin, as He contemplated the punishment it deserved.
4. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death" (Mark 14:34). He was not
only "sorrowful," but "exceedingly" so; that is, He was completely
surrounded with grief, even as a tropical plant might be by a blasting frost,
and His sorrow was "unto death." Some would tell us Christ was afraid He
would die before He reached the Cross, but He said He would die and rise
again—see Matt. 20:17-20; John 10:17, 18. "Unto" means "until," and, as
Bullinger points out, means "marking the continuance of an action up to the
time of another action."
5. "Being in an agony" (Luke 22:44). The word "agony" is rendered
"conflict" in Colossians 2:1. How His holy soul was torn as He entered into
"the hour" of the nearing Cross—Mark 14:35, 41, as he looked into the cup
He was about to drink, as He felt the powers of darkness by which He was
surrounded, and as He beheld the death for sin He was about to die; no
wonder He "sweat great drops of blood."
The practical lesson for us is, like Christ, to glory in the will of God, for His
will is our highest good.
 122. "Christ's"
1. Christ's Possession. "Ye are Christ's" (1 Cor. 3:23).
2. Christ's Gospel. "Preach Christ's Gospel" (2 Cor. 2:12).
3. Christ's Property. "If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's... as he is
Christ's, even so we are Christ's" (2 Cor. 10:7).
4. Christ's Bestowment. "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and
heirs according to the promise" (Gal. 3:29).
5. Christ's Claim. "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts" (Gal. 5:24).
6. Christ's Liberty. "He that is called, being free, is Christ's servant" (1 Cor.
7:22).
7. Christ's Coming. "They that are Christ's at His Coming" (1 Cor. 15:23).
 123. Christ's Ability
"He Is Able" Eph. 3:20
Responsibility is man's response to God's ability.
1. He is able to save to the uttermost, for He lives to do it, therefore rest in
Him and be glad—Heb. 7:25.
2. He is able to make all grace to abound towards us, therefore be satisfied
with Him, and be thankful—2 Cor. 9:8-11.
3. He is able to give us the victory when tempted, therefore take Him as
Victor, and be an overcomer—1 Cor. 10:13.
4. He is able to keep us from falling, therefore lean upon Him and be upheld
—Jude 24.
5. He is able to shield us from harm, therefore abide in Him, and be at rest
—Psa. 121:3-8.
6. He is able to make us active, therefore let Him work effectively through
us, and be useful—2 Tim. 1:12, R.V., margin.
7. He is able to keep us always, therefore let Him tend us, and be fresh and
sweet—Isa. 27:2, 3.
 124. Christ's Atonement and Advent
This double truth of atonement and advent might be multiplied. The
following brief outline will emphasize:
1. Christ's sufferings and glory is the theme of the Scriptures "The
prophets... prophesied... of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should
follow" (1 Peter 1:10, 11).
2. Christ's suffering and glory was the topic of Christ's conversation with
the two disciples, as He journeyed with them to Emmaus—Luke 24:26.
3. "Till He come," we observe the memorial feast which proclaims His
death—1 Cor. 11:26.
4. The assurance of the resurrection of our loved ones who have fallen
asleep, and the quickening of the living ones, is based on "Christ died"—1
Thess. 4:14.
5. "Who died for us," are the Spirit's words as He declares the ground why
we are appointed (placed in) to the salvation of the future—1 Thess. 5:9, 10.
6. The Church will be set before the Lord without a spot or wrinkle, or any
such thing, because He loved her and gave Himself for her—Eph. 5:25.
7. We are exhorted to be looking for that Blessed Hope, and the appearing
of the glory of the great God and Savior, who gave Himself for us—Titus
2:13.
The cords of God's love bind us to the altar of Christ's sacrifice, and its flame
fuses us into God's nature; and the glory of Christ's Coming attracts us to the
Heaven of His holiness. Since the Lord has such a claim upon us, and we
have been called to such a glory, what manner of persons ought we to be?
With such a past of His passion, and with such a prospect of His glory, we
cannot, if we know Him, be anything else than wholly devoted to Him.
 125. Christ's Attractability
All sorts of people were attracted to Christ by the magnetism of His
fascinating personality.
1. Mothers brought their children to Him—Mark 10:13, 14.
2. Children were attracted to Him—Matt. 19:13, 14.
3. Sinners came to Him—Luke 15:1.
4. Men followed Him—Luke 5:11, 28.
5. Mary loved Him—John 12:3.
6. The soldiers were charmed by Him—John 7:46.
7. The centurion confessed Him—Luke 23:47.
8. The people wondered at Him—Matt. 15:31.
9. Pilate was astonished at Him—John 18:33-38.
10. The Samaritan praised Him—Luke 17:15, 16.
11. The shepherds worshipped Him—Matt. 2:11.
12. Martha served Him—Luke 10:38.
13. The released demoniac wanted to be with Him—Mark 5:18.
14. The people gathered unto Him—Mark 5:21.
 126. Christ's Authority
The Greek word exousia is rendered "power," "authority," "liberty," "right,"
and "jurisdiction."
1. Authority to lay down His life—John 10:18, 19.
2. Authority to forgive sins—Matt. 9:6. 8.
3. Authority over demons—Mark 1:27.
4. Authority over sickness—Mark 3:15.
5. Authority to judge—John 5:27.
6. Authority over all men—John 17:2.
7. Authority in Heaven and earth—Matt. 28:18.
 127. Christ's Blood
We may know more perfectly what the precious Blood of Christ has done for
us when we call to mind the following seven things—
1. It averts the judgment of God against sin, as the blood of the paschal lamb
did on the night of the Passover—Exod. 12:13; 1 Cor. 5:7.
2. It converts the one who believes in the Substitute, even as the blood of
cleansing changed the position and condition of the cleansed leper—Lev.
14:14; Rev. 1:5.
3. It inverts the position we once occupied to the world, for instead of being
in it, we are now separated from it, even as God said to Pharaoh of Israel: "I
will put a redemption (margin) between thy people and My people" (Exod
8:23).
4. The Blood of Christ inserts us in a new place, even as the blood of the
covenant enabled Moses and the seventy elders to draw nigh and see the God
of Israel—Exod. 24:5-10.
5. It asserts that the blessing of pardon—Eph. 1:7; peace—Col. 1:20; power
—Rev. 12:11; purity—1 John 1:7; and paradise are secured in Him—Rev.
7:14.
6. The Blood of Christ exerts a powerful influence in its practical bearing, for
it kills sin—Rom. 6:1-15; slays self—2 Cor. 5:15; and overcomes pride—
Phil. 2:5-8.
7. And the Blood of Christ subverts the powers of Hell, which have been
conquered by His death; even as when the sacrificial lamb was offered by
Samuel, and the Lord discomfited the Philistines in consequence—1 Sam.
7:9, 10; Heb. 2:14; Col. 1:14.
 128. Christ "Saw"
How frequent we read of Christ seeing and appreciating. Take what we find
in Luke's Gospel—
1. "He saw" the faith of the four men and healed their friend—5:20.
2. He saw Matthew, and called him to higher service—5:27.
3. He saw the bound woman and released her—13:12.
4. He saw the lepers and cleansed them—17:14.
5. He saw Zacchaeus and saved him—19:5.
6. He saw the widow casting in her two mites and commended her—21:2.
7. He also revealed the fact the Father saw the prodigal in his need and met
it—15:20.
 129. Christ's Character
Hebrews 7:26
1. "Holy" in His nature—Luke 1:35.
2. "Harmless" in His actions—Acts 10:38.
3. "Undefiled" in His life—1 John 3:5.
4. "Separate" in His service—John 17:19.
5. "Meek" in Spirit—Matt. 11:29.
6. "Humble" in heart—Phil. 2:5.
7. "Devout" in purpose—Heb. 5:7-9, R.V.
 130. Christ's Body of Glory
"We Shall Be Like Him" 1 John 3:2
One of the things which He will give to His own, when He comes as the
Savior, is a body of glory. He will fashion anew the body which has been
humiliated by sin, and make it like to His body of glory—Phil. 3:20, 21.
What is His body of glory like? We have a description given to us in
Revelation 1. We recognize Christ is alone in the absoluteness of His Deity;
but His glory as revealed to John is that of the Son of Man, and therefore
there will be a similarity between Him and us, when it is said we shall be
"like Him."
1. "Like Him" in the Glory of His Immortality. "I am He that liveth, and am
alive for evermore." He could not die again, for He lives in the power of an
indissoluble life—Heb. 7:16, R.V. Immortality is more than deathlessness, it
is a state of holiness and bliss in a glorified body from which we can never
fall.
2. "Like Him" in the Purity of His Spotlessness. His, head and His hair are
said to be as white as snow. Being as white as snow is always a symbolical
expression of purity—Psa. 51:7. As the sunlight which shines into a muddy
pool cannot be contaminated by its contact with it, so, being like Him in the
holiness of His nature, we shall be incapable of contamination.
3. "Like Him" in the Eyes of His Penetration. His eyes are as a flame of
fire. What we shall see we cannot tell, but we shall have the capacity to see
into the heart of things, which we do not now possess.
4. "Like Him" in the Feet of His Capacity for Endurance. His feet are said
to be like unto "fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace." Brass is an
enduring metal, and is therefore typical of that which endures; and the
burning in a furnace suggests intensity of purpose. "He maketh His angels as
a flame of fire." Being like Him, we shall have the capacity to endure in His
service without tiredness, and to glow with intense love as we are on His
business.
5. "Like Him" in His Voice of Power. His voice is said to be as "the sound of
many waters." Some conception of what is meant may be gathered from the
flow of many waters that tumble over Niagara, and the generating force of its
onrush. The thought is the inherent quality which is able to produce effects.
6. "Like Him" in the Right Hand of His Administrative Ability. The seven
stars are seen in His right hand, which represent the messengers of the seven
Churches. Christ Himself hints that some of His glorified ones will have rule
over His hemisphere—Luke 19:17, 19; Matt. 25:21.
7. "Like Him" in the Effectiveness of His Ministry. "Out of His mouth went
a sharp two-edged sword." The two-edged sword is identified with the power
of His Word—Heb 4:12, and with His ability to smite the nations—Rev.
19:15. Here again it indicates an inherent quality which breaks down all
opposition in carrying out the will of God.
8. "Like Him" in the Glory of His Personality. His countenance is said to be
as the sun shineth in his strength. There are many things suggested by the sun
shining as described, such as light, heat, color, and healing; but perhaps the
main thing is that of luminosity. The Lord is said to clothe Himself as with
light, and it may suggest that which our first parents lost by sin—namely, that
they were clothed with light as with a garment, and their transgression robbed
them of this, and, therefore our glorified body will have a luminosity which
will be dazzling in its appearance and wonderful in its glory. Human
language cannot describe what the glorified body of the believer will be like,
and, therefore, we must summarize it as the Spirit of God does, "His Name
shall be in their foreheads," for name stands for nature. He will look upon us
and see Himself.
 131. Christ's Coming
The words "therefore" and "wherefore" in connection with Christ's Coming,
give us reasons for our attitude in relation to His return.
1. The "therefore" of "watch." Because of those who are "perverse," and that
the Lord may reward us, be on the alert against the evil, and alive to the
future "inheritance"—Acts 20:31, 32.
2. The "wherefore" of acceptability. "Wherefore" we labour, or "make it our
aim," that we may be "well-pleasing" to the Lord when we stand before His
judgment seat—2 Cor. 5:9, 10, R.V.
3. The "wherefore" of "comfort" and edification. Because we are going to
"live with" Christ, we are to be mutually interested in each other's welfare—1
Thess. 5:11.
4. The "wherefore" of "grace." Because of the grace that we are to
experience at the revelation of our Lord, we are to gird up the loins of our
mind, set the hope perfectly, and be sober (1 Peter 1:13).
5. The "wherefore" of calling. If we make our calling sure by adding to our
faith what the Lord enjoins, He will add to us an abundant entrance into the
everlasting Kingdom at His return—2 Peter 1:10, 11.
6. The "wherefore" of remembrance. We are apt to forget "these things"
which relate to our present duty, and future glory of His Kingdom—2 Peter
1:12-19.
7. The "wherefore" of blamelessness. The righteous character of the new
Heavens and the new earth should exercise such an influence upon us, that
we should be like them in character—2 Peter 3:14.
 132. Christ's Coming
Blessedness for Those Who Are Found Watching
In the parable of the lord returning from the wedding, Christ enforces and
emphasizes the Coming of Himself—Luke 12:35-48. The distinctiveness of
our Lord's return is declared no less than nine times in connection with the
words: "He cometh," "will come," "come," "The Son of Man cometh," and
"He shall come." In relation to the last, our Lord declares that when "He shall
come" and find His servants waiting and watching, those servants are
"blessed." They shall be "blessed" in many ways—
1. They shall be "blessed" with His approval, because they will be ready to
"open unto Him immediately," when "He cometh and knocketh" (v. 36).
2. They shall be "blessed" with His service, for, finding them watching, "He
will come forth and serve them" (v. 37).
3. They shall be "blessed" in not suffering loss, for Christ implies in the
parabolical language used, the man who does not watch against "the thief"
finds his house "broken through"—v. 39, 40.
4. They shall be "blessed" for faithful and wise stewardship in being
appointed rulers over the Lord's household, and in ministering to others—v.
42-44.
The fact that those who are found watching shall be "blessed" implies that
those who are not so found, will suffer loss and disapproval; yea, more, those
servants will be "beaten with many stripes," who knew their Lord's will and
did not "prepare" themselves; and also those who did not know their Lord's
will, receive few stripes; and yet again, those who professed to be His
servants, and presumed upon their position, will be "cut" off—v. 45-48.
 133. Christ's Coming
A Presbyterian minister said to the writer: "I was never taught anything about
the Coming of the Lord when I was in the theological college." Then he
asked me about the best book on the theme, and I immediately replied, "The
New Testament." No one can read through that Book without being
convinced of the following—
1. That Christ is personally Coming back again, as He promised—John
14:1-3.
2. That His Coming is pre-Millennial, that is, before the Kingdom of
righteousness can be ushered in, the King must return—Luke 19:12.
3. That He has committed to His servants the pound of the Gospel, with
which they are to trade until His return—Luke 19:13, 14, R.V.
4. That the Lord's purpose in this dispensation is not to convert the world, but
to gather out a people for His Name—Acts 15:13-18.
5. That evil will abound and increase under the rule of man, and the god of
this world—2 Tim. 3:1-9.
6. That Christ will Come for His people and remove them from the world,
and raise the blessed dead, before He comes with them in judgment—1
Thess. 4:13-18.
7. That Christ will destroy the Man of Sin by His personal appearing, and
overthrow all the forces of evil—2 Thess. 2:8.
 134. Christ's Coming and Our Responsibility
Luke 12:35-48
1. Announcement of His Coming. "When He cometh" (v. 36).
2. Watching for His Coming. "Shall find watching" (v. 37).
3. Reward of His Coming. "Will come forth and serve them" (v. 37).
4. Blessedness of His Coming. "Blessed are those servants" (v. 38).
5. Loss, if not ready for His Coming—v. 39.
6. Command about His Coming. "Be ye therefore ready" (v. 40).
7. Faithfulness and reward re His Coming—v. 42-44.
8. Effect of not expecting His Coming—v. 45.
9. Judgment upon those who are not ready for His Coming—v. 46-48.
 135. Christ's "Coming Forths"
1. Prediction. "There shall come forth a rod out of Jesse" (Isa. 11:1).
2. Incarnation. "I came forth from the Father" (John 16:28).
3. Humiliation. "Came Jesus forth wearing the crown of thorns" (John 19:5).
4. Crucifixion. "Bearing His Cross went forth" to "Golgotha, where they
crucified Him" (John 19:17, 18).
5. Revelation. "Come forth" (Lev. 16:24; cf. Heb. 9:28).
6. Compensation. "Will come forth and serve them" (Luke 12:37).
7. Opposition. "Jehovah shall go forth as a mighty man... He shall prevail
against His enemies" (Isa. 42:13).
 136. Christ's Conquests in the Book of the Revelation
The one predominating thought in the Book of the Revelation is, the Lamb, in
all the livingness of His death, puts down His foes, and reigns over His
enemies. The wounded One of Calvary is the Warrior conquering His
enemies. The Book of the unveiling is the revelation that—
1. God's Little Lamb shall conquer the red dragon of Hell—12:9-13.
2. He will put down the seven-headed and ten-horned beast of a revived
Roman Empire—17:12-14.
3. He will blast the false prophet of Antichrist, by the brightness of His
Coming—19:20.
4. He will cause the corrupt woman of Christendom to be slaughtered by
the confederates—17:15-18.
5. He will wipe out the sin-riddled and demon-possessed City of Babylon—
18:16-24.
6. He will break the nations who oppose Him with the rod of His power—
19:11-15.
7. He will remove all who stand in the way of His sway as He merges the
kingdoms of the world to crown Him King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Lamb that was slain is the Conqueror. He was once trodden in the
winepress because of man's sin, and because of this He shall conquer His
enemies as He treads them down in the fierceness of God's wrath—19:16-18.
 137. Christ's Coming Introduces The millennium
There are many portions of Scripture which foretell what will take place
when Christ returns, but we concentrate upon what the Lord will do in
connection with two phrases which occur several times in the prophecy of
Isaiah, namely, "the Lord shall Come" or "will Come." The expression is
connected with two thoughts, the overthrow of His enemies, and the
inauguration of the Millennium. As the Lord of Hosts, He will come to fight
for Mount Zion and to defend His people—Isa. 31:4, 5. He will not only
defend Jerusalem, but He will pass all over it, as a mother bird hides her
young under her wings to protect them.
1. As the Bringer of Blessings, He says He will come and save, and there are
many blessings which shall ensue as a result of His Coming. See the twenty
"shalls" in Isaiah 35:4-10, R.V.
2. As the Mighty One, He will come to rule His flock like a shepherd—Isa.
40:10, 11. The eastern sheik was the one that not only tended his flock, but
ruled his own household. When our Lord comes His arm shall rule, and He
shall feed His flock like a shepherd.
3. As the Redeemer, He will come to Zion to turn away ungodliness from
Jacob—Isa. 59:20. Birks renders "come to Zion," "for the sake of Zion," or
"out of Zion," as in Romans 11:26. The Hebrew is "for" in the sense "on
behalf of." The thought undoubtedly is, He comes to give deliverance from
transgression and ungodliness.
4. As the Avenger, the Lord will come with fire to overthrow the enemies of
His people and to plead with all flesh; and following this, He brings in the
new Heavens and the new earth, and He shall cause the children of Israel to
be brought by the nations as an offering unto the Lord, and all flesh shall
worship Him—Isa. 66:15-23.
 138. Christ's Cure
It is said of the impotent man he was "cured," "made whole," "healed," "took
up his bed and walked" (John 5:9, 10, 13, 14).
1. When we are "cured" from the disease of sin—Psa. 103:3.
2. "Made whole" from the effects of sin—1 Cor. 6:11.
3. Healed to health in the Lord—1 Peter 2:24.
4. Master that which once mastered us—Phil. 3:7, 8.
5. Walk in the ways of the Lord—Mal. 2:6, then we evidence Christ has
blest us indeed.
 139. Christ's Commendations
He commended—
1. The unjust steward for providing for the future—Luke 16:8.
2. The widow, for bountifulness in giving—Luke 21:3.
3. The woman, for her importunate pleading—Luke 18:3-7.
4. The Syrophenician woman, for her largeness of faith—Matt. 15:28.
5. The Samaritan leper, for his grateful thanks—Luke 17:18.
6. The Apostle Peter, for his confession of faith—Matt. 16:17.
7. Mary of Bethany, for sitting at His feet—Luke 10:42.
8. The Good Samaritan, for his unselfish kindness—Luke 10:36.
9. He also reminds us that ministry to His brethren—Matt. 25:40, down even
to a cup of cold water, will not miss its reward—Mark 9:41.
 140. Christ's Death—Eight Questions
1. For whom did Christ die? Christ is said to have died for "sinners" and for
the "ungodly," and that God's "enemies" are reconciled to Him by the death
of His Son—Rom. 5:6, 8, 10.
2. For what did He die? "Our sins." "He died for our sins according to the
Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3).
3. Why did Christ come into the world? To "put away sin by the sacrifice
of Himself" (Heb. 9:26). "He was manifested to take away our sins" (1 John
3:5).
4. Did God have anything to do with that death for sin? He made "His
soul an offering for sin" (Isa. 53:10). "He made Him to be sin for us" (2 Cor.
5:21). "God sending His Son... by a sacrifice for sin, condemned sin in the
flesh" (Rom. 8:3, margin).
5. Did Christ die willingly? "He gave Himself for our sins" (Gal. 1:4).
6. What did He do with our sins? "Bare the sins of many" (Isa. 53:12).
"Offered to bear the sins of many" (Heb. 9:28).
7. Where did He bear our sins? "In His own body on the tree" (1 Peter
2:24).
8. Is it necessary for Him to repeat the act? "Christ died (R.V., margin) for
sins once" (1 Peter 3:18). Offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all—
Heb. 10:12.
 141. Christ's Compassion
Luke 7:13
Compassion reveals the tenderness of the heart of Christ and the power
human grief has over Him. "Compassion" means to be intensely moved. The
word is often rendered "moved with compassion." There are seven instances
where we find He was "moved with compassion"—
1. When He saw the scattered multitude—Matt. 9:36.
2. When He saw the multitude of sick—Matt. 14:14.
3. When He beheld the hungry crowd—Matt. 15:32.
4. When He met the blind men—Matt. 20:34.
5. When He was appealed to by the leper—Mark 1:41.
6. When He pictured His life's ministry in the act of the Good Samaritan and
in the parable of the Prodigal Son—Luke 10:33; 15:20.
7. When He saw the widow's grief.—Luke 7:13. He is still the same.
 142. Christ's Death
We do well to remember Him who died on our account, for that death is—
1. The basis of faith's confidence—Rom. 4:25.
2. The spring of love's service—2 Cor. 5:14.
3. The window of hope's expectation—1 Thess. 4:14.
4. The joy of reconciliation's blessing—Rom. 5:11.
5. The motive of affection's regard—1 John 3:16.
6. The soul of the believer's praise—Rev. 1:5.
7. The theme of the Gospel's witness—1 Cor. 15:3, 4.
 143. Christ's Death Foretold and Explained
1. Predicted He would die—Isa. 53:5.
2. The manner of His death was foretold—Psa. 22:16.
3. He said He would die—John 10:18.
4. He showed the love of God in dying—Rom. 5:8.
5. He died for our sins—Gal. 1:4.
6. He died to destroy the Devil's works—1 John 3:8.
7. He died that we might live to Him—2 Cor. 5:14, 15.
The determination of His will is seen in His "flint" face of purpose—Isa. 1. 7,
and in that He set His face to go to Jerusalem—Luke 9:51, 53, and He was
not satisfied till He could say "accomplished." The word rendered in John
19:30, "It is finished," would be better given "accomplished."
 144. Christ's Death
1. His star of destiny was His death on Calvary—Heb. 9:26.
2. His death was no accident, but a deliberate purpose—John 10:18.
3. His death was a goal, a terminus—Phil. 2:8.
4. His death was an accomplishment, a work done for us—Rom. 6:10.
5. His death was essential, a necessity to meet a need—John 3:14, 15.
6. His death was a smiting of the Rock, that the living waters might flow—
John 7:37-39.
7. His death is the gate of life, which leads to the plains of glory—1 Thess.
5:9, 10.
8. His death is a mould to shape and make us—Rom. 6:17, margin.
 145. Christ's Death
The death of Christ is the fact of the Gospel, and in that fact is the factor of
all blessing. His death was—
1. Unjustified in Cause. "Wicked hands crucified" (Acts 2:23).
2. Unique in Fulfillment. "Saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which He
spake, signifying what death He should die" (John 18:32).
3. Unparalleled in Experience. "He, by the grace of God should taste death
for every man" (Heb. 2:9).
4. Substitutionary in Fact. "He suffered the Just for the unjust" (1 Peter
3:18).
5. Reconciling in Effect. "Reconciled to God through the death of His Son"
(Rom. 5:10).
6. Separating in Influence. "Baptized into His death... Dead unto sin" (Rom.
6:3, 11).
7. Conforming in Power. "Being conformed to His death" (Phil. 3:10).
 146. Christ's Death in Its Depths
Who can sound the depths of Christ's death?
1. Think of the sufferings of His death. "He endured the Cross"—Heb. 12:2.
2. Muse upon the reality of His death. He tasted death—Heb. 2:9.
3. Ponder the necessity of His death. He was made sin for us—2 Cor. 5:21.
4. Meditate upon the love of His death. He willingly gave Himself for us—
Gal. 2:20.
5. Call to mind the character of His death. He was made a curse for us—Gal.
3:13.
6. Remember the benefits of His death. He emptied out His life in atonement,
that He might empty into our lap the very fullness of God—2 Cor. 8:9.
7. And then don't forget the grand purpose of His death. It was that He might
bring us to God—1 Peter 3:18.
 147. Christ's Death—Seven Facts
1. Effective in Blessing. "By means of death... they which are called might
receive the promise of eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).
2. Victorious in Outcome. "By means of "death He might annul him that had
authority over death" (Heb. 2:14).
3. Acknowledged in Resurrection. "Save Him from ("ἐκ," out of) death"
(Heb. 5:7).
4. Honored in Place. "Because of (dia, with accusative means "because of")
the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor" (Heb. 2:9).
5. Glorious in Purpose. "Through death to present you holy and
unblameable and unreproveable before Him" (Col. 1:22).
6. Exemplary in Pattern. "Let this mind be in you... obedient unto death"
(Phil. 2:5, 8).
7. Remembered in Love. "Ye do shew the Lord's death until He come" (1
Cor. 11:26).
 148. Christ's Face
1. A Glorious Face in Transfiguration—Matt. 17:2.
2. An Agonized Face in Supplication—Matt. 26:39.
3. An Insulted Face in Persecution—Matt. 26:67; Isa. 1. 6.
4. A Covered Face in Derision—Mark 14:65.
5. A Steadfast Face in Determination—Luke 9:51.
6. A Set Face in Destination—Luke 9:53; Isa. 1. 7.
7. A Struck Face in Opposition—Luke 22:64.
8. A Marred Face in Substitution—Isa. 52:14.
9. An Illuminating Face in Ministration—2 Cor. 4:6.
10. A Revealed Face in Reproduction—Rev. 22:4.
 149. Christ's Death in John 12:21-33
1. Christ's death in the "hour" of its occasion—v. 23, 27. There was no
accident in connection with Christ's death.
2. Christ's death in the principle of its act. He lost His life as the corn of
wheat loses its first root—v. 24, 25.
3. Christ's death in the intensity of its reality. His soul was troubled. He
knew what was before Him—v. 27, R.V., margin.
4. Christ's death in the Father's appreciation. The Father had glorified
Christ at His baptism and transfiguration, and promises to do it again—v. 28.
5. Christ's death in the conquest of His victory. The Cross proclaims the
judgment of the world, and its conquest over Satan—v. 31.
6. Christ's death, and the life into which it leads—v. 25, 26.
 150. Christ's Death, Blood, and Suffering
In 1 Peter
1. "Sanctification... unto obedience and the sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus
Christ" (1:2).
2. Revelation in the Scriptures of Christ's sufferings and glory—1:10-12.
3. Redemption from an empty manner of life by "the precious Blood of
Christ" (1:18, 19, R.V.).
4. Identification with Christ in suffering, although we are right and thus
following in His steps—2:20-23.
5. Substitution for us, for He "bore our sins in His own body on the tree"
(2:24; 3:18).
6. Separation from sin, for He died for our sins, that we should be "dead" to
them—2:24; 4:1, 2.
7. Partnership with Christ in His sufferings, in enduring trial and
persecution—4:12-16.
 151. Christ's Five "Mys"
In John 10
1. "My Life" (v. 15, 17), laid down and taken again.
2. "My Voice" (v. 16), heard by the sheep and heeded.
3. "My Sheep" (v. 27), loved, kept, known, purchased, led; and the sheep
hearing and following.
4. "My Hand" (v. 28), holding and held.
5. "My Father" (v. 17), loving (v. 17), directing (v. 18), witnessing (v. 25),
giving (v. 29), holding (v. 29), revealing (v. 32), and proving (v. 37).
 152. Christ's Fascination
What Christ was to the Apostle Paul is seen in Philippians 3, in the relative
expressions that are found in connection with the names of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
1. The Sphere of Joy. "Rejoice in the Lord" (v. 1).
2. The Object of Glory. "Glory in Christ Jesus" (v. 3, R.V.).
3. The Supreme Attraction. "Counted loss for Christ" (v. 7).
4. The Super-Knowledge. "The knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (v. 8).
5. The Greatest Gain. "That I may win Christ" (v. 8).
6. The Perfect Righteousness. "Righteousness... through the faith of Christ"
(v. 9).
7. The Desired Attainment. "That I may apprehend that which also I am
apprehended of Christ Jesus" (v. 12).
8. The Highest Prize. "The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
(v. 14).
9. The Wonderful Outlook. "We look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ"
(v. 20).
 153. Christ's Faultlessness
Pilate and the believing thief both confessed there was "no fault" in Him, and
that He had done "nothing amiss" (Luke 23:14, 41). The word "amiss" is
rendered "harm" (Acts 28:6), and "unreasonable" (2 Thess. 3:2), in the two
other places where "atopon" occurs. There was nothing unreasonable in
Christ's teaching, there was no harm in His actions, and not anything amiss in
His character.
1. He did no sin—1 Peter 2:22.
2. In Him was no sin—1 John 3:5.
3. He knew no sin—2 Cor. 5:21.
4. He was holy, harmless, and undefiled, and separate from every vile
association—Heb. 7:26.
The greatest character that ever lived died the most shameful and undeserved
death that was ever experienced.
 154. Christ's Fivefold Glory
Isaiah 9:6
One of the names of Christ is: "Wonderful—Counselor—The Mighty God—
The Everlasting Father—The Prince of Peace." "His Name," not His names,
is thus expressed. Christ exemplified every one of the five sections of "His
Name" in His life. 1. He was the "Wonderful" in the perfection of His holy
life—Heb. 7:26.
2. He was the "Counselor" in the life-giving and light-imparting words of
His love—John 6:63.
3. He was "The Mighty God" in the wonder-working of His miracles—Acts
10:38.
4. He was "The Everlasting Father" in the Revelation He made and was of
the Father—John 14:7.
5. He was "The Prince of Peace" in the peace He made by the Blood of His
Cross, in what He is; and He will be the Prince of Peace when He comes to
set up His Kingdom, for then, and not till then, "Of the increase of His
government and peace there shall be no end" (Isa. 9:7).
 155. Christ's Goal
Christ unfolds that the purpose of His first advent was His atoning death at
Calvary. This may be fully apprehended if we connect, what Luke alone
brings out, the references to Jerusalem.
1. "His Decease, which He should accomplish at Jerusalem" (9:31).
2. "Steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" (9:51).
3. "His face was as though He would go to Jerusalem" (9:53).
4. "Teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem" (13:22).
5. "It cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem" (13:33).
6. "It came to pass as He went to Jerusalem" (17:11).
7. "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem" (18:31).
8. "He was nigh to Jerusalem" (19:11).
9. "He went before, ascending up to Jerusalem" (19:28). There are no less
than thirty-two references to Jerusalem in Luke's Gospel, and nearly all of
those mentioned, from the transfiguration scene to the accomplishment of His
sacrificial atonement on Calvary, have their focus-point in His death.
 156. Christ's Headship
1. "Head of The Corner" of God's Building—Acts 4:11.
2. "Head of every man is Christ." Head of humanity—1 Cor. 11:3.
3. "Head of the Church" (Eph. 5:23).
4. "Head of all Principality and Power" (Col. 2:10).
5. "Head of Administration"—Eph. 4:15.
6. "Head of Christ is God" (1 Cor. 11:3).
7. "Head over all things" (Eph. 1:22).
 157. Christ's Hour
Again and again we have a specified time stated in the hour of His destiny to
die.
1. Destined Hour in the time of God's eternal purpose; hence, He was the
Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world—1 Peter. 1:19, 20.
2. Determined Hour of Scripture's prediction, as prophesied through Daniel
—Dan. 9:25, 26.
3. Divine Hour of God's atonement as typified in the day of atonement—
Lev. 16:29-34.
4. Defined Hour of sin's climax, for it was in the end of the ages, He
appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself—Heb. 9:26.
5. Demonstrated Hour of God's love, for it was in "due time" (the appointed
time) God commended His love towards us—Rom. 5:8, 9.
6. Distinct Hour of the appearance of God's grace in bringing salvation—
Titus 2:11.
7. Distinguished Hour of time and eternity, of which Christ declared, "The
hour is come "—John 12:23.
 158. Christ's "I Give's" in John
The Greek word didomi, coupled with the personal pronoun "I" in the
following passages in John's Gospel, is rendered "will give," "have given,"
and "shall give." The word means to give freely, ungrudgingly, and unforced.
1. The Living Water. "The water that I shall give" (4:14). Living, leaping,
loving, lifting, lasting, fructifying, and satisfying is this water.
2. The Satisfying Bread. "Bread that I will give" (6:51). Bruised in death,
beneficent in feeding, real in substance, and holy in character is this bread.
3. The Eternal Life. "I give unto them eternal life" (10:28). The life is the
nature of Him who is Love, and must be eternal in duration.
4. The Worthy Example. "I have given you an example" (13:15). He is the
Pattern for our imitation and the Power to imitate the Pattern.
5. The New Commandment. "A new commandment I give" (13:34). Grace
lifts to higher ground than law, and enjoins greater responsibility.
6. The "My Peace." "My peace I give unto you" (14:27).
The peace He leaves is the legacy of the dying man, the peace He gives is the
gift of the Living Lord.
7. The "Given Words." "I have given unto them the words... Thy Word"
(17:14). The words give in detail what is found in the Word. The Word is
love's revelation, faith's foundation, hope's life, the servant's authority, the
saint's sanctifier, the pilgrim's cordial, the Lord's promise, and the believer's
rule.
8. The Bestowed Glory. "The glory which Thou gavest Me I have given
them" (17:22). The Son's givings are the passings on from the Father.
 159. Christship of Jesus
There is a progressiveness of Revelation regarding Jesus as The Christ.
1. Personally, as the Anointed of God, He does work for us which we could
not do for ourselves—John 20:31.
2. Positionally, as the Anointer with the Holy Spirit, He is made Lord and
Christ—Acts 2:36.
3. Mystically. "Christ" as the Head and Members make up the mystical body
of Christ—1 Cor. 12:12.
4. Representatively. Christ is the One "in" whom believers are found—2
Cor. 12:2.
5. Provisionally. Christ is the Reservoir where all blessing is treasured—
Eph. 1:3.
6. Potentially. Christ is the Indweller to reproduce His life in ours—Gal.
2:20.
7. Prospectively. The Church will be "with Christ" whether at death—Phil.
1:23, or His return—Col. 3:4.
 160. Christ's I "Have's" in John 17
1. "I have glorified Thee" (v. 4).
2. "I have finished the work" (v. 4).
3. "I have manifested Thy Name" (v. 6).
4. "I have kept" (v. 12).
5. "I have given them Thy Word" and "Words" (v. 8, 14).
6. "I have declared Thy Name" (v. 26).
7. "I have known Thee" (v. 25).
8. "I have sent" (v. 18).
9. "I have given them Thy glory" (v. 22).
 161. Christ's Incarnation
As the Incarnate One, Christ—
1. Bears the Sweetest Name ever given—"Jesus"—Luke 2:21.
2. Embodies the Greatest Power ever known—"Emmanuel, God with us"
(Matt. 1:23).
3. Stooped to the Lowest Place ever taken. "For our sakes became poor," or a
beggar (2 Cor. 8:9).
4. Came on the Mightiest Mission ever undertaken. "He took... destroy"
(Heb. 2:14-16).
5. Is the Greatest Unfolding ever seen. "God manifest in the flesh" (1 Tim.
3:16).
6. Bearer of the Grandest Blessing ever bestowed. "Life" (John 10:10).
7. Is the Most Potent Force ever communicated. "Rise and fall of many"
(Luke 2:34).
 162. Christ's Identification with Us
"I Sat Where They Sat" (Ezek. 3:15.)
1. Place of Condescension in being born in a stable—Luke 2:7.
2. Place of Agony, in being in the "place called Gethsemane" (Matt. 26:36).
3. Place of Suffering, in being in the "place called The Pavement," or
Gabbatha (John 19:13).
4. Place of Substitution, when He was found in "the place called Calvary"
(Luke 23:33).
5. Place of Identification, in two others being crucified with Him—John
19:18.
6. Place of Need. The place where He was crucified was "nigh to the city"
(John 19:20).
7. Place of Death. "The place where they laid Him" (Mark 16:6).
 163. Christ's "I Speak" in John's Gospel
1. The Claim of Deity. "I that speak unto thee am" (4:26; "He" is in italics).
He is the Jehovah, the great "I am." He speaks.
2. The Claim of Inspiration. "The words that I speak... are spirit and life"
(6:63).
3. The Promise of Knowledge. "If any man will do His will, he shall know...
I speak" (7:17).
4. The Revelation of Truth. "I speak to the world," etc. (8:26).
5. The Obedient Son. "My Father hath taught Me, I speak" (8:28, 38; 12:49,
50).
6. The Discriminating Lord. "I speak not of you all" (13:18).
7. The Absolute Authority. "Words which I speak unto you," etc. (14:10).
 164. Christ Sitting
1. A Weary Savior. "He sat on the well, being wearied" (John 4:6).
2. A Powerful Teacher. "I sat daily with you teaching" (Matt. 26:55; Luke
4:20; 5:3; John 8:2).
3. An Approachable Man. "As Jesus sat at meat... many publicans and
sinners came and sat down with Him" (Matt. 9:10).
4. A Scripture Fulfiller. "Set Jesus thereon" (Luke 19:35). "Jesus sat upon
him" (Mark 11:7, R.V.).
5. An Accomplishing Worker. "When He had made purification of sins, sat
down," etc. (Heb. 1:3, R.V.).
6. A Glorious Priest. "We have such a high priest, who sat down," etc. (Heb.
8:1, R.V.).
7. An Unsurpassed Example. "Looking unto Jesus... is set down," etc. (Heb.
12:1-3).
 165. Christ Sitting
1. Upon an Ass, in fulfillment of Scripture—John 12:15.
2. In the House, at a meal receiving sinners—Matt. 9:10.
3. Upon the Mount of Olives, revealing the future to His disciples—Matt.
24:3.
4. In the Temple, teaching—Matt. 26:55.
5. On the Well, and blessing the woman of Samaria—John 4:6.
6. On the Right Hand of God, in resurrection power—Col. 3:1.
7. On the Right Hand of the Majesty on High, as the Great High Priest—
Heb. 1:3; 10:12.
8. On the Throne, in judgment—Matt. 19:28; 25:31.
 166. Christ's Kingdom
What will be the character of His Kingdom? We need to ponder the whole
country of the Old Testament prophecies to answer the question. But if we
confine ourselves to the prophecies in Daniel 2 and 7 we shall find a simple
and unmistakable answer.
1. Received Kingdom. "There was given Him dominion, and glory, and a
kingdom" (7:14).
2. Powerful Kingdom. "A stone... smote the image. and brake it in pieces"
(2:34).
3. Victorious Kingdom. "Take away his dominion, to consume and to
destroy it unto the end" (7:26; 8:25).
4. Recognized Kingdom. "Shall serve and obey Him" (7:27).
5. Universal Kingdom. "Filled the whole earth" (2:35). "All people, nations,
and languages shall serve Him" (7:14).
6. Lasting Kingdom. "His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall
not pass away" (7:14). "An everlasting Kingdom" (7:27).
7. Set Kingdom. Set as to time as well as to being. "In the days of these
kings" (2:44).
 167. Christ's Kingdom Predicted
In Psalm 72
Psalm 72 has a reference to Solomon, but he cannot fulfill all its statements,
and therefore has a wider application to great David's greater Son. Its truth
has a present application to every believer in Christ, for when our Lord reigns
in the heart there will be purity in the mind, righteousness in our transactions,
holiness in the life, truth in the lips, help in our hands, love in the walk, and
beauty in the character.
The wider application of the Psalm points on to the time when Christ shall
have received the Kingdom from the Father and returned to the earth—Luke
19:11-15. The many-sidedness of the characteristics of that Kingdom is
brought out in the frequent statements prefaced by what "He shall" do. Note
the many "shalls" in the Psalm, and seven "He shalls." His Kingdom will be
—
1. Righteous in its rule. "He shall judge the people with righteousness" (v.
2). He will do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. A straight
ruler makes a straight line.
2. Saving in its strength. "He shall save" (v. 4). As the bread saves the needy
from starving, and the strong man helps the weak, so He will vindicate all
who are oppressed and in need.
3. Blessing in its bestowment. "He shall come down like rain" (v. 6, 7). As
the rain softens the earth, germinates the seed, and causes the fruit to come
forth, so Christ will bless all.
4. Universal in its sway. "He shall have dominion" (v. 8). All will own Him
as King or be made to do so.
5. Succoring in its help. "He shall deliver the needy" (v. 12). His heart of
love will prompt Him to exercise His hand of help, even as it does the mother
with her child.
6. Redemptive in its exercise. "He shall redeem their soul" (v. 14). Freedom
from sin and all its attendant evils will be the boon of His reign.
7. Lasting in its endurance. "He shall live... His Name shall endure for ever"
(15, 17).
The ills of earth call for the Coming of the Lord.
 168. Christ's Knowledge
Nothing can be hid from the all-searching eyes of the Lord.
1. David's experience—Psa. 139:1-12.
2. Christ's messages to the seven churches—Rev. 2 and 3. Note His frequent
"I know."
3. His perception of the Jews—John 2:24.
4. His knowledge of the Pharisees' thoughts—Matt. 12:25.
5. His insight into the grumbling of His disciples—John 6:60, 61.
6. His foresight of the evil intent of Judas—John 13:11.
7. His knowledge of the impotent man—John 5:6.
8. His knowledge of the disciples' wish about His sayings—John 16:19, all
go to prove He knows all about all men.
 169. Christ's Lordship
There are three things embodied in the title of Lord—
1. His Ownership, hence "the earth is the Lord's" (Psa. 24:1).
2. His Authority, hence the Lord delivered to the servants the talents which
they were responsible to use for Him—Matt. 25:20-23.
3. His Power, hence when the Lord sent forth His servants "the Lord" was
"working with them" (Mark 16:19, 20).
 170. Christ's Love
As Revealed in John 13
1. Persistency of Love. "Loved to the end" (v. 1).
2. Portion of Love. "Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into
His hands" (v. 3).
3. Promise of Love. "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know
hereafter" (v. 7).
4. Pattern of Love. "I have given you an example" (v. 15).
5. Place of Love. "Jesus' bosom" (v. 23).
6. Precept of Love. "Love one another" (v. 34).
7. Power of Love. "By this shall all men know" (v. 35).
 171. Christ's Message On Being Saved
The pages of the New Testament ring with the word "saved."
1. Christ's message was, "That ye might be saved" (John 5:34).
2. He said those who entered into the shepherd fold of His grace should "be
saved" (John 10:9).
3. His commission to His disciples was that those who believed should "be
saved" (Mark 16:16).
4. He assured a woman who came in penitence to Him, "Thy faith hath saved
thee" (Luke 7:50).
5. He declared that Satan's machinations were to keep men from receiving
His Word, lest they should "believe and be saved" (Luke 8:12).
6. He revealed that God sent Him into the world that it might "be saved"
(John 3:17).
 172. Christ's Names As the Incarnate One
In Matthew 2
1. "Jesus" of Bethlehem, a Savior for us—v. 1.
2. "King of the Jews," a King over us—v. 2.
3. "Christ," the Anointed One sent to us—v. 4.
4. The "Governor," to rule over Israel—v. 6.
5. "The Young Child" (mentioned nine times). His actual humanity—v. 8.
6. "Son," as One with God, and One given to us—v. 15.
7. The "Nazarene," as the Separated to God and His service—v. 23.
 173. Christ's Need
"The Lord hath need of him" (Luke 19:31), was the reply given for the loan
of the ass's colt. Christ's care that Scripture might be fulfilled—Zech. 9:9,
was the reason of His request. The Lord can do without any of us, but He is
pleased to do with us.
1. He has need of our faith, that we may please Him as Enoch did—Heb.
11:5.
2. He has need of our love, that we may minister to Him as Mary did—John
12:3.
3. He has need cf our service, that He may work in us as He did with the
apostle—Eph. 3:7.
4. He has need of our heart, that He may live in us as He did in Paul—Gal.
2:20.
5. He has need of our house, that He may be received into it as Martha
received Him—Luke 10:38.
6. He has need of our minds, that He may think in them as He did in men of
old—2 Peter 1:21.
7. He has need of our possessions, that He may use them as He did the man's
colt—John 12:14.
 174. Christ's Outlook
When Christ first came he had two things before Him, namely, His sufferings
and the glory that should follow—Luke 24:26. The bitterness of the Cross
lies behind, and the brightness of the crown lies before Him. When Daniel
saw the world-powers depicted in the image and four wild beasts—see Dan. 2
and 7, he saw also the powers of their "dominion taken away," and further,
the Ancient of Days gave to the Son of Man "dominion and glory," and all
nations are made to serve Him (Dan. 7:12-14). What that glory will be in its
manifold splendor we cannot fully comprehend, but at least it will be
sevenfold in its manifestation.
1. He will have the glory of peculiar honor, in having the Name which is
above every name—Phil. 2:9.
2. He will have position above every position, for He will be King of kings
and Lord of lords—Rev. 19:16.
3. He will have the outshining of majestic power, which will crush the
opposition of the Man of Sin—2 Thess. 2:8.
4. He will have the glory of unsurpassed victory, for He will overthrow the
great usurper and consign him into the Lake of Fire—Rev. 20:2, 10.
5. He will have the glory of a majestic reign as given in detail in Psalm 72.
6. He will have the glory of being glorified in His saints—2 Thess. 1:10.
7. He will have the glory of the glorified Lamb lighting up the New Heavens
and the New Earth—Rev. 21:23. What an outlook for Him, when He shall
see the travail of His soul and be satisfied.
 175. Christ's Passion
The passion of His atoning death is ever the secret and soul of the Gospel. It
speaks of—
1. Sin's hindrance removed—Heb. 9:26.
2. Sin's guilt answered for—Heb. 2:17.
3. Sin's author overthrown—Heb. 2:14.
4. Sin's gulf spanned—Heb. 10:19, 20.
5. Sin's pollution removed—Heb. 10:10.
6. Sin's power broken—Heb. 10:16-18.
7. Sin's victory destroyed—1 John 3:8.
 176. Christ's Prayer in Gethsemane
The prayer of Christ was the greatest that was ever uttered.
1. It was a lonely prayer. He withdrew Himself from the disciples in the
garden—Luke 22:41; and we are told He "went forward," and again "He went
away"—Mark 14:35, 39. His very action of withdrawing is suggestive of the
fact there are some places to which He alone could go.
2. It was a humble prayer. "He fell on the ground and prayed" (Mark 14:35).
The posture of His body indicated the attitude of His spirit. Matthew tells us
He fell on His face—27:39, and Luke says that He "kneeled down"—22:41.
3. It was a filial prayer—Mark 14:36. He said, "Abba, Father." The intimacy
of His relation to the Father is at once suggested. His heart of obedience beats
in unison with the heart of the Father's love.
4. It was an earnest prayer—Luke 22:42; Heb. 5:7. The pressure upon Him
caused the blood to ooze from His body, but instead of discouraging Him,
"He prayed the more earnestly," yea, with "strong crying and tears."
5. It was a persevering prayer, for He not only went away and prayed the
same words, but He did it three times—Mark 14:39. Is there not a suggested
association with Christ's own teaching about prayer in the words, "Ask, seek,
knock" (Matt. 7:7), and there certainly is a suggested connection with Paul
when he asked thrice for the thorn to be removed—2 Cor. 12:8.
6. It was a resigned prayer. At first Christ asked for the cup to be removed,
but puts in the proviso, "Nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt"
(Mark 14:36). Matthew gives an added touch in Christ's second praying when
Christ says, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away except I drink it,
Thy will be done" (Matt. 26:42). In the first prayer we see the two wills, "My
will" and "Thy will," but in the second prayer the Father's will alone is
mentioned; but afterwards He evidently got beyond this, and said, "The cup
which My Father giveth Me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18:11).
7. It was an answered prayer—Luke 22:43.

"The Father heard, and angels there

Sustained the Son of God in prayer,
In sad Gethsemane;
He drank the dreadful cup of pain,
Then rose to life and joy again.
"When storms of sorrow round us sweep,
And scenes of anguish make us weep,
To sad Gethsemane
We'll look, and see the Savior there,
And humbly bow, like Him, in prayer."
 177. Christ's Perfectness
1. His perfect Work. "Nothing can be put to it" (Eccles. 3:14).
2. His perfect Forgiveness. "Nothing to pay" (Luke 7:42).
3. His perfect Care. "Lacked nothing" (Deut. 2:7; Neh. 9:21).
4. His perfect Victory. "Nothing in His hand" (Judges 14:6).
5. His perfect Supply. "They lacked nothing" (1 Kings 4:27).
6. His perfect Grace. "That ye may be perfect, and entire, wanting nothing"
(Jas. 1:4).
7. His perfect Operation. "If this Man were not of God, He could do
nothing" (John 9:33).
Our emptiness and inefficiency are the opportunity for the display of God's
sufficiency and fullness.
 178. Christ's Rebukes
1. A Delivering Lord. "Jesus rebuked him, saying... Come out of him" (Luke
4:35).
2. A Soothing Savior. "He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left
her" (Luke 4:39).
3. A Silencing Christ. "He, rebuking them, suffered them not to speak"
(Luke 4:41).
4. An Authoritative Subduer. "Rebuked the wind... and there was a calm"
(Luke 8:24).
5. A Cleansing Jesus. "Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit" (Luke 9:42).
6. A Gracious Man. "He turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not
what manner of spirit ye are of" (Luke 9:55).
7. The Answering Redeemer. "Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him...
He rebuked Peter" (Mark 8:32, 33).
 179. Christ's Reply to Laodicea
Ponder the personal pronoun "I" to the Church in Laodicea—Rev. 3:15, 18-
21.
1. The "I know" of Discernment.
2. The "I would" of Desire.
3. The "I will" of Disgust.
4. The "I counsel" of Direction.
5. The "I love" of Devotion.
6. The "I rebuke" of Discipline.
7. The "I stand" of Demeanor.
8. The "I will" of Communion.
9. The "I will" of Promise.
10. The "I also" of Victory.
 180. Christ's Resurrection
The whole fabric of Christianity rests upon Christ's Resurrection. It is—
1. The keystone to the arch of truth—2 Tim. 2:8.
2. The warrant to faith—Rom. 10:9, 10.
3. The pith of the Gospel—1 Cor. 15:3, 4.
4. The ground of hope—1 Thess. 4:13, 14.
5. The harbinger of glory—1 Peter 1:3.
6. The evidence of the supernatural—Eph. 1:19, 20.
7. The incentive to holiness—Rom. 6:4.
8. The basis of assurance—Rom. 8:33-39.
 181. Christ's Resurrection
"Him That Liveth" Margin, Luke 24:5
1. He Lives in Spite of Death. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, declared three
things of Christ as the One who had been in the grip of death—Acts 2:24. (1)
God raised Him up, and His act in causing Him to stand out from among the
dead is the exhibition of "the exceeding greatness of God's power" (Eph.
1:19, 20). (2) God has "loosed Him from the pains of death." "Loosed" means
to unloose what is fast bound, as the unloosing of a colt—Mark 11:5, the
unloosing of dumb tongue—Mark 7:35, etc. (3) Then we are told the reason:
"Because it was not possible that He should be holden of it." "Holden" means
to "hold fast," and is so given in Revelation 2:25, hence to have rule or
authority over anything, but it was "not possible" for Christ to be held by the
power of death. The life within Him and the power of God around Him were
factors which burst the powers that held Him, even as a living seed, dropping
between the crevices of a tombstone, will lift and part it asunder.
2. He Lives, as He Said He Would—Luke 24:8. There was no accident in
the death of Christ. His star of destiny was His death on Calvary. He had a
purpose in dying—Heb. 9:26, namely, "To put away sin," the sin which kept
us from God and kept God from us. He said He would die and rise again, and
He kept His word. Well would it have been if the women and others had only
remembered what Christ had said. "I have got a good forgettory," said a little
girl who had forgotten what she ought to have remembered.
3. He Lives: the Empty Tomb is the Evidence of It. The "young man" in
the tomb invited the women to come and "see the place where they bad laid
Him" (Mark 16:6), and when they entered the tomb they saw not the body of
the Lord Jesus—3. He had been there in death, He was not there, for He was
raised, and He will never be there again. A crucifix is not an emblem of
Christianity, but an empty tomb is. How much that empty tomb proclaims!
Scripture fulfilled—1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Sin answered for—Rom. 4:24, 25; Satan
vanquished—Rev. 1:18; Col. 2:12-15; Salvation proclaimed—Rom. 10:9, 10;
Sanctification assured—Heb. 13:20, 21; Sorrow assuaged—1 Thess. 4:13,
14; Strength communicated—Acts 2:32, 33.
4. He lives: the linen clothes attest it—Luke 24:12. Peter entered into the
sepulcher and "Beheld the linen clothes," and went away "wondering;" but
when John entered in, he "saw and believed" (John 20:8). What was it that
impressed the disciples? The empty tomb; but there must have been
something peculiar about the clothes. The grave clothes were not a shroud,
but a swathe; that is, a band wrapped round the body as one swathes an
infant. Christ had passed through the swathing, and the one hundred pounds
of spices, without disturbing them. Just as the chrysalis of the butterfly, after
the butterfly has emerged from the case, the case retains the form of the
chrysalis, although the butterfly is gone, so Christ had gone through the
clothes, and they were left in all their convolutions as if they were still
wrapped round the body. So there was a miracle in a miracle. The
resurrection was a miracle, and there was a miracle in the miracle in that
Christ had gone through the clothes without disturbing them. The same
double miracle is seen in the raising of Lazarus. He that was raised came
forth from the grave "bound hand and foot" (John 11:44). He could not
"come forth" naturally, because he was "bound hand and foot," hence all the
old pictures represent him as gliding forth.
Do we know Christ is alive in our lives? A gentleman once saw a boy holding
a piece of string, but could not see to what object it was attached; and he
asked the boy what he was doing, and the boy replied, "Flying my kite." "But
I cannot see any kite," said the short-sighted gentleman; so the boy said, "Ah!
sir, I know it's there, because I can feel it pull." So those who know Christ
risen from the dead, know the pull of His risen life.
 182. Christ's Resurrection ("Proofs")
Acts 1:3
There are many "infallible proofs" of Christ's resurrection. Among the proofs
may be noted—
1. God-ward, it was the display of God's power—Eph. 1:19, 20.
2. Christ-ward, it was the declaration of His Deity—Rom. 1:4.
3. Spirit-ward, it is the demonstration of His life—Rom. 8:11.
4. Believer-ward, it is the denomination of God's grace—Eph. 2:1-4.
5. Hell-ward, it was the defeat of Satan's realm—Rev. 1:18.
6. Death-ward, it is the destroyer of sin's sting—1 Cor. 15:54-57.
7. Glory-ward, it is the day-star of hope's assurance—1 Thess. 4:13-18.
Other proofs might be enumerated, such as the undisturbed clothes in the
sepulcher—John 20:4-9; the many witnesses who saw Him alive—Acts
10:40, 41; and the difference Christ made in the lives of those who received
Him—1 Cor. 6:9-11.
 183. Christ's Resurrection
"Now Is Christ Risen" (1 Cor. 15:20)
As we behold the fact of the starry Heavens in their order and movement, and
see their relative importance; so as we ponder the star fact of Christ's
resurrection we find there are several stars of truth that are relative to it and
depend upon it. These may be classified in the following words—prediction,
crucifixion, resurrection, vivification, consecration, indissolubility, and
revelation.
1. Prediction. Christ predicted His death and resurrection, as His enemies
testified when they urged Pilate to make the tomb secure, for they said, "Sir,
we remember that this Deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days
I will rise again" (Matt. 27:63).
2. Crucifixion. "Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more: death hath
no more dominion over Him, for in that He died, He died unto sin once, but,
in that He liveth, He liveth unto God" (Rom. 6:9, 10). The emphasis here, is,
the Risen One has "died," that He died "once," that He died in dealing with
"sin," that He will "no more" die. Death can never have dominion over Him
again, and that in a new way for us "He liveth unto God."
3. Resurrection. The resurrection of Christ not only meant to be roused and
then to rise up, but He is always said to be "raised from the dead." This is
always the emphatic word in the epistles—Rom. 4:24; 8:11; 10:9; Gal. 1:1;
Eph. 1:20; Col. 2:12; 1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Peter 1:21, the apex of the apostles'
message—Acts 3:15; 4:10; 13:30, and the essential thing as a moving and
magnetic power in the life of the believer—2 Cor. 1:9; 4:10; Phil. 3:10. His
out-resurrection was peculiar in that He would never come under the power
of death again, like Lazarus. That out-resurrection secures the out-
resurrection of all His own.
4. Vivification. Livingness is the one thing which characterizes Christ. "He
shewed Himself alive" (Acts 1:3) is the Spirit's word; and the ringing
testimony of the "certain women" was, "He is alive" (Luke 24:23). The
message of the apostle was the same, he "affirmed He was alive" (Acts
25:19); and Christ's message to John at Patmos was the same, "I am alive"
(Rev. 1:18; 2:8). Since He is alive, what need we fear? Whether it be the
condemning past, the anxious present, or the ominous future, He bids us not
to fear.
5. Consecration. The Spirit, referring to Christ's non-succession priesthood,
says He is "consecrated for evermore," or as it should be rendered, "to the
age" (Heb. 7:28), or "unto the ever," for His priesthood is, like Himself, "for
ever" (Heb. 13:8). The priests of the past were compassed by sin, infirmity,
death, and change, but not so Christ, for as the Living One in His new office
of unchanging priesthood He lives to succor, save, and sustain completely.
6. Indissolubility. Christ is "made" as our High Priest "after the power of an
endless life" (Heb. 7:16). "Endless" does not express the character of the
"life." "Indissoluble" is the meaning of "akatalutos," which signifies the life
is incapable of being loosed down by any power, death or otherwise; so He
could not die again if He wanted to. What is there wrapped up in this for us?
The assurance that every one who shares His life will share His
indissolubility.
7. Revelation. Christ's affirming word, as He looks out of the cycles of
eternity, is, "I am alive for evermore" (Rev. 1:18). "Evermore" would be
better rendered "unto the ages of the ages." What other language can express
infinitude, durability, perpetuity, reliability, continuity, and eternity? And, as
the Living One, Christ assures, "I have the keys of Hades and of death."
Therefore, whatever the future holds, and whatever fastnesses are ahead, He
has the keys to open and shut. What a revelation is this! How fully Christ has
brought life and immortality to light. How all this confirms our faith, inspires
our love, stimulates our zeal, moves our services, calls forth our worship, and
brightens our hope.
 184. Christ's Resurrection
Matt. 28:6
How many voices are heard in that silent tomb! We listen to three, as found
in the following sentences: "As He said," "He is risen," "He goeth before
you" (Matt. 28:6, 7).
1. Proclamation. "He said" He would rise. He looked beyond the shame of
the Cross and the gloom of the tomb. His prevision enabled Him to see
beyond the shades of the unseen, and caused Him to proclaim in anticipation,
"Thou wilt not leave My soul in Hades, nor suffer Thine Holy One to see
corruption." The disciples, too, recognized this, for after "He was risen from
the dead" they remembered He had said "this to them;" and the consequence
was, "They believed the Scriptures," and the word He had said (John 2:22).
2. Power. There have been men in the past justly renowned for their prowess
and power. We think of such a man as Caesar, who tramped on his way with
unparalleled success; of Alexander the Great, who in his onward march of
conquest was like the incoming tide, sweeping all before Him; we call to
mind a man like Napoleon the First, whose raised hand made thrones and
dynasties tremble; we think of the iron Bismarck, who made France bite the
dust in the seventies; and in our own time we have seen the self-inflated
William of Germany making the nations bleed and suffer. But these, with one
exception, have had to bow before the King of Terrors, and today they are but
a memory.
Who can dispute with death? Only One, and that One, our Lord Jesus Christ.
In His uprising from among the dead we behold the display of the "exceeding
greatness of God's power." Not merely His "power," but the "greatness," yea,
the "exceeding greatness of His power." Creation reveals God's power, but
Christ's resurrection manifests the "exceeding greatness" of it.
3. Presence. Mark, the Spirit emphasizes through angelic message "He is
risen," and "He goeth before you," and ye "shall see Him;" and as the women
went on their directed way "Jesus met them," and greeted them with the
salutation, "All hail!" And they "held Him," and "worshipped Him," and He
assured them they should see "Him" after they had told the disciples He was
risen.
As the Philistines knew the reality and power of Samson's presence when he
took away the doors, the gate, and the posts of the city of Gaza, and laughed
at his enemies to their discomfort, so Christ, after He had carried away the
gates of Hades by His death and resurrection, spoiled principalities and
powers, and made a show of them openly. Now He stands before us in the
glow and glory of His victorious presence, and says, "I am He that liveth, and
was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen; and have the keys of
Hades and of death."
 185. Christ's Scars
We shall recognize Christ by the scars of Calvary. How much those scars
proclaim! They at least reveal a sevenfold color of grace and love. They
proclaim—
1. The satisfaction of atonement for sin—Rom. 3:25.
2. The price of emancipating redemption—Eph. 1:7.
3. The ground of Divine forgiveness—Col. 1:14.
4. The assurance of eternal peace—Col. 1:20.
5. The overthrow of Hell's authority—Heb. 2:14.
6. The basis of all blessing for spirit, soul, and body—Heb. 13:12, 20.
7. The harbinger of coming glory—1 Thess. 4:14.
 186. Christ's Resurrection in Romans
1. Power Proclaimed. "Declared to be the Son of God with power... by the
resurrection from the dead" (1:4).
2. Righteousness Reckoned. "Was raised again on account of our
justification" (4:24, 25).
3. Partnership Proved. "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead, even
so," etc. (6:4, 9).
4. Claim Cancelled. "Dead to the law by the body of Christ, married to
another, to Him who is raised from the dead" (7:4).
5. Death Defeated. "He that raised up Christ from the dead shall quicken
your mortal bodies" (8:11).
6. Accuser Answered. "Who is He that condemneth? Christ that died, yea
rather, that is risen?" (8:34, margin).
7. Confession Confirmed. "If thou shalt confess... believe... God raised Him
from the dead... saved" (10:9).
8. Ownership Owned. "Christ rose... that He might be Lord both of the dead
and living" (14:9).
 187. Christ's Sevenfold Character
In Luke 1:5-17, 26-33; 2:25, 26, 36, 37, 38
1. "The Lord" (1:17). John's mission was to "make ready a people prepared
for the Lord," or, as the Revised Version, "To make ready for the Lord a
people prepared." A Lord for the people to meet their need, and the people
for the Lord to be His joy.
2. "Jesus" (1:31; 2:21). A common name among the Jews, and yet how
uncommon because of Him who bears it.
3. "Son of the Most High" (1:32, R.V.). The first time God is called "The
Most High God" is in Genesis 14:18, 19, 20, and as such He is "The
Possessor of Heaven and earth." Coupled with the statement of the angel
regarding Christ as "the Son of the Most High," we see how He illustrates the
original title, for as such He will be "great," have the throne of His father
David, reign over the House of Jacob, and have an unending Kingdom.
Ponder the seven "shalts" and "shalls" of verses 31-33.
4. "The Son of God" (1:35). Christ was God the Son before He became the
Son of God; that is, in the essence of His being He was eternally the Son of
God, but when the Father would express Himself in human form He became
a Son.
5. "The Consolation of Israel" (2:25). "Consolation" means something or
someone near who encourages, enables, and helps us along, hence to console
or comfort. The words "comfort" and "consolation" occur ten times in 2
Corinthians 1:3-7.
6. "The Lord's Christ" (2:26). When the aged Simeon took up the infant
Christ in his arms he not only saw "the Lord's Christ" in the infant, but also
the "Salvation," and "the Light to lighten the Gentiles" and "the glory of
Israel" (2:30, 32).
7. "Redemption" (2:38). Christ has paid the price by His precious Blood,
that He might set us at liberty—Eph. 1:7. He frees us from sin's penalty and
power, and will ultimately free us from sin's presence.
 188. Christ's Resurrection Proclaimed
No one can read through the Book of the Acts without being convinced that
Christ's resurrection is the predominating theme of its witness.
1. Luke opens his treatise by affirming it—1:3.
2. Matthias is added to the apostleship that he may bear witness to it—1:23.
3. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, unfolds certain Old Testament Scriptures as
embodying the fact—__Peter__3:31, 32; and affirms the same fact in
connection with the healing of the lame man—3:15.
4. The first persecution was caused by the declaration of Christ's
resurrection—4:2, 10, 33.
5. Peter preached the resurrection of Christ again and again—
__Peter__5:29-32; 10:39-41.
6. Paul is constant in his testimony to the resurrection of Christ—Acts 13:30-
38; 17:31; 23:6-10; 24:15, 21; 26:23.
 189. Christ's Words
Our Lord emphasizes the importance and influence of "words." His words
are:
1. God-given in their origin—John 17:8.
2. Life-giving in their nature—John 6:63, 69.
3. Faith-producing in their influence—John 8:30.
4. Prayer-inspiring in their working—John 15:7.
5. Peace-assuring in their benediction—Luke 24:36-44.
6. Soul-sustaining in their intercession—John 18:1.
7. Wonder-begetting in their ministry—Luke 4:22; 24:8.
 190. Christ's Return
A minister who was talking with a Christian worker said: "Christ came again
twenty years ago, when He came into my heart." Whereupon the Christian
worker replied: "I read in my Bible that certain things are to happen when
Christ returns, and among them, the dead in Christ shall be raised and the
living believers in Him will be changed. Have either of these taken place?"
The question nonplussed the minister! No honest reader of the discourse of
Christ as recorded in Matthew 24 and 25 can deny His word about His
Coming again. His return is—
1. Promised by Christ—John 14:3.
2. Declared by the two men who stood by the disciples when He went away
—Acts 1:11.
3. Announced by Peter—Acts 3:20.
4. Described by Paul—1 Thess. 4:13-18.
5. Urged by James—Jas. 5:7.
6. Affirmed by John—1 John 3:2.
7. Quoted by Jude—14.
 191. Christ's Unchangingness
"I Change Not" Mal. 3:6
If men would only turn to the Sacred Page of God's Word, they would find
that it has a good deal to say about God's world. To take but one passage,
namely, Colossians 1:16, 17, we find creation in relation to Christ—
1. "By ("in"—"en") Him were all things created." "In Him" as to source and
substance.
2. "All things were created by Him" as to means, for the meaning of "by,"
dia with the genitive, is an active agent producing things.
3. "All things were created... for Him," that is, "unto Him," for the "for" is
eis, and signifies the things were for Him as the objective.
4. "He is before all things," for He is said to be "the Firstborn of every
creature," or, more correctly, "born before all creation" (Col. 1:15).
5. "By ("in" en) Him all things consist," subsist, or are held together. He is
the cohesive power which prevents things from being dissipated, or scattered.
Since everything depends upon the unchanging Christ, we may be sure that
everything will serve its purpose. Things cannot "run down," since all
depends upon Him who upholds "all things by the Word of His power" (Heb.
1:3).
 192. Christ's Sevenfold Suffering
How intense were the sufferings of Christ! He suffered in a sevenfold
manner.
1. At the hands of Satan, being tempted—Luke 4:2.
2. He suffered at the hands of God, as the surety for us. "Christ hath suffered
for us" (1 Peter 4:1)
3. He suffered by way of anticipation. The Cross was ever before Him. "The
Son of Man must suffer many things" (Luke 9:22).
4. He suffered at the hands of friends. Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied
Him, and all His disciples forsook Him—Luke 22:21, 60; Mark 14:50.
5. He suffered as His holy soul came in contact with sin—John 12:27.
6. He suffers in His members—Acts 9:4.
7. He suffered at the hands of His enemies—Luke 9:22.
 193. Christ's Suffering in His Body
Think of what they did to His body.
1. His face was marred—Isa. 52:14.
2. His back was lacerated—Isa. 1. 6.
3. His brow was scarred—Matt. 27:29.
4. His side was pierced—John 19:34.
5. His hands were nailed to the Cross—Luke 24:39.
6. His feet were torn—Psa. 22:16.
7. His body was exposed to the unholy gaze of a mob—Matt. 27:36-42.
 194. Christ's Sufferings at the Hands of Men
Think of who His enemies were, and what they did to Him.
1. He was reproached by the scribes and elders—Mark 15:1.
2. He was despised by the people—Matt. 27:25.
3. He was laughed at by the crowd—Matt. 27:39, 40.
4. He was railed at by the thieves—Luke 23:39.
5. He was falsely accused by the priests—Mark 15:3.
6. He was derided by the rulers—Luke 23:35.
7. He was questioned by the Sadducees—Matt. 22:23.
8. He was grumbled at by the Pharisees—Mark 2:16.
9. He was hunted by Satan—Luke 4:2.
10. He was hated by the world—John 15:18.
11. He was betrayed by Judas—Luke 22:47.
12. He was played with by Pilate—John 19:1-10.
13. He was mocked by Herod—Luke 23:11.
14. He was crucified by the soldiers—John 19:23.
 195. Christ Stands Alone
"Never Man... Like This Man" John 7:46
1. In the Deity of His Personality, for He is the Son of God, and God the
Son— Gal. 2:20.
2. In the sufficiency of His atoning death, for in the eternal value of Himself
He gave Himself for us—Heb. 9:26-28.
3. In the vitality of His life making men alive unto God—John 10:10.
4. In the sublimity of the Revelation He brings as the Word—John 1:1-14.
5. In the suitability of His invitation to give and find rest in Him—Matt.
11:28, 29.
6. In the sinlessness and beauty of His character—Heb. 7:26; Song of Songs
5:9-16.
7. In the promise of the future—John 14:1-6.
 196. Christ's Steadfastness
There were many things which might have daunted Christ. Think of—
1. The denial of Peter—Luke 22:61.
2. The Betrayal of Judas—Mark 14:43-46.
3. The forsaking of His friends—Mark 14:50,
4. The agony of Gethsemane—Luke 22:44.
5. The suffering of Gabbatha—John 19:1-6.
6. The forsaking by God—Matt. 27:45, 46.
7. The piercing of the Cross—John 19:16-18.
8. The sin He was to be made—2 Cor. 5:21.
9. The curse of a broken law He would endure—Gal. 3:13.
10. The judgment He would bear—Rom. 8:3.
11. The wrath through which He would pass—Rom. 8:32-34.
12. The life He would lose—John 12:24-33.
13. The shame He would suffer—Heb. 12:2.
14. The death He would die—1 Peter 3:18.
 197. Christ Taking Hold
1. The Omitting Redeemer. "Not of angels, doth He take hold" (Heb. 2:16,
R.V.).
2. The Incarnate Savior. "He taketh hold of the seed of Abraham" (Heb.
2:16, R.V.).
3. The Living Deliverer. "Took hold of him" (Matt. 14:31, R.V.).
4. The Children's Friend. "He took a little child" (Luke 9:47, R.V.).
5. The Gracious Healer. "He took him and healed him" (Luke 14:4).
6. The Loving Leader. "When I took them by the hand" (Heb. 8:9).
7. The Sight Giver. "He took hold of the blind man by the hand" (Mark 8:23,
R.V.).
The Greek word Epilambanomai occurs in each of the above Scriptures, and
signifies "to catch hold," "to lay hold," and "to take." It is rendered "caught"
in Acts 16:19; "lay hold" in 1 Timothy 6:12; and "take hold" in Luke 20:20.
 198. Christ, the Believing One
"He trusted in God" (Matt. 27:43).
"I live by the faith of the Son of God" (Gal. 2:20).
CHRIST is the Author and Finisher of faith—Heb. 12:2. His life was a life of
constant and unswerving faith in God. We need Christ Himself to live His
life of faith, that we may have a faith which corresponds to Him. What kind
of faith was Christ's?
1. Grounded on the Scriptures. "That the Scriptures might be fulfilled" is
not only said of Him (Matt. 12. 17; Luke 24:44), but He was ever careful to
fulfill them—John 19:24, 36. There is no faith in God nor likeness to Christ's
faith that is not founded and grounded on the Word of God.
2. Guarded by Prayer. The attitude of Christ's faith is demonstrated in His
constant act of looking up to His Father—Mark 6:41; 7:34. Faith is
defenseless in itself, so it ever appeals to the Lord that He may hedge the
heart and life by His protecting Presence—Job 1:10.
3. Graced by Love. Christ's faith was ever looking to His Father to supply
the need of others—Matt. 14:19. The "work of faith" is ever wedded to the
"labor of love"—1 Thess. 1:8.
4. Guided by the Spirit. Christ was always dependent upon the Spirit's
guidance. He did not move in service till He was empowered by the Spirit—
see Luke 4, how this is emphasized, verses 1, 14, 18. "Faith" for and in
service is one of the Spirit's gifts—1 Cor. 12:9.
5. Growth of Faith. Of Christ in His faith, and personal grace, it is said, "He
increased in wisdom and stature" (Luke 2:52). Well for us if it can be said of
us because of Him "Your faith groweth exceedingly" (2 Thess. 1:3).
6. Goal of Faith. The object of faith is God Himself. The enemies of Christ
taunted Him that His trust in God brought Him no relief. They looked on with
the eyes of reason. Christ trusted to reach the goal of purpose. "Have faith in
God" (Mark 11:22) is Christ's direction, and the Spirit's commendation—1
Thess. 1:8.
7. Glory of Faith. Faith is a God-honoring grace, for it brings everything to
God in prayer and truth, and brings God into everything to guide and govern.
How fully Christ illustrates, and how evidentially it is illustrated in the lives
of those mentioned in Hebrews 11.
 199. Christ, the Center
If we find our centre in Christ we shall find ourselves in the circumference of
life.
1. Christ is the Central Revelation of the Godhead. "Express Image" (Heb.
1:3).
2. He is the Central Cause in creation. "All things were created by Him"
(Col. 1:16).
3. He is the Central Figure in History. "No man hath seen God at any time,
the Only Begotten Son... hath declared Him" (John 1:18).
4. He is the Central Attraction in the Church. "They saw the Lord" (John
20:19-26).
5. He is the Central Sufferer on the Cross. "Jesus in the midst" (John 19:18).
6. He is the Central Power in the life. "Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20).
7. He is the Central Object in worship. "In the midst of the lampstands"
(Rev. 1:13-20).
8. He is the Central Glory of the New Jerusalem. "The Lamb is the Light
thereof" (Rev. 21:23).
 200. Christ, the Foundation
Christ is the Foundation, and if we build deep into Him, we shall become like
Him. He is a—

1. FIRM Foundation for stability—1 Peter 2:6.

2. ORDAINED Foundation for sacrifice—1 Peter 1:20.

3. UNITING Foundation for security—1 Peter 2:5.

4. NAMED Foundation for selection: "elect"—1 Peter 2:6.

5. DURABLE Foundation for sureness—Isaiah 28:16.

6. APPOINTED Foundation for supremacy: "chief"—1 Peter 2:6.

7. TRIED Foundation for testing—1 Peter 2:8.

8. INVALUABLE Foundation for preciousness: "precious"—1 Peter 2:6.

9. ONLY Foundation for salvation—1 Cor. 3:11. NOTABLE Foundation for

choice: "chosen"—1 Peter 2:4.
 201. Christ, the Living One
1. Foundation. As "the Son of the Living God," He is the Basis of the
Church—Matt. 16:16.
2. Supply. As "the Living Water," He supplies and satisfies—John 4:10, 11.
3. Food. "As the Living Bread," He feeds and nourishes—John 6:51.
4. Power. As the Fountain of Life, "floods of living water" flow from Christ
—John 7:38.
5. Access. We have access to the Lord through Him who is "the New and
Living Way"—Heb. 10:20.
6. Union. As the "Living Stone," He makes us living stones in His life—1
Peter 2:4.
7. Glory. As "the Living Hope," He gives to His own a living and lasting
inheritance—1 Peter 1:3.
 202. Christ, the Great One
"He Shall Be Great" Luke 1:32
This is one of the positive statements Gabriel gave to Mary regarding the
Infant Christ. There are seven "shalt's" and "shall's." The "shalt" of
incarnation: "Thou shalt conceive;" the "shalt" of designation: "shalt call His
Name Jesus;" the "shall" of exaltation: "He shall be great;" the "shall" of
determination: "shall be called the Son of the Highest;" the "shall" of
identification: "The Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father
David;" the "shall" of dominion: "He shall reign over the house of Jacob for
ever;" and the "shall" of continuation: "Of His Kingdom there shall be no
end." Christ is great in many ways.
1. "Great God" in Being. "Our Great God and Savior" (Titus 2:13, R.V.,
margin). He is great in many ways. Great in Nature, for He is "Love;" great
in Character, for He is holy; great in Name, for He is Jehovah; great in
Creation, for His works declare His skill; great in Revelation, for He
expresses the Father; great in Promise, for He is "yea and amen;" and He is
great in Purpose, for He is the Sum of all things.
2. "Great Love" in Action. "Great love wherewith He loved us" (Eph. 2:4),
To take only the setting of this statement, we see seven things love does
among the many, namely, quickens in His life, saves by His grace, raises by
His power, fashions us by His skill, makes us nigh by His Blood, reconciles
by His Cross, and gives us access by His Spirit—2:4-18.
3. "Great Salvation" in Blessing—Heb. 2:3. Salvation is at least a
sevenfold blessing. God is its Author, Christ is its Embodiment, man is its
object, the Holy Spirit is its Power, deliverance is its meaning, holiness is its
fruit, and glory is its consummation.
4. "Great Mercy" in Grace. "Great is His mercy towards them that fear
Him" (Psa. 103:11). Mercy is lovingkindness in action. Joseph's
lovingkindness to his brethren, David's to Mephibosheth, Ahasuerus' to
Esther, Boaz's to Ruth, the Good Samaritan to the robbed, and Christ in His
many acts of mercy.
5. "Great Power" in Operation. "Great is our Lord and of great power"
(Psa. 147:5). See how His power is stated in Psalm 147. Ponder the setting of
the words, "healeth," "bindeth," "telleth," "lifteth," "casteth," "covereth,"
"pre-pareth," "giveth," "maketh," "filleth," "sendeth," "sheweth," etc.
6. "Great Light" in Revelation. "People that sat in darkness saw great light"
(Isa. 9:2). In all the religions of the world they only lead man in on himself to
fruitless effort to be good, and into the bogs of despair and the darkness of
uncertainty; but not so with Christ, in Him is light to illuminate, life to
quicken, love to inspire, liberty to free, bread to satisfy, joy to gladden, and
power to be.
7. "Great Rock" in Protection. "Shadow of a great rock in a weary land"
(Isa. 32:2). Weariness and woe in all around us. Sorrow and pain oft distress
us. Trials and temptations often haunt and harass us. Things often seem to go
wrong, and we know not what to do. Then the Savior is found to be all we
need as we shelter beneath His protecting presence; and as we nestle under
Him we realize the warmth of His heart, the power of His hand, and the
sufficiency of His grace.
8. "Great Shepherd" in Power. "Great Shepherd of the sheep" (Heb.
13:20). Sin, Hell, death, disease, and the grave all stood in His way when He
was on earth, but He banished disease, put away sin by the sacrifice of
Himself, conquered the powers of Hell, vanquished death, and was victorious
over the grave. Now He can overcome our enemies, keep us by His power,
and lovingly tend us by His sufficient grace.
9. "Great King" in Splendor. "The city of the Great King" (Psa. 48:2).
None so great as He. He is glorious in holiness, munificent in grace, beautiful
in character, unsurpassed in love, exceptional in giving, constant in care,
faithful in promise, almighty in power, victorious in battle, altogether lovely
in appearance, and righteous in rule.
 203. Christ, the Object of Wonder
There were many things in Christ which excited admiration and wonder.
1. His words of grace. "Wondered at His gracious words" (Luke 4:22).
2. His works of power. "The multitude wondered when they saw," etc.
(Matt. 15:31).
3. His way of silence. "The governor marveled" (Matt. 27:14).
4. His will of might. The disciples "marveled" when they saw Him still the
tempest—Matt. 8:27.
5. His word of pardon. "The multitude" "marveled" when they "saw" what
He did for the palsied man—Matt. 9:8.
6. His word of authority. "Amazed at the mighty power of God and
wondered" (Luke 9:43).
7. His wondrous Person. The disciples "wondered" when the saw Christ—
Luke 24:41.
 204. Christ, the Ladder
Genesis 28:12
"Behold a ladder" (12). From John 1:51 we know that this ladder was a type
of Christ as the means of communication between God and man, and man
and God—John 14:6.
1. Christ is a safe ladder. He is the only means of escape from the wrath to
come, from the grasp of Satan, from the dominion of sin, and the whirlpool of
iniquity. A company of shipwrecked sailors, cast on the coast of Scotland at
the bottom of a great precipice, where the incoming tide would have broken
up their vessel and drowned them, found a ladder hanging down the
precipice, which they reached from the ship's mast, and thus escaped. In like
manner Christ is the way of escape from the waves of eternal death, and the
righteous wrath of God.
2. Christ is a strong ladder. A friend of mine in going down into the hold of
a vessel of which he was captain, did not know that one of the rungs of the
ladder was loose or weak, and when he put his foot upon it, it gave way, and
down he fell into the hold. There is no fear of Christ's giving way beneath a
soul that rests on Him, for He is the Eternal Rock of ages—Isaiah 26:4,
margin, the sure foundation—Isa. 28:16, and the strong arms of omnipotence
—Deut. 33:27.
3. Christ is a expansive ladder. The top of the ladder that Jacob saw reached
to Heaven. It did not go part of the way. The men of Babel built a tower to
reach to Heaven—Gen. 11:4, but it ended in confusion, as all man's efforts
do. Not so with Christ: He goes all the way, and brings us into
communication and connection with God.
 205. Christ, the Light
Christ reveals Himself as the great "I Am," as "the light of the World." Think
of the beautiful metaphor of Light as applied to Christ; as the Light
1. Christ scatters the darkness—Exod. 10:23
2. Christ eradiates—Job 36:30.
3. Christ illuminates—Exod. 25:37.
4. Christ stimulates—Psalm 112:4.
5. Christ emancipates—Isaiah 58:8-10.
6. Christ dominates—Isaiah 60:1-3.
7. Christ compensates—Psalm 97:11.
 206. Christ, the Objective of Life
"For Me to Live—Christ" Phil. 1:21
If Christ lives out His life in ours, we shall find ourselves in the objective of
the life He lived, and we shall live—
1. In the manger of His humility—Luke 2:7.
2. In the workshop of His business—Matt. 13:55.
3. In the Jordan of His submission—Matt. 3:15, 16.
4. In the wilderness of His temptation—Matt. 4:1.
5. In the synagogue of His Church—Luke 4:16.
6. In the home of His love—Luke 2:51.
7. In the mountain of His prayer—Luke 6:12.
8. In the world of His compassion—Matt 9:36.
9. In the friendship of His help—John 15:14.
10. In the boat of His testimony—Luke 5:3.
11. In the sphere of His work—John 9:4.
12. In the will of His Father—Luke 22:42.
13. In the place of His triumph—Col. 2:15.
14. In the purpose of His determination—Heb. 10:7.
15. In the Gethsemane of His sorrow—Mark 14:32-34.
16. In the Gabbatha of His persecution—Mark 15:16-20.
17. In the power of His Spirit—Acts 1:8; 10:38.
18. In the Cross of His death—John 19:18.
19. In the might of His resurrection—Rom. 8:11.
20. In the glory of His ascension—Col. 3:1, 2.
21. On the Mount of His Transfiguration—Luke 9:28-36.
 207. Christ, the Refuge
1. Christ is a Great Refuge, like the city of refuge. "The Eternal God is thy
refuge" (Deut. 33:27).
2. Christ is a Goodly Refuge, like a harbor. "Jehovah will be the Harbor of
His people" (Joel 3:16, margin).
3. Christ is a Guarding Refuge, like a fortress. "God is our Refuge" (Psa.
46:1).
4. Christ is a Glorious Refuge, like a palace. "He shall hide me in His
pavilion" (Psa. 27:5).
5. Christ is a Good Refuge, like the ark. "An ark to the saving of his soul"
(Heb. 11:7).
6. Christ is a Gracious Refuge, like the home. "Be Thou my strong
habitation" (Psa. 71:3).
7. Christ is a Gentle Refuge, like the mother bird with her young. "He shall
cover thee with His feathers" (Psa. 91:4).
 208. Christ, the Overcomer
"The Lamb Shall Overcome" Rev. 17:14
Before the days of rapid communication as we have it today, there was a way
of transferring news by flare. When Wellington was leading our forces
against France, the issue of the battle of Waterloo was to be communicated
by the above means from a tower at Winchester. The message seemed to
read: "Wellington defeated." The message cast gloom all over England. But it
turned out that the fog and mists had obscured the message, and when it was
repeated and more clearly seen, it read: "Wellington defeated the enemy."
What an illustration of Christ overcoming the enemy of our lives. Christ has
gotten a sevenfold victory.
1. He has been victorious over the strong enemy, and taken away his goods
—Luke 11:22.
2. He has "overcome the world" (John 16:33).
3. He has destroyed the works of the Devil—1 John 3:8.
4. He has spoiled principalities and powers—Col. 2:15.
5. He has taken away the power of death—Heb. 2:14.
6. He has bruised the serpent's head—Gen. 3:15.
7. He holds the keys of Hades and of death—Rev. 1:18.
 209. Christ the Secret of Spiritual Life
1. Life from Christ—John 5:25.
2. Life in Christ—Rom. 8:2.
3. Life with Christ—1 Cor. 1:9.
4. Life by Christ—John 6:57.
5. Life to Christ—2 Cor. 5:15.
6. Life for Christ—Phil. 2:16.
7. Christ living in the believer is the secret of all—Gal. 2:20.
 210. Christ, the Sight Giver
The opening of the eyes of the blind is typical of the opening of the eyes of
our understanding—Acts 26:18. The Lord causes us—
1. To see the evil in ourselves—Rom. 7:23.
2. To see His worth and work—Heb. 2:9.
3. To see the need of preparing for the future—Heb. 11:7.
4. To see the meaning of spiritual things—1 Cor. 2:9
5. To see the fulfillment of God's promises—Heb. 11:13.
6. To see the end of the Lord in discipline—James 5:11.
7. To see the beauty of Christ—1 Peter 1:8.
 211. Christ, the Son of God
1. He commended Peter for confessing that He was more than the Son of
Man—Matt. 16:13-17.
2. He taught that only God could forgive sins, and as He forgave them,
therefore He must be God—Mark 2:6-10.
3. He affirmed He was God when He was put upon His oath by Caiaphas to
declare if He were such—Matt. 26:63, 64.
4. He was crucified as a felon because He said He was God—Matt. 26:64-
66.
5. He demonstrated He was Deity by His resurrection from the dead—Rom.
1:4.
 212. Christ, the Stone
In Acts 4:11
1. Peculiar in Substance. "This Stone" (Matt. 21:44). "Chief... elect,
precious" (1 Peter 2:6).
2. Laid in Place. "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone" (1 Peter 2:6).
3. Living in Bestowment. "Living Stone... ye also," etc. (1 Peter 2:4, 5).
4. Rejected in Work. "Builders disallowed" (1 Peter 2:7).
5. Exalted in Position. "Is become the Head of the corner" (Acts 4:11).
6. Mighty in Conquest. "The Stone smote the image filled the whole earth"
(Daniel 2:35).
7. Stumbling in Opposition. "Stone of stumbling" (1 Peter 2:8; Rom. 9:33).
 213. Christ, the Teacher
As the gardener trains the rose tree to climb in the direction, so Christ teaches
the mind to think the things of God. Some of the great things that Christ
taught were—
1. The evil of sin—John 3:19.
2. The necessity of the new birth—John 3:3.
3. The requirement of His death to answer for sin—John 3:14.
4. The love of God in the gift of Himself—John 3:16.
5. The possession of eternal life through faith in Himself—John 3:36.
6. The proof of discipleship—John 8:31.
7. The secret of fruit-bearing—John 15:5.
 214. Christ, Son of God and God the Son
The first chapter of Hebrews gives a fourfold Sonship of Christ.
1. His Eternal Sonship—1, 2, as Creator and Heir.
2. His Expressed Sonship—2-4, as the "Express Image" of the Godhead.
3. His Exalted Sonship—5, as raised from the dead.
4. His Exhibited Sonship—6-9, as the One who will come again.
 215. Christ, the Substitute
Luke 23:25
Barabbas was released because Christ took his place, and that by the wicked
choice of the people, although behind the act of man we see the hand of
God's purpose. We all by our sin were parties to Christ's crucifixion. His
death was no accident, it was an accomplishment of Divine intent; therefore
we find in the Holy Writ that He was the—
1. God-provided Substitute—Rom. 5:8.
2. Sin-made Substitute—2 Cor. 5:21.
3. Curse-bearing Substitute—Gal. 3:13.
4. Life-sacrificed Substitute—1 Cor. 5:7.
5. Grace-imparting Substitute—Rom. 8:31-34.
6. Holy-inspiring Substitute—Titus 2:14; 1 John 3:16.
7. Glory-securing Substitute—1 Thess. 4:14.
 216. Christ, the Superior One
As Revealed in Colossians 1
1. He is superior to all, for He is "the Image of the invisible God" (v. 15).
2. He is superior in order, for "He is before all things" (v. 17).
3. He is superior in creation, for "By Him were all things created" (v. 16).
4. He is superior in power, for "By Him all things consist" (v. 17).
5. He is superior in position, for "He is the Head of the Body, the Church"
(v. 18).
6. He is superior in resurrection, for "He is the Firstborn from the dead" (v.
18).
7. He is superior in content, for "all fullness" dwells in Him (v. 19).
 217. Christ, the Worthy One
1. As Lord, He is worthy of all homage and praise—Rev. 4:11.
2. As Overcomer, He is worthy to open the Book of Earth's Government—
Rev. 5:1-9.
3. As the Lamb, He is worthy to be exalted by, and above, angelic hosts—
Rev. 5:12.
4. As the "Good" Shepherd, He is worthy of our faith and love, because He
gave His life for us—John 10:11.
5. As the One who bears the "worthy" Name, He is greatest of all—James
2:7.
6. Christ is counted worthy of more honor than Moses—Heb. 3:3.
The adjective "good" in No. 4 is the same as rendered "worthy" in James 2. 7.
 218. Christ Was "Made"
Think of the seven things He was made.
1. As to His humanity, he was "made of a woman" (Gal. 4:4).
2. As to His genealogy, He was "made of the seed of David" (Rom. 1:3).
3. As to His identity, He was "made like unto His brethren" (Heb. 2:17).
4 As to His humility, He "made Himself of no reputation" (Phil. 2:7).
5. As to His ignominy, He was "made a curse" (Gal. 3:13).
6. As to His responsibility, He was "made under the law" (Gal. 4:4).
7. As to His substitutionary work, He was "made... sin for us" (2 Cor. 5:21).
 219. Commands of the Lord
For Warfare in Ephesians 6
1. The "Be Strong" of enduement—v. 10.
2. The "Put On" of equipment—v. 11.
3. The "Take" of achievement—v. 13.
4. The "Stand" of environment—v. 14-17.
5. The "Sword" of armament—v. 17.
6. The "Praying" of endowment—v. 18.
7. The "Watching" of endurement—v. 18.
 220. "Coats" of the Bible
1. A Son's Coat. "Joseph's coat"—Gen. 37:3-33.
2. A Priest's Coat. "A broidered coat"—Exod. 28:4, 39.
3. A Child's Coat. "His mother made him a little coat" (1 Sam. 2:19).
4. A Giant's Coat. "Armed with a coat of mail" (1 Sam. 17:5).
5. A Rent Coat. "Came to meet him with a rent coat" (2 Sam. 15:32).
6. A Backslider's Coat. "I have put off my coat" (Cant. 5:3).
7. The Redeemer's Coat. "His coat" (John 19:23).
8. A Fisherman's Coat. "His fisher's coat" (John 21:7).
 221. "Cold" and Its Effects
1. A Faithful God. "Cold and heat, and summer and winter shall not cease"
(Gen. 8:22). The seasons are a faithful witness to His unceasing attention.
2. A Faithless Sluggard. "Who will not plow by reason of the cold" (Prov.
20:4). Conditions are meant to harden us and not to be excuses for laziness.
3. A Faithful Saying. "As cold water is to a thirsty soul, so is good news
from a far country" (Prov. 25:25). The good news that comes to us from the
far country of God's grace is, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners.
4. A Fearful Disciple. Peter warmed himself at the world's fire, because "it
was cold" (John 18:18).
5. A Fearless Apostle. Among the many things that Paul enumerates were
"fastings often and in cold" (2 Cor. 11:27).
6. A Faulty Condition. "The love of many shall wax cold" (Matt. 24:12).
7. A Timely Gift. "A cup of cold water" (Matt. 10:42).
 222. Cold Things
1. A Cold Day. "Camp in the hedges in a cold day" (Nahum 3:17).
2. A Cold Disciple. "It was cold" (John 18:18).
3. A Cold Heart. "Love of many shall wax cold" (Matt. 24:12).
4. A Cold Drink. "Cup of cold water" (Matt. 10:42).
5. A Cold Worker. "Will not plow because of the cold" (Prov. 20:4).
6. A Cold Apostle. "In fastings often and in cold" (2 Cor. 11:27).
7. A Cold Harvest. "As the cold of snow in the time of harvest," etc. (Prov.
25:13).
 223. Comfort
The Hebrew word "Nachatn" means to sigh with another, and thus to have
fellow-feeling. There are seven strands in this cord of love.
1. Sympathy. The sons and daughters of Jacob "rose up to comfort him,"
when it was thought Joseph was slain—Gen. 37:35.
2. Help. Ruth said to Boaz: "Thou hast comforted me" (Ruth 2:13).
3. Rest. Job said, "My bed shall comfort me" (Job. 7:13).
4. Assurance. "The Lord hath comforted His people" (Isa. 49:13).
5. Affection. "As one whom his mother comforteth" (Isa. 66:13).
6. Supply. "Thou shalt comfort me on every side" (Psa. 71:21).
7. Courage. "I, even I, am He that comforteth you" (Isa. 51:12).
 224. Comforters
1. The Divine Comforter. "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your
God" (Isa. 40:1).
2. The Tender Comforter. "As one whom his mother comforteth" (Isa.
66:13).
3. The Merciful Comforter. "Thy merciful kindness to comfort me" (Psa.
119:76, margin).
4. The Timely Comforter. "The Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort
all her waste places" (Isa. 51:3).
5. The Saving Comforter. "Thine anger is turned away, and Thou
comforteth me: behold God is my Salvation" (Isa. 12:1, 2).
6. The Pastoral Comforter. "Thy rod and staff they comfort me" (Psa. 23:4).
7. The Loving Comforter. "The Lord... to comfort all that mourn" (Isa. 61:1,
2).
 225. Comforts
1. "The God of all Comfort" comforts us by His Word—2 Cor. 1:3-7, R.V.
2. The Lord Jesus comforts us by His work. The word "Advocate" in 1 John
2:1, is the same as used of the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter."
3. The Holy Spirit comforts us by His presence—John 15:26.
4. The Word comforts us by its assurance—Matt. 9:2, 22; 14:27; Mark
10:49; John 16:33; Acts 23:11. The words "cheer" and "comfort" are the
same.
5. Brethren comfort us by their fellowship—Rom. 1:12.
6. The ministry of the Word is meant to comfort or help those who listen to
it—Eph. 6:22; Col. 4:8, 11.
7. Christ's Coming again is meant to comfort those who sorrow for their
loved ones who have fallen asleep—1 Thess. 4:13-18.
 226. Coming of Christ
In 2 Thessalonians 2
Paul supplements and expands the truth of Christ's Coming in his second
letter.
1. Vindicator of the Tried—1:4-7. Mark the words "persecutions,"
"tribulations," "troubled," "suffer." He will trouble the troublers, and tribulate
the tribulationists.
2. Punisher of the Godless—1:7-9. Those who know not God, and the
disobedient, will be banished from His glory and presence, into "everlasting
destruction."
3. Glorifier of His Saints—1:10-12. Clothed with His beauty, like Him in
glory, and with Him in power, the saints will be admired by those who once
afflicted them.
5. Gatherer of His Own—2:1. As a mother bird gathers her young under her
wings and feathers, so the Lord will assemble His own to Himself.
5. Destroyer of the Man of Sin—2:8. In the "brightness of His Coming" the
wicked one will be made to see his sin, and will be crushed to his undoing.
6. Completer of Salvation—2:13. That salvation is described as "the
obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2:14), which means being
"like" Him.
7. Patient One Satisfied—3:5, R.V. He is waiting to be with us and then the
Patient One will be satisfied.
 227. Coming of Christ
Effects of Believing in His Return
If we believe in the Coming of our Lord we shall be—
1. Pure in Heart. For every one that hath this Hope purifieth himself, even as
He is pure—1 John 3:3. Purity within is essential to rightly see without.
2. Resolute in Purpose. We are exhorted to "gird up the loins of our minds,
be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought at the
revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13). As the girdle braces up the body, so
the truth of the Lord's Coming will hold together in a resolute purpose the
mind of our determination.
3. Sanctified in Life. The reason why the Lord sanctifies and cleanses His
Church now, is that He might "present it to Himself a glorious Church" (Eph.
5:26, 27). The spotless garments of a sanctified life have a qualifying
recognition in the glory of the future—Rev. 19:7; 21:2.
4. Ardent in Love. The reason why Paul served the Lord so faithfully was
because he loved the Lord so devotedly—2 Tim. 4:6-8.
5. Patient in Trial. When James exhorted patience under persecution, and a
steady persistence amid ridicule, he said: "Be patient, therefore, brethren,
unto the Coming of the Lord," and repeats his exhortation by saying: "For the
Coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:7, 8).
6. Expectant in Attitude. Of the early Christians, it is said they were waiting
for the Son of God from Heaven, and the outcome of knowing the grace of
God is, we shall be looking for that Blessed Hope and the glorious appearing
of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ—Titus 2:11-14; 1 Thess. 1:10.
7. Faithful in Service. Our Lord has bid us to occupy till He come, and as we
are faithful to Him in trading with the pound of the Gospel, which He has
committed to our trust, we shall be rewarded accordingly—Luke 19:12-26.
 228. Coming Superman
In many ways the coming superman is spoken of, and in many portions of
God's Word. Suppose we take one—namely, Daniel 11:36-45. If the passage
is carefully pondered, it will be found this man is—
1. Royal in Place, for he is called "the king."
2. Willful in Spirit, for he will do "according to his will."
3. Proud in Soul, for "he shall exalt himself."
4. Self-inflated in Importance, for he will "magnify himself."
5. Bombastic in Speech, for "he shall speak marvelous things against the
God of gods."
6. Prosperous in Wickedness, for "he shall prosper."
7. Infidel in Worship, for "he shall not regard the God of his fathers," etc.
(37, 38).
8. Despotic in Rule, for "he shall cause them to rule."
9. Covetous in Heart, he "shall divide the land for gain."
10. Victorious in War. Mark what is said in verses 40-43.
11. Cruel in Action, he "shall go forth to destroy and make away many."
12. Humiliated in Overthrow. "He shall come to his end, and none shall
help him."
 229. Commands of the Lord
James 4:7-10
With every command of the Lord there is a promise of help.
1. Submission. "Submit yourselves unto God." To give unto the Lord is to
find He gives Himself to us.
2. Opposition. "Resist the Devil and he will flee from you." The sword of the
Spirit is the sure weapon to defeat the adversary.
3. Communion. "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh unto you." If we
draw near to Him in faith and faithfulness, He will draw near to us in power
and grace.
4. Purification. "Cleanse your hands." Dirty hands are a disgrace to a
Christian and defilement to others.
5. Concentration. "Purify your minds ye double-minded." Singleness of
heart is the concentration of consecration.
6. Affliction. "Be afflicted and mourn." A contrite spirit, a weeping heart,
and tears in the eyes are appreciated by God.
7. Humiliation. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord." Humility is the
queen of graces and Heaven's livery.
 230. Commands to Safeguard
1. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth" (Matt. 6:19).
2. "Lean not unto thine own understanding" (Prov. 3:5).
3. "Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:1).
4. "Look not at the things which are seen" (2 Cor. 4:18).
5. "Lose not those things which we have wrought" (2 John 8).
6. "Love not the world" (1 John 2:15).
7. "Lie not one to another" (Col. 3:9).
 231. Companions of the Devil
"Walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8), is the
description of the occupation of the adversary. There are others, like him, up
to mischievous practices, who are, therefore, allied with him.
1. A Meddlesome Talebearer. "He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth
secrets" (Prov. 20:19).
2. A Spark Maker. "Compass yourselves about with sparks," etc. (Isa. 1.
11).
3. A Gadding People. "Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy
way?" (Jer. 2:36).
4. A Backsliding Daughter. "How long wilt thou go about, O thou
backsliding daughter?" (Jer. 31:22).
5. A Beset Company. "Their own doings have beset them about" (Hosea
7:2).
6. A Self-righteous Nation. "Going about to establish their own
righteousness" (Romans 10:3).
7. An Idle Gossip. "Wandering about from house to house" (1 Timothy
5:13).
 232. Complaints
From Which the Church in Corinth Were Suffering
1. Fits of Sectarianism. "There are contentions among you" (1 Cor. 1:11-
13). Self-elation is the mother of a party spirit.
2. Fever of Discontent. "There is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to
law with one another" (1 Cor. 6:1-8). We have rights that we may give them
up.
3. Carnality of Unspirituality. "Ye are yet carnal" (1 Cor. 3:1-3). A saint in
a carnal state is worse than a sinner in a dead state!
4. Swelled Head of Pride. "Ye are puffed up" (1 Cor. 5:2). Pride always
causes the head to swell with conceit, and blurs the vision. Puffed eyes
indicate a bad heart.
5. Palsy of Sloth. The Church at Corinth allowed a brother in sin to remain in
their midst, and gloried in it, hence the command to "purge out" the leaven—
1 Cor. 5:1-8.
6. Ague of Disorder. There was a babble of tongues, and a confusion in the
assembly, hence the exhortation of 1 Corinthians 14.
7. Hardness of Unbelief. Unbelief is the mother of many ills. Find out those
mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9 and 10.
 233. Condition of Man As a Sinner
In Romans 5
1. Helpless. "Without strength" (v. 6).
2. Godless. "Ungodly" (v. 6).
3. Sinful. "Sinners" (v. 8).
4. Rebels. "Enemies" (v. 10).
5. Dead. "Death passed upon all" (v. 12).
6. Deficient. "All have sinned," namely, missed the mark (v. 12).
7. Condemned. "Judgment came upon all men unto condemnation" (v. 18).
 234. Conditions
Every promise and blessing is based on conditions. When we fulfil God's
conditions He fills to the full His promises.
1. Rest of heart comes to those who are yoked with Christ in God's will—
Matt. 11:29.
2. Manifestations of Christ's glory come to those who keep His
commandments—John 14:21.
3. Confidence towards God is born from an uncondemning heart—1 John
3:21.
4. Abiding in Christ is the secret of fruitfulness—John 15:4.
5. Laying aside every weight is the precursor to winning the race—Heb.
12:1.
6. Spiritual-mindedness is the essential to see God's secrets—Eph. 1:18.
7. Prayer is the attitude of soul to which the Spirit of God ever comes with
His grace and power—Acts 1:14; 2:1; 4:31; 13:2.
 235. Confession
Confession means more than profession. Confession means to stand with, to
be in agreement with, the thing or person to whom reference is made.
1. Confession of Sins. "If we confess our sins" (1 John 1:9).
2. Confession of Christ. "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Christ is
born of God" (1 John 4:15).
3. Confession of Salvation. "With the mouth confession is made unto
salvation" (Rom. 10:10).
4. Confession of Jesus as Lord. "If thou shalt confess Jesus as Lord" (Rom.
10:9, R.V.).
5. Confession to the Name. "The fruit of our lips which make confession to
His Name" (Heb. 13:15).
6. Confession of Separation. "Confessed they were strangers and pilgrims"
(Heb. 11:13).
7. Christ's Own Confession. "Witnessed the good confession" (1 Tim. 6:13,
R.V.).
Ponder Timothy's example—1 Tim. 6:12; the Spirit's exhortation—Heb.
4:14, R.V.; and Christ's promise—Luke 12:8.
 236. Confession (Daniel's)
Daniel 9:5, 6
1. "We have sinned." Missed the mark of God's law.
2. "Committed iniquity." Perverting the right.
3. "Done wickedly." Wrought violation and brought disturbance.
4. "Rebelled." Clenching the fist and defying God to His face.
5. "Departing from Thy precepts." Turning aside from the right way.
6. "Departing from Thy judgments." Ignoring the right.
7. "Not hearkened." Not responding to His call.
In all this there had been what Daniel calls "trespass," that is, unfaithfulness
to the Lord—9:7.
 237. Consecration
And Its Connections
1. Contrition before the Lord—Isa. 57:15.
2. Concentration on the Lord—Phil. 3:13, 14.
3. Conformity to the Lord—Rom. 12:2.
4. Controlled by the Lord—Phil. 2:13.
5. Confidence in the Lord—Heb. 10:35; 11:6.
6. Contentment with the Lord—Phil. 3:12, 13, R.V.
7. Confession of the Lord—Rom. 10:9, R.V.
 238. Consecration
1. Surrender is the act of consecration—1 Chron. 12:18.
2. Thoroughness is the meaning of consecration—Lev. 1:9.
3. Obedience is the life of consecration—Rom. 6:17, margin.
4. The Holy Spirit is the Power of consecration—Acts 1:8.
5. Joy is the outcome of consecration—Acts 5:41.
6. The Glory of God is the end of consecration—2 Thess. 1:12.
7. Christ is the secret of consecration—Gal. 2:20.
8. Cleansing is the prelude to consecration—2 Cor. 7:1.
 239. Consecration
Consecration may be summarized under three divisions.
1. Consecration to God, which means yielding all to Him—Rom. 6:13; 12:1.
2. Consecration by God. As He filled the Tabernacle—Exod. 40:34;
consumed the sacrifice on mount Carmel—1 Kings 18:38; and kept anything
"devoted" to Him—Lev. 27:28.
3. Consecration in God, that is, finding all in the Lord Himself, and
experiencing the blessings of the 91st Psalm.
 240. Consider
"Consider What I Say" 2 Tim. 2:7
1. The Sinner's Stock-taking. "Consider your ways" (Haggai 1:5-7).
2. The Wise Man's Pertinent Advice. "Consider the work of God" (Eccles.
7:13).
3. The Student's Lesson-book. "I will consider Thy testimonies" (Psa.
119:95).
4. The Believer's Constant Outlook. "Consider the Apostle and High
Priest," etc. (Heb. 3:1; 12:3).
5. The Saved One's Call to Separation. "Hearken, 0 daughter, and consider"
(Psa. 45:10).
6. The Brethren's Provocative Action. "Let us consider one another to
provoke unto love and to good works" (Heb. 10:24).
7. The Christian's Lessons in botany and natural history. "Consider the
lilies," "Consider the ravens" (Matt. 6:28; Luke 12:24).
 241. "Consider" and Conclude
The word "consider" in the following Scriptures means to perceive and to see
clearly, and thus come to a right conclusion.
1. "Consider the ravens," and "lilies," and trust in the Lord—Luke 12:24, 27.
2. Let us consider the "beam" of fault in ourselves, lest we receive the
rebuke of Christ, because we "consider not"—Matt. 7:3.
3. Consider what God does, as Moses did the burning bush, when he "drew
near to behold (consider) it"—Acts 7:31, 32.
4. Consider what the Lord brings before us, like Peter when he "considered"
the vision—Acts 11:6.
5. Consider not the natural when a Divine promise is given, like Abraham
when he "considered not his own body"—Rom. 4:19.
6. Consider fellow believers, for we are charged to "consider one another"—
Heb. 10:24.
7. Consider the Lord Jesus in His Priesthood and Apostleship—Heb. 3:1.
 242. Contempt
Contempt is the act of derision against another, to the depreciation of that
one, and self-inflation at the expense of the contemptuous one.
1. Sneer of contempt. Satan's word to Eve: "Yea, hath God said?" (Gen. 3:1).
2. Pride of contempt. Goliath's taunt to David—1 Sam. 17:42, 43.
3. Self-righteousness of contempt. The Pharisee's reflection on the publican
—Luke 18:11.
4. Ridicule of contempt. Young men's mockery of Elisha—2 Kings 2:23,
R.V.
5. Aloofness of contempt. Pharisees and Scribes objecting to Christ receiving
sinners—Luke 15:2; 19:7.
6. Mistake of contempt. Corinthians' reference to Paul's infirmities—2 Cor.
10:10; 11:12.
7. Unbelief of contempt. The passers-by at the Cross—Matt. 27:40.
 243. Contentment
"Godliness with Contentment Is Great Gain" (1 Tim. 6:6)
Contention and contentment are the same in the contents of their first two
syllables, but what a difference in their contents as a whole. The Greek words
arkeo and arketos give a chain of Scriptures which tell of the soul and secret
of contentment. The words are rendered "enough," "sufficient," "suffice," and
"content."
1. A Dark Past. "The time past of our life may suffice us" (1 Peter 4:3).
2. A Divine Savior. "Shew us the Father and it sufficeth us," etc. (John 14:8).
3. A Glorious Assurance. "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor. 12:9).
4. A Happy Companionship. "It is enough that the disciple be as His Lord"
(Matt. 10:25).
5. An Imperative Command. "Be content with such things as ye have"
(Heb. 13:5).
6. A Needful Reminder. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" (Matt.
6:34).
7. A Contented Conclusion. "Having food and raiment, let us therewith be
content" (1 Tim. 6:8).
 244. "Continue"
1. "Continue following the Lord your God" (1 Sam. 12:14).
2. "Continue in My Word" (John 8:31).
3. "Continue ye in My Love" (John 15:9).
4. "Continue in the Grace of God" (Acts 13:43).
5. "Continue in the Faith" (Acts 14:22).
6. "Continue in Prayer" (Col. 4:2).
7. "Continue in Faith and Charity" (1 Tim. 2:15).
 245. "Continued"
1. Continued Prayer—Acts 1:14.
2. Continued Practice—Acts 2:42, 46.
3. Continued Knocking—Acts 12:16.
4. Continued Ministry—Acts 18:11.
5. Continued Speech —Acts 20:7.
6. Continued Fasting—Acts 27:33.
7. Continued Testimony—Acts 26:22.
 246. "Contrary to Jesus"
Paul acknowledged he was wrong when he acted as Saul, although he
thought he was right—1 Tim. 1:13. He was acting "contrary to the Name of
Jesus" (Acts 26:9). We are always wrong when we act "contrary" to Him. To
go contrary to Him is when we are—
1. Blinded by prejudice—2 Kings 5:11.
2. Surfeited by worldliness—Luke 21:34.
3. Obsessed by error—1 Tim. 1:10.
4. Swayed by Satan—Luke 22:31-34.
5. Inflated with pride—1 Tim. 3:6.
6. Dominated by self—3 John 9.
7. Moved by envy—Acts 13:45.
 247. Contrariness
1. Contrary Walk—Lev. 26:21, 23, 27, 40.
2. Contrary Wind—Matt. 14:24.
3. Contrary Worship—Acts 18:13.
4. Contrary Ways—Acts 26:9.
5. Contrary to God's Word—Rom. 16:17; 1 Tim. 1:10.
6. Contrary to each other—flesh and Spirit—Gal. 5:17.
7. Contrary things removed by the Cross—Col. 2:14.
 248. Conversion of Paul
As Given in Acts 26:13-15, 19
Paul was arrested by Christ, convicted of his sin—13, 14, and then
acknowledged Christ as "Lord" (v. 15), and then bears his testimony to his
obedience to the "Heavenly Vision" (v. 19). That "vision"—
1. Gave him a sight of himself—1 Tim. 1:13.
2. Caused him to appreciate Calvary—Gal. 2:20.
3. Made him to see the Risen Christ—1 Cor. 15:8.
4. Brought him forgiveness of sins—Acts 13:38.
5. Fired him with a holy passion—2 Cor. 5:14.
6. Moved him to sacrifice himself—Phil. 2:17, R.V.
7. Opened his eyes to a different outlook—Titus 2:12.
 249. Converting Power of the Cross
"Christ Crucified, the Power of God" (1 Cor. 1:23, 24)
What do the Scriptures say the Cross is? It is—
1. The burden and symbol of His sufferings for sin—John 19:17-19.
2. The lowest rung in the ladder of His obedience—Phil. 2:8.
3. The means by which reconciliation is made—Col. 1:20-22.
4. The remover of the claim and curse of the law—Col. 2:14.
5. The effective power to bless—1 Cor. 1:17.
6. The cause of condemnation to those who despise it—1 Cor. 1:18.
7. An example for the believer to follow Him—Heb. 12:2; Matt. 16:24.
 250. "Could Not"
1. An Impossible Task. To be justified by law. "Could not be justified" (Acts
13:39).
2. An Incompetent Ritual. The sacrifices under law "could not make...
perfect" (Heb. 9:9).
3. An Inadequate Medium. "What the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh" (Rom. 8:3).
4. An Incomparable Savior. "He could not be hid" (Mark. 7:24).
5. An Impassionate Cry. "They could not cure him" (Matt. 17:16).
6. An Immovable House. "Could not shake it" (Luke 6:48).
7. An Indifferent State. "Could not believe" (John 12:39; Heb. 3:19).
 251. Courage
Joshua 1
Courage is the grace of fearlessness. It is born of truth; it is dominated by
righteousness, and its highest form is begotten by the fear of God.
1. Feet of Courage—v. 2, 11. "Go over this Jordan" is the Lord's distinct and
definite command. There were many things in the way of their going; the
Jordan in its flow, Jericho with its walls, and the Canaanites in their
opposition; but when the Lord says "Go," it is not for us to reason, but to
respond. The one thought that dominated the minds of our soldiers and
thinking men in the Great War was that they were contending for the right
against the arrogance of might, hence they had winged feet in their cause.
When we know we are right, difficulties will not daunt us, but, like Paul, we
shall press forward—Phil. 3:14; 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.
2. Ground of Courage—v. 6, 9, 18. The ground of courage is the Lord's
command and His promise. When the Lord commands us and we obey,
courage will come to us; His presence will sustain us; His promises will cheer
us; and what He pledges will attract us. Rusk in says of the Book of Joshua,
"It is a book which tells us, straight from the lips of God, all we ought to do,
and need to know; a book to be trusted as a Captain's order, to be heard and
obeyed at our peril."
There are many commands which may be found in Joshua 1. The following
nine are some of them: "Go over," "Be strong," "Be of a good courage,"
"Observe to do," "Not depart," "Meditate," "Be not afraid," "Be not
dismayed," and "Remember."
3. Action of Courage—v. 7, 8. "Observe to do" is the clarion note which is
sounded right through the chapter. "The law" was what they were to "observe
to do." They were to observe "all," not some of it. They were not to deviate
from it either "to the right hand or to the left." The law was not to depart out
of their mouth, and it was to be always with them; hence they were to
"meditate therein day and night;" and then the Lord promised them good
success and prosperity.
4. Face of Courage—v. 9. If we can with confidence look into the face of
God, we shall be able to look into the faces of men, for the Lord bids us "not
to be afraid" nor "dismayed." One of the greatest things that was said of John
Knox was, he never feared the face of man; and when he heard one of Queen
Mary's attendants say of him, "He is not afraid," as the attendant referred to
the anger of the Queen against Knox, he replied, "Why should the pleasing
face of a gentlewoman afray me, when I have looked into the faces of many
angry men, and yet have not been afraid?" When our heart is in the will of
God, and we are following in the steps of Him who set His face like a flint—
Isa. 1. 7, we can go steadfastly on, though, as with Him, a cross of Calvary
lies in front of us—Luke 9:51.
5. Mind of Courage—v. 8, 13. The twofold injunction which relates to the
mind is: "Meditate" and "Remember." When the mind muses on the Word of
the Lord with an intense regard, it will cause the fire of devotion to burn with
an ardent flame, which will show itself in a ready response to what the Lord
enjoins; and when we "remember" what the Lord has promised, it will cause
us to enjoy what He has given. If the mind of memory is keen to do the
Lord's biddings, the music of the life will harmonize with it.
6. Strength of Courage. The Lord said, "I will be with thee" (v. 5), and He
followed it up by saying, "The Lord thy God is with thee, whithersoever thou
goest" (v. 9). The presence of the Lord is the secret of everything. It is the
Giver of rest, as Moses found; it is the Soul of prosperity, as Joseph
experienced; it is the Cause of victory, as David knew; it is the Sustainer in
trial, as Paul enjoyed; and it is the Companionship in solitude, as John in
Patmos discovered.
Someone once wanted to frighten Billy Bray as he journeyed home on a dark
night along a country lane, by shouting to him out of the hedge, "Billie, the
Devil is in the hedge," to which he replied, "Bless the Lord, I did not think he
was so far off as that," and went on his way singing.
 252. "Covered"
1. Worship, or a covered face. "He covered his face" (Isa. 6:2).
2. Work, or the covered Heavens. "His glory covered the Heavens" (Hab.
3:3).
3. Grace, or the covered sinner. "I covered thy nakedness... I covered thee
with silk" (Ezek. 16:8, 10).
4. Blessedness, or sin covered. "Blessed is the man whose sin is covered"
(Psa. 32:1; 85:2; Rom. 4:7).
5. Goodness, or God's provision. "The pastures are clothed with flocks, the
valleys are covered with corn" (Psa. 65:13).
6. Beautified, or grace's adornment. "Though ye have lien among the pots,
yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers
with yellow gold" (Psa. 68:13).
7. Protection, or covered servant. "I have covered thee in the shadow of
Mine hand" (Isa. 51:16).
 253. Craftiness
The word "craftiness" is rendered "subtlety" in 2 Corinthians 11:3; and
"cunning craftiness" in Ephesians 4:14.
1. Craftiness looks out for number one, like Judas—John 12:6.
2. Believes in securing the best, like Jacob—Gen. 27:36.
3. Sacrifices principle to gain its own end, like Balaam—2 Peter 2:15; Jude
11.
4. Juggles with its conscience, like Ananias—Acts 5:2.
5. Passes itself off for what it is not, like the spies employed by the priests
—Luke. 20:23.
6. And baits the hook of disobedience with the bait of plausibility, like
Satan did for Eve—2 Cor. 11:3.
 254. Creation Proves a Creator
There is one of two things to do: either to accept what the Scriptures affirm,
that there was a "beginning" to creation, and hence a Creator; or accept the
hypothesis there was no Creator, and everything produced itself! What do the
Scriptures affirm?
1. God is the Originator of all things, for in "the beginning God created the
Heaven and the earth" (Gen. 1:1).
2. God is the Creator of man, and that man owes his being to Him, who
caused him to be—Gen. 1:27; 5:1, 2; 6:7; Isa. 45:12.
3. The seen things of creation proclaim Him, who made them what they are
—Rom. 1:20.
4. That creation is referred to as an illustration of God's grace, for He who
caused the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts—2 Cor.
4:6.
5. The creature is dependent upon the Creator for his existence, for in Him
we live and move and have our being—Acts 17:24-28.
6. The man of God recognizes he needs the help of the Creator to help him
in time of need—Psa. 121:2; Acts 4:24.
7. That everything was made by, sustained in, created for Christ—John
1:3; Col. 1:16-19.
Thus we see Christ, God, and the Scriptures centre in and are held together
by God the Creator. Accept the extreme position of evolutionists, and we
have nothing but the nebulous gas of pantheism; but receive the Scriptures as
they reveal God, and in Christ we find One who cares, and loves, and blesses.
 255. Cries in Places
1. A cry in the wilderness. John the Baptist—Matt. 3:3.
2. A cry in a cemetery. The demoniac—Mark 5:5.
3. A cry by the roadside. The blind man—Matt. 9:27.
4. A cry in the temple. "Children crying in the temple" (Matt. 21:15).
5. A cry in the night. "At midnight there was a cry" (Matt. 25:6).
6. A cry in a garden. The Savior in Gethsemane—Heb. 5:7.
7. A cry in the heart. Spirit in the believer—Gal. 4:6.
 256. Critics and God's Word
These critics often remind us of those who—
1. Handle the Word of God deceitfully—2 Cor. 4:2.
2. Corrupt it wickedly—2 Cor. 2:17.
3. Wrest it wrongfully—2 Peter 3:16.
4. Make shipwreck of the faith disastrously—1 Tim. 1:19.
5. Deny the faith vigorously—1 Tim. 5:8.
6. Err from the faith woefully—1 Tim. 6:10.
7. Who have itching ears continually—2 Tim. 4:3.
 257. Cross Assures the Millennium
The Cross of Christ's atoning sacrifice is the basis by which sin will be taken
away, for this is essential before there can be any Millennium. John's
message, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world"
(John 1:29) is far-reaching in its effects.
1. Provisionally, Christ's death declares sin is "put away" as a hindrance
between God and man—Heb. 9:26.
2. Substitutionally, Christ has borne our sins in His own body on the tree—1
Peter 2:24.
3. Practically, sin is put away from the life of the believer in Christ, for he
has died to it in Him, and it is no longer his master—Rom. 6:17, 18.
4. Prophetically, sin will ultimately be rid out of the world; although not
completely so in the Millennium, it will be in the golden age of the Lamb,
when in the new Heavens and in the new earth righteousness will dwell, and
that because the Lamb will be the light. All things will be reconciled "unto
Himself," by means of Him who shed His precious blood on the Cross; yea,
the Spirit says, "By" (By means of Him), "whether they be things in (upon)
earth, or things in Heaven" (Col. 1:20).
 258. Cruelty to Paul
Ponder the many expressive words which embody the acts of cruelty as stated
in Acts 21, 22, and 23.
1. The "stirred" of unholy agitation.
2. The "laid hands on them" of arresting hate—21:27.
3. The "moved" of troublesome opposition.
4. The "took" of violent arrest—21:30.
5. The "went to kill" of diabolical intent—21, 31; 23:12.
6. The "beating" of wanton malice—21:32.
7. The "bound" of curtailed liberty—21:33.
8. The "violence" of turbulent rage—21:35.
9. The "away with him" of unjust persecution—21:36; 22:22.
10. The "scourging" of unkind treatment—22:24.
11. The "pulled in pieces" of malicious handling—23:10.
12. The "kept" of solitary confinement—23:35.
If we suffer for Christ rightly we shall get the suffering from the world
rigorously. Suffering is better than sinning; as Mr. Spurgeon says, "There is
more evil in a drop of sin than in an ocean of affliction. Better burn for Christ
than turn from Christ."
 259. "Crucified to the World"
Galatians 6:14
1. Crucified to its "sin" (Rom. 6:6).
2. Crucified to its "wisdom" (1 Cor. 1:20).
3. Crucified to its "friendship" (Jas. 4:4).
4. Crucified to its "things" (1 John 2:15-17).
5. Crucified to the "pollutions" of the world (2 Peter 2:20).
6. Crucified to the "elements" of the world (Gal. 4:3, 9; Col. 2:8).
7. Crucified to the "course" of the world (Eph. 2:2).
8. Crucified to the contaminations of the world (Jas. 1:27).
9. Crucified to the "corruption" of the world (2 Peter 1:4).
10. Crucified to the "care" of the world (1 Cor. 7:32-34).
11. Crucified to the "filth" of the world (1 Cor. 4:13).
12. Crucified to the "spirit" of the world (1 Cor. 2:12).
 260. Cut
A Gospel address may be compiled from the relative use of the word "cut."
1. Obstacles Removed. "Cut down their groves" (Deut. 7:5; 2 Chron. 14:3;
31:1; 34:7). The groves were identified with idol worship and sin.
2. Oblation Made. "Cut off out of the land of the living" (Isa. 53:8; Daniel
9:26). Christ's death was no accident. It was God's giving, and of God's
laying down, but sin was its cause.
3. Obstinacy Rebuked. "Cut to the heart" (Acts 5:33; 7:54), or, more
correctly, "sawn through," so they were completely confounded.
4. Offering Parted. "Cut the ram in pieces" (Exod. 29:17; Lev. 8:20). The
ram was offered, and the blood of it was applied to Aaron and his sons at
their consecration to the priesthood. The several parts of the ram were for
Jehovah and the priests (Exod 29:17-28).
5. Obstruction Uprooted. "Cut it down" (Luke 13:7) means to cut out (ek
kopto). There is only one thing to do with that which cumbers, and that is,
remove the encumbrance—Rev. 2:5.
6. Omnipotence Displayed. "Cut out of the mountain" (Dan. 2:34, 45),
which expresses Christ in His might overthrowing the world powers.
7. Offensive Tongue. "The froward tongue shall He cut out" (Prov. 10:31).
The best way to deal with that which is dangerous is to remove it.
 261. Daniel
An Acrostic Study in Character
Character is what we are in the value of our being, as the gold coin rings out
its worth as it is flung on the counter. Think of the character Daniel was. We
might make an acrostic on his name.
1. Devout character, for the "Spirit of the holy" (Dan. 5:11) was seen in him,
even as the prism reveals the colors of the rainbow.
2. Attractive character, for there was found in him "light," "understanding,"
and "wisdom," even as the light, heat, and color are seen in the gaslight—
Dan. 5:11.
3. Noble character, for even the king, who was condemned, appreciated his
worth by clothing him in royal apparel and making him a ruler in his
kingdom—Dan. 5:29.
4. Incisive character, for as the chisel cuts the wood, so Daniel by his insight
into God's ways made known the handwriting on the wall—Dan. 5:25-27.
5. Excellent character. As the diamond flashes out its worth through the
light, so the excellency of the prophet was acknowledged—Dan. 5:12.
6. Living character. No character is living in the truest sense which does not
find its source and stream in God Himself. It is the living flower which emits
perfume—Ezek. 14:14.
 262. Daniel's Protector
As Seen in Daniel 6:19-23
Daniel's testimony regarding God's protection is explicit. There are seven
things about the protection. It was—
1. Divine in its help, for it was "God" who shielded him.
2. Personal in its benefit, for Daniel said, "My God."
3. Angelic in its medium, for the "angel" shut the lions' mouths.
4. Responsive in its blessing. There are three reasons given why Daniel was
delivered: "innocency was found" in him; he had "done no hurt" to the king;
and he "believed in his God."
5. Gladdening in its outcome, for the king was "exceeding glad" when he
found Daniel safe.
6. Delivering in its end, for Daniel was "taken out of the den."
7. Perfect in its service, for "no manner of hurt was found upon him"
 263. Daniel Praying
Or Faith Illustrated—Dan. 6:10, 11
1. The Courage of Faith. "When Daniel knew the writing was signed," etc.
2. The Outlook of Faith. "His windows being opened towards Jerusalem."
3. The Humility of Faith. "He kneeled upon his knees."
4. The Method of Faith. "Three times a day."
5. The Worship of Faith. "Prayed and gave thanks," etc.
6. The Consistency of Faith. "As he did aforetime."
7. The Place of Faith. "Before his God."
 264. Day by Day
1. A Daily Burnt Offering. Consecration. "Daily burnt offering" (Num.
29:6). Attitude of the saint maintained as a result of the act of consecration in
surrender.
2. A Daily Worship. Thanksgiving. "Daily shall He be praised" (Psa. 72:15).
The essence of worship is praise to the Lord for what He is and does.
3. A Daily Supplication. Need Expressed. "I cry unto Thee daily" (Psa.
86:3). "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11). Prayer is the channel
which keeps us in touch with God's supplies.
4. A Daily Vigilance. Alertness. "Watching daily at My gates" (Prov. 8:34).
Watching for His leading and watching against our enemies.
5. A Daily Cross. Denial of Self. "Take up his Cross daily and follow Me"
(Luke 9:23). Following Christ in the denial of self, and in doing God's will.
6. A Daily Searching. Tracking. "Searched the Scriptures daily" (Acts
17:11). Following on the trail of God's game till we catch the things of the
Spirit and make them our own.
7. A Daily Dying. Co-Crucifixion. "I die daily" (1 Cor. 15:31). Reckoning
we are dead with Christ, we are prepared to die for Him, and to die in Him.
8. A Daily Care. Duty. "That which cometh upon me daily: the care of all the
churches" (2 Cor. 11:28). Duty fulfilled is blessing secured.
9. A Daily Exhortation. Helpfulness. "Exhort one another daily" (Heb.
3:13). Love is concerned about the welfare of others.
 265. Darkness and Its Treasures
C. H. SPURGEON, on one occasion, was in Richmond Park with a friend, who
was reading to him, and in the course of reading he read: "And it was now
dark, and Jesus was not come to them." "Stay!" said C.H.S. "That is ugly!
Dark! and Jesus was not come to them," and he relapsed into silence. Here
are some sparklets of thought to pass on—
1. Don't be surprised when seeking the light if you come into the dark. Job
long ago declared, "When I waited for light there came darkness" (Job.
30:26).
2. When we are in the dark, and have no light, we have the opportunity to
trust in the Lord and stay upon Him—Isa. 1. 10.
3. The darkness is the opportunity for the Lord's succor, for He maketh
light to arise in the darkness—Psa. 112:4.
4. There are "treasures of darkness," so don't be in a hurry to get out of it,
lest you should miss them—Isa. 45:3.
5. There is never a darkness through which we may pass but what it is light
in comparison to that which the Lord passed through for us on the Cross—
Mark 15:33.
6. If we seek Christ in the dark, like Mary Magdalene, who came to the
sepulcher while "it was yet dark," we shall find Him—John 20:1.
7. Christ will not leave us in the dark, so let us keep on rowing, as the
disciples did, and it will not be long before we shall "see Jesus," and hear His,
"It is I, be not afraid" (John 6:17-21).
 266. "Day of the Lord"
In Zechariah 14:4-21, we have seven times over what shall take place "in that
day"—that is, the day of Millennial glory, when the Lord shall tabernacle
amongst us again.
1. Arrival of the Lord with His saints, at the commencement of His
tabernacling. "His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives" (v.
4).
2. Darkness leading to light will be the phenomenon "at that day." The
American Revised Version of verses 6 and 7 reads: "In that day there shall
not be light, the bright ones shall withdraw themselves (the stars)... but at
evening time it shall be light"—that is, as Von Orelli says: "The light of
salvation will break its way through the night of judgment"—see Isa. 30:26.
3. Living waters blessing the earth. "It shall be in that day living waters will
go out of Jerusalem" (v. 8), The river described in Ezekiel 47 will bring
blessing in its onward and deepening flow.
4. Christ's Universal Reign. "The Lord shall be King over all the earth in
that day" (v. 9). All the nations will know the right and might of His reign.
5. Christ's might Victorious over His enemies. The peoples that have
warred against the Lord shall be brought under His judgment "in that day" (v.
12-15, A.R.V.).
6. "Holiness unto the Lord" shall characterize everything "in that day" (v.
20). Everything shall be sacred to Him.
7. Exclusion of the enemy. "In that day there shall no more be the Canaanite
in the house of the Lord of Hosts" (v. 21). The trafficker for self and sin will
be excluded.
All this is preceded by Judah looking upon Him whom they have pierced, and
in knowing Him who was smitten by the sword of Jehovah on their behalf—
Zech. 12:10; 13:7.
 267. Death of Christ
There are several ways in which the death of Christ is stated, each of which
has its own touch of meaning.
1. A Sinful Act. "Being put to death in the flesh" (1 Peter 3:18).
2. A Saving Atonement. "Through His Blood" (Eph. 1:7).
3. A Suffering Attachment. "The Cross of Christ... the marks of Jesus" (Gal.
6:14-17).
4. A Slain Servant. "He came to give His life a ransom" (Matt. 20:28).
5. A Soul Travailed. "The travail of His soul" (Isa. 53:11).
6. A Sacrifice Given. "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Cor. 5:7).
7. A Submerged Savior. "I have a baptism to be baptized with" (Luke
12:50).
 268. Death of Christ
Continued
1. Proclamation of His Death. "Spake of His decease" (Luke 9:31).
2. Place of His Death. "Where (Calvary) sin abounded, grace did much more
abound" (Rom. 5:20).
3. Pleasure of His Death. "Gave Himself an offering and sacrifice to God for
a sweet-smelling savor" (Eph. 5:2).
4. Partakers of His Death. "Died the Just for the unjust to bring us to God"
(1 Peter 3:18).
5. Passion of Christ's Death. "After His passion" (Acts 1:3).
6. Provision of His Death. "The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep"
(John 10:11).
7. Planting of Christ's Death: "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground,"
etc. (John 12:24, 25, 33).
 269. Deborah the Patriot
Judges 4:1-16
There are three outstanding features we find in the Book of Judges. First, the
repeated sin of the children of Israel and the consequent loss and bondage
which came to them. Second, the Lord's gracious intervention in raising up
deliverers when the children of Israel cried unto Him. Third, the power of the
Holy Spirit which came upon the deliverers, qualifying them for their work.
1. A Sad Repetition—1, 2. The children of Israel did evil again, and it seems
as if it was done with unblushing effrontery, for it was "in the sight of the
Lord," and the result was the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin, the king
of Canaan. The repetition of sin will harden the heart, sear the conscience,
darken the understanding, blur the vision, lower morality, divert the feet, and
separate from God.
2. A Supplicating Request—3. The children of Israel "cried unto the Lord,"
and two reasons are given; because Jabin "mightily oppressed" them, and that
for the long period of twenty years; and he seems to have done them
unparalleled injury, for when he came against them he had many chariots of
iron, and to these chariots of iron were fastened long scythes to the orbs of
the wheels, which would cut those who were invaded in a terrible way. The
only hope for them was the Lord, so they supplicated for His help. Prayer to
the Lord will bring help from Him when everything else has failed. Prayer
brought a nation out of Egypt—Exod 2:23; victory to Hezekiah—2 Kings
19:15-19; success to Nehemiah—Neh. 4:9; salvation to Jonah—Jonah 2:1-10;
cleansing to the leper—Matt. 8:2-4; help to Peter—Matt. 14:31; and power to
the disciples at Pentecost—Acts 1:14; 4:31.
3. A Second Resource—4-9. Deborah sent to Barak and advised him what to
do in order that deliverance might come to Israel, but Barak would not go
against the enemy unless Deborah went with him. She responded to the
request, but she reminded Barak that a twofold loss would ensue, for it would
not be to his honour, and that Sisera, the leader of the foe, would be delivered
into the hand of a woman. We often find that when man fails God uses a
woman to accomplish His purpose. The great lesson is that when the Lord
calls us to do a thing we should promptly obey His voice, for if we do not it
means loss to us.
4. A Sound Rout—10-16. With the encouragement of Deborah, and the
advice of Heber, Barak went up against Sisera and completely routed all the
invading host, so that every one fell by the edge of the sword except Sisera,
for the marginal reading implies there was one left ("All fell... unto one").
Besides, we read that Sisera fled away to the tent of Jael, and, as Deborah had
predicted, he was slain by a woman—18-23. God is recognised as the One
who gave the victory over Israel's enemies. Reference should be made to the
song of Deborah and Barak as recorded in Judges 5, for it is a tribute of
praise to the Lord's delivering grace. The Lord who gave victory over the
enemies of Israel is the One who will give us victory over our enemies. Mr.
Spencer Walton used to tell a story about two boys who were fighting, and
the boy who got the worst of the fray said to the other one, "You wait here
while I go and fetch my big brother, and he will give you such a licking!" We
should never fight our own battles, but always call in the Lord Jesus, who
will crucify the flesh, conquer the world, and defeat the Devil. When the
hand of our faith grips the hand of our Savior, His hand of power will grip
our hand and give us the victory, so let us sing in faith:

I'm gripped by Thine all-conquering hand;

Thy hand shall hold me fast;
Thy love and grace shall keep me safe
And bring me home at last.
 270. Definite Details of Prophecy
In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 R.V.
1. The Definite Hope of the Believer. "The Coming of the Lord Jesus and
our gathering together unto Him." This is the one event for which the Church
is waiting.
2. The Definite Period of the Lord's Rule. "The Day of the Lord." That is
the 1000 years of Christ's reign on the earth.
3. The Definite Apostasy Foretold. "The falling away." Not a falling away,
but "the" falling away, that is, the open denial of the Father and the Son.
4. The Definite Character of the Anti-Christ. "The man of sin," Not a
system, but a ''man."
5. The Definite Title given to Anti-Christ. "The Son of Perdition." Not one
who goes into perdition, but who comes out of it.
6. The Definite Place in which he will Sit. "The Temple of God." Not a
spiritual edifice, but a temple in Jerusalem.
7. The Definite Mystery now at Work. "The mystery of lawlessness." The
spirit of self-will opposing God's will.
8. The Definite Hinderer Removed. "Until it be taken out of the midst."
When the hindering power is taken away, the system of lawlessness will
develop into the lawless one.
9. The Definite Revelation of the Anti-Christ. "Then shall that wicked one
be revealed" ("the lawless one," R.V.). The word "revealed" means to
uncover, so that which had been concealed shall be seen.
10. The Definite Presence of Christ. "Whom the Lord shall consume." The
nailed hand of Calvary will effectually deal with the mailed might of satanic
opposition.
11. The Definite Means of Anti-Christ's Overthrow. "The Spirit of His
mouth." This, like Revelation 19:15, and Hebrews 4:12, is a symbolic
expression to denote the authority and power of His commanding utterance.
12. The Definite Manifestation of Christ's Coming. "Shall destroy with the
brightness of His Coming." The flashing out of Christ's inherent glory will
blind and blast the Anti-Christ.
13. The Definite Worker behind the Anti-Christ. "Whose coming is after
the working of Satan." The moving and molding power behind the man of sin
is the god of this world.
14. The Definite Cause of the People Being Deceived. "Because they
received not the love of the truth." The truth is that which makes true, and to
love it means to be made like it. Not to love the truth is to become a lie and
lying.
15. The Definite Lie Believed. "That they should believe the lie," that is, the
lie avowed that he is Christ.
16. The Definite Unbelief Specified. "Believed not the truth." Unbelief
deforms the heart and life and makes them decrepit and dead.
 271. Degrees of Faith
1. "Full faith" of satisfaction (Acts 6:5).
2. "Great faith" of confidence (Matt. 15:28).
3. "Continue in" faith of progress (Acts 14:22).
4. "Established in" faith of steadfastness (Acts 16:5).
5. "Joy of faith" of exultation (Phil. 1:25).
6. "Work of faith" of effectuality (2 Thess. 1:11).
7. "Unfeigned faith" of sincerity (2 Tim. 1:5).
8. "Full assurance of faith" of consecration (Heb. 10:22).
9. "Prayer of faith" of intercession (James 5:15). 10. "So great faith" of
excellence (Matt. 8:10).
 272. Demoniac
Before and After He Met with Christ
Before—Possessed by Demons
1. "Had devils" (Luke 8:27).
2. "Among the tombs" (Mark 5:3).
3. "Bound with fetters" (Mark 5:4).
4. "No man could tame him" (Mark 5:4).
5. "Crying" (Mark 5:5).
6. "Cutting himself" (Mark 5:5).
7. "No clothes" (Luke 8:27).
After—Liberated by Christ
1. "Devils were departed" (Luke 8:35).
2. "At the feet of Jesus" (Luke 8:35).
3. "Sitting" (Mark 5:15).
4. "In his right mind" (Luke 8:35).
5. "Prayed Him" (Mark 5:18).
6. "Go home to thy friends" (Mark 5:19).
7. "Clothed" (Luke 8:35).
 273. Devotion of the Virtuous Woman
The devotion of the "virtuous woman" described in Proverbs 31, is seen in
her saintliness, service, and sacrifice. Mark seven traits of her character, and
find the rest.
1. Her Trustworthiness. "Safely trust her" (v. 11).
2. Her Diligence. "Worketh willingly" (v. 13-15, 19, 22).
3. Her Thoughtfulness. "Considereth" (v. 16).
4. Her Helpfulness. "She reacheth forth" (v. 20).
5. Her Influence. "Her children call her blessed, and her husband praiseth
her" (v. 28, 29).
6. Her Wisdom. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom" (v. 26).
7. Her Prospect. "She shall rejoice in time to come" (v. 25). Those who
devote themselves for others' good, show their devotion to the Lord.
 274. Depression
It is said Mr. Spurgeon on one occasion was greatly depressed, and that one
of the officers asked "those who had been converted or blessed under his
ministry to rise," and 1200 rose to their feet. "Now," said the Deacon, "I
charge you all to pray for your pastor."
Many of God's servants have got into the mire of depression, and we have the
record of some of their experiences, that we may avoid their depressions.
1. David: "I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul" (1 Sam. 27:1).
2. Job: "Why died I not from the womb?" (Job 3:11).
3. Elijah: "O Lord, take away my life" (1 Kings 19:4).
4. Moses: "I am not able to bear all this people" (Num. 11:14).
5. Psalmist: "I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the housetop" (Psa.
102:7).
6. Jeremiah: "Behold, O Lord, for I am in distress" (Lam. 1:20).
7. Jonah: "It is better for me to die than to live" (Jonah 4:8).
Discontent and disappointment often lead to discouragement, and
discouragement leads to depression, and these together will breed despair.
 275. Disobedience
Damage and distress are sure to follow in the steps of disobedience.
1. Abram found it so when he left the Bethel of communion for the Egypt of
compromise—Gen. 12:7-13.
2. Moses lost the land of promise through using the rod of self-will—Num.
20:10-12.
3. Jonah got an uncomfortable bed through not going to the Nineveh of
ministry—Jonah 1:17.
4. Peter found his "net'' broken through not letting down the "nets" of full
obedience—Luke 5:4-6.
5. The man of God out of Judah lost his life through listening to the lying
prophet of Bethel—1 Kings 13:20-26.
6. The children of Israel dug graves for themselves in the wilderness by
means of their evil heart of unbelief—Heb. 3:17.
7. Solomon got his soul hurt by getting into the trap of fleshly desire—1
Kings 11:4.
 276. Desirable Things
In 2 Thessalonians 1
1. A Growing Faith—v. 3.
2. An Abounding Love—v. 3.
3. An Enduring Patience—v. 4.
4. A Righteous Suffering—v. 5-7.
5. An Admired Glory—v. 10.
6. A Worthy Commendation—v. 11.
7. A Powerful Work—v. 11.
 277. Different Kinds of Consciences
1. An evil conscience by sin—Heb. 10:22.
2. A defiled conscience by unbelief—Titus 1:15.
3. A seared conscience by hypocrisy—1 Tim. 4:2.
4. A convicted conscience by Christ—John 8:9.
5. A weak conscience by ignorance—1 Cor. 8:10.
6. A cleansed conscience by Christ's blood—Heb. 9:14.
7. A perfect conscience by Christ's perfect sacrifice—Heb. 9:9; 10:2.
8. A faithful conscience by obedience—1 Peter 2:19.
9. An offenceless conscience by carefulness—Acts 24:16.
10. A good conscience by godliness—Acts 23:1.
11. A pure conscience by fidelity—2 Tim. 1:3.
12. A testifying conscience by consecration—2 Cor. 1:12.
 278. Divine Qualities and Possessions
In Psalm 143 Faith's Attitude to Them
1. Rest of Faith. "Thy faithfulness."
2. Righteousness of Faith. "Thy righteousness."
3. Responsibility of Faith. "Thy servant."
4. Regard of Faith. "In Thy sight."
5. Remembrance of Faith. "Thy works."
6. Response of Faith. "I muse on the works of Thy hands."
7. Request of Faith. "Hide not Thy face."
8. Reciprocity of Faith. "Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness."
9. Reflection of Faith. "Thy will."
10. Recognition of Faith. "Thy Spirit is good."
11. Reliance of Faith. "For Thy Name's sake."
12. Reiteration of Faith. "Thy righteousness."
13. Refuge of Faith. "Thy mercy."
 279. Difficulties
1. The red sea of difficulty—Exod. 14:13-22.
2. The Saul of persecution—1 Sam. 27:1.
3. The fret of some thorn in the flesh—2 Cor. 12:9.
4. The loneliness of some Isle of Patmos—Rev. 1:9.
5. The prison of man's hate—Acts 12:3, 4.
6. The fierce fire of trial—1 Peter 1:7.
7. The temptations of the Devil—Matt. 4:11.
 280. "Divers," or Manifold
The word rendered "divers" means "manifold," and is so translated in 1 Peter
1:6; 4:10.
1. "Divers diseases" (Matt. 4:24). How many diseases afflict humanity! The
cancer of lust, the palsy of doubt, the blindness of unbelief, the tumor of
pride, the deafness of indifference, the lunacy of rationalism, the leprosy of
worldliness, the gangrene of evil influence, the anaemia of lifelessness, and
the waste of consumption.
2. "Divers lusts" (2 Tim. 3:6). "Silly women laden with sins, led away with
divers lusts." Two expressive similes are used to describe these: the life
heaped up with sins as coals on a fire—see same word as "laden" rendered
"heap" in Rom. 12:20; and they are "led away" as a person "carried" by an
outside power—see same word "led away" rendered "carried" in Acts 21:34.
"Lusts" is the dominating force which burdens and leads away, and these are
"manifold." "Lusts" means the inward desire of the soul, and is rendered
"concupiscence" and "desire"—see Rom. 7:8; 1 Thess. 2:17.
3. "Divers... pleasures" (Titus 3:3). "Pleasures" means that which gratifies
self and the evil nature. The same word is translated "lusts" in James 4:1, 3.
"The pleasures of sin," while they are multiplied in form, last only for a
season, while the pleasures in God's right hand last "for evermore" (Psa.
16:11, R.V.).
4. "Divers and strange doctrines" (Heb. 13:9). While there may be, to the
carnal mind, doctrines which are various, they are "strange" to the mind of
God, for they are contrary to what is revealed in His Word. The reason of
their strangeness is found in the word "carried about," which means to be
"carried about" as a vessel not under control is carried here and there by the
wind—see Eph. 4:14, Jude 12, or as a sick person is carried on a bed by
others—see Mark 6:55.
5. "Divers miracles and gifts" (Heb. 2:4). The Revised Version reads,
"manifold powers and gifts of the Holy Spirit." The manifestations and
operations in the early days of Christianity were all the outcome of the
Spirit's working. "Manifold" they were indeed in kind, and powerful in their
effectiveness.
6. "Manifold temptations" (1 Peter 1:6). "Divers temptations" (James 1:2).
Trials manifold and heavy come to the child of God, but we need to
remember that trials make and prove us, even as the fire hardens the china
clay, and burns in with lastingness the artist's colors.
7. "Manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). The word "manifold" means
"many colored" and changing; but do not let us forget that the yellow of trial,
when mixed with the blue of Heaven's grace, turns into the green of the
pastures of profit; and that the red of temptation, when mixed with the blue of
God's love, turns them into the purple of royal experience.
 281. Divineness of the Gospel
1. Divine gift bestowed—John 3:16.
2. Divine love manifested—Rom. 5:8.
3. Divine grace revealed—Titus 2:11.
4. Divine righteousness displayed—Rom. 3:25.
5. Divine power exhibited—Eph. 1:19.
6. Divine life imparted—John 1:13.
7. Divine promises assured—2 Cor. 1:20.
 282. Doctrine of the Bible
Bibliology
The doctrines of the Bible may be summarized under ten sections. The Bible,
God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Man, Sin, Salvation, the Church, Angels, and
the Last Things.
1. What is it? The Word of God—2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
2. Who inspired it? The Holy Spirit—2 Peter 1:20, 21.
3. Who were the instruments used to write it? "The prophets," "Holy
men"—1 Peter 1:10, 11.
4. What was the purpose of its revelation? To reveal Christ—John 5:39.
5. What are the two themes of its unfolding? His sufferings and glory—
Luke 24:26, 27.
6. What does it do? "Discern (criticize) the thoughts and intents of the heart"
(Heb. 4:12).
7. What does it impart? Life—1 Peter 1:23.
 283. Doctrine of God
Theology
1. God in creative skill—Gen. 1.
2. God in righteous claim—Exod. 20:2-17.
3. God in infinite love—John 3:16.
4. God in active grace—Luke 15.
5. God in fatherly relationship—John 14.
6. God in majestic power—Eph. 1:19, 20.
7. God in tender care—Psalm 23.
 284. Doctrine of Christ
Christology
1. His Deity—Heb. 1:3.
2. His Humanity—Heb.2.
3. His Ministry—Acts 10:38.
4. His Sufferings—Isa. 53.
5. His Message—John 3:1-21.
6. His Priesthood—Heb. 7-9.
7. His Return—1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 1:7-10.
 285. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
Pneumatology
1. In Creation—Gen. 1:2.
2. In Providence—Psa. 104:30.
3. And Christ—Luke 3 and 4.
4. And Saints—John 14-16.
5. And Church—1 Cor. 12.
6. And Israel—Ezek. 37.
7. And World—John 16:8-11.
 286. Doctrine of Man
Anthropology
1. Man Created—Gen. 1:27.
2. Man Fallen—Rom. 3.
3. Man Cursed—Gal. 3:10.
4. Man Loved—Rom. 5:8.
5. Man Saved—Eph. 2:1-10.
6. Man Kept—John 17.
7. Man Glorified—Phil. 3:20, 21.
 287. Doctrine of Sin
Hamartialogy
1. The Author of Sin—1 John 3:8.
2. The Course of Sin—James 1:15.
3. The Nature of Sin—1 John 3:4, R.V.
4. The Wages of Sin—Rom. 6:23.
5. The Sin of Sins—John 16:9.
6. The Judgment of Sin—John 5:27-29.
7. The Sacrifice for Sin—2 Cor. 5:21.
 288. Doctrine of Salvation
Soteriology
1. Grace, the source of salvation—Titus 2:11, 12.
2. Redemption, the meaning of salvation—Heb. 9:14.
3. Faith, the life of salvation—Heb. 12.
4. Love, the soul of salvation—1 Cor. 13.
5. Holiness, the blessing of salvation—1 Thess. 5:23.
6. Prayer in the Spirit, the language of salvation—Jude 20.
7. Hope, the outlook of salvation—Rom. 8:18-25.
 289. Doctrine of the Church
Ecclesiology
1. Place of the Church—Acts 15:14-18.
2. The Name of the Church. "His Body"—Eph. 1:23.
3. The Head of the Church. Christ—Col. 1:18.
4. The Administrator of the Church. The Holy Spirit—1 Cor. 12.
5. The Calling of the Church—Heb. 3:1.
6. The Gifts in the Church—Eph. 4:8-13.
7. The Glory of the Church—Eph. 5:25-32.
 290. Doctrine of Angels
Angelology
1. The Archangel—Jude 9; 1 Thess. 4:16.
2. The Cherubim. Living creatures—Ezek. 1; Rev. 6. R.V.
3. The Seraphim—Isaiah 6.
4. The Principalities—Eph. 1:21; 3:10; 6:12.
5. The Powers—Eph. 1:21; 3:10; 6:12.
6. Named Angels. Gabriel, etc.—Luke 1:26, etc.
7. Angels generally—See Angels in the Book of the Revelation.
 291. Doctrine of the Last Things
Eschatology
1. Intermediate State—2 Cor. 5:1-10.
2. Resurrection of the Body—1 Cor. 15.
3. Israel's Future—Rom. 11.
4. Judgment Seat of Christ and Rewards—Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3-4:15; 2 Cor.
5:9, 10, R.V.
5. Great White Throne—Rev. 20:11-15.
6. Heaven—Rev. 21; 22:6.
7. Hell—Mark 9:42, 49; Luke 16:19-31.
 292. Double Blessings
1. Rest. Salvation and holiness. "I will give you rest." "Ye shall find rest"
(Matt. 11:28, 29).
2. Meetness. Grace makes us meet for the inheritance—Col. 1:12; and the
Holy Spirit makes us meet for service—2 Tim. 2:21.
3. Supply. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge
of God and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Peter 1:2).
4. Peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" (John 14:27).
5. Keeping. "Preserved," or kept "in" ("for", R.V.) "Jesus Christ." "Keep
yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 21).
6. Indwelling. "He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He
in him" (1 John 3:24).
7. Life and Joy. "These things we write... that your joy may be full." "These
things have I written... that ye may know ye have eternal life" (1 John 1:4;
5:13).
 293. Dying Well
The reason why a child of God can die well is—
1. Because he knows Christ has died for his sins—1 Cor. 15:3.
2. Given him eternal life—John 3. 36.
3. God has made him beautiful in the Beloved—Eph. 1:6.
4. Made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light—Col. 1:12.
5. Begotten unto an incorruptible inheritance—1 Peter 1:4.
6. Kept by the power of God for it—1 Peter 1:5.
7. Christ has willed in His last will and testament that he shall enjoy the
glory of it—John 17:24.
 294. Doubles
Christ's blessings are always double.
1. The double rest of Matthew 11:28, 29.
2. The double character of priesthood in 1 Peter 2:5, 9.
3. The double place "in" and "out" of John 10:9.
4. The double abiding in John 15:7.
5. The double peace of John 14:27.
6. The double presence of the Holy Spirit in John 14:17.
7. The double association with Christ in Galatians 2:20.
 295. Doubles of the Christian
1. Position. "The Church... which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus
Christ" (1 Thess. 1:1).
2. Life. "Your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3).
3. Union. "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in
Thee, that they also may be one in us" (John 17:21).
4. Keeping. "Neither shall any pluck them out of My hand... and no man is
able to pluck them out of My Father's hand" (John 10:28, 29).
5. Sendings. Sent to redeem. "Sent forth His Son... to redeem." "Sent forth
the Spirit of His Son in your hearts" (Gal. 4:4-6).
6. Power. "In whom... ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." "Be
filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 1:13; 5:18).
7. Calling. "The hope of our calling," which is to be with Him; and "The
hope of His calling," which is for Him to be with us (Eph. 1:18; 4:4).
 296. "Dry" Things
1. A Lifeless State. Israel's state of death described as "dry bones" and "very
dry"—Ezek. 37:2, 4.
2. A Living Savior. "Root out of a dry ground" (Isa. 53:2).
3. A Manifested Miracle. "Israelites passed over on dry ground" (Josh. 3:17;
Exod. 14:16-29).
4. A Needy Saint. "My flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land" (Psa.
63:1).
5. An Encouraging Sign. "Let it now be dry only upon the fleece" (Judges
6:37-40).
6. A Constant Supply. "Rivers of water in a dry place (Isa. 32:2).
7. A Glorious Promise. "I will pour floods upon the dry ground" (Isa. 44:3).
 297. "Dust" in the Bible
Sometimes dust is used metaphorically, such as, "The clouds are the dust of
His feet" (Nahum 1:3); sometimes "dust" expresses an act of humility—Josh.
7:6; and often it denotes the actual dust of the ground.
1. Creation. "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground" (Gen.
2:7). Man's lowly origin and frailty.
2. Confession. "Lord, what am I but dust and ashes?" (Gen. 18:27). To take a
low place before God is to find a high place in Him.
3. Conversion. "He raiseth up out of the dust" (1 Sam. 2:8). From the dust of
sin, and shame, and self, the Lord raises to the realm of His salvation, love,
and grace.
4. Compassion. "He remembereth we are dust" (Psa. 103:14). In His love He
remembers we are of lowly origin, and helps us in our weakness.
5. Consecration. "Shake thyself from the dust" (Isa. 52:2). Dusty garments
are a disgrace, but the beautiful clothing of His grace beautifies us.
6. Consideration. "I exalted thee out of the dust" (1 Kings 16:2). What the
Lord has done for us is worthy of our grateful consideration.
7. Conquest. "His enemies shall lick the dust" (Psa. 72:9). When Christ
reigns all shall submit to Him.
 298. Ears—Various Kinds
1. The uncircumcised ears of rebellion—Acts 7:51.
2. The itching ears of instability—2 Tim. 4:3.
3. The useless ears of unbelief—Mark 8:18.
4. The willing ears of the sacrificing Christ—Psa. 40:6.
5. The opened ears by Love—Mark 7:33.
6. The attentive ears of faith—Neh. 8:3.
7. The interested ears of the Church—Acts 11:22.
 299. "Ears" in Action
The ear is often identified with expressive meaning and holy association.
1. Bored Ear. "His master shall bore his ear" (Exod. 21:6). The willing slave
would rather serve his master than have his liberty.
2. Consecrated Ear. "Upon the tip of Aaron's right ear"
(Lev. 8:23, 24). The blood and oil consecrates the ear to God's attention.
3. Inclined Ear. "Consider and incline thine ear" (Psa. 45:10). When we
incline to a given direction we are practically gone to that way.
4. Awakened Ear. "He wakeneth mine ear" (Isa. 1. 4). Listening to the Lord,
we shall have something to say for the Lord.
5. Hearing Ear. "Let him hear" (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9). The
Spirit's voice calls for prompt, constant, and practical heeding.
6. Uncircumcised Ear. "Their ear is uncircumcised" (Jer. 6:10).
Circumcision means the cutting off of inattention, and not to have it signifies
we are in rebellion.
7. Dull Ears. "Ears dull of hearing" (Matt. 13:15). To be deaf to the Lord is
to shut our ears to our own interest.
 300. Eight Commands
In Phil. 4:1-6
1. The "Stand Fast" of Fidelity (v. 1).
2. The "Same Mind" of Unity (v. 2).
3. The "Help" of Ability (v. 3).
4. The "Rejoice" of Vivacity (v. 4).
5. The "Moderation" (R.V., "Forbearance") of Consideration (v. 5).
6. The "Be Careful for Nothing" of Non-anxiety (v. 6).
7. The "Prayer" of Comprehension (v. 6).
8. The "Thanksgiving" of Doxology (v. 6).
 301. Eight Touches by Christ
1. Touch of Cleansing—Matt. 8:3.
2. Touch of Cooling—Matt. 8:15.
3. Touch of Opening—Matt. 9:29, 30.
4. Touch of Assuring—Matt. 17:7.
5. Touch of Loosing—Mark 7:33.
6. Touch of Blessing—Mark 10:13.
7. Touch of Quickening—Luke 7:14.
8. Touch of Healing—Luke 22:51.
 302. Effectual Things
The Greek word in the following passages signifies to work effectually, that
is, to accomplish the desired end.
1. Sin's Effectual Work. "Sins which... did work in our members" (Rom.
7:5).
2. God's Effectual Work for us. "Working of His mighty power, which He
wrought in Christ," etc. (Eph. 1:19, 20).
3. The Spirit's Work in us. "The power that worketh in us" (Eph. 3:20; Phil.
2:13; Col. 1:29).
4. The Word's Effectual Work upon us. "Which also effectually worketh" (1
Thess. 2:13).
5. The Righteous Man's Effectual Prayer. "The effectual fervent prayer,"
etc. (James 5:16).
6. Christ's Effectual Ministry. "Works do shew forth themselves in Him"
(Matt. 14:2).
7. The Believer's Power to Effectually Work out his Salvation. "God which
worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).
 303. "Elohim"
Psalm 62
"God" is mentioned seven times in the above Psalm, and as it occurs in the
plural, in the Christian sense as read in the reflected light of the Scriptures, it
denotes the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, in their united action of power.
1. Salvation. "God, from Him cometh my salvation" (v. 1).
2. Expectation. "God, for my expectation is from Him" (v. 5).
3. Protection. "In God is my salvation and glory" (v. 7).
4. Power. "The rock of my strength and refuge is in God" (v. 7).
5. Safety. "God is a refuge for us" (v. 8).
6. Revelation. "God hath spoken" (v. 11).
7. Possession. "Power belongeth unto God" (v. 11).
 304. Encouragement to Faith
God's promises are the cause of our encouragement. Jehovah gave Abram
four "I will's" of promise—Gen. 12:1-3.
1. The "I will" of Revelation. "I will show thee."
2. The "I will" of Re-creation. "I will make thee a great nation."
3. The "I will" of Renown. "I will bless thee and make thy name great."
4. The "I will" of Reciprocation. "I will bless them that bless thee."
Faith not only honors God, but God honors faith. Jehovah's benedictions
come to faith, and faith is always a benediction to others. Recall some men of
God, who have been blessed by God, and who in turn have become a blessing
to others. General Gordon, the faithful soldier; Moffat, the ardent missionary;
Livingstone, the persevering explorer; Gladstone, the eloquent statesman;
Muller, the devoted believer; Wilberforce, the slave emancipator; and
Elizabeth Fry, the friend of prisoners.
 305. "End"
The word telos, rendered "end," signifies the completion; not merely to end,
but to perfect.
1. End of Sin. "The end of those things is death" (Rom. 6:21).
2. End of Holiness. "Fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Rom.
6:22).
3. End of the Law. Christ answers to law. "Christ is the end of the law for
righteousness to every one that believeth" (Rom. 10:4).
4. End of the Commandment. "The end of the commandment is love out of
a pure heart" (1 Tim. 1:5).
5. End of Faith. "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your
souls" (1 Peter 1:9).
6. "End of the Lord" is, to bring the saint to the end of himself, as in the
case of Job—Jas. 5:11.
7. End of the Sinner. "Whose end is destruction" (Phil. 3:19).
 306. Enoch
There are six things revealed about Enoch in his relationship to God.
1. He was right before God, for only those who are right before Him can
walk with Him—Gen. 5:22.
2. He was pleasing to God—Heb. 11:5.
3. He had faith in God— Heb. 11:5.
4. He walked with God—Gen. 5:22.
5. He witnessed for God—Jude 14.
6. He was translated by God—Heb. 11:5.
 307. Endued with Power
The word for power is variously rendered, and means to be made strong by a
power outside of us. We give the word in black type in each case.
1. "Saul increased in strength" to confound and convince unbelievers (Acts
9:22).
2. "Abraham was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom. 4:20).
3. We need to be "strong in the Lord" to put on the whole armor (Eph. 6:10).
4. "Christ which strengtheneth me," says Paul, is the power by which I am
able to do all things (Phil. 4:13).
5. The secret of the apostle's service was "Christ Jesus our Lord," as he said,
"who hath enabled me" (1 Tim. 1:12).
6. The secret of enablement is to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ
Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:1).
7. To be "strengthened" by the Lord's presence is the secret of endurance
under suffering (2 Tim. 4:17)
8. "Out of weakness were made strong" is the Spirit's epitaph on the saints
of old (Heb. 11:34).
 308. "Escaped"
The Shipwreck Story of Acts 28
The escape of Paul and those who were with him from death by drowning is
an apt illustration of that greater escape which those who believe in Christ
have experienced. The word translated "escaped" is rendered "saved" in 1
Peter 3:20, "safe" in Acts 23:24, "save" in Acts 27:43, "heal" in Luke 7:3, and
"made perfectly whole" in Matthew 14:36.
The above Scriptures may be taken as illustrations of what the believer
escapes from as he comes in contact with Christ.
1. In the ark of Christ's all-sufficient atonement we escape from the deluge of
condemnation—John 5:24.
2. In the protection of Christ's presence we escape from defeat in the hour of
temptation—1 Cor. 10:13.
3. In the keeping of Christ's power we escape being taken by the enemy of
our souls—John 10:28.
4. In the healing touch of Christ's living grace we escape from the disease of
iniquity—Psa. 103:3.
5. Through the grasp of faith we escape from partial health of soul by being
"made perfectly whole"—Titus 2:14.
 309. Eunuch and Philip
As Mentioned in Acts 8
There are seven things we might briefly note in relation to the eunuch—
1. The Book in his Hand—28. The Word of God was his study. When the
Scripture forms the theme of our meditation, we are sure to become
acquainted with its Author, if our search is backed up by the teaching of the
Holy Spirit—1 Cor. 2:12.
2. The Desire of his Heart. The eunuch wanted to understand what he was
reading—31-35. Philip told him of Jesus. Christ is the Key of Knowledge. If
we understand Him, all is well—1 John 5:20.
3. The Object in his Eye—37. His attention is fixed on Christ, and he is
captivated by Him to his conversion—Isa. 45:22.
4. The Confession on his Lips—37. There is no hesitation when he is asked
for a confession as to his faith. When we. know Christ in the heart, there will
be no trouble to confess Him with the lips—Rom. 10:9, 10.
5. The Companion in his Chariot—31. To companion with those who know
the Lord is to catch the aroma of His presence—Acts 4:13.
6. The Identification with Christ by Baptism, which shows forth our
oneness with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection—Col. 2:12.
7. The Joy in his Soul—39. When we know the joy of the Lord in saving us,
the Lord's joy makes us joyful—John 15:11.
 310. Essentials for the Lord's Work
As the four friends of the palsied man were the human instruments to bring
him into contact with our Lord, so there are four essentials for the Lord's
work on the human side.
1. Prevailing Prayer—James 5:16. The effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much. Fervency of supplication, like the greased slip
beneath the vessel to be launched, causes our petitions to go easy to the
throne of grace, and places us in the river of God's purpose. Prayer is the
hand of our need grasping the hand of God's power, whilst He grasps our
hand to accomplish His Divine salvation. Pray, brethren, pray, a ministry that
is soaked with the oil of prayer must have in it an unction of power.
2. Powerful Faith. No ordinary faith will suffice if it is to accomplish
effective work. One of the nine gifts of the Spirit is faith—1 Cor. 12:8-11;
not the personal faith for our own salvation, but that which brings blessings
to others. When Christ saw the faith of the four bearers, He said to the palsied
man, "Thy sins be forgiven." Faith that can command blessing from God
always achieves conquests for Him.
3. Personal Love. Love, like God, is a trinity. The heart of love is sympathy,
the hand of love is help, and the act of love is sacrifice. He who died for our
sins will impart His Spirit which led Him thus to die. We need to be
conformed to His death, denying ourselves self-ease and pleasure that we
may know the power of His resurrection. The tenderness of Jesus must
operate through us. We may organize much, but we need to agonize too.
Organization alone is like a factory of cold machinery. Let the machinery
work with power. Love much, do much. It is love's doing which makes duty
performed a benediction—2 Cor. 5:14.
4. Persistent Effort. Continuance in well doing means doing a thing well.
Individual effort is one of the secrets of success in Christian work. Going
after some one person and gaining that one for Christ. The Divine order is
ever when Christ finds Andrew and Philip and they each in turn find Peter
and Nathaniel. Concentration of effort is the secret of success. Above all,
follow Christ. His promise to make us "fishers of men" is preceded by His
command to "Follow Me" (Matt. 4:19).
 311. "Even As"
The word kathos is sometimes rendered "as" (John 17:23), "according to"
(Acts 11:29), "according as" (1 Cor. 1:31), "How" (Acts 15:14), and "even
as." Its significance is one thing corresponding to another—like as, according
as. Let us focus our thoughts upon the words "even as" or "as," as we find
them used in John's Gospel in relation to Christ.
1. Atonement. "And as (even as) Moses lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up" (3:14). We find two
things suggested by these words, namely, the necessity and the nature of
Christ's death. Its necessity is embodied in the "must," and its nature is
confirmed by Christ's after references to His lifting up—see John 8:28; 12:32,
34, and the "manner of His death" was because of our sins, for in that death
He has given to God what we could never give ourselves, satisfaction on
account of our sins.
2. Adjustment. "As I hear I judge," "As the Father hath taught Me," "Even as
the Father hath said unto Me," "As the Father gave Me commandment,"
"Even as I have kept My Father's commandments" (5:30; 8:28; 12:50; 14:31;
15:10). All Christ did and said was according to what His Father commanded
and taught Him. Everything was adjusted to what His Father directed. He set
the compass of His life and testimony to the sun of His Father's will.
3. Alignment. "As the living Father hath sent Me" (6:57; 17:18; 20:21).
Alignment is a bringing one object in line with another. Whether the
reference is to Christ's sending His disciples as His witnesses into the world,
or as living because of the "Living Father," there is the one thought of
correspondence to law and order. As the train will reach the goal of its
terminus if it keeps along the rails of the permanent way, so as we keep along
the plan of truth, and are actuated by the law of love, we shall reach the goal
of God's approval.
4. Attunement. "As I have done to you" (13:15). As the musician attunes the
musical instrument to the right pitch, so Christ has left us an example of
loving and lowly service, to which our attitude and actions are to correspond.
When love prompts the heart to serve, the hands are active in willing
ministry.
5. Affection. "Even as I have loved you" (13:34; 15:12). The measure of love
to each other is to be gauged and measured by the love which Christ has to
us. Grace always places us on a higher plane than law, and in consequence
expects more from us. Law demanded love to one's neighbor, even as one
loved oneself; but grace commands us to love each other as Christ has and
loves us.
6. Affiliation. Christ prayed for His disciples, and still prays "that they may
be one, as we are" (17:11, 22). What that affiliation or oneness is, in all its
consecrated comprehensiveness may be gathered if we ponder the whole
prayer. One in the "life eternal" (v. 3), one in the knowledge of God's secrets
through the words given—v. 8; one in mutual possession—10; one in holy
joy—v. 13; one in consecrated separation—v. 14; one in the sanctity of the
truth—v. 17; one in vital service—v. 18; one in resplendent glory—v. 22; one
in glorious place—v. 24; and one in undying affection—v. 26.
7. Acquaintance. "I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the
Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father" (10:14, 15, R.V.). There are two
words for knowing, one meaning the knowledge of perception, as seeing an
orange tree is such; but the other word is the knowledge of personal
acquaintance, that is the word which Christ uses. Seeing a peach growing on
the wall, one has the knowledge of perception; but to eat the peach and enjoy
its lusciousness is to have the knowledge of experience.
 312. "Even So"
The "even so" in the following passages indicated a consequence of a certain
action or a correspondence of one thing in answering to another.
1. Provision. "Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up" (John 3:14). As the
brazen serpent was the medium whereby life was brought to the bitten
Israelites, so Christ by the means of His vicarious death brings eternal life to
those who believe in Him.
2. Corruption. As a beautiful tomb may cover a corrupting body, "even so"
an hypocrite "outwardly appears righteous unto men" (Matt. 23:27, 28). The
whitewashed exterior is no evidence that the inside is washed white. The
outward profession is no guarantee of pureness of heart and holiness of life.
3. Identification. The practical outcome of being identified with the risen
Christ is walking in the power of His risen life, for "as Christ was raised up
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). Oneness with Christ is proven by
correspondence to Him.
4. Presentation. "As ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness
and to iniquity, unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to
righteousness, unto holiness" (Rom. 6:19). This yielding is definite in its
crisis, and progressive in its process.
5. Correspondence. "As the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do"
(John 14:31). He is the Model for our making, and the Magnet for our
moving.
6. Consequence. "Ye shall know them by their fruits... even so every good
tree bringeth forth good fruit" (Matt. 7:16, 17). Correspondence to Christ is
proof we are indwelt by the Spirit.
7. Acquiescence. "Even so, Father" (Matt. 11:26). Christ's acquiescence is
the example for our response, so we do well to say "even so" to all He says—
Rev. 16:7; 22:20.
 313. Eve's Three Sins
Eve did three things in connection with the Word of God. She added to it,
took from it, and she altered it.
1. She Took from the Word of God. The Lord's command was as follows:
"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden
thou mayest freely eat" (Gen. 2:16). Eve's answer to the serpent's tempting
question was: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden" (Gen. 3:2).
It will be seen that the woman left out of God's direction the word "freely,"
and by doing so she not only took from His Word, but cast a reflection upon
His character.
2. She Added to the Word of God. God made one exception to the trees
from which our first parents were to eat, and that was the tree of knowledge
of good and evil. His command was: "But of the tree of knowledge of good
and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou
shalt surely die" (Gen. 2:17).
Eve's reply to the tempter is as follows: "But of the fruit of the tree which is
in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall
ye touch it, lest ye die" (Gen. 3:3).
The woman added to the words of God, by saying, "Neither shall ye touch it."
The Lord did not say anything about touching the tree. His command was
that they were not to eat of the fruit of it.
3. She Altered the Word of God. The consequence of disobedience was
stated very clearly and emphatically. The Lord said: "Thou shalt surely die"
(Gen. 2:17). But the woman altered the words to "Lest ye die" (Gen. 3:3).
Thus minimizing the sharp and pungent words, "Thou shalt surely die."
Men are doing the same things today in connection with God's Word, and it
becomes all of us to see to it that we do not do the same.
 314. Evidences
1. The evidence of faith is works, even as the fruit proves the tree—James
2:14-26.
2. The evidence of love is sacrifice, even as the act evidences the heart—1
John 3:16.
3. The evidence of discipleship is continuance, even as the walk
demonstrates the life which moves—John 8:31.
4. The evidence of union is fruitfulness, even as the child proves the parent
—John 15:5.
5. The evidence of grace is godliness, even as the sunlight proclaims the sun
—Titus 2:11, 12.
6. The evidence of friendship is consistency, even as the pulse speaks of the
heart—John 15:14.
7. The evidence of the new birth is love, righteousness, and victory—1 John
5:1, even as the living person proves life.
 315. Evidences
Visible
1. Judah's staff and signet were evidences of his sin with Tamar—Gen.
38:25.
2. Joseph's bloody coat seems to speak of his death—Gen. 37:33.
3. Joseph's garment in the hands of Potiphar's wife was seeming proof of her
false statement—Gen. 39:12-18.
4. The unseen, but bleating sheep, bore evidence to Saul's disobedience—1
Sam. 15:14.
5. The clothes and boots of the children of Israel proclaimed God's
preserving care—Neh. 9:21.
6. The left garment of Bartimaeus testified of his haste to reach Christ—
Mark 10:50.
7. The cloak of Paul at Troas told of his presence there—2 Tim. 4:13.
 316. Evidences of Abiding in Christ
1. Not Practicing Sin. "Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not" (1 John 3:6).
2. Keeping God's Commandments. "He that keepeth His commandments
abideth in Him" (1 John 3:24, R.V.).
3. Bearing Fruit. "He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same beareth
much fruit" (John 15:5, R.V.).
4. Loving Each Other. "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light."
"Hereby we know we abide in Him" (1 John 2:10; 4:13, R.V.).
5. Walking as Christ Walked. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought
himself also so to walk, even as He walked" (1 John 2:6).
6. Continuing in Christ's Word. "If ye abide in My Word, then are ye truly
My disciples" (John 8:31, R.V.).
7. Faithfulness to God's Truth. "If that which ye heard from the beginning
abide, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father" (1 John 2:24, R.V.).
"Whosoever goeth onward (margin, "taketh the lead") and abideth not in the
teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching the same hath
both the Father and the Son" (2 John 9, R.V.).
 317. Evidences of Life
Or, the Christian's Wardrobe
At one of the railway stations in the North of England, a man, whose clothes
were covered with lime, got into one of the carriages of a train. He was
evidently employed in a neighboring lime-kiln. His fellow-passengers made
room for him, and only wished him in another compartment, by himself, as,
brushing against them, he left his mark upon one and another. Far from
scorning the travelling toiler, who had an equal right with ourselves to the use
of the carriage, we are indebted to him for a practical lesson. As the Lord's
children, let us be so clad that, wherever we go we shall leave a lasting
impression behind us. A man is often known by the clothes he wears; here is
an inventory of a Christian's wardrobe:
1. "The armor of light" (Rom. 13:12).
2. "The Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 13:14).
3. "The whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:11).
4. "The breastplate of righteousness" (Eph. 6:14).
5. "The breastplate of faith" (1 Thess. 5:8).
6. "The heart of compassion" (R.V.), "kindness, humility, meekness,
longsuffering" (Col. 3:12).
7. "Love" (Col. 3:14).
If these were worn by Christians, under all circumstances, we should be able
to make a deeper impression than we do at present upon those with whom we
come in contact.
 318. Evidences That "We Know"
The following "Hereby we know's" are tests as to our knowledge of spiritual
things:
1. Obedience the Proof of Knowledge. "Hereby we do know that we know
Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3).
2. Faithfulness the Proof of Allegiance. "Whoso keepeth His Word, in Him
verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in Him" (1
John 2:5).
3. Love the Proof of Faith. "Hereby know we love, because He laid down
His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John
3:16, R.V.).
4. Christly Action the Ground of Assurance. "Hereby shall we know... and
shall assure our hearts" (1 John 3:19; 5:2).
5. Commandments Kept, the Proof of Abiding in Him. "He that keepeth
His commandments abideth in Him... hereby we know," etc. (1 John 3:24,
R.V.; 4:13).
 319. Except
Law is the recognized authority or principle of any given thing. Thus the law
of the mind is conscience; the law of sin is death; the law of the universe is
attraction; the law of Sinai is righteousness; the law of grace is love; the law
of the Gospel is faith; and the law of the Spirit is holiness. To each one of
these laws there are subordinate principles. In thinking of the principles
which operate in the Kingdom of grace, there are certain conditions to be
fulfilled on our part, that we may know the power of them. Some of them are
enunciated in Christ's use of the word "except" in John's Gospel.
1. The Door of the Realm of Grace. "Except a man be born from above
(margin), he cannot see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3). As birth admits us
into the natural kingdom, so the new life ushers into the spiritual realm of
grace. This life is not the product of man, nor the bestowment of the creature,
nor the result of will power, but is the result of a personal faith in Him whose
death brings life to all who believe in Him—John 1:12, 13; 3:14-16, 36.
2. The Gain of Loss. "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it
abideth alone: but if it die it bringeth forth much fruit" (John 12:24). Christ
illustrated His own precept by losing His life in death for us, and He has
gained a ransomed host in consequence. Self-extinction is the way to gain
distinction. To lose one's comfort in helping another in discomfort is to get
the comfort of the Comforter; to lose one's ease in doing the task of a feeble
brother, is to gain the thanks of appreciation; to lose one's good name in
spreading Christ's fame, is to find it emblazoned in Heaven's fane, and to lose
oneself for the sake of Christ Himself, is to find in Himself what self can
never give—heart-satisfaction.
3. The Source of Blessing. "A man can receive nothing except it be given
him from Heaven" (John 3:27). "No man can come to Me except the Father...
draw him" (John 6:44, 65). There is no reluctance on God's part in giving, but
He alone is the One who can give. We cannot will that He should give, any
more than we can make the sun to shine; but He wills to give to all who will
to receive, even as He willed in saying, "Let there be light," and light was.
The right to give is His, the right to receive is ours. The might to draw is His,
the weak to be drawn are ourselves. A man might wish to lift himself to the
housetops by his shoe-strings, but his will would not land him there; but a
power outside of himself, like an elevator, would place him there quickly.
4. The Secret of Fruit-bearing. "As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in Me" (John
15:4). Fruit-bearing is the outcome of union with Christ. The vine branch is
useless in itself—John 15:5, but it is useful to the vine when the sap flows
unhindered through it. What the sap is to the branch, so the Spirit is to the
believer in Christ. We cannot have the fruit of the Spirit without the Spirit of
the fruit. The fruit is His production, and where He is fruit is always found—
Hosea 14:8. There are no fruitless branches in the True Vine. There are some
who profess to be there, who are like fruitless branches.
5. The Means of Sustenance. "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man,
and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you" (John 6:53). Spiritual
participation of Christ by means of the Word through the Spirit is what is
here meant, as Christ Himself says, "The words I speak unto you, they are
spirit and life" (John 6:63). As in nature insects become like the things upon
which they feed, so those who feed on Christ become like Him. The way to
get the truth of the Word is to feed upon the Word of truth.
 320. Exhortations Relative to the Christian Life
In Colossians 3:1-16
1. The first thing to "seek." "Seek first those things which are above."
2. The essential thing to "set." "Set your affection on things above."
3. The absolute thing to "mortify." "Mortify therefore your members," etc.
4. The obnoxious thing to "put off." "The old man and his deeds."
5. The necessary thing to "put on." "Bowels of mercy," etc.
6. The gracious things to "let." "The peace of God" to "rule," and "the Word
of Christ" to "dwell."
7. The worshipful thing in "singing." "Singing with grace in your hearts unto
the Lord."
 321. Exhortations in Hebrews
Selection 1
1. "Give Heed" of earnest attention (2:1).
2. "Consider" (3:1). To consider Christ in the offices He holds for us is to
find what He is to us.
3. "Hold Fast" (3:6; 4:14). To grip God's things confidently is to find they
grip consecratingly.
4. "Hear" (3:7, 15; 4:7). To hear His voice is to obey His Word.
5. "Take Heed" (3:12). Watch the heart, or it will harden; cultivate it and it
will be pliable.
6. "Exhort" (3:13). To stir one another by exhortation will prevent the life
from defeat.
7. "Fear" (4:1). A godly fear is a stimulus to faith, an incentive to love, and
a prevention of failure.
 322. Exhortations in Hebrews
Selection 2
1. "Labor" (4:11). Labor means to be diligent (R.V.). Leanness comes from
laziness—see Josh. 18:3.
2. "Come Boldly (4:16). "Grace" and "mercy" come to those who come to the
throne of grace.
3. "Go on" (6:1). To stop when the command is to "go on" is to miss God's
end and intended goal.
4. "Be not slothful" (6:11, 12). Slothfulness is born of a weak faith, a dull
heart, an unwatchful spirit, a morbid soul, a loose life, a neglected Bible, and
a prayerless closet.
5. "Draw near" (10:22). The conditions to "draw near" are a "true heart," a
full assurance, a clear conscience, and a pure life.
6. "Hold fast without wavering" (10:23). The Revised Version bids us
"hold fast the confession of our hope." He will not waver in His promise, so
we should not waver in our confession.
7. "Provoke" (10:24). To "provoke" to "love," and labor is to enjoy His
favor.
 323. Exhortations in Hebrews
Selection 3
1. "Not forsaking" (10:25). To neglect the means of grace is to miss the
grace which ministers.
2. "Call to remembrance" (10:32). A short memory is a long loss.
3. "Cast not away" (10:35). To throw away our confidence is to lose the
anchor which keeps from drifting.
4. "Believe" (10:39). To believe well is to be well, and to keep on believing
is to reach the goal of salvation.
5. "Lay aside" (12:1). Weights and "the sin" are besetments which must be
dropped, so strip them off.
6. "Let us run" (12:1). To run with patience is to be rewarded for endurance.
7. "Looking unto Jesus" (12:2). See Him as the "Author" of faith for
imitation, and behold Him as the "Finisher" of faith for inspiration.
 324. Exhortations in Hebrews
Selection 4
1. "Consider Him" (12:3). See how He acted, and you will know what to
do.
2. "Lift up" (12:12). Hanging hands and feeble knees come from neglected
prayer, and want of work.
3. "Make straight" (12:13). How can we walk straight if our path is not
straight? Besides, we cause others to be crooked if we do not make a straight
path.
4. "Follow peace" (12:14). Holiness and peace are the directors of our way,
and the powers that stay.
5. "Looking diligently" (12:15). To fail the grace which will never fail us is
the height of folly and the robber of supply.
6. "See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh" (12:25). To refuse Him is to
deprive ourselves of blessing, to distress ourselves in life, and disqualify
ourselves for the future.
7. "Serve God" (12:28). To serve Him is to serve our own interests. We can
serve Him in everything, and He saves us to serve.
 325. Exhortations in Hebrews
Selection 5
1. "Be not forgetful" (12:2). To entertain a stranger is beneficial to the
entertainer, for an angel from Heaven may be found in the visitor.
2. "Remember" (13:3). To remember those in "adversity" is to find
ourselves in the Lord's university.
3. "Be content" (13:5). Contentment finds a feast in a crust, and Heaven's
wine in a cruse of water.
4. "Whose faith follow" (13:7). To follow in the steps of those who have
honored God is to remember them in permanent appreciation.
5. "Be not carried about" (13:9). If we drift with the tide of man's teaching
we shall find ourselves in the ditch of error.
6. "Go forth" (13:13). To go forth with Christ and find Him outside is to
find many inside blessings.
7. "Offer," "Do good," "Obey," and "Pray" (13:15, 16, 17, 18) is the final
quartette of exhortations. "Offer" to God His portion, "do good" to men,
"obey" the Elders, and "pray" for the Lord's servants, and finally, don't forget
to "salute" those who are in the places of responsibility—v. 24.
 326. "Eyes Lifted Up"
1. Lifted Eyes of Backsliding. "Lot lifted up his eyes and beheld all the plain
of Jordan" (Gen. 13:10).
2. Lifted Eyes of Faith. "Lift up now thine eyes and look from the place
where thou art" (Gen. 13:14).
3. Lifted Eyes of Worship. "He lift up his eyes... and bowed himself" (Gen.
18:2).
4. Lifted Eyes of Appreciation. "Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw
Israel" (Num. 24:2).
5. Lifted Eyes of Submission. "Joshua... lifted up his eyes and looked, and,
behold... captain of the host of the Lord" (Josh. 5:13, 14).
6. Lifted Eyes of Benediction. "He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and
said, Blessed," etc. (Luke 6:20).
7. Lifted Eyes of Despair. "And in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in
torments" (Luke 16:23).
 327. Faith in John's Gospel
Faith honors God by its trust, and God honors faith with His blessings. The
following are a few of the blessings found in the mine of John's Gospel in
response to believing in Christ.
1. Sonship—1:12.
2. Salvation— 3:15, 16.
3. Eternal Life— 3:36.
4. Satisfaction— 6:35.
5. Blessing to others—7:38.
6. Preservation— 11:25, 26.
7. Service—14:12.
8. Assurance—20:31.
 328. Faces Covered
1. A Shamed Face. "Shame hath covered my face" (Psa. 69:7).
2. A Sinner's Face. "Tamar had her face covered" (Gen. 38:15).
3. A Sorrowful Face. "David covered his face" (2 Sam. 19:4).
4. A Schemer's Face. "They covered Haman's face" (Esther 7:8).
5. A Servant's Face. "With twain he covered his face" (Isaiah 6:2).
 329. Faith
1. Faith is sure-footed, for it stands on The Rock—Psa. 40:2.
2. Faith is eagle-eyed, for it looks to Christ—Heb. 12:2.
3. Faith is quick-eared, for it hears Christ's voice—John 10:27.
4. Faith is firm-holding, for it clings to Christ—Acts 11:23.
5. Faith is heart-loyal, for it loves Christ—1 Thess. 1:8.
6. Faith is resolute-willed, for it says "I will" (Isa. 12:2).
7. Faith is keen-sensed, for it responds to Christ—Heb. 5:14.
 330. Faith
Faith is not concerned with itself, it is centered in Christ.
1. Christ is its object—Acts 20:21.
2. The Spirit is its power—1 Cor. 12:9; Gal. 5:22.
3. The Word of God is its channel—Rom. 10:17.
4. God is its Originator—Mark 11:22, margin.
 331. Faith and the Faith
Faith's basis is the Word of God—Rom. 10:17. There is an intimate
relationship between faith and the faith. Faith is the act of believing—John
1:12, and the faith is the truth believed.
1. The faith is the food which makes faith strong—Acts 14:22.
2. The faith is the weapon which faith wields—1 Tim. 6:12, R.V.
3. The faith is the rule by which faith squares—Acts xxvi 18.
4. The faith is the anchor which faith fastens to its cable—Acts 16:5.
5. The faith is the check-book which faith signs—Rom. 5:1. Faith goes up
the stairs which Love has built, and looks out of the window which Hope has
opened.

"Faith is the subtle chain

That binds us to the Infinite: the voice
Of a deep life within."

Faith says,
"I stand in God's will" like Stephen—Acts 6:5.
"I rest in God's bosom" like Timothy—2 Tim. 1. 5.
"I am glad in His joy" as Paul says—Rom. 5:1.
"I am inspired by His love" like the Ephesians—Eph. 1:15.
"I am molded by His truth" like Abraham—Rom. 4:20.
"I am strengthened by His grace" as the Apostle enjoins—1 Cor. 2:5.
"I glory in His Christ" as Paul illustrates—Phil. 3:9.
"I am satisfied with Himself" as Christ dwells in the heart—Eph. 3:17.
 332. Faith, Love, and Hope
1 Thess. 1:3
The earliest of the Epistles is that written to the Church in Thessalonica, and
in it we find all the truths of the Gospel, and how those truths affected the
lives of the members of the Christian fraternity.
1. An Active Believer. "Your work of faith" (v. 3). Faith is the Spirit's act
and attitude towards the Lord. The act puts us in touch and relation to Him—
John 1:12, and the attitude is the continuance of trust and obedience—Col.
2:6. A workless faith is a worthless one. Faith in Christ is more than
believing what He says is true, it is the grace that brings us into vital union
with Him, and through the life He communicates we are able to do what He
wishes and bids.
2. An Inspired Worker. "Labor of love" (v. 3). The labor here signifies hard
work, toil. The word is rendered "weariness" in 2 Corinthians 11:27, and a
relative word is given "toiled," in referring to the disciples who "toiled all the
night" in fishing (Luke 5:5). How many of us have been "wearied" (same
word as "toiled," John 4:6) in working for the Lord?
But what a toil is, if we only toil! Hence the importance of having love
coupled with labor. Some of us will never have "LL.D." to our name; but we
may have "L.L."—that is, "Loving Laborer." When love moves and moulds
us, we move to purpose, and although we may be tired in toil, we will never
be tired of toil, Carlyle says: "Blessed is he who has found his work; let him
ask no other blessedness. He has a work, a life-purpose; he has found it, and
will follow it."
3. An Enduring Looker. "Patience of hope" (v. 3). Endurance is the
meaning of patience. The word and its cognates are rendered "endurance"
(see the six references in the Epistle to the Hebrews, 10:32, 36; 12:1, 2, 3, 7),
and mean not merely passiveness, but actively keeping on and not giving in,
like Christ, who "endured the Cross" and "contradiction," and also, like the
runner in the race, who keeps on till he reaches the goal. The drawing power
which enables the believer to continue is the "hope" of the Lord's return.
When "hope" is in the objective it always refers to the Lord's Coming for His
people.
All these graces find their centre and circumference in the "Lord Jesus
Christ," and live "in the sight," or presence, "of God and our Father."
 333. Faith's Answer—"Yes"

"Upon God's will I lay me down.

As child upon its mother's breast;
No silken couch or softest bed
Could ever give me such deep rest.
Thy wonderful, grand will, my God,
With triumph now I make it mine,
And faith shall cry a joyous 'Yes,'
To every dear command of Thine."

Faith may be defined as saying "Yes" to the Savior. There are several people
who said "Yes" to the Lord, and they got what they wanted.
1. The Blind Man gave the "Yes" of faith to Christ's ability (Matt. 9:28).
2. The Disciples said "Yes, Lord," to Christ's question of teaching (Matt.
13:51).
3. The Syrophenician Woman replied "Yes, Lord," to His designation of
"dog" (Matt. 15:27).
4. Martha said "Yes, Lord," to His word (John 11:27).
5. Peter said "Yes, Lord," to His question about love (John 21:15, 16).
6. John said, "Yes, Lord Jesus, come," to His announcement of His return
(Rev. 22:20).
7. Christ is the Great Example, for He said "Yes, Father," to His will (Matt.
11:26).
Obedience is the "Yes" of faith to God's Word. When we say "Yes" in
fulfilling the conditions of the Lord's promises, He says "Yes" to the prayer
of our requests.
 334. Faith's Act and Attitude
Faith is the assent of the mind to the truth, that is, it is fully persuaded of its
validity and reliability.
Faith is the consent of the will, hence it responds to the call of God by
obedience to His Word.
Faith's accent is trust, for it shows itself in reliance on the Lord.
The first is to be persuaded by the Lord, the second is to have confidence in
the Lord, and the third is to rest upon the Lord.
The three prepositions, en, eis, and efn, illustrate three steps of faith.
1. Faith in (en) Christ indicates the soul's rest in Him. En occurs in
Galatians 2:20; 3:26; Ephesians 1:12.
2. Faith into (eis) Christ gives the thought of the individual going out of
itself into another. Eis is used in John 1:12; 3:15, 16, 36.
3. Faith upon (epi) Christ speaks of the believer's attitude in relying on Him.
Epi with the dative occurs in Romans 9:33; 10:11; 15:12.
 335. Faith's Obedience
"So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken" (Gen. 12:4). He "got out" (Heb.
11:8), and "removed into the land" (Acts 7:4), and thus "obeyed." We, too,
obey the Lord when we "come out" of evil associations (2 Cor. 6:17), and
dwell in the fullness of the grace and love of God—Eph. 3:19. Obedience to
the Lord is proof of faith in Him. See what is said of those who "obeyed" the
Lord.
1. Obedience is the Secret of Blessing—Gen. 22:17, 18.
2. Obedience is the Soul of Success—Gen. 26:5.
3. Obedience is the Sway of Power—1 Chron. 29:23-25.
4. Obedience is the Slayer of Self—2 Chron. 11:1-4.
5. Obedience is the Submission of Faith—Haggai 1:12.
6. Obedience is the Sanctifier of Character—Rom. 6:17, R.V.
7. Obedience is the Stamp of Approval—Phil. 2:12.
 336. Faith's Occupation
1. What the Lord is, is faith's delight. "The Author and Finisher of faith."
(Heb. 12:2).
2. What the Lord does, is faith's confidence. Abraham was "strong in faith,
giving glory to God" (Rom. 4:20).
3. What the Lord has, is faith's supply. "Receiving the end of your faith" (1
Peter 1:9).
4. What the Lord promises, is faith's stay. "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and
Esau concerning things to come" (Heb. 11:20-22).
5. What the Lord commands, is faith's obedience. "By faith Noah being
warned of God, prepared an ark" (Heb. 11:7).
6. What the Lord desires, is faith's will. "By faith Abraham, when he was
tried, offered up Isaac" (Heb. 11:17).
7. What the Lord predicts, is faith's expectation. "By faith" Abraham
"sojourned... for he looked for a city" (Heb. 11:9, 10).
 337. Faith: Its Power, Heroes, and Phases
In Hebrews 11:32; 12:1, 2
1. "By Means of Faith." The sentence "through faith," or "by faith," occurs
many times in Hebrews 11. It would be better rendered "by means of faith."
In thus translating we are reminded that faith is not a mere assent of the mind,
but a working force in the life.
2. Heroes of Faith—32. There are seven heroes of faith, namely, Gideon the
brave—Judges 7:20; Barak the victorious—Judges 4:16; Samson the strong
—Judges 15:14-20; Jephthah the devoted—Judges 11:40; David the psalmist
—2 Sam. 22:18; Samuel the consecrated—1 Sam. 7:9; and God's messengers,
the prophets.
3. Victories of Faith—33, 34. Faith is always a victorious grace, for it brings
everything to God by prayer, and thus brings God into everything.
4. Endurance of Faith—35-37, 39. Faith grips the hand of the living Savior,
and is thus enabled to do things which are impossible otherwise.
5. Commendation of Faith—38. God takes note of faith's reliance, and
records His appreciation of its confidence.
6. Anticipation of Faith—39. Faith looks beyond the present, and knows
that the faithful God will keep to the promises of the future.
7. Community of Faith—40; 12:1. The "great cloud of witnesses"
mentioned in chapter eleven were but the precursors of the whole host of the
redeemed.
8. Example of Faith—12:2. Christ is the "Author and Finisher of faith," that
is, He is the Pattern and Producer of faith; hence we need to keep our eyes
upon Him if we would have faith like to His.
 338. Fear
1. A Sorry Condition. "No fear of God" (Psa. 36:1).
2. A Saving Blessing. "The fear of God came upon them" (1 Sam. 11:7; 2
Chron. 14:14; 17:10; 19:7).
3. A Preventing Grace. "I will trust, and not be afraid" (Isa. 12:2).
4. A Loving Word. "Fear not" (Isa. 41:10; 44:8).
5. A Happy State. "Happy the man that feareth alway" (Prov. 28:14).
6. A Commanding Power. "The dread of thee, and the fear of thee" (Deut.
2:25; 11:25).
If we fear to disobey God we need not fear Him. Fear haunts us all the time if
we do not fear God. Abiding in the secret place of the Lord's presence, no
"terror" (fear) shall disturb us.
 339. "Fear"
1. A Command. "Fear God" (1 Peter 2:17).
2. A Caution. "Be not high-minded" (Rom. 11:20).
3. A Consecration. "Singleness of heart, fearing God" (Col. 3:22).
4. A Cause. "Fear not, I am the First and the Last" (Rev. 1:17).
5. A Company. "Walking in the fear of the Lord" (Acts 9:31).
6. A Condition. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"
(Phil. 2:12).
7. A Consequence. "Perfect love casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18).
 340. "Fear Not"
The beautiful flowers of God's "Fear Nots" are abundant in the country of the
Scriptures. Let us call to mind a few of the New Testament ones.
1. The "Fear Not" of God's Provision—Matt. 10:31.
2. The "Fear Not" of Prayer—Luke 1:13.
3. The "Fear Not" of Favour—Luke 1:30.
4. The "Fear Not" of Salvation—Luke 2:10.
5. The "Fear Not" of Assurance—Luke 5:10.
6. The "Fear Not" of Promise—Luke 8:50; 12:32.
7. The "Fear Not" of Presence—Acts 27:24.
8. The "Fear Not" of Victory—Rev. 1:17.
 341. "Fear Not"
Persons told not to fear:
1. Zacharias, the prayerful. "Fear not, Zacharias" (Luke 1:13).
2. Mary, the devoted. "Fear not, Mary" (Luke 1:30).
3. Jairus, the sorrowful. "Fear not, only believe" (Luke 8:50).
4. Simon, the fisher. "Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not" (Luke 5:10).
5. Trembling Disciples. "It is I, be not afraid" (Matt. 14:27).
6. Seeking Women. "Fear not ye" (Matt. 28:5, 10).
7. Valiant Paul. "Fear not, Paul" (Acts 27:24).
 342. "Feet"
1. Kept Feet. "He will keep the feet of His saints" (1 Sam. 2:9).
2. Lame Feet. "Lame on his feet" (2 Sam. 9:3, 13).
3. Diseased Feet. "Diseased in his feet" (1 Kings 15:23).
4. Speaking Feet. "He speaketh with his feet" (Prov. 6:13).
5. Covered Feet. "He covered his feet" (Isa. 6:2).
6. Beautiful feet. "How beautiful are the feet of Him that bringeth good
tidings" (Isa. 52:7).
7. Straight Feet. "Their feet were straight feet" (Ezek. 1:7).
 343. Fellowship with Christ in Sacrifice and Suffering
What does it mean to sacrifice and suffer with Christ?
1. The crucifixion of self—Gal. 2:20.
2. The being spent and spending for Him and others—2 Cor. 12:15.
3. The recognition of Christ suffering in us—Col. 1:24.
4. The being obedient unto death—Phil. 2:8.
5. The sharing of the trials of others—2 Cor. 1:6.
6. Taking the sufferings, which come from the world, uncomplainingly—1
Peter 2:20, 21.
7. The being sweet and kind amid the suffering—1 Cor. 13:4.
 344. Feasts of Jehovah
There are seven feasts mentioned in Leviticus 23, each of which has a
counterpart of significance in the New Testament.
1. The Feast of the Passover is typical of Christ our Passover sacrificed for
us, in the benefit of His death for us—1 Cor. 5:7.
2. The Feast of the Unleavened Bread is representative of the outcome of
faith in Him who died for us—namely, the purging out of the leaven of
wickedness from the life—1 Cor. 5:6-8; Titus 2:14.
3. The Feast of the Firstfruits proclaims the resurrection of Christ in His
triumph over death—1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
4. The Feast of Pentecost points to the coming of the Holy Spirit and His
formation of the Church—Acts 2:1-4; 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.
5. The Feast of Trumpets denotes the Coming of Christ, when His redeemed
will be gathered to Himself—1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52.
6. The Feast of the Day of Atonement embodies the outcome of Christ's
atonement for the nation of Israel, and the consequent blessing to all—Lev.
16; Zech. 12:10-13.
7. The Feast of the Tabernacles leads our thoughts on to the time when
Christ shall tabernacle with men in His Millennial glory—Zech. 14:16-21.
 345. Findings of Christ
1. The Good Shepherd finding the lost sheep. Sought until He found it—
Luke 15:4-6.
2. The Treasure Seeker finding the treasure and pearl. "When a man hath
found." "Found one pearl" (Matt. 13:44, 46.
3. The Disappointed Lord finding only the leaves of profession. "He found
nothing but leaves" (Mark 11:13).
4. The Agonizing Savior finding sleeping disciples. "Found them asleep"
(Matt. 26:40, 43).
5. The Appreciative Christ finding a wholehearted trust. "I have not found
so great faith," etc. (Matt. 8:10).
6. The Counseling Master finding those whom He had blessed. "When He
had found him, He said" (John 5:14; 9:35).
7. The Searching Expeller finding a desecrated temple. "Found in the
temple those that sold... and drove them out" (John 2:14, 15).
 346. First and the Last Word
"First of all... Christ died for our sins" (1 Cor. 15:3). "The Lamb is the Light
thereof" (Rev. 21:23).
Dr. STUART HOLDEN, in closing a meeting held in the Kingsway Hall, said:
"My last word is this, that the basis of all sacrificial conflict, the basis of
every life, and the inspiration of every career in fellowship with Jesus Christ,
is the sacrificial life that He lived, is the unspeakable death that He died for
our salvation. The last and ultimate thing to be said by any missionary,
prospective or actual, in regard to his work, is this: 'He loved me, and gave
Himself for me.'"
1. Salvation. The first and the last word for salvation is, "He gave Himself
for me." Salvation is not Christ and me, but Christ for me—Gal. 2:20.
2. Sanctification. "I am crucified with Christ... He liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20).
Holiness is not Christ and me, but Christ in me.
3. Service. "The love of Christ constraineth us... He died... we should live
unto Him" (2 Cor. 5:14, 15). All true service is born of His service for us.
4. Example. "Suffered for us, leaving us an Example" (1 Peter 2:21). We can
do anything, or follow anywhere, where the magnetic influence of His Cross
attracts us.
 347. First Things
1. The first thing to seek. "The Kingdom of God and His righteousness"
(Matt. 6:33).
2. The first thing to preach. "Delivered unto you first of all," etc. "The
Gospel" (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
3. The first thing to do. "First be a partaker" (2 Tim. 2:6).
4. The first thing in worship. "First be reconciled to thy brother" (Matt.
5:24).
5. The first thing in life. "Cleanse first that which is within" (Matt. 23:26).
6. The first thing in holiness. "Cast out first the beam out of thine own eye"
(Luke 6:42).
7. The first thing to give. "First gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Cor.
8:5).
8. The first thing in prayer. "First of all supplications, prayers, and
intercessions" (1 Tim. 2:1).
9. The first thing to know. "Knowing this first" (2 Peter 1:20).
 348. Five Looks
Romans 6:17, R.V.
1. The upward look of thanksgiving. "But thanks be to God."
2. The backward look of remembrance. "Ye were the slaves of sin."
3. The inward look of decision. "Obeyed from the heart."
4. The outward look of appreciation. "Ye were delivered."
5. The all-round look of recognition. The Scripture in its entirety.
 349. Flee, Follow, Fight
1 Timothy 6:4-12
Paul gave three "F's" to Timothy when he would set him on his guard. Look
at them:
I. "Flee these things" (v. 4-11).
1. Swelling of pride (R.V.). "Puffed up."
2. Folly of ignorance.
3. Dotage of questionings (margin, "sick").
4. "Strifes of words" (R.V., "disputes").
5. Envy of jealousy.
6. Strife of temper.
7. Railings of incrimination.
8. Surmisings of evil.
9. Love of money.
II. "Follow after" (v. 6, 11).
1. "Righteousness" of life.
2. "Godliness" of character.
3. "Faith" of devotion.
4. "Love" of faithfulness.
5. "Patience" of endurance.
6. "Meekness" of manner.
7. "Contentment" of thankfulness.
III. "Fight the good fight of faith" (R.V., "The faith").
1. By "a good profession" (v. 12).
2. By keeping "this commandment" (v. 14).
3. By charging the rich not to be "high-minded" (v. 17).
4. By being "rich in good works" (v. 18).
5. By laying "hold of eternal life" (v. 19).
6. By keeping "the faith" of the Gospel (v. 20, 21).
7. By being "ready to sympathize" (margin, R.V., v. 18).
 350. "Follow Me"
Christ's command is "Follow Me." Think of the places in which Christ was
found, and see how we are called to follow to spiritual spheres.
1. He bids us follow Him to the manger of humility—Phil. 2:5-8.
2. To the Nazareth of ministry—Luke 4:18; Rom. 13:4-11.
3. To the Jordan of surrender—Matt. 3:15; Rom. 12:1.
4. To the wilderness of temptation—Luke 4:1; 1 Cor 10:13.
5. To the mount of instruction—Matt. 5:1; 1 Cor. 2:9-11.
6. To the place of transfiguration—Matt. 17:2; 2 Cor. 3:18.
7. To the field of service—Acts 10:38; 20:19.
8. To the Garden of Gethsemane—Luke 22:39-42.
9. To the Cross of Calvary—Heb. 13:12, 13.
10. To the tomb of resurrection—Rom. 8:11.
11. To the throne of ascension—Col. 3:1, 2.
12. To the hope of glory—1 John 3:2, 3.
 351. "Follow Me"
John 10:27
There are at least eight distinct instances where Christ gives command,
"Follow Me," and in these instances we have an eightfold call of Christ.
1. The call to salvation—John 1:43.
2. The call to concentration—John 21:19-22.
3. The call to separation—Matt. 8:22.
4. The call to self-denial—Matt. 16:24.
5. The call to consecration—Matt. 19:21.
6. The call to imitation—John 12:26.
7. The call to service—Matt. 4:19.
8. The call to Himself—Matt. 9:9.
 352. Foreheads
1. The leprous forehead of sin—2 Chron. 26:19.
2. The bold forehead of the flesh—Jer. 3:3.
3. The holy forehead of the priest—Exod. 28:38.
4. The marked forehead of approbation—Ezek. 9:4.
5. The strong forehead of service—Ezek. 3:8, 9.
6. The beautiful forehead of glory—Rev. 22:4.
7. The dented forehead of judgment—1 Sam. 17:49.
 353. "Forget Not"
To forget the Lord's things is base ingratitude.
1. "Forget not the Lord" (Deut. 6:12; 8:11, 14, 19). Ponder why He is not to
be forgotten, as stated in the above Scriptures.
2. "Forget not how thou provokest the Lord thy God" (Deut. 9:7). Remember
past sins, and let them not be repeated.
3. "Forget not the works of God" (Psa. 78:7). Think upon His works if thou
wouldest be large-minded, and provoked to praise.
4. "Forget not all His benefits" (Psa. 103:2). His benefits are beneficial and
manifold.
5. "Forgot not My Law" (Prov. 3:1). To forget God's Word is to ignore our
responsibilities, and shut ourselves out of blessing.
6. "Forget not" "to do good and communicate" (Heb. 13:16). To be a blessing
to others is to bless ourselves.
7. "Forgot not the humble" (Psa. 10:12). Jehovah will not forget the
"crushed" and "humbled" (so Rotherham), therefore we should help them too.
 354. "Forgiven"
The several instances where Christ said to individuals "Thy sins are
forgiven," are full of meaning, and illustrate how He forgives all sorts of
sinners.
1. The Palsied Sinner. "Thy sins be forgiven thee" (Matt. 9:2. 5).
2. The Diseased Sinner. "If he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven
him" (James. 5:15).
3. The Weeping Sinner. "He saith unto her, thy sins be forgiven thee" (Luke
7:47, 48).
4. The Trespassing Sinner. "Having forgiven you all trespasses" (Col. 2:13).
5. The Iniquitous Sinner. "Whose iniquities are forgiven" (Rom. 4:7).
6. The Transgressing Sinner. "Blessed is the man whose transgression is
forgiven" (Psa. 32:1).
7. The Atoned-for Sinner is forgiven, and He above "Makes an atonement
for him, for his sin... and it shall be forgiven" (Lev. 4:20, 26, 31, 35; 5:10, 13,
16, 18; 6:7).
 355. "Forgiven"
This word is like a sweet songster warbling out its praise amid a scene of
devastation. This forgiveness is
1. Specific in its blessing. "Having forgiven you all trespasses" (Col. 2:13).
Sinners are the recipients. Mark the "trespasses" and "you."
2. Sovereign in its bestowment. "Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy
people" (Psa. 85:2). If the Lord had not done it, it would never have been
done.
3. Sufficient in its atonement. "It shall be forgiven," because "atonement has
been made concerning his sin" (Lev. 4:20. 26, 31, 35; 5:10, 13, 16). The
blood of expiation is the ground of remission.
4. Soul-stirring in its enjoyment. "Blessed (or, "Oh! the blessedness") is he
whose transgression is forgiven" (Psa. 32:1).
5. Certain in its assurance. "Your sins are forgiven" (1 John 2:12). Note the
past tense, "are," and also the reason, "For His Name's sake."
6. Exemplary for our imitation. "Forgive and ye shall be forgiven" (Luke
6:37), even "as God for Christ's sake" has "forgiven" you (Eph. 4:32).
7. Happy in its enjoyment. "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven"
(Rom. 4:7). When the load of sin is gone, then the man is joyful in his going.
 356. "Form" of New Testament Facts
1. Christ's Eternal Character. "Being in the form of God" (Phil. 2:6).
2. Christ's Humble State. "Took upon Him the form of a servant"—slave
(Phil. 2:7).
3. Christ's Risen Glory. "He appeared in another form" (Mark 16:12).
4. Christ's Indwelling Power. "Christ be formed in you" (Gal. 4:19).
5. The Spirit's Teaching. "That form of doctrine" (R.V., "teaching") (Rom.
6:17).
6. The Word's Healthfulness. "Hold fast the form (pattern) of sound
(healthful) words" (2 Tim. 1:13).
7. The Sinner's Lack. "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power
thereof" (2 Tim. 3:5).
 357. "Forgiveness of Sins"
1. Medium of forgiveness. "Through His Blood" (Col. 1:14).
2. Measure of forgiveness. "According to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).
3. Giver of forgiveness. "To give... forgiveness of sins" (Acts. 5:31).
4. Receiver of forgiveness. "By faith that is in Me" (Acts 26:18).
5. Proclamation of forgiveness. "Preached unto you the forgiveness of sins"
(Acts 13:38).
 358. Forsaken
1. A Forsaken God. "Who have forsaken Me" (Jer. 1:16; 2:13; 2 Chron.
28:6; 34:25).
2. A Forsaken Savior. "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
(Psa. 22:1).
3. A Forsaken Law. "He forsook the law of the Lord" (2 Chron. 12:1).
4. A Forsaken Man. "God left him to try him" (2 Chron. 32:31).
5. A Forsaken Heart. "Therefore my heart faileth me" (Psa. 40:12).
6. A Forsaken Servant. "My master left me" (1 Sam. 30:13).
7. A Forsaken Sinfulness. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but
whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Prov. 28:13).
 359. Four Prosperous Things
1. Prosperous Position. "God hath prospered him" (1 Cor. 16:2). Prosperity
in this life is due to the good hand of the Lord. Let us remember He expects a
proportionate first fruit.
2. Prosperous Journey. "I might have a prosperous journey" (Rom. 1:10).
The Lord goes before us to clear the road of difficulties, or He is with us to
sustain us in them. If He goes with us all is well.
3. Prosperous Health. "Thou mayest prosper and be in health" (3 John 2).
The Lord is the Healer of the body as well as the Health of the soul.
4. Prosperous Soul. "The soul prospereth" (3 John 2). Soul prosperity is the
soul of all prosperity.
 360. Fortress
Iniquity shall never be our ruin if we do but cleave to Christ, for He is the—
1. Strong Fortress for safety in the time of peril—2 Sam. 22:2.
2. Sheltering Fortress for preservation from our enemies—Psa. 18:2.
3. Sure Fortress to keep from perplexity and doubt—Psa. 31:3.
4. Settled Fortress for habitation—Psa. 71:3.
5. Supreme Fortress for excellence, for none can do, or be, like Him—Psa.
91:2.
6. Suitable Fortress, for He can meet the need of each and all—Psa. 144:2.
7. Succoring Fortress in the time of affliction—Jer. 16:19.
 361. "Found in Him"
Phil. 3:9
1. As the man-slayer in the City of Refuge—safely—Num. 35:6-32.
2. As the stone in the building—securely—1 Peter 2:5.
3. As the jewels in the breastplate of the High Priest—acceptedly—Exod.
28:29.
4. As the child in the family—affectionately—Eph. 3:15.
5. As the partner in the firm—unitedly—Luke 5:7, 10.
6. As the branch in the tree—livingly—John 15:5.
7. As the member in the body—submissively—1 Cor. 12:13.
8. As the servant in the household—obediently—Eph. 2:19.
9. As the plant in the garden—flourishingly—Matt. 15:13.
10. As the arrow in the quiver—waitingly—Isa. 49:2.
11. As the vessel in the hand—usefully—2 Tim. 2:21.
12. As the sheep in the flock—attentively—John 10:16, R.V.
13. As the scholar in the school—diligently—Matt. 11:29.
14. As the steward in the estate—faithfully—1 Cor. 4:1, 2.
 362. Fourfold Peace
Remember these things—
1. Christ has made our peace—Col. 1:20.
2. Christ is our peace—Eph. 2:14.
3. Christ preaches peace—Eph. 2:17.
4. Christ gives peace—John 14:27.
 363. "For You"
"One Man Should Die"
We must, in passing, note this "Divine mystery," and "the most monstrous
act." Three times does the preposition huper, rendered "for," fall from the lips
of Caiaphas—"Die for the people... Jesus should die for that nation... not for
that nation only." The preposition with the genative case, means one acting
on behalf of another. As applied to Christ's death, the main thought is, the
provision God has made in His death for the salvation of men. There are
other places where huper occurs. Six times Christ uses this word in relation
to His death on our behalf—
1. His Body. "This is My body which is given for you" (Luke 22:19).
2. His Blood. "My Blood which is shed for you" (Luke 22:20).
3. His Intention. "My flesh which I give for the life of the world" (John
6:51).
4. His Gift. "The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
5. His Act. "I lay down My life for the sheep" (John 10:15).
6. His Consecration. "For their sakes I sanctify Myself" (John 17:19).
 364. Four Essential Things for Christian Workers
"A bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick" (2 Kings 4:10). Some
years ago, a sister in Christ said to me: "Have you noticed that the four things
which the Shunammite woman provided for the prophet Elisha are illustrative
of the four things which the worker for Christ needs?" "No," I replied, "I have
not." She said, "The four things are a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick"
(2 Kings 4:10).
1. The bed is the symbol of rest which is found in Christ, by coming to Him,
and in being yoked in God's will with Him—Matt. 11:28, 29.
2. The table is the symbol of fellowship with Him, for He spreads a table
before us in the presence of our enemies—Psa. 23:5, and bids us "come and
dine" (John 21:12).
3. The stool is the symbol of instruction from Christ, for we must sit at His
feet, and learn of Him, if we would be initiated in the secrets of His will—
Deut. 33:3; Luke 10:39.
4. The candlestick is the symbol of testimony for Christ, for He says we are
the "light of the world," and His witnesses to testify of Himself—Matt. 5:14;
Acts 1:8.
These things are not only illustrative of what the Christian worker needs, but
the order in which they are given is suggestive too. Rest in Christ, by being
yoked with Him in the will of God, is essential, in order to have fellowship
with Him, and fellowship with Him is the qualification for instruction from
Him, and instruction from Him is the precursor of effective testimony for
Him.
 365. Four Remarkable Prayers
There are four prayers mentioned in Mark 5.
1. The prayer of the demon-possessed not to be tormented—6, 7.
2. The prayer of the demons to enter the swine—v. 12.
3. The prayer of the Gadarenes that Christ would depart out of their coasts—
v. 17.
4. The prayer of the emancipated one to be with Christ—v. 18.
All the prayers were answered except the last. God often denies His people
what He grants to others. Christ gave the demons what they desired, and the
swine were the means of landing them into the sea. When men and demons
give themselves up to sin He leaves them alone in their sins, and thus gives
them up to judgment—Rom. 1:23, 24, 26, 28.
 366. Fourteen Things Done to Christ
1. Spat in His Face—Matt. 27:30.
2. Buffeted His Cheeks—Matt. 26:67.
3. Bound His Hands—Matt. 27:2.
4. Scourged His Back—Matt. 27:26.
5. Stripped His Body—Matt. 27:28.
6. Lacerated His Head—Matt. 27:29.
7. Plucked Off His Hair—Isa. 1. 6.
8. Took Away His Garments—Mark 15:24.
9. Mocked His Person—Matt. 27:29, 39-47.
10. Condemned Unjustly—Luke 23:41.
11. Libeled His Mission—Mark 15:29, 30.
12. Taunted His Works—Mark 15:31.
13. Spiked His Feet—Psa. 22:16.
14. Speared His Side—John 19:34.
 367. Fully Saved
1. Are you saved from all doubt, and do you enjoy full assurance of faith?
This is the privilege of all believers as the sons of God—John 5:24; Rom.
8:16; Gal. 3:13; Col. 2:13, 14; 1 John 5:10-13.
2. Are you saved from the dominion of sin and enabled to overcome the evil
impulses of your natural heart? This is fully provided in Christ's great
redemption. He is made unto us Sanctification—Rom. 6:11-22; 2 Peter 1:2-4.
3. Are you saved from the world, its spirit, love, and aim? Christ's people
are a separated people. The true believer overcomes the world—Gal. 5:24;
Titus 2:12-14; 1 John 2:15, 16.
4. Are you saved from Satan's power and temptations, and do you triumph
in His strength over all the power of the enemy?—Rom. 8:37; 2 Cor. 2:14;
Col. 1:13.
5. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit as the light, life, joy, and power of
your being? This is the very substance of Christ's salvation—John 14:23;
15:11; Acts 5:32; Eph. 5:18.
6. Are you consecrated to the service of God, and working together with
God for the Kingdom of Jesus and the souls of men?—John 15:14; Rom.
12:1, 2; Dan. 12:3; Matt. 28:18-20.
7. Are you saved from sickness and all Satan's power over your body?—
Exod 15:26; Psa. 103:3; 107:20, R.V.; Matt. 16:19, with margin of R.V. of
Isa. 53:4; James 5:14, 15.
 368. "Further"
"Further" suggests something beyond that we have reached; and "no further"
speaks of a limitation, or an arrestment.
1. Control. God controls the sea in all its movements, for He says to it,
"Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be
stayed" (Job. 38:11).
2. Confession. When the Lord revealed Himself to Job as the Almighty, he
confessed, "Behold I am vile," and although he felt inclined to say more, he
pulled himself up by saying, "But I will proceed no further" (Job. 40:1-5).
3. Constrained. When Christ would have "gone further," as He journeyed
with the two disciples, "they constrained Him" by saying, "Abide with us"
(Luke 24:28, 29). We may by our prayers arrest Christ to our blessing.
4. Carefulness. "When they had gone a little further, they sounded again"
(Acts 27:28). The mariners did not recklessly go forward, but sought by their
carefulness to see if they were warranted to do so. Carelessness is born of
laziness, but carefulness is the companion of diligence.
5. Corruption. Paul speaks of "men" who have "corrupt minds, reprobate
concerning the faith," but he says, "they shall proceed no further" (2 Tim. 3:8,
9). God allows men to go a long way, but they find in the end they are pulled
up to their confusion.
6. Completion. The Levitical priesthood did not make things complete, but
Christ in His priesthood brings things to perfection, as the apostle implies
when he says, "What further need was there that another priest should rise,"
but in Christ we have "an unchanging priesthood" (Heb. 7:11, 24).
 369. Gardens
1. A garden spoiled by sin. Eden—Gen. 3:1-24.
2. A garden sanctified by prayer.—Gethsemane—John 18:26.
3. A garden hallowed by Christ. Joseph's—John 19:41.
4. A garden prepared for the Beloved—S. of S. 4:12, 16.
5. A garden watered to its betterment—Isa. 58:11.
6. A garden bringing forth for others—Isa. 61:11.
7. A garden destroyed by judgment because of sin—Isa. 1:28-31.
 370. Garments
1. White garments for attraction—Eccles. 9:8.
2. Touched garment for healing—Matt. 9:20.
3. Kept garment for sacredness—Rev. 16:15.
4. Left garment for blessing—Mark 10:50.
5. Wedding garment for fitness—Matt. 22:11.
6. Hated garment of sin—Jude 23.
7. Taken garment for comfort—Acts 12:8.
 371. Garments
"Put On Thy Beautiful Garments" Isa. 52:1
"That's me hanging up there." So said a vivacious lassie, as she pointed to
some new clothes which had been purchased for her. There are garments
which the Lord has provided for us.
1. Salvation garments for the needy sinner—Isa. 61:10.
2. Substituted garments for filthy ones—Zech. 3:3-5.
3. Beautiful garments for adornment—Isa. 52:1.
4. Perfumed garments for appreciated witness—Psa. 45:8.
5. Holy garments for priestly service—Exod. 28:2-4.
6. Anointed garments for consecrated work—Lev. 8:30.
7. Fringed garments calling for obedience—Num. 15:38-41.
 372. Garments
1. Washed garments from the leprosy of sin—Lev. 14:8, 9.
2. Parted garments in atonement for sin—Psa. 22:18.
3. Filthy garments, descriptive of sin's pollution—Zech. 3:3; Isa. 64:6.
4. An accusing garment in the falsehood of sin—Gen. 39:12-18.
5. Rent garments in humiliation for sin—1 Kings 21:25-29.
6. Changed garments from the prison of sin—2 Kings 25:29.
7. Stained garments in relation to the judgment of sin—Isa. 63:1-3.
The words "garment," "clothes," in the above Scriptures are the same in the
original.
 373. Gates
"Go Through, Go Through the Gates" (Isa. 62:10)
Gates are the means of entrance, and as we enter we find what is inside, to
our benefit and enjoyment.
1. Gate of the Tabernacle—Exod. 27:16. Type of Christ as the entrance into
blessing—John 10:9, 10.
2. "Gate of Heaven" (Gen. 28:17). Type of the experience of those who find
Christ in their life's journey.
3. "Gate of the Guard to the King's House" (2 Kings 11:19). When we are
guarded by the King's guard of holiness and peace, we find it leads us to the
place of the King's house.
4. "Gates of Righteousness" (Psa. 118:19, 20). Nothing that is wrong can
enter this gate. Being right and doing right, we square with the right.
5. Gates of Beauty—Isa. 54:12. "I will make thy gates of carbuncles." When
the Lord adorns us with His beauty, others are attracted by His grace.
6. "Gates of Praise" (Isa. 60:18). Praise is the grace of gratitude opening its
heart and life with thanksgiving and adoration to the Giver of all good.
7. "Gate of Jehovah" (Jer. 7:2). To recognize Jehovah as the unchanging
One, and the One who will cause things to be, is to find ourselves in the
realm of His love.
 374. Gates
In the New Testament
1. The "strait gate" of salvation—Matt. 7:13.
2. The "wide" gate of sin—Matt. 7:13, 14.
3. The city gate of sorrow—Luke 7:12.
4. The luxuriant gate of sadness—Luke 16:20.
5. The beautiful gate of need—Acts 3:2, 10.
6. The closed gate of opportunity—Acts 10:17.
7. The iron gate of deliverance—Acts 12:10.
8. The knocked gate of gladness—Acts 12:13, 14.
 375. "Gathered Together"
1. The Center of Attraction. "Gathered together in My Name, there am I"
(Matt. 18:20).
2. The Object of Calvary. "Gather together in one" (John 11:52).
3. The Power of Prayer. "When they had prayed, the place was shaken
where they were assembled together" (Acts 4:31).
4. The Privilege of Service. "Assembled themselves with the Church" (Acts
11:26).
5. The Joy of Believers. "Gathered the Church together... rehearsed all that
God had done" (Acts 14:27).
6. The Purpose of Gathering. "Disciples came together to break bread"
(Acts 20:7).
7. The Church in Discipline. "When ye are gathered together... deliver such
a one unto Satan" (1 Cor. 5:4, 5).
The word sunago in each of the above Scriptures might be rendered
"gathered together."
 376. "Gave Up"
1. Sinners given up to Sin given up by God. "Wherefore God also gave
them up," etc. (Rom. 1:24, 26, 28).
2. The Savior given up for our Sins. "Who was delivered for our offences"
(Rom. 4:25).
3. God's Love in Christ's Death. "Delivered Him up for us all," etc. (Rom.
8:32).
4. The Savior’s Voluntary Act in His Substitutionary Death. "Gave
Himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20, R.V.; Eph. 5:2, 25).
5. The Lord's Committal of Himself into the Hands of His Father.
"Committed Himself to Him" (1 Peter 2:23).
6. The Devotion of the Lord's Servants to His Work. "Men that hazarded
their lives" (Acts 15:26).
7. The Truth of the Gospel Given to the Saints. "Faith once delivered to
the saints" (Jude 3).
 377. "Giveth"
There are many things which the Lord giveth. The following seven in the Old
Testament are among the many:
1. Wealth. "It is He that giveth thee power to get wealth" (Deut. 8:18).
2. Songs. "Who giveth songs" (Job. 35:10).
3. Power. "He giveth power to the faint" (Isa. 40:29).
4. Food. "Who giveth food" (Psa. 136:25).
5. Grace. "He giveth grace unto the lowly" (Prov. 3:34).
6. Victory. "God giveth avengement to me," etc. (2 Samuel 22:48, margin).
7. Sleep. "He giveth His beloved sleep" (Psa. 127:2).
 378. Glorious Things of the Glorious Gospel
1. A Glorious Work—Psa. 111:3.
2. A Glorious Past—Isa. 11:10.
3. A Glorious Liberty—Rom. 8:21.
4. A Glorious Power—Col. 1:11.
5. A Glorious Gospel—2 Cor. 4:4.
6. A Glorious Body—Phil. 3:21.
7. A Glorious Appearing—Titus 2:13.
 379. "Giveth"
Mark the present tense of the above word, as illustrating the constancy of
God's grace:
1. Life. "He giveth to all life" (Acts 17:25).
2. Increase. "God giveth the increase" (1 Cor. 3:7).
3. Victory. "Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory" (1 Cor. 15:57).
4. Wisdom. "Giveth to all men liberally" (James 1:5).
5. Abundance. "Giveth more grace," etc. (James 4:6).
6. Service. "The ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11).
7. All Things. "Who giveth us richly all things" (1 Tim. 6:17).
 380. "Glory"
The Bible says a great deal about "glory." Glory is the excellence of anything
in display. The Heavens declare the glory of God's creative skill. The
miracles of Christ displayed the glory of what He could do—John 2:11. The
following things "of glory" will further illustrate:
1. "Hope of Glory" (Col. 1:27). Christ within is the pledge of glory without.
2. "Body of Glory" (Phil. 3:21, R.V.). When Christ comes He will make His
own like to Himself.
3. Partners of Glory—Luke 9:32; Col. 3:4; Eph. 1:18. The scene on the
Mount of Transfiguration is a pattern of things yet to be. We shall be with
Him.
4. "Liberty of the Glory" (Rom. 8:21, R.V.). Creation is to be brought into
the liberty of the children of God. Creation is bathed in tears and blood, but it
will be blessed and free.
5. "Presence of Glory" (Jude 24). Christ will "present" ("set") His own
"faultless before the presence of His glory."
6. "Throne of Glory" (Matt. 25:31). The glory of His throne will extinguish
all the lights of every earthly throne.
7. "Appearing of Glory" (Titus 2:13, R.V.; 2. Thess. 2:8). We are looking
for the shining forth of our great God and Savior as the coming of Him who
is "the Blessed Hope."
 381. "Go"
1. "Go, and sin no more" (John 8:11) is the Savior’s word of direction to
the sinner whom He frees from condemnation. For the world's doom is the
precursor to departure from sin's domination, as Israel found when they were
commanded to leave Egypt's association, having escaped its judgment.
2. "Go in peace" (Luke 7:50) is the benediction which falls upon the
pardoned one's ears. No more is sin to ruffle, Satan to tear, the world to
traffic, the flesh to mar; but Christ's own peace is to reign supreme within the
heart, however many temptations may rage without.
3. "Go in this thy might" (Judges 6:14). The Lord's promised presence was
to be Gideon's guarantee that he should save Israel. The foe was strong and
numerous, but the Lord, the Mighty Man of valor, was with His servant,
hence his victory was certain.
4. "Go... and preach the Gospel" (Mark 16:15). Here is the Lord's definite
command to the Church as to her mission in the world. Her mission is not to
amuse the world, nor herself, but to proclaim the glad tidings of the faithful
saying, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
5. "Go, shut thyself within thine house" (Ezek. 3:24). The prophet was
prohibited from speaking further to rebellious Israel. He was to find comfort
in seclusion, and to pour out his heart in supplication. The secret place of the
Lord's presence is the cure for every ill.
 382. God
"We Trust in the Living God" (1 Tim. 4:10)
1. God in the holiness of His nature—1 John 1:5, 6.
2. God in the heart of His love—John 3:16.
3. God in the revelation of His Son—Heb. 1:1, 2.
4. God in the might of His Spirit—Acts 1:8.
5. God in the sufficiency of His grace—2 Cor. 9:8.
6. God in the purpose of His will—Heb. 13:20, 21.
7. God in the promise of His Word—2 Peter 1:4.
 383. "God Hath"
In 1 Corinthians
1. Revelation. "God hath revealed" (2:10).
2. Selection. "God hath chosen" (1:27).
3. Preparation. "God hath prepared" (2:9).
4. Ordination. "God hath set forth" (4:9).
5. Resurrection. "God hath raised up" (6:14).
6. Vocation. "God hath called" (7:15).
7. Distribution. "God hath distributed" (7:17).
8. Combination. "God hath tempered the body" (12:24).
9. Situation. "God hath set" (12:28).
 384. "God"
1. "Uncorruptible God" in glory—Rom. 1:23.
2. "Everlasting God" in revelation—Rom. 16:26.
3. "Invisible God" in Christ—Col. 1:15.
4. "Living God" in power—1 Thess. 1:9.
5. "True God" in manifestation—1 Thess. 1:9.
6. "Blessed God" in grace—1 Tim. 1:11.
7. "Great God" in splendor—Titus 2:13.
 385. God and Iniquity
1. He finds it out—Gen. 44:16.
2. He sets them before Him—Psa. 90:8.
3. He marks it, for He says, "Thine iniquity is marked before Me" (Jer. 2:22)
4. He dealt with Christ on the Cross in relation to it—Isa. 53:5, 6, 11.
5. He takes it away—Isa. 6:7.
6. He purges it—Jer. 33:8.
7. He forgives it—Psa. 85:2.
8. He subdues it—Micah 7:19.
9. He redeems from it—Psa. 130:8.
10. He punishes for it—Amos 3:2.
 386. "God of Peace"
"The God of Peace" is always associated with holiness.
1. Holiness of His Presence. "The God of Peace be with you" (Rom. 15:33).
2. Holiness of His Victory. "The God of Peace shall bruise," etc. (Rom.
16:20).
3. Holiness of His Work. "Be perfect... and the God of Peace be with you" (2
Cor. 13:11).
4. Holiness of His Will. "These things do, and the God of Peace be with you"
(Phil. 4:9).
5. Holiness of His Power. "God of Peace brought from the dead" (Heb.
13:20).
6. Holiness of His Calm. "The Lord of Peace be with you" (2 Thess. 3:16).
7. Holiness of His Call. "God of Peace sanctify you wholly" (1 Thess. 5:23).
 387. "God Is"
1. The Essence of God's being. "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24).
2. The Sublimity of His nature. "God is love" (1 John 4:8).
3. The Splendor of His perfection. "God is light" (1 John 1:5).
4. The Reason of His grace. "The Lord is good" (Nahum. 1:7).
5. The Perfection of His holiness. "God is holy" (1 Peter 1:15).
6. The Height of His personality. "The Lord is great" (Psa. 96:4).
7. The Refuge of His protection. "God is a refuge and strength" (Psa. 46:1).
 388. God's Bringings
1. A Savior Heralded. "Bring you good tidings... a Savior" (Luke 2:10).
2. An End Accomplished. "Might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18).
3. A Robe Investure. "Bring forth the best robe" (Luke 15:22).
4. A Feast Provided. "Bring hither the fatted calf" (Luke 15:23).
5. A Fruitful Branch. "Bring forth more fruit" (John 15:2).
6. A Gracious Remembrancer. "Bring all things to your remembrance"
(John 14:26).
7. A King's Retinue. "Will God bring with Him" (1 Thess. 4:14).
8. A Divine Searcher. "Bring to light" (1 Cor. 4:5).
 389. God's Constant Ministry
As Described in Job 36:27 to 37:13
Note the pronoun "He" as illustrating His service, goodness, and wisdom.
1. "He maketh" (36:27). His skill.
2. "He spreadeth" (36:30). His wisdom.
3. "He covereth" (36:32). His power.
4. "He judgeth" (36:31). His dealing.
5. "He giveth" (36:31). His supply.
6. "He directeth" (37:3). His guidance.
7. "He thundereth" (37:5). His voice.
8. "He sealeth" (37:7). His pleasure.
9. "He wearieth" (37:11). His endurance.
10. "He scattereth" (37:11). His strength.
11. "He commandeth" (37:12). His word.
12. "He causeth" (37:13). His purpose.
Notice that all these are in the present tense, as bringing out God's continued
and continual oversight of all things.
 390. God's Givings
1. He gives us His love to charm us—1 John 4:9.
2. His peace to calm us—John 14:27.
3. His word to arm us—Eph. 6:17.
4. His promises to cheer us—2 Peter 1:4.
5. His joy to strengthen us—Neh. 8:10.
6. His riches to endow us—Eph. 3:8.
7. His grace to empower us—2 Cor. 12:9.
8. His spirit to guide us—John 16:13.
9. His beauty to beautify us—Psa. 90:17.
10. His glory to satisfy us—Rom. 8:17, 18.
 391. God's Delights
There are certain things in which God finds pleasure and satisfaction.
1. Christ. "In whom My soul delighteth" (Isa. 42:1). He delighted in what He
is—the Holy One; He delighted in the death He died, for it was well-pleasing
to Him; He delighted in the work He performed; He delighted in the
obedience He gave; He delighted in the testimony He bore; He delighted in
the words He uttered; and He delighted in His delight to do His will—Psa.
40:8.
2. Cross. "He delighted in Him" (Psa. 22:8). The enemies of God said this of
Him sneeringly, because He did not relieve Christ from the Cross. They knew
not the loving purpose of God, nor the necessity of that atoning death, hence
the contempt in their utterance.
3. Men. "My delights were with the sons of men" (Prov. 8:31). It seems as
the Lord desired the companionship of men, so He became a Man among
men, that men might become the sons of God.
4. "A Good Man." "He delighteth in His way" (Psa. 37:23). When a man has
his steps ordered by the Lord, he is a pleasure to the Lord. Seneca says, "He
who would make his travels delightful must first make himself delightful."
5. Prayer. "The prayer of the upright is His delight" (Prov. 15:8). It is the
upright man's prayers which are a joy to Him. What a motive to be upright,
and what an inspiration for the upright to pray.
6. Mercy. "He delighteth in mercy" (Micah 7:18). Mercy is love's
benediction blessing the undeserving. His mercy is not a dole thrown out, but
the grace of God bestowed upon us with joy.
7. Justness. "A just weight is His delight" (Prov. 11:1). God takes note of the
actions of men. He puts a bad mark against frauds, cheats, hypocrites, and
profiteers; and a good mark against those who give sixteen ounces to the
pound.
 392. God's Deliverance of Israel by the Hand of Moses
1. Vindication. It was a vindication of His servant, for the Lord had spoken
through Moses to Pharaoh again and again, and had made him smart because
cf his disobedience—Exod. 11:1. When God's servants act in obedience to
His commands, He will vindicate their cause.
2. Opposition. Pharaoh again and again hardened his heart against the Lord,
till at last the Lord left him in his hardened state, and in this sense we
understand the sentence, "The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart" (Exod. 11:10).
A self-elected choice against God always brings its own judgment.
3. Help. When God's people are in dire straits, He will often cause those who
are not His people to help them, for that is the meaning of the words
"borrowed" and "lent" (Exod. 12:35, 36). The children of Israel asked for the
things that the Egyptians gave them, as we read in the Revised Version, "So
they let them have what they asked."
4. Redemption. The great consequence was that Israel knew God's delivering
grace through their responsive obedience, for right through we find
illustrated, if not stated, the children of Israel went and did so, as Jehovah
commanded Moses—Exod. 12:28. When we walk with the Lord in the path
of obedience, He will always side with us in the might of His power. This is
illustrated again and again in what Jehovah did for Israel as stated in Exodus
11 and 12.
 393. God's Grace to Israel
Hosea 11:1-4
Eight things are stated in Hosea 11:1-4, which demonstrate God's grace to
Israel, and which are illustrations of His love to His children.
1. Loved. "When Israel was a child I loved him." Three things ever
demonstrate love: affection, sacrifice, and service. Love loves because it is
love, and not because of the worthiness of its object—1 John 4:9, 10;
sacrifices, because it loves—John 3:16; and serves, because it delights to do
so—John 13:1.
2. Galled. "Called My son out of Egypt." Love does not suffer the object of
its affection to remain in the Egypt of bondage and the thraldom of sin, but
brings it "out of" it. Salvation and liberty are the inception blessings of the
Gospel.
3. Instructed. "I taught Ephraim to go" (R.V., "to walk"). The beautiful
picture of a mother teaching her child to walk is suggested by these words. It
teaches us to walk consistently by the truth—3 John 4, consecratingly by His
example—1 John 2:6, and circumspectly by the Spirit—Eph. 5:15.
4. Sustained. "I took them on my arms" (R.V.). When the child gets tired, the
mother carries it; so the Lord sustained and helped His people. Who can sink
through the everlasting arms?
5. Healed. "I healed them." Three things are essential to a physician. He must
know the disease, possess the remedy, and know how to deal with the patient.
The Lord has all the qualifications.
6. Attracted. "I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love." The
metaphor seems to be of a plough being drawn by oxen, with the touch of a
human, and that with bands (wreathen work) so strong that nothing could
break them. The attractive power of a holy affection is magnetic, and far-
reaching in its influence.
7. Liberated. "I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws."
Whatever the actual reference, there is the underlying sense of lifting
something that galled, fretted, and oppressed. The yoke of sin is hard and
heavy, while the Lord's yoke is easy and light.
8. Provided. "I laid meat unto them," or as Rotherham has it, "Holding out to
him, I let him eat." The Lord not only turns us into green pastures, but He
holds dainty bits to us, even as Boaz did to Ruth—Ruth 2:14.
 394. God's "I Have's"
1. Pardoned. "I have blotted out" (Isa. 44:22).
2. Redeemed. "I have redeemed" (Isa. 43:1; 44:22).
3. Protected. "I have covered" (Isa. 51:16).
4. Chosen. "I have chosen" (Isa. 44:1).
5. Endowed. "I have put my Spirit upon" (Isa. 42:1).
6. Regarded. "I have seen... I have heard" (Isa. 38:5).
7. Loved. "I have loved" (Isa. 43:4).
 395. God's People Are
1. Harbored in His grace for safety—Joel 3:16, margin; Amos 9:11, margin;
Nahum 1:7.
2. Holy in His holiness for sanctification—Deut 7:6; 14:2, 21; 1 Peter 1:15,
16.
3. Helped in His strength for suffering—2 Cor. 12:9; Acts 26:22; Heb. 4:16.
4. Honored in His fellowship for service—John 12:26; 2 Tim. 2:21.
5. Hidden in His presence for communion—Col 3:3; Psa. 27:5; 132:7; Isaiah
49:2.
6. Happy in His love for joy—Deut 33:29; Psa 144:15; 146:5; Prov. 16:20.
7. Heavened in His glory for satisfaction—Psa. 17:15; 1 Cor. 15:53; Phil.
3:21; 1 John 3:2.
 396. God's Succor
"She is sinking very fast," was whispered by an attendant in the dying
chamber of a godly woman. "No, I am not sinking; I am in the arms of my
Savior," she said. To have the arm of Jehovah as our protection, and His arms
beneath us for our comfort, means many things. Among the many, it means—
1. The deliverances of His grace—Deut. 4:34; 5:15; 7:19; 9:29; 11:2; 26:8.
2. The joy of His victories—Psa. 98:1.
3. The comfort of His love—Deut. 33:27.
4. The attention of His care—Isa. 40:11.
5. The upholding of His power—Isa. 51:5.
6. The succor of His salvation—Isa. 33:2.
7. The assurance of His blessing—Mark 10:16.
 397. God's Thought and Testimony About Christ
1. God sent Him for us—John 3:17.
2. God saves us through Him—John 3:17.
3. God supplies us in Him—Eph. 1:3.
4. God speaks to us of Him—Luke 9:35.
5. God sustains us by Him— 2 Cor. 1:4.
6. God sanctifies us in Him— 1 Cor. 1:2.
7. God strengthens from Him—2 Cor. 12:9.
 398. God's Will
His will is for believers—
1. To be sanctified in Christ's work—Heb. 10:10.
2. To be chosen in His grace—Eph. 1:5.
3. To be separated from the world—Gal. 1:4.
4. To be holy in life—1 Thess. 4:3.
5. To suffer in silence—1 Peter 2:15.
6. To be thankful in everything—1 Thess. 5:18.
7. To recognize Him in all things—1 John 5:14.
 399. God's Word
The Psalmist says: "Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name"
(Psa. 138:2), therefore we do well to glorify it above everything else. It is—
1. Divine in its Source. To take but one book, the Acts, we find the Word is
referred to thirty-five times. As "the Word of God" (4:31; 6:2, 7; 8:14; 11:1;
12:24; 13:5, 7, 44, 46; 17:13; 18:11; 19:20) thirteen times; as "the Word of
the Lord," eight times (8:25; 11:16; 13:48, 49; 15:35, 36; 16:32; 19:10); as
"the Word," thirteen times (4:4; 6:4; 8:4; 10:36, 44; 11:19; 13:26; 14:3, 25;
15:7; 16:6; 17:11; 20:32); and as "Thy Word," once (4:29).
2. Dynamic in its Operation. Notice what it says about His Word in the
Epistle to the Hebrews—1:3; 2:2; 4:12; 6:5; 11:3; 13:7. There lieth in the
dynamite of God's Word all the latent possibilities of the life of the Almighty.
3. Definite in its Claim. The Epistles to the Thessalonians illustrate the
claims of the Word. It is "the Word" in its authority (__Thessalonians__1:6),
"The Word of the Lord" in its message (1:8; 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:1), and
"the Word of God" in its power (2:13). The Word claims the faith of our
obedience, the loyalty of our love, and desire of our Hope.
4. Distinct in its Prophecy. The Book of the Revelation may illustrate what
is found in many places. Christ is the Key—19:13, to keep it is our
responsibility—1:9; 3:8, 10; 6:10; 12:11; 20:4; and to bear record of it is our
privilege—1:2.
5. Distinguishing in its Message. The many qualifying words of the Word
indicate its manifold message. It is a Word of Life to quicken—Phil. 2:16; the
Word of Faith to beget faith—Rom. 10:8; the Word of Reconciliation to
assure—2 Cor. 5:19; the Word of God to slay—Eph. 6:17; the Word of Christ
to indwell—Col. 3:16; the Word of the Lord to reveal—1 Thess. 4:15; the
Word of Faithfulness to keep—Titus 1:9; the Word of Righteousness to
adjust—Heb. 5:13; the Word of Incorruption to endure—1 Peter 1:23, 25;
and the Engrafted Word to fructify—James 1:21.
6. Devoted in its Promises. The Word, as such, is coupled with what the
Spirit calls "The word of all His good promise." Solomon confessed that not
"one word" of God's good promise "failed" (1 Kings 8:56). His promises and
the performance of them is continually referred to—Psa. 105:42; Acts 13:23,
32; 26:6, 7; Rom. 4:20; Gal. 3:14-29; Heb. 6:13-17; 2 Peter 3:4, 9, 13.
Another interesting Bible study might be worked out in connection with the
words "He," or "The Lord," "hath promised"—Exod. 12:25; Deut. 12:20;
26:18; Josh. 23:10; 2 Chron. 6:15; Rom. 1:2; Heb. 12:26; James 1:12; 2:5; 1
John 2:25.
7. Dedicating in its Influence. When we call to mind what the Lord says He
will do by means of His Word, we can see how beneficent and practical it is
in its in-working and out-working. Let us confine our thought to Christ and
His teaching. He taught the Word was a fruit-producer—Matt. 13:23; a
victory-gainer—Matt. 4:4; a disciple-witnesser—John 8:31; a sanctifying-
obtainer—John 17:17; a love-prover—John 14:23; a prayer-answerer—John
15:7; and a heart-assurer—John 5:24.
 400. God the All-Wise
As Seen in Job 36:13-37:13
No one who believes in God can doubt His wisdom. It is stamped—like the
water-marks upon a Bank of England note—upon everything around us. The
birds with their song speak forth the praise of wisdom; the cattle with their
lowing and the sheep with their bleating tell out the fact; the flowers with
their variegated beauty and sweet scent re-echo the same; the earth with its
treasures, the sea with its supply, and the Heavens with their glory point out
the wisdom of God.
There are many things that Elihu speaks of that point as so many sign-posts
to the wisdom of God.
1. The dew, like pearls hanging upon the blades of grass—v. 27.
2. The rain, like Rebecca supplying Eliezer, ministering to the thirsty earth—
v. 27.
3. The clouds, like a huge filter, purifying the vapor—v. 28.
4. The light, like a messenger of good news, bringing joy and gladness, and
like a great artist giving beauty and color—v. 30.
5. The sea, with its teeming life and its abundant supply for man like a huge
larder, where he can go and be supplied—v. 29, 30.
6. The darkness, like an extinguisher to put out the light, so that man is like a
blind man without the help of God—v. 32.
7. The lightning, with its vivid glare, like the gleam of a glittering sword
uplifted to strike—37:3.
8. The thunder, with its boom, as if the floor of Heaven was cracking—v. 4.
9. The snow, like a mantle to keep the young shoots warm—v. 5.
10. The wind, like affliction, takes away the rotten branches and strengthens
the roots of the trees—v. 9.
11. The cold, like trial, purifies and preserves—v. 9.
 401. "Good"
1. The source of "good works" is to be found by being in the creative hands
of the Lord Jesus—Eph. 2:10.
2. The spring of a "good conscience" is the outcome of wholehearted
allegiance to Christ—1 Tim. 1:5.
3. The soul of a "good conversation" (manner of life) is the result of
following in the steps of Christ—1 Peter 3:16.
4. The inspiration which shall enable us to war a "good warfare" is obtained
by fellowship with Christ—1 Tim. 1:18.
5. The motive which shall prompt us to show all "good fidelity" to Christ has
its rise in our desire to please Him—Titus 2:10.
6. Submission to Christ is the secret of bringing forth "good fruit," for as the
branch receives the sap which is in the tree, so we receive the life which is in
Christ by our obedience to Him—Matt. 7:17.
7. And the one thing which shall move us to be "good stewards" of the
manifold grace of God, is to know in our own hearts the grace which has
saved us—1 Peter 4:10.
 402. Good Cheer for Believers
Seven times the Lord gives the cheering salutation, "Be of good cheer." Once
indirectly, and six times directly.
1. Sins Forgiven. "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven" (Matt. 9:2).
The past annihilated by the Christ of Calvary.
2. Faith Honored. "Daughter, be of good cheer; thy faith hath made thee
whole" (Matt. 9:22, R.V.). Life and health come by contact with the living
Christ.
3. Fears Banished. "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matt. 14:27).

"The word of His grace all fears doth efface;

Not one can live in the light of His face."

4. Feebleness Met. "Be of good cheer; rise, He calleth thee" (Mark 10:49,
R.V.). The word of Christ put new life into him, for he "sprang up, and came
to Jesus;" and thenceforth Bartimaeus was no longer the beggar sitting, but
the disciple following.
5. Foes Overcome. "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good
cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The world with its god and
Godless course need not daunt us, for Christ can give us deliverance.
6. Further Service Indicated. "The Lord stood by him and said, Be of good
cheer... thou must bear witness also in Rome" (Acts 23:11).
7. Faith's Testimony and Blessing. "Be of good cheer... wherefore be of
good cheer... Then were they all of good cheer" (Acts 27:22, 25, 36).
 403. "Good Work"
1. Abounding. "Abound to every good work" (2 Cor. 9:8).
2. Fruit. "Fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:10).
3. Stablished. "Stablish you in every good... work" (2 Thess. 2:17).
4. Diligence. "Diligently followed every good work" (1 Tim. 5:10).
5. Preparation. "Prepared unto every good work" (2 Tim. 2:21).
6. Readiness. "Ready to every good work" (Titus 3:1).
7. Perfection. "Make you perfect in every good work" (Heb. 13:21).
8. Completion. "He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it"
(Phil. 1:6).
 404. "Good" Things in Matthew
1. "Good Fruit" (3:10).
2. "Good Works" (5:16).
3. "Good Gifts" (7:11).
4. "Good Tree" (7:17).
5. "Good Cheer" (9:2; 14:27).
6. "Good Comfort" (9:22).
7. "Good Ground" (13:8).
8. "Good Seed" (13:27).
9. "Good Work" (26:10).
 405. "Going"
A Gospel Message
1. "Going astray" in the ways and willfulness of sin (1 Peter 2:25).
2. "Going up" to Jerusalem to accomplish a work (Matt. 2:17).
3. "Going through" all opposition in Almighty Power (John 8:59).
4. "Going down to the pit," and God's reason for not continuing in the course
(Job. 33:24).
5. "Going about" to establish a righteousness which is not right (Rom.
10:3).
6. "Going before" to claim sin's judgment (1 Tim. 5:24).
7. "Going out" in God's keeping (Psa. 121:8).
 406. Gospel
The Gospel we are called to preach is like the flowers, many-coloured,
beautiful, and fragrant.
1. It is Divine in its source, for it is "of God" (Rom. 1:1).
2. It is gracious in its bestowment, for it springs from grace—Acts 20:24.
3. It is personal in its message—Mark 1:1.
4. It is life-giving in its begetting—1 Cor. 4:15.
5. It is saving in its work—Eph. 1:13.
6. It is full in its blessing—Rom. 15:29.
7. It is powerful in its might—Rom. 1:16.
8. It is practical in its out-working—Phil. 1:27, R.V.
9. It is glorious in its consummation—2 Cor. 4:4. There is power in the
Gospel we preach, but we need the power of God to preach it.
 407. Gospel
The Gospel is the good news of God's love in providing a Savior—Rom. 5:8.
1. Proclaims that Christ died for our sins—1 Cor. 15:3.
2. That He rose for our justification—Rom. 4:25.
3. That His grace can save—Titus 2:11.
4. That His Blood can cleanse—1 John 1:7.
5. That His power can keep—1 Peter 1:4.
6. That His Spirit can qualify—Acts 1:8.
7. That His joy can gladden—John 15:11.
8. That His peace can quiet—John 14:27.
9. That He Himself can satisfy—Phil. 3:7-9.
 408. Gospel
"The Gospel of Christ" Rom. 1:16
"A native cook in Nigeria," said Mrs. F. W. Dodds, a missionary, at the
Primitive Methodist Conference at Liverpool recently, "placed the text 'God
is Love' on the kitchen door, and wrote underneath, 'No admittance.'"
The cook did not mean what the notice seemed to say, for the Gospel
proclaims blessing for all.
1. God loves all, and calls all to believe in Christ and be saved—John 3:16.
2. Christ died as a propitiation on account of all, for the sins of the world—1
John 2:2.
3. The Spirit says, "Whosoever calleth on the Name of the Lord shall be
saved" (Acts 2:21).
4. Christ says, "Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out" (John
6:37).
5. The righteousness of God is unto all, and upon all who believe—Rom.
3:22.
6. God makes no difference in blessing all who will be blest—Acts 15:9.
7. Forgiveness of sin is proclaimed to all who believe in Christ—Acts 13:39.
8. As many as receive Christ are made the children of God—John 1:12.
 409. Gospel's Threefold Message
The Gospel is a threefold message.
1. It is "the Gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24), proclaiming His
favour to the undeserving.
2. It is the Gospel of power, telling out the good news that God never asks us
to do a thing without giving us the power to do it—Rom. 1:16.
3. It is a Gospel of glory, declaring a better state of things in the future—2
Cor. 4:4.
 410. Grace
"The Grace of God" Titus 2:11
Pascal sings of grace. "To make a man a saint, grace is absolutely necessary,
and whoever doubts it, does not know what a saint is or what a man is."
The following blessings, mentioned in Ephesians, which grace bestows will
speak for themselves.
1. We are accepted in the Beloved to the "praise of the glory of His grace"
(1:6).
2. We are forgiven "according to the riches of His grace" (1:7).
3. We are "saved by grace," that is, through His loving act, irrespective of
what we are (2:5, 8).
4. We are made trophies of His love through "the exceeding riches of His
grace" (2:7).
5. We are privileged to be witnesses of the Lord through the "grace given"
(3:7, 8).
6. We are exhorted to be channels of blessings to others by a consistent life,
that we may "minister grace" to them (4:29).
7. The benediction of love is, "Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus
Christ" (6:24).
 411. Grace and Glory
1. Transferred from death to life by grace—John 5:24.
2. Transfigured by the Spirit by looking at Christ—2 Cor. 3:18, R.V.
3. Translated by the power of God at Christ's return—Heb. 11:5.
4. Transformed by the Savior, and made like to Him—Phil. 3:20, 21.
 412. "Great Things"
"Who has Done Great Things, O God" Psa. 71:19
C. H. Spurgeon, that prince of preachers, once said: "God's mercy is so great
that it forgives great sins to great sinners after great lengths of time, and then
gives great favors and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments
in the great Heaven of the great God. As John Bunyan well said, 'It must be
great mercy or no mercy, for little mercy will never serve my turn.'"
Many are the great things the great God has done. The following are a few of
the great things He shows us:
1. Loved with a "Great Love" (Eph. 2:4). His love is a fathomless ocean, a
mine of wealth, a lasting spring, a glorious provision, a sun of warmth, a
lifting power, and an unceasing inspiration.
2. Saved with a "Great Salvation" (Heb. 2:3). God is its source, man is its
object, Christ is its embodiment, deliverance is its meaning, the Spirit is its
power, faith is its receiver, holiness is its outcome, and glory is its
consummation.
3. Thrilled with a "Great Joy" (Luke 2:10; Acts 8:8; 15:3). The Savior is
its secret, substance, supply, and source. His joy makes our joy full and
lasting.
4. Strengthened with "Great Power" (Acts 4:33). The Spirit's enduement is
the power to keep us right, and to work in and through us with effective
might.
5. Communing with "Great Delight" (Song of Songs 2:3). Sitting under the
shadow of His Cross, and listening to the voice of His Word, and feeding on
the promises of His grace, we have "great delight" in His presence.
6. Enjoying the "Great Peace" of His Word (Psa. 119:165). To love God's
Word is to find the joy of His grace, the tenderness of His love, the holiness
of His sanctity, and the peace of His promises.
7. Expecting the "Great Glory" (Luke 21:27). When Christ comes to the
world His saints will come with Him. He will not have the glory apart from
His saints, and it would be no glory if He were not with it.
 413. "Grow Up," "Go Out," "Get Up"
1. If we would "grow up" into Christ in all things—Eph. 4:15.
2. We must "go out" from the world of sin—Gen. 12:1.
3. And "get up" to the Bethel of prayer—Gen. 13:3, 4.
 414. "Grieved" People
1. A grieved Savior—Mark 3:5.
2. A grieved disciple—John 21:17.
3. A grieved apostle—Acts 16:18.
4. A grieved brother—Rom. 14:15.
5. A grieved prophet—Dan. 7:15.
6. A grieved sinner—Mark 10:22.
7. A grieved God—Heb. 3:17.
 415. Grubs
Here are some grubs which the Lord's people are after.
1. The voracious grub of covetousness—Gen. 13:10, 11.
2. The slimy grub of jealousy—Luke 9:46.
3. The black grub of pride—2 Chron. 26:16.
4. The changing grub of compromise—2 Kings 5:18.
5. The stinging grub of temper—Phil. 4:2.
6. The contaminating grub of worldly companionship—2 Chron. 18:1.
7. The poisonous grub of disobedience—1 Kings 13:21, 22.
 416. Hand of God
In Ezra 7-8. 15-32
1. A Ready Leader—7:6. "Ready" means "skilful" or quick. The word
comes from a root which means to flow easily, to be liquid, hence to be
prompt, to answer, to do. There was no hesitation or trepidation. To be ready
in the things of God shows we are in touch with the God of the things.
2. Supplied Leader—7:6. Behind the king's granting him "all his request" is
"according to the hand of his God." Earthly stores come from the Lord's
cupboard.
3. Prepared Leader—7:10. Before Ezra taught others he "prepared" himself,
and he "prepared" himself by the best possible means, namely, "prepared his
heart to seek the law of the Lord."
4. Recognized Leader. The King of Persia recognized that Ezra was a man
who was instructed in the commandments and law of God—see the frequent
references to the fact in 7:11, 12, 21, 23, 25, 26. When we recognize God by
our obedience to His Word He will cause others to recognize us to our honor.
5. Thankful Leader—7:27, 28. Ezra praised "the Lord God of our fathers,"
and acknowledged all that came to him through the king was from "the hand
of the Lord my God."
6. Associated Leader—8:15-20, 24-30. A leader must have someone to lead,
and each and all go to make the sum total of success. "The priests" and "the
people," the "men of understanding" and the "man of understanding," the
sons of Levi, and "all who were expressed by name" were required in the
Lord's work and worship.
7. Prayerful Leader—8:21-23. Mark the expressive words: "To seek of Him
a right way," "The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him,"
"Besought our God for this, and He was entreated of us."
8. Conquering Leader—8:31, 32. Ezra not only started on his journey to
Jerusalem, but he got there, and he was able because of the "hand of God" to
lead his host, to keep from being ensnared, and conquered by the way.
 417. Hand of the Lord in the Acts
The hand of God denotes His power to accomplish things. The Acts of the
Apostles illustrate His hand as—
1. An exalted hand—2:33.
2. A purposing hand—4:28.
3. A healing hand—4:30.
4. An honoring hand—5:31.
5. A delivering hand—7:25, 35.
6. A converting hand—11:21.
7. A judging hand—13:11.
 418. Happiness
1. Source of Happiness. "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help"
(Psa. 146:5). When we are helped by God we are in a happy condition.
2. Receivers of Happiness. "Happy is that people whose God is the Lord"
(Psa. 144:15). When Jehovah the Unchanging One is our God, every case is
met by Him.
3. Soul of Happiness. "Happy art thou, O Israel... people saved by the Lord"
(Deut. 33:29). When we are saved by the Lord we cannot help being happy
with Him.
4. Meaning of Happiness. "Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with
thee" (Psa. 128:2). These are twin blessings which come to the one who fears
the Lord and walks in His ways.
5. Feeders of Happiness. "Happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17). So our
Lord declares to those who do the things of His example.
6. Helper of Happiness. When "for righteousness sake" we suffer for Christ,
the Lord says "happy are ye" (1 Peter 3:14).
7. Condition to Happiness. "Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he" (Prov.
16:20), for he that trusteth in the Lord brings everything to Him in prayer,
and thus finds God comes into everything in power.
 419. Hard Things
Hard Things Come to Hard Sinners in Their Hard Ways
1. A Hardened Way. "The way of transgressors is hard" (Prov. 13:15).
Those who break God's law will surely find hard things in their lives.
2. A Hardened Heart. "He that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief"
(Prov. 28:14). A hardened heart is a heart which will fall in disaster.
3. A Hardened Neck. "They hardened their neck" (Neh. 9:16, 17, 29). Like a
horse which will not answer to the driver, so sinners obey not the Lord.
4. A Hardened Mind. "His mind hardened in pride" (Dan. 5:20). Pride
stiffens to a downfall.
5. A Hard Bondage. "Made their lives bitter with hard bondage" (Exod.
1:14). Bondage of Israel is a type of sin's bondage.
6. Hard Riches. "How hard it is for them that trust in riches" (Mark 10:24).
Riches are hardening if their hardness dominates.
7. Hard Pricks. "Hard for thee to kick against the pricks" (Acts 26:14). The
goads of sin cut the sinner.
 420. Harvest
Harvest time is associated with many things,
1. Blessing from the Lord. "Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness"
(Psa. 65:11, 13). See the "Thou's" of Psalm 65. God's coronation time is the
harvest time.
2. Faithfulness of the Lord. "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and
harvest... shall not cease" (Gen. 8:22). He binds Himself in love to bless us in
grace.
3. Communion with the Lord. "One soweth, and another reapeth" (John
4:37). When we look upon the fields of man's need with the eyes and heart of
Christ, we must have fellowship with each other, because we have fellowship
with Him.
4. Responsibility to the Lord. In reaping the fields, the poor were to be
remembered—Lev. 19:9; and the firstfruits were to be given to the Lord—
Exod. 23:15, 19.
5. Remembered by the Lord. The direction about the forgotten sheaf is very
suggestive. What we forget is remembered by the Lord. Our loss is another's
benefit, and another's benefit is always a benefit to us—Deut. 24:19.
6. Joy in the Lord. The harvest is a time of joy. God's bounties are
inspirations to praise. His givings cause our rejoicings—Isa. 9:3; Psa. 136:6.
7. Gathered Before the Lord. The redeemed who have fallen asleep will be
the firstfruits, and the righteous will be gathered in the Lord's garner, but the
wicked will be cast out—Matt. 13:37-43.
 421. Head of Christ
1. An unrested head in life—Luke 9:58.
2. An anointed head in gratitude—Mark 14:3.
3. A thorn-crowned head in suffering—John 19:2.
4. A bowed head in atoning love—John 19:30.
5. An uncovered head in resurrection—John 20:7.
6. A beautiful head in revelation—Rev. 1:14.
7. A crowned head in victory—Rev. 19:12.
 422. Healing of the Body
The Lord gave His disciples power and authority over all demons and to cure
diseases. "Power" means ability to do a thing; "authority" speaks of the right
to do things; and the fact that the disciples went "healing everywhere" shows
that they accomplished what the Lord intended, namely, to "cure" diseases.
This raises an interesting question, which is, If the servants of Christ were
acting under His authority and power, would they not have the same ability to
heal disease? There are four reasons why we may expect the Lord to heal.
1. Because of what He is—Jehovah Ropheca—Exod. 15:26.
2. Because of what Christ has done on the Cross—Isa. 53:3, 4.
3. Because of what He promises—James 5:15.
4. Because of what the Holy Spirit can do—Rom. 8:11.
 423. Heavy
1. Heavy Hands. Brethren hold them up—Exod. 17:12.
2. Heavy Yoke. Oppression of sin—1 Kings 12:4, 10, 11, 14.
3. Heavy Burden. Consciousness of sin—Psa. 38:4.
4. Heavy Ears. Hardening of unbelief—Isa. 6:10.
5. Heavy Eyes. Drowsiness of slumber—Matt. 26:40, 43.
6. Heavy Trials. Opportunities for triumph—1 Peter 1:6.
7. "Heavy Laden." Christ the lifter—Matt. 11:28.
 424. Heedless Man
A Heedless man may be
1. A Balaam in good wishes—Num. 23:10.
2. An Ananias in profession—Acts 5:3-5.
3. A Simon Magus in desire—Acts 8:19.
4. A Diotrephes in prating—3 John 9.
5. An Esau in tears—Heb. 12:17.
6. A Demas in friendship—Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:10.
7. A foundationless builder in folly—Matt. 7:26.
But these do not suffice, therefore we do well to "take heed" to God's Word
(Luke 8:18).
 425. "He Hath"
God's Acts Declared in Luke 1:48-54
1. Regard. "He hath regarded... the low estate of His hand-maiden."
2. Recognition. "He that is mighty hath done to me great things."
3. Power. "He hath shewed strength with His arm."
4. Victory. "He hath scattered the proud."
5. Humiliation. "He hath put down the mighty from their seats."
6. Supply. "He hath filled the hungry with good things."
7. Refusal. "The rich He hath sent empty away."
8. Help. "He hath holpen His servant Israel."
 426. "He Shall Be Great"
Luke 1:32
Some of the great things in the great Lord are found in His great love.
1. Great God in Being. "Our great God and Savior" (Titus 2:13, R.V.,
margin).
2. Great Love in Action. "Great love wherewith He hath loved us" (Eph.
2:4).
3. Great Salvation in Blessing. "So great salvation" (Heb. 2:3).
4. Great Mercy in Grace. "Great is His mercy towards them that fear Him"
(Psa. 103:11).
5. Great Power in Operation. "Great is our Lord and of great power" (Psa.
147:5).
6. Great Light in Revelation. "People that sat in darkness saw great light"
(Isa. 9:2).
7. Great Rock in Protection. "Shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (Isa.
32:2).
8. Great Shepherd in Power. "Great Shepherd of the sheep" (Heb. 13:20).
9. Great King in Splendor. "The city of the Great King" (Psa. 48:2).
 427. "He Spake"
"Never Man Spake Like This Man" (John 7:46)
Frequently in John's Gospel we read, "He spake" and "Jesus spake," which
illustrates the head text. Mark the importance of His utterance and the themes
to which He refers.
1. Christ's Resurrection. "He spake of the temple of His body" (2:21).
2. Christ's Pre-knowledge. "He spake of Judas Iscariot" (6:71).
3. Christ's Promise. "This spake He of the Spirit" (7:39).
4. Christ's Revelation. "He spake again, saying, I am the Light of the World"
(8:12).
5. Christ's Attraction. "As He spake these words many believed on Him"
(8:19, 20, 27, 30).
6. Christ's Teaching. "He spake this parable unto them" (10:6).
7. Christ's Death. "He spake signifying what death He should die" (18:32).
 428. "He Will... Come"
Heb. 10:37
1. Because He has said so. "I will come again and receive you to Myself"
(John 14:3).
2. Because He is needed. "When He shall come to be glorified in His saints"
(2 Thess. 1:10).
3. Because He wants to. "Behold I come quickly" (Rev. 22:12).
4. Because the Father hath so purposed. "God hath appointed a day in
which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath
ordained" (Acts 17:31).
5. Because the Scriptures affirm He will. "The sufferings of Christ and the
glory that should follow" (1 Peter 1:10, 11).
6. Because creation longs for it. "The earnest expectation of the creature
waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God" (Rom. 8:19).
7. Because He alone can adjust things. "In His days shall the righteous
flourish" (Psa. 72:7, see whole Psalm).
 429. "Himself"
Christ Is the Embodiment, Expression, and Example of Love
1. Love's Satisfaction. "When He had by Himself purged (atoned for) our
sins" (Heb. 1:3).
2. Love's Substitution. "Gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).
3. Love's Intention. "Gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all
iniquity" (Titus 2:14).
4. Love's Work. "Once in the end of the world, He appeared to put away sin
by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb. 9:26).
5. Love's Act. "Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it" (Eph. 5:25).
6. Love's Ransom. "Gave Himself a Ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:6).
7. Love's Deliverance. "Gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us
from this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4).
 430. Hindrances
"What Did Hinder You?" Gal. 5:7
"The water is not hot for the bath." So said a servant maid, after the fire in the
kitchen grate had been burning for some hours, and in calling attention to
what she said was the cause, she held up a piece of coal, and said the coal
went to a cinder soon after it was lighted! Attention was drawn by her
mistress to the fact, "There is a fire sufficient to roast an ox!" That was an
exaggeration, but there was certainly fire enough to roast a joint. The reason
why the water did not get hot was not with the coal, but with the maid, for the
flue at the back, in front of the boiler was found to be choked with ashes.
When the flue was cleared, the fire could get under the boiler, and soon there
was hot water enough and to spare. We often blame effects when we should
deal with causes. When the causes are adjusted the effects are of benefit.
How many hindrances there are which affect the Christian life and hinder its
developments!
1. The lack of adding the graces of the Spirit will hinder us from seeing "afar
off"—2 Peter 1:9.
2. The want of diligence will keep us out of God's resting rest—Heb. 4:1-6,
R.V.
3. The failure to "go on to perfection" will cause us to be babes in the
Christian life—Heb. 3:12; 6:1.
4. The "carnal" state of half-heartedness will keep us back from the realm
of spirituality—1 Cor. 3:1-3.
5. The sleepiness of a slothful state will cause Christ to depart from us,
when we might have enjoyed His fellowship—Song of Solomon 5:1-6.
6. The spirit of legality will cause us to be left out of the liberty of grace—
Gal. 5:1.
7. The giving heed to the fables and fancies of men will mar our testimony
in the Lord's service—1 Tim. 1:3-19.
 431. "His"
Phil. 3:10, 21
1. The greatest of all Events. "His death."
2. The greatest of all Sufferings. "His sufferings."
3. The greatest of all Power. "His resurrection."
4. The greatest of all Blessings. "His glorious body."
 432. "His"
Elihu's Testimony
The things that belonged to God are expressively expressed in Job. 36:22 to
37.
1. "His power" (36:22). Might of God.
2. "His way" (36:23). Method of God.
3. "His work" (36:24). Skill of God.
4. "His years" (36:26). Eternity of God.
5. "His tabernacle" (36:29). Dwelling of God.
6. "His light" (36:30). Essence of God.
7. "His voice," "His mouth" (37:2-6). Word of God.
8. "His lightning" (37:3). Control of God.
9. "His strength" (37:6). Power of God.
10. "His work" (37:7). Purpose of God.
11. "His bright cloud" (37:11). Glory of God.
12. "His counsels" (37:12). Will of God.
13. "His land" (37:13). Property of God.
God has given us two books. The book of nature and the Bible. We cannot
understand one without the other. We cannot unlock the lock of nature,
without the key of the Bible.
Lessons
1. He deals with us to bring us to know ourselves and to know Him—37:2, 7,
13. We do well to pray, show me myself, and, show me Thyself.
2. His goodness should cause us to praise Him with life and lips—36:31.
3. His power should lead us to trust Him at all times.
4. His wisdom should excite in us the desire to know Him more fully.
 433. "Hold Fast"
1. An Ideal Believer. "Hold fast that which is good" (1 Thess. 5:21).
2. A Faithful Witness. "Holding fast the faithful word" (Titus 1:9).
3. A Tenacious Evangelist. "Hold fast the form of sound words" (2 Tim.
1:13).
4. A Cleaving Confessor. "Hold fast our confession" (Heb. 4:14, R.V.).
5. An Expectant Waiter. "Hold fast the confession of our hope" (Heb.
10:23, R.V.).
6. A Resolute Steward. "Hold fast till I come" (Rev. 2:25).
7. A Jealous Watcher. "Hold fast that which thou hast" (Rev. 3:11).
 434. "Holiness Unto the Lord"
Exod. 39:30
"Holy in all manner of life" (1 Peter 1:15, R.V.).
Murray M'Cheyne prayed, "Lord, make me as holy as it is possible for a child
of Thine to be." Such a prayer becomes all who pray. We do well to pray that
we may be—
1. Holy in body, as expressed in Romans 12:1, where we are urged to yield
our bodies "holy, acceptable unto God."
2. Holy in prayer, as directed in 1 Tim. 2:8, where we are exhorted to "lift up
holy hands."
3. Holy in worship, as denoted in 1 Peter 2:5, where believers are called a
"holy priesthood."
4. Holy in citizenship, as described in 1 Peter 2:9, where we are named a
"holy nation."
5. Holy in thought, as suggested by the high priest having on his mitre the
words "holiness unto the Lord" (Exod. 28:36).
6. Holy in business, as represented by "holiness unto the Lord" being on the
"bells" and "pots," as stated in Zechariah 14:20, 21.
7. Holy in heart as urged in 1 Thess. 3:13, "hearts unblameable in holiness
before God."
 435. "Holy" ("Hagios")
"Hagios" denotes that which is sacred, set apart, consecrated. The use of
"holy" as applied to the redeemed is far-reaching and suggestive.
1. Holy Ones, who are called "saints" (Rom. 1:7). Not called "to be saints,"
but "called saints."
The words "to be" are not in original. Believers are named "saints" by God,
and because of this are to be saintly.
2. "Holy Scriptures" (Rom. 1:2). The Holy Spirit is their Author, and
holiness is their product.
3. "Holy Calling" (2 Tim. 1:9). The vocation of the saint is the opposite to
that of the sinner's. The centre of the latter is self, but the attraction of the
other is God.
4. Holy Indwelling. "The Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us" (2 Tim. 1. 14).
To recognise His Holy presence is to experience His sanctifying power.
5. Holy Identification. "Chosen in Him... that we should be holy" (Eph. 1:4).
As the altar sanctified the gift under the law, so oneness with Christ makes us
holy.
6. Holy Keeping. "Holy Father keep" (John 17:11), so Christ prays for His
own. The Holy One keeps us holy within and righteous without.
7. "Holy Priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5). Uncleanness is not tolerated in this
priestly service, nor maimed sacrifices in its ministry.
8. "Holy Conversation" (1 Peter 1:15; 2 Peter 3:11). "Conversation," as
R.V., means the whole life. Our behavior corresponds to our blessings. What
we are, tells.
 436. Holy Spirit As the Speaker
In the Acts
At least seven times we find the Holy Spirit speaking in the Acts of the
Apostles, or reference is made to His having spoken, and in each Scripture
we are reminded of His personality and authority.
1. He is a Prophesying Speaker—1:16. He draws on one side the veil which
hides the future and gives us to see what is to take place in the days to come.
2. He is a Guarding Speaker—15:28. He points out, as a faithful friend, that
which would clog the believer in his walk and hinder him in his usefulness.
3. He is a Restraining Speaker—16:6. He is the Lord, the Spirit, hence He
does not allow His servants to go where they will. He has the right to
command, and the power to forbid.
4. He is a Warning Speaker—20:23. Danger and persecution lie in the path
of every true follower of Christ, but the Holy Spirit is the One who arms us
by His forewarning.
5. He is a Predicting Speaker—21:11. Peace and persecution, trial and
triumph, conflict and conquest go together, but He who tells us of the one
assures us of the other.
6. He is a Reproving Speaker—28:25. To be deaf to Christ's entreaties, and
blind to His beauty, is to be in a sorry condition.
7. He is a Separating Speaker—13:2. Paul and Barnabas did not take upon
themselves the task of separating themselves to the Lord's work, neither were
they set apart by man, but the Holy Spirit Himself set them apart for the
ministry of the Gospel. He called, He equipped, He qualified, and He
empowered.
 437. Holy Spirit in Genesis
1. Power to Produce. "God created man" (1:27).
2. Power to Act. "Spirit of God moved" (1:2).
3. Power to Declare. "God said, Let there," etc. (1:3).
4. Power to Discern. "God saw" (1:4).
5. Power to Divide. "God divided" (1:4).
6. Power to Designate. "God called" (1:5, 8).
7. Power to Form. "God made" (1:7).
8. Power to Place. "God set" (1:17).
9. Power to Bless. "God blessed" (1:22).
10. Power to Finish. "God ended" (2:2).
 438. Holy Spirit "Upon"
1. Christ. Power to benefit—Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:33;
Luke 4:18; Matt. 12:18.
2. Mary. Power to enable—Luke 1:35.
3. Simeon. Power to see—Luke 2:25.
4. The Disciples. Power to witness—Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:3; 2:17, 18.
5. Gentile Believers. Power to "magnify God"—Acts 10:44-46; 11:15.
6. Ephesian Believers. Power to proclaim—Acts 19:6.
7. Suffering Saints. Power to sustain—1 Peter 4:14.
 439. Home
"Show Piety at Home" 1 Tim. 5:4
What we are at home is the test of what we are at all.
What should we be at home?
1. Witnesses, to tell what the Lord has done for us, as Christ told the saved
demoniac—Mark 5:19.
2. Receivers, to entertain Christ, as He said to Zaccheus, "Today I must abide
at thy home." (The word "house" in Luke 19:5, is rendered "home" in 1 Cor.
11:34.)
3. Consistent Ones, for we are "first to shew piety at home" (1 Tim. 5:4).
4. Faithful Ones, like Moses, who was "faithful in all his house," or "home"
(Heb. 3:2, 5).
5. Prayerful Intercessors, like Cornelius, who prayed in his house or home
—Acts 10:30.
 440. Hope
When hope is in the objective, that is, something set before us, it always
refers to Christ's Coming for His saints.
1. "The Hope" (Col. 1:5). Christ Himself.
2. "Our Hope" (1 Tim. 1:1). Common heritage of believers.
3. "This Hope" (1 John 3:3). We shall be "like Him."
4. "Hope of the Gospel" (Col. 1:23). Revealed by, and part of, the Gospel.
5. "Hope of Salvation" (1 Thess. 5:8). Completion of salvation.
6. "Hope of Righteousness" (Gal. 5:5). Vindication of the Lord's own.
7. "Hope of Eternal Life" (Titus 1:2; 3:7). The blessedness of life eternal in
the future.
8. "Hope of Our Calling" (Eph. 4:4). What we shall have when Christ
comes.
9. "Hope of His Calling" (Eph. 1:18). What Christ will have.
10. "Hope of Glory" (Col. 1:27). The excellence of His glorious
manifestation.
11. "Living Hope" (1 Peter 1:3, R.V.). The lastingness of His livingness.
12. "Blessed Hope" (Titus 2:13). Present joy and lasting bliss.
 441. Hope
How Paul plays upon the grace of ''hope." "Hope of the promise," "hope to
come," "hope's sake." The hope centers in three things—the death,
resurrection, and coming of Christ—Acts 23:6; 26:6, 7; 28:20.
1. These are the objective realities of the Gospel—1 Thess. 4:13-18.
2. The subjective grace of expectancy is also referred to as the incentive to
serve God—1 Thess. 1:9.
3. The objective facts of truth are the power to create the subjective grace
within, even as the steam in the engine causes the train to run on the lines.
 442. House
1. The secure house of character is built on the Word of the Lord—Luke
6:48.
2. The swept house of reformation, lacking the saving presence of Christ—
Luke 11:25.
3. The believing house of faith, a Heaven on earth—John 4:53.
4. The perfumed house of love. What every home should be—John 12:3.
5. The earthly house of the body, and heavenly house of glory—2 Cor. 5:1.
6. The great house of Christendom, with its diversified vessels—2 Tim. 2:20.
7. The exclusive house of faithfulness, shutting out the error of evil—2 John
10.
 443. How to Help in the Lord's Work
1. By the will of responsiveness to the Lord, as the workers in the
Tabernacle—Exod. 25:2.
2. By the voice of prayer, as Nehemiah and his helpers—Neh. 4:9.
3. By the feet of alacrity, as Philip the evangelist, when he went to the
eunuch—Acts 8:30.
4. By the heart of love, as Paul did the saints at Philippi—Phil. 1:7, R.V.
5. By the tongue of kindness, as the apostle did the people on board ship—
Acts 27:34-36.
6. By the ear of deafness, in not listening to the slander of those who malign
us—Matt. 27:14.
7. By the eye of discernment, as Peter did Simon the sorcerer—Acts 8:9.
8. By the hands of labor, as the disciples helped each other in fishing—Luke
5:7.
 444. Humility
The Queen of Graces
Humility is the queen of graces. It does not seek the throne of eminence, but
the throne is adorned by it. The excellence of humility is illustrated in the
following Scriptures. Humility is—
1. The Soul of Contentment. It feels it does not deserve anything, therefore
takes with gratitude whatever comes—Phil. 4:12. It ever sings, "O to grace
how great a debtor!"
2. Flower of Grace—Eph. 4:2. Humility walks consistently, loves
generously, serves willingly, acts meekly, forgives heartily, forbears
thoughtfully, and responds obediently.
3. Secret of Service—Acts 20:19. To serve the Lord with all humility of
mind is to have the bloom of consecration, the aroma of grace, the unction of
love, the warmth of zeal, the ardor of faith, the walk of obedience, and the
beauty of holiness.
4. Badge of Obedience. The Lord's command is, "Humble yourselves" (1
Peter 5:6), and it is not without meaning that it is to be "under the mighty
hand of God." We only know the mightiness of God's hand when we lie low
beneath it.
5. Lesson of Grace. When we are yoked with Christ in God's will we are in
the position to learn of Christ, who is "meek" and "lowly in heart" (Matt.
11:29). To talk about humility is to show we do not possess it, but to keep
step with Christ is to have it without knowing it.
6. Mind of Lowliness. "In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves" (Phil. 2:3). To see the best in others is to find the worst in
ourselves. Self-contemplation leads to self-congratulation, and that always
genders pride.
7. Example of Christ. The mind of Christ is illustrated in that He "humbled
Himself" (Phil. 2:8). The three commands of Christ: "Believe in Me," "Abide
in Me," and "Follow Me," follow each other. He went down before He was
raised up, so we need to pray: "Help us, O Lord, to deeper sink, that we may
the higher rise." The downward path is the upward one.
8. Livery of Heaven. "Be clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5). This is a suit
that is always in fashion; it never wears out, and it is always becoming.
Humility is recognized by men, admired by angels, and appreciated by God.
9. Securer of Blessing. "He giveth more grace to the humble" (James 4:6), or
as the margin, "A greater grace." Whether an excelling grace, or "more" of
the grace that excels, humility is its own reward, and is rewarded by the
Lord's commendation.
10. Harbinger of Reward. "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted"
(Matt. 23:12). The heavier the cargo, the more the vessel is sunk into the
water, and the greater its worth. When the fruit of humility causes the branch
of the soul to bend in lowliness, the Heavenly Gardener plucks the fruit for
the garner of His love.
 445. "I Am Not"
It is well to know what we are "not" as well as what we are.
1. John's Repudiation. "I am not the Christ" (John 1:20). "I am not worthy"
(Matt. 3:11).
2. The Pharisee's Pride. "I am not as other men are" (Luke 18:11).
3. Peter's Denial. When he was said to be a disciple of Christ's, he replied, "I
am not" (Luke 22:58; John 18:17).
4. Christ's Avowal. "I am not of this world" (John 8:23; 17:14, 16).
5. Centurion's Confession. "I am not worthy" (Matt. 8:8).
6. Christ's Companion. "I am not alone" (John 8:16; 16:32).
7. Place in the Body. "I am not the hand... I am not the eye" (1 Cor. 12:15,
16). Be what you are, but do not try to be what you are not.
 446. "I Am Persuaded"
1. Love's Work. "I am persuaded... this tiling was not done in a corner"
(Acts 26:26).
2. Love's Tenacity. "I am persuaded that neither life nor death," etc. (Rom.
8:38).
3. Love's Preservation. "I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I
have committed unto Him" (2 Tim. 1:12).
 447. I Am with You"
Haggai 1:13
In the sphere of business, in the temple of worship, and in the home of
industry, each is strengthened to do the work of the Lord; and the cause of all
is because the Lord says, "I am with you." He is with us—
1. As the Captain to lead—Josh. 5:14.
2. As the Shepherd to tend—Psa. 23:4.
3. As the Companion to cheer—Heb. 13:5, 6.
4. As the Guide to direct—Isa. 30:21.
5. As the Power to keep—Isa. 41:13.
6. As the Teacher to instruct—Luke 24:32.
7. As the Encourager to stimulate—Isa. 41:10.
 448. "If Any Man"
The universality of Christ's invitations and claims is comprehensively
revealed in the sentence, "If any man," as found in John's Gospel.
1. Eternal Life. "If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever" (6:51).
Eternal life has to do with the Being of God, and is the positive blessing of
the Gospel.
2. Secret of Knowledge. "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the
doctrine" (7:17). The secrets of the Lord are with them who fear Him.
3. Satisfaction. "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink" (7:37).
He wants everything, who wants Christ, and He is the Meeter of every need.
4. Salvation. "If any man enter in, he shall be saved" (10:9). Christ is the
entrance to every blessing.
5. Walk. "If any man walketh in the day, he stumbleth not" (21:9). To walk
in the light is the soul of right.
6. Following Christ. "If any man serve Me, let him follow Me" (12:26). The
way to serve Him is to follow Him.
7. Honored. "If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor" (12:26). What
is done to Christ is reckoned by the Father as done to Him.
8. Judgment. "If any man hear My words, and believe not... the Word I have
spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (12:47, 48). How men treat
Christ and His Word is the basis of judgment.
 449. Indwelling Christ
1. The Secret of Christ's Life. "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Gal.
2:20).
2. The Power for Progress in Grace. "I will dwell in them and walk in them"
(2 Cor. 6:16).
3. The Cause of Fruitfulness. "I in you" (John 15:4).
4. The Illumination to Enlighten. "The Word of Christ dwell in you" (Col.
3:16).
5. The Garrison to Keep the Mind. "Let the peace of God rule in your
hearts" (Col. 3:15).
6. The Joy to Gladden the Heart. "My joy might remain in you" (John
15:11).
7. The Hope of Coming Glory. "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col.
1:27).
 450. Inabilities
The word "dunamai" is variously rendered in the following Scriptures.
Sometimes "can," but we have given it "not able" in each case.
1. Inability to Change. "Not able to make one hair white," etc. (Matt. 5:36).
2. Inability to Serve two Masters. "Not able to serve two masters... God and
mammon" (Matt. 6:24).
3. Inability to Produce. "A good tree not able to bring forth evil" (Matt.
7:18).
4. Inability to Kill. "Not able to kill the soul" (Matt. 10:28).
5. Inability to Cure. "Not able to cure" (Matt. 17:16).
6. Inability to Answer. "Not able to answer Him" (Matt. 22:46).
7. Inability to Save. "Himself, not able to save" (Matt. 27:42).
 451. "In Christ" and "in the Lord"
The expression "in Christ" and "in the Lord" in Romans 16.
1. Phebe is to be received "in the Lord."
2. Priscilla and Aquila are to be greeted as "helpers in Christ Jesus."
3. Andronicus and Junia are recognized by the apostle as being "in Christ
before me."
4. Amplias is "beloved in the Lord."
5. Urbane is a "helper in Christ."
6. Those of the household of Narcissus are saluted as "in the Lord."
7. Tryphena and Tryphosa are those who "labor in the Lord."
8. Persis labored much "in the Lord."
9. Rufus is chosen "in the Lord."
10. Apelles is "approved in Christ"—Rom. 16:2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 10.
 452. "Incline Thine Ear"
The meaning of the Hebrew word for "incline" is "to stretch out," that is, to
turn aside and give special attention to the suppliant. Natah is rendered
"stretched out" in Exodus 6:6; Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21; and "turn aside" in Isaiah
30:11.
1. Confidence. "Thou wilt hear me, O God: incline Thine ear unto me" (Psa.
17:6). Confidence in God will secure communications from Him. The open
hand of faith is filled with the answered request.
2. Salvation. "Incline Thine ear unto me, and save me" (Psa. 71:2). A
consciousness of danger will cause the cry for deliverance from it.
3. Strength. "Incline Thine ear... for my soul is full of trouble... I am a man
that hath no strength" (Psa. 88:2-4). A strengthless condition makes way for
the Lord's strengthful conquests.
4. Trouble. "I am in trouble: incline Thine ear unto me" (Psa. 102:2). "Call
upon Me in the day of trouble." When we couple our prayers with God's
promises, we command God's attention and deliverance.
5. Forgiveness. "O my God, incline Thine ear... forgive" (Dan. 9:18, 19). We
should not only cry for personal forgiveness, but for national forgiveness too.
We are united in the whole, and have a personal responsibility.
6. Victory. "Incline Thine ear, O Lord... save... smote" (Isa. 37:15-20, 36).
The munitions of prayer are more effective than the manufacturers of earth.
7. Counterpart. "Incline thine ear" (Psa. 45:10). To incline to the Lord with
the heart is to love Him—Josh 24:23; to His testimonies is to obey Him—
Psa. 119:36; and to Himself is to respond to Him—Isa. 55:3.
 453. "In the Mount"
1. A Substitute Provided. "In the mount it shall be provided" (Gen. 22:14,
R.V.).
2. A Pattern Given. "Make... after... pattern showed thee in the mount"
(Exod. 25:40; 26:30; 27:8; Heb. 8:5).
3. A Meeting Place. "Met him in the mount of God" (Exod 4:27).
4. A Revelation Communicated. "Moses was in the mount" (Exod. 24:18).
5. A Rebuked Servant. "Die in the mount... because ye trespassed," etc.
(Deut. 32:50, 51).
6. A Proclaimed Tomb. "Josiah... spied the sepulchres that were in the
mount... which the man of God proclaimed" (2 Kings 23:16, 17).
7. A Wonderful Fellowship. "We were with Him in the holy mount" (2 Peter
1:18).
 454. Indicators
Indicators along the track of time of the believer's approach to the eternal
city. Some of the indicators are:
1. The failure of natural powers—Eccles. 12:1-7.
2. The ripening of Christian character—2 Tim. 4:7.
3. The believer's inner consciousness that his work is finished—2 Tim. 4:7.
4. Some special message from God—Isa. 38:1.
5. A longing to be in the "far better" and be "at home with the Lord" (Phil.
1:23).
6. A letting go of the things of earth—1 Kings 19:19-21.
7. A contemplation of the glory land—Isa. 33:17.
 455. Indispensable Things
Talking with an aged saint, poor in this world's goods, but rich in faith, she
remarked, "There are a great many things I can do without." Playfully I said,
"Can you do without Jesus?" "No, no," she exclaimed; "ten thousand times
no!" Her exclamation reminded me of a Bible reading, which is as follows:
1. Propitiating Blood. "Without shedding of blood is no remission" (Heb.
9:22).
2. Pleasing Faith. "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6).
3. Paternal Chastening. "Without chastisement,... ye are not sons" (Heb.
12:8).
4. Practical Holiness. "Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord"
(Heb. 12:14).
5. Proving Works. "Faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:26).
6. Possessing Love. Without love, "I am nothing" (1 Cor. 13:2).
7. Providing Power. "Without Me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5).
 456. "In His Sight"
1. Condemnation. "No flesh justified in His sight" (Rom. 3:20).
2. Comprehension. "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His
sight" (Heb. 4:13).
3. Consecration. "Well-pleasing in His sight" (Heb. 13:21).
4. Conduct. "Do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22).
 457. "In the Sight"
1. Character. "Great in the sight of the Lord" (Luke 1:15).
2. Confession. "Right in the sight of God" (Acts 4:19).
3. Confusion. "Not right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:21).
4. Conscience. "Conscience in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 4:2).
5. Care. "Care for you in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 7:12).
6. Charge. "I give thee charge in the sight of God" (1 Tim. 6:13; 2 Tim. 4:1).
7. Consecration. "Meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God a great
price" (1 Peter 3:4).
 458. Inness of Things
The Greek preposition "en," generally translated "in," occurs thirty-five times
in Ephesians in relation to Christ and the believer.
1. "In Christ Jesus" occurs seven times (1:1; 2:6, 7 R.V., 10, 13; 3:6, R.V.,
21). "Christ Jesus" is the anointed and anointing Savior.
2. "In Christ" is found five times (1:3, 10, 12, 20; 4:32, R.V.). United to the
Anointing One.
3. "In the Lord" is stated seven times (1:21; 4:1, R.V., 17; 5:8; 6:1, 10, 21).
We are responsible to obey Him as Lord.
4. "In Whom" is declared seven times (1:7, 11, 13, 13; 2:21, 22; 3:12).
When we know Him we do not need to name Him.
5. "In Him" is given four times (1:4, 9, R.V., 10; 4:21, R.V.). To be found
"in Him" is to find everything worth finding.
6. "In Christ Jesus our Lord" is stated once (3:11). We are in the
Sanctifier, Savior, and Sovereign.
7. "In Himself" (2:15). When believers recognize they are "in Himself" they
lose sight f each other.
8. "In Jesus" is given once (4:21). Truth is found "in Jesus." He must be
known to know it.
9. "In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ" is found once (5:20). When His
Name perfumes our praises, how praiseful they are.
10. "In the Beloved" is stated once (1:6). How loved we are when the
Beloved loves us! This is tasteful, hence we are graceful.
 459. "In No Wise"
Sometimes "In no wise" is given "In no case" (Matt. 5:20), "not" (Matt. 24:2),
"neither" (Mark 13:19), "not in any wise" (Mark 13:31), "by any means"
(Luke 10:19), "never" (John 6:35), "no" (Heb. 8:12; 10:17), and "not at all"
(Rev. 21:25). In the original in the above Scriptures it is the double negative
(ov un), which, as Bullinger points out, means "a double negative, expressing
a strong denial," which gives an assurance that not anything can make it to be
other than it is said to be. Our words, "by no means," embody its full
significance (Matt. 5:26). Let us see how the full Gospel can be found in the
use of this double negative. We have put in italics this double negative.
1. Requirement of Law. "Thou shalt by no means come out thence till thou
hast paid the uttermost farthing" (Matt. 5:26). Law ever says: "Pay me what
thou owest, and it will not abate its claim, nor compromise its demand." We
owe God perfect obedience to His commandments, and absolute fidelity to
His behests, and because we have broken His laws we are all "under sin's
penalty" (Rom. 3:9); under sin's power—Rom. 7:14; and under law's curse—
Gal. 3:10, 22.
2. Release by the Lord. "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not ("in
no wise") impute sin" (Rom. 4:8). This is not merely an act of grace, but it is
an act which is based on the atoning work of the Lord Jesus, for He was
"delivered up for (dia rendered "for," with the accusative, means "on account
of") our offences, and was raised for ("on account of") our justification"
(Rom. 4:25). Because our sins were imputed to Him, believers have imputed
to them His righteousness; as Luther said, "He is my sin, and I am His
righteousness."
3. Royal Assurance from the Lord. "Him that cometh to Me I will in no
wise cast out" (John 6:37). What a terrible fact awaits those who will not
come—"Cast out!" What a gracious invitation the Lord gives in the words,
"Him that cometh;" and what an assurance He gives to those who come, He
will "in no wise cast out." This may also mean that those whom He takes in
shall never be turned out.
4. Royal Promises in the Lord. The following "nevers" may each be read
"in no wise." He promises to His own that they "shall never thirst" (John
4:14), "shall never hunger" (John 6:35), "shall never see death" (John 8:51),
"never taste death" (John 8:52), "shall never perish" (John 10:28), "shall
never" be forsaken (Heb. 13:5), and that those who are alive when He returns
"shall never die" (John 11:26). Did you ever find such seven nevers? Can you
find such promises outside of Christianity?
5. Rule of the Lord. "I am the Light of the World, he that followeth Me shall
not ("in no wise") walk in darkness" (John 8:12). Darkness is the symbol of
sin, of ignorance, of unbelief, of uncertainty, of obscurity, of fear, and
danger. As long as believers follow the rule, to follow the Lord, sin shall not
dominate them, ignorance shall not blind them, unbelief shall not deter them,
doubt shall not imprison them, obscurity shall not confuse them, fear shall
not daunt them, and danger shall not frighten them.
6. Recompense from the Lord. "Shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matt.
10:42). The Lord never loses sight of anything that is done for others out of
love to Himself. He takes cognizance of the widow's mite, the work of faith,
the labor of love, the patience of hope, the helping hand, the faithful witness,
the heart of consecration, and the cup of cold water.
7. Retribution. "They shall not ("in no wise") escape" (1 Thess. 5:3), "There
shall in no wise enter" (Rev. 21:27), and "Shall in no wise enter the
Kingdom" (Luke 18:17). These emphatic statements mean something. Laying
aside all our theories about everlasting punishment, if we take the opposites
of what we read there is undoubtedly eternal loss. Take the double negative
as found in other places. Not to be hurt of the second death implies being hurt
by it—2:11. Not to have the name blotted out, implies it may be—3:11. Not
to be confounded, implies we may be put to shame—1 Peter 2:6; not to see
death nor taste it, not to hunger and thirst, not to perish, and not to be cast
out, implies seeing and tasting death, hunger, and thirst, perishing, and
casting out.
 460. Intercession
"Intercessions" 1 Tim. 2:1
The highest form of prayer is intercession for others, and the most effective
ministry is that which we exercise for others' benefit. The following are a few
cases of noble intercessors who prayed for blessing upon others.
1. Moses, the self-abnegator, who was willing to be blotted out from the
Lord's book so long as Israel was spared—Exod. 32:1-14.
2. Samuel, the faithful prophet, pleaded for Israel and Saul when they were
in sore straits because of their sin—1 Sam. 7:8, 9; 15:24-31.
3. Daniel, the humble statesman, pleaded for the nation of Judah when in
captivity by identifying himself with the sin of the nation—Dan. 9:3-20.
4. Epaphras, the loving pleader, interceded for the saints at Colosse that they
might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God—Col. 4:12.
5. Paul, the intense suppliant, pleaded for the Church at Ephesus, that they
might have God's unparalleled riches—Eph. 1:16-20; 3:16-21.
6. John, the loving disciple, who prayed for his friend Gaius, that he might
have soul prosperity—3 John 2, margin.
7. Christ, the gracious Lord, who prayed for Peter that his faith might not fail
—Luke 22:32.
The wonderful intercessory prayer as recorded in John 17 is a sample of how
the Lord is interceding for His people now.
 461. In the Dumps, and Out of Them
"Why Art Thou Cast Down O My Soul" Psa. 42:5, 6
Dr. H. Montgomery, of Belfast, once saw nine boys arm in arm walking
along a street. They had recently been brought to Christ, and they were
singing this chorus:

"Down in the dumps I'll never go,

That's where the Devil keeps me low."

When God's servants get into the dumps, we always find God points the way
to deliverance.
1. When Elijah got under the juniper tree the angel told him to "arise and
eat" (1 Kings 19:5).
2. When Paul was threatened with shipwreck, the Lord told him to be of
"good cheer" (Acts 27:25).
3. When John was banished to the Island of Patmos, the Lord revealed
Himself to him—Rev. 1:11.
4. When Jonah was in the sea-monster, the Lord gave him deliverance as
soon as he said "salvation is of the Lord" (Jonah 2:9).
5. When Joshua was on his face through defeat, Jehovah said unto him,
"Get thee up" (Josh. 7:10).
6. When Samson was grinding in the prison, Jehovah caused his "hair to
grow again" (Judges 16:22).
7. When Israel was "groaning" in Egypt. Jehovah made them glad by
bringing them out of it—Exod. 6:5
 462. "In the Night"
1. The Suffering Savior. "In the night season" (Psa. 22:2); "My sore ran in
the night" (Psa. 77:2).
2. The Succoring Helper. "Spake the Lord to Paul in the night" (Acts 18:9).
3. The Gladdening God. "Who giveth songs in the night" (Job. 35:10).
4. The Safe Leader. "Fire to give light in the night" (Psa. 105:39).
5. The Encouraging Friend. "In the night His song shall be with me" (Psa.
42:8).
6. The Directing Redeemer. "The same night in which He was betrayed,"
etc. (1 Cor. 11:23).
7. The Coming Lord. "The Lord will come as a thief in the night" (1 Thess.
5:2; 2 Peter 3:10).
 463. "In Vain"
1. "Labor in vain" (Job. 9:29; Isa. 49:4). Work without God is always
profitless, and brings benefit to none.
2. "Watch in vain" (Psa. 127:1). Human measures need Divine might.
3. "Medicines... in vain" (Jer. 46:11). Human productions cannot heal sinful
maladies.
4. "Believed in vain" (1 Cor. 15:2). The fact of Christ's resurrection is the
basis of our faith. If He is not risen, there is nothing in which it can rest, it
therefore must be in vain.
5. "Run in vain" (Gal. 2:2). The recognition of those who are in authority is
essential to the possession of authority.
6. "Christ is dead in vain" (Gal. 2:21). Christ having bore the curse of the
law in His death for us, we are freed from its curse and consequences.
7. "Wise... in vain" (Jer. 8:8). To say we are wise when we lack true
knowledge is to show we are ignorant of both.
 464. "I See"
What a Number of Persons We Find Exclaiming "I See."
1. The "I see" of Jeremiah the prophet—Jer. 1:11, 13.
2. The "I see" of the King of Babylon—Dan. 3:25.
3. Of the Blind man—Mark 8:24.
4. Of the servant—John 18:26.
5. Of Stephen—Acts 7:56.
6. Of Paul—Rom. 7:23.
7. Of the other blind man—John 9:25.
 465. "In the Presence"
1. Standing "in the presence of God," the secret of worship and work (Luke
1:19).
2. "Joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke
15:10).
3. Christ in His miracles "in the presence of His disciples" (John 20:30).
4. Paul gave "thanks to God in the presence of" his fellow-travellers (Acts
27:35).
5. Christ is made everything to us that "no flesh should glory in" the
"presence" of God (1 Cor. 1:29).
6. The Beast Worshippers will be punished "in the presence of the holy
angels and in the presence of the Lamb" (Rev. 14:10).
 466. "Is Able"
We have ability when our inability is coupled with the Lord's ability.
1. God's ability to create. "God is able to raise up" (Matt. 3:9).
2. Christ's Keeping. "None is able to pluck out of My hand" (John 10:29).
3. Lord's Supply. "Is able to do" (Eph. 3:20).
4. The Savior’s Power. "He is able to subdue all things" (Phil. 3:21).
5. Our High Priest's Succor. "He is able to succor" (Heb. 2:18).
6. Living One's Work. "He is able to save to the uttermost" (Heb. 7:25).
7. Upholder's Ability. "He is able to keep us from falling" (Jude 24).
 467. Israel: God's Peculiar People
1. Peculiar in Choice. "Thou shalt be blessed above all people" (Deut. 7:14).
The act of Jehovah was selective and elective.
2. Peculiar in Place. "The people shall dwell alone" (Num. 23:9). Separated
from the rest of the nations, and to the Land of Palestine.
3. Peculiar in Title. "His peculiar people" (Deut. 26:18), and "treasure"
(Exod. 19:5), and "My people" (Exod. 8:1).
4. Peculiar in Affection. "Yea, He loved the people" (Deut. 33:3), not
because they were worthy, but because He would.
5. Peculiar in Purpose. "Thou art a holy people unto the Lord." "Special
people unto Himself" (Deut. 7:6).
6. Peculiar in Relationship. "Treasure unto Me above all people" (Exod.
19:5). The jewels of the Lord are found in those whom He calls so frequently
"My people."
7. Peculiar in Covenant. "His holy covenant" (Luke 1:68-72). See also
Exodus 2:24; 6:4, 5; Deut. 5:3. He pledges Himself with Abraham, and Isaac,
and Jacob to bless His people Israel.
 468. Israel's Sinful Condition
As Described in Isaiah 1
1. Israel was Rebellious in soul. "They have rebelled against Me" (v. 2). Not
only had they gone against His word and authority, as the word "rebelled"
implies, but they had wounded Him to the heart by their baseless ingratitude.
The clenched fist is the outcome of a baseless soul.
2. Israel was Ignorant in mind. "Israel doth not know, my people doth not
consider" (v. 3). The blight of ignorance had affected the mind of their
understanding, and a want of consideration of the Lord and others was the
outcome. Ignorance is always inconsiderate.
3. Israel was Sinful in life. "Ah! sinful nation" (v. 4). Not only were they full
of sin which made them sin to the full, but they were a failure in everything,
for the word to sin signifies to miss the mark, to be a failure. They illustrated
the Divine saying, "He that sinneth against me, wrongeth his own soul." We
miss ourselves, and others, and life's opportunity if we miss God. We are no
good if we miss the Supreme Good!
4. Israel was Weighed in character. "A people laden with iniquity" (v. 4).
The back of their being was heavy with iniquity, and yet for all they had done
in burdening themselves, there was nothing of practical value, as the word
"iniquity" suggests, for it means faultiness (the word is rendered "fault" in
Psa. 59:4) arising from perverseness. The sin of perverseness is a breaker up
of everything. When we have the twist of ill-intent, we shall have the whole
being wrongly bent, and have to bend to the load of consequences.
5. Israel was Evil in conduct. "A seed of evil-doers" (v. 4). The evil-doing
proves the doer is evil. The word "evil-doer" signifies to treat in an evil
manner, hence, to break up things, to be one who brings calamity and injury
to others. When one is a waster he is always a wrecker. To be a cesspool of
iniquity is to be a breeder of disease, and thus to contaminate.
6. Israel was Corrupt in transaction. "Children that are corrupt" or as the
R.V. "deal corruptly" (v. 4). The Hebrew word is stronger than the previous
one, it means to mar anything, and to make it good for nothing. The word is
translated "waster" (Isa. 54:16), "destroying" (Jer. 51:1), and "battered" (2
Sam. 20:15). A destroying wind which kills the sensitive plant is a fit simile
of one who mars another to his destruction. A waster is always a woe-
begetter.
7. Israel was Apostate in act. "They have forsaken the Lord" (v. 4). The
word means to leave, and to leave destitute. It is rendered "leave" in Genesis
44:22, and "left destitute" in Genesis 24:27. To be a traitor and unfaithful is
to be guilty of the blackest sin of Hell. To be untrue to the truth we know to
be true, is to be baseless beyond forgiveness.
8. Israel was Provocative in speech. "Provoked the Holy One of Israel to
anger" (v. 4). Wilson says to provoke means to treat with contempt, joined
with hatred and malignity. Heart-murmurings, slumbering discontent,
grumbling speeches, and a chafing spirit are always displeasing to the Lord.
Words are like thistledown, they cause mischief in the garden of the soul, and
sting others to their hurt.
9. Israel was Insulting in attitude. "They are gone away backward" (v. 4).
To turn the back to the Lord was a direct insult to Him, but to have "gone
away," or to be "alienated" (margin), or estranged from Him is to add injury
to insult. The words might be paraphrased, "Ye have turned your back to Me
and have treated Me as if I were a stranger." To deliberately cut one without
cause is to be guilty of bad manners and an arrogant temper.
10. Israel was Sick in head. "The whole head is sick" (v. 5). "Head" here
means the source of things, as the head of a river, and "sick" signifies to be
worn down in strength, hence, to be in a condition of weakness and inability.
When there is no power in the source of things, how can the rest of the plant
perform anything? The want of moral fiber is the doom of any nation.
11. Israel was False in worship. The sacrifices were not a "delight" to the
Lord; their oblations were "vain," their incense was an "abomination," their
assemblies were "iniquity," their keeping of the feasts was hateful, a
"trouble," and made Jehovah "weary" (12-14). Could any charge be more
explicit and pathetic! When rottenness is in the heart, ritual is an offence and
a sin to the Lord.
12. Israel was Prayerless in Prayer. "When ye spread forth your hands I will
hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make your prayers I will not hear" (v.
15)
 469. "I Will"
The late William Sloan, of Glasgow, a well-known Christian merchant in
Scotland, once said: "I used to live under the 'Thou shalt's' of the law, but
now I live under the 'I will's' of grace." What a difference there is between the
two. Under the former there is the effort of self and very often failure, but
under the latter there is heart response and rest, with victory. Let the
following seven "I will's" of promise speak for themselves.
1. Rest. "I will give thee rest" (Matt. 11:28). Responding to Christ's "Come
unto Me," we find rest of conscience about our sins, and rest from fear of
death and judgment, and rest of mind and heart.
2. Service. "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt. 4:19).
Follow first, and then fish; even then, He must "make" us fishers, and He
promises to do it.
3. Satisfaction. "I will pour water upon Him that is thirsty" (Isa. 44:3). He
alone can slake the thirst and satisfy the soul. The dryness of our need is the
opportunity for the supply of His grace.
4. Upholding. In Isaiah 46:4, the Lord gives us four gracious I will's: "I will
carry," "I will bear," "I will carry," "I will deliver."
5. Guidance. "I will even make a way in the wilderness" (Isa. 43:19). Where
there is no track, He will make one, so that there may be no uncertainty in the
path we should tread.
6. Strength. "I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of My righteousness" (Isa. 41:10). Here is a trinity of
promise from the true God.
7. Victory. "I will contend with him that contendeth with thee" (Isa. 49:25).
When the Lord contends with our enemies we may cease to contend with
them, for He can do better than we can.
 470. "I Thank God"
The Apostle Paul frequently used the expression, "I thank God," as he viewed
what God had wrought in the life and labor of others.
1. A Proclaimed Faith. "I thank my God... that your faith is proclaimed"
(Rom. 1:8, R.V.). Faith in God proclaims itself before men, for faith is not
only the instrumental cause which brings us to God, but it is also the incisive
grace which brings God into the life.
2. A Victorious Shout. "Who shall deliver me out of this body of death? I
thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 7:24, 25, R.V.). The realm
of spiritual death, which means the rule of sin's authority, is annulled and
inoperative because by the Cross of Christ we are lifted out of its dominance
and placed in the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which means victory
instead of defeat.
3. An Enriched People. "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the
grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 1:4). Only the grace
of God could have enriched and borne with such a captious lot of people as
the Corinthians were. They were anything but saintly, and yet God in His
grace calls them "saints." Paul thanked God for the grace manifested in them,
yet he also thanks God he did not baptize only a few of them lest they should
make him the head of a factious party—1 Cor. 1:14.
4. An Evangelistic Church. "I thank God... for your fellowship in the
Gospel" (Phil. 1:3, 5). The saints at Philippi knew the concern of Heaven for
the men of earth, and so as men of Heaven on earth they worked in God's
working to save men from Hell.
5. An Enabled Trophy. "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who enabled me,"
etc. (1 Tim. 1:12). The chief of sinners became the choicest of saints through
the enabling of the indwelling Christ. The word "enabled" is the same as
"strengthened" in Philippians 4:13 and 2 Timothy 4:17.
6. A Glean Servant. "I thank God, whom I serve in a pure conscience" (2
Tim. 1:3, R.V.). To have a clean conscience through the cleansing Blood and
the conquering Christ is no credit to us, but it does call for praise to Him; and
certainly whom He cleanses He uses in His work for His glory.
7. An Appreciating Pastor. "I thank my God, always, making mention of
thee in my prayers, hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast
toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints" (Philemon 4, 5). There is not
anything which rejoices the heart of any true servant of Christ so much as
when He sees the Lord's people ardent in their devotion to Christ as
expressed in their practical love for each other in obeying Him.
 471. "I Will Bring"
Zechariah
1. Manifestation. "I will bring forth my servant the Branch" (3:8).
2. Curse. "I will bring it forth" (5:4). The curse to the wrongdoer of verse 3.
3. Salvation. "I will bring them (see verse 7), and they shall dwell in
Jerusalem" (8:8).
4. Restoration. "I will bring them again to place them" (10:6).
5. Deliverance. "I will bring them again out of Egypt (bondage), and gather
them out of Assyria" (10:10).
6. Blessing. "I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon" (10:10).
7. Purification. "I will bring the third part through the fire" (13:9).
 472. "I Will Go"
1. Faith's Decision. Ruth said to Naomi, "Whither thou goest, I will go"
(Ruth 1:16).
2. Love's Decision. Rebekah said to her parents, when, asked if she would go
with Eliezer to be the wife of Isaac, "I will go" (Gen. 24:58).
3. Valor’s Decision. Deborah said to Barak, "I will surely go with thee"
(Judges 4:9).
4. Backslider's Decision. Samson, when shorn of his strength, said, "I will
go out, as at other times," etc. (Judges 16:20).
5. Fellowship's Decision. Elisha responded to his young men, when asked to
go with them, "I will go" (2 Kings 6:3).
6. Witness's Decision. David said, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God,
I will make mention of Thy righteousness" (Psa. 71:16).
7. Prodigal's Decision. The prodigal, in his repentance, said, "I will arise,
and go to my Father" (Luke 15:18).
 473. "I Will" of God's Covenanting Grace
The Lord covenanted with Himself that He would bless His people, and He
always keeps His word. See the seven "I wills" of His pledged word in
Exodus 6:6-8:
1. The I will of deliverance. "I will bring you out."
2. The I will of liberty. "I will rid you of their bondage."
3. The I will of power. "I will redeem you."
4. The I will of relationship. "I will take you to Me for a people."
5. The I will of friendship. "I will be to you a God."
6. The I will of blessing. "I will bring you into the land."
7. The I will of inheritance. "I will give it to you for a heritage."
 474. "I Will's" in Isaiah 65
God's promises and judgments are always emphatic.
1. "I will" of action. "I will not keep silence, but will recompense" (v. 6).
2. "I will" of retribution. "I will measure their former work into their bosom"
(v. 7).
3. "I will" of compensation. "I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of
Judah an inheritor of My mountains, and Mine elect shall inherit it, and My
servants shall dwell there" (v. 9).
4. "I will" of judgment. "I will number to the sword" (v. 12).
5. "I will" of joy. "I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people" (v. 19).
6. "I will" of answer. "I will answer" (v. 24).
7. "I will" of promptness. "While they are yet speaking I will hear" (v. 24).
 475. "I Will Sing"
1. Praising His Name—Psa. 7:17.
2. Praising His Bounty—Psa. 13:6.
3. Praising for Victory—Psa. 27:6.
4. Praising His Mercy—Psa. 59:16.
5. Praising His Strength—Psa. 59:17.
6. Praising His Truth—Psa. 71:22.
7. Praising for Deliverance—Psa. 144:9.
8. Praising the Lord Himself—Psa. 146:2.
 476. "Jesus Answered and Said"
He is the answer to every question, and answers all our questions.
1. His reply to Nathaniel—John 1:48-51, re omniscience.
2. His reply to the Jews about destroying the temple and His resurrection—
John 2:18-22.
3. His reply to Nicodemus about the new birth—John 3:2-10.
4. Christ's reply about the Living Water He would give, etc.—John 4:10, 13.
5. His reply to the people who followed because of what they received—
John 6:25-27.
6. His reply to the question, "What shall we do?"—John 6:28, 29.
7. His reply about the doctrine He taught—John 7:16, 17.
 477. Jehovah: A Tower
"The Name of Jehovah is a Strong Tower, the righteous runneth into it, and is
safe" (Prov. 18:10). One of the Names of Jehovah is likened to a Tower—
1. Jehovah is a High Tower for refuge—Psa. 18:2.
2. Jehovah is a Strong Tower from the enemy—Psa. 61:3.
3. Jehovah is a Living Tower for safety—Prov. 18:10.
4. Jehovah is an Eternal Refuge for joy—Deut. 33:27.
5. Jehovah is a Divine Refuge for protection—Psa. 48:3
6. Jehovah is a Present Refuge in trouble—Psa. 46:1.
7. Jehovah is a Sure Refuge for confidences—Heb. 6:18
 478. Jehovah Psalm
Psalm 34. A.R.V.
1. Object of Worship. "I will bless Jehovah" (v. 1).
2. Object of Faith. "Boast in Jehovah" (v. 2).
3. Object of Glory. "Magnify Jehovah" (v. 3).
4. Object of Search. "I sought Jehovah" (v. 4).
5. Object of Prayer. "Jehovah heard" (v. 6).
6. Object of Fear. "Jehovah encampeth" (v. 7).
7. Object of Good. "Jehovah is good" (v. 8).
8. Object of Supply. "Fear Jehovah... no want" (v. 9).
9. Object of Satisfaction. "Seek Jehovah" (v. 10).
10. Object of Instruction. "Teach you Jehovah" (v. 11).
11. Object of Regard. "Eyes of Jehovah" (v. 15).
12. Object of Judgment. "Jehovah against evil" (v. 16).
13. Object of Succor. "Jehovah heard" (v. 17).
14. Object of Power. "Jehovah is nigh" (v. 18).
15. Object of Comfort. "Afflictions... Jehovah" (v. 19).
16. Object of Redemption. "Jehovah redeemeth" (v. 22).
"Jehovah" is named 16 times in the Psalm, and by implication in the
pronouns.
 479. J—E—S—U—S
Justifies by the Blood of His atonement—Rom. 5:9.
Endows in His peerless person—Eph. 1:3.
Saves in His vitalizing life—Rom. 5:10.
Unites in His baptizing Spirit—1 Cor. 12:13.
Sanctifies by His indwelling presence—Gal. 2:20.
 480. Jehovah's "I Will's" in Isaiah 49
1. Glorified. "I will be glorified" (v. 3). God's glory is always the goal of our
good.
2. Identified. "I will also give thee for a light" (v. 6). God's in-fillings make
us one with Him and for Him, for His in-fillings are for out-flowings.
3. Preserved. "I will preserve thee" (v. 8). God's preservation is the cause of
our perseverance.
4. Blessing. "I will make all My mountains a way" (v. 11). One such
mountain is Mount Calvary. It is a way to all blessing.
5. Power—22. "I will lift up Mine hand," etc. The hand of God is a symbol
of His power. His liftings up are always leaders to lasting peace.
6. Victory—25. "I will contend with him," etc. Those who stand in the way
of the believer's progress are targets for God's prowess.
7. Promise—25. "I will save thy children." The Lord's promise extends to the
household of the child of God. Being His children, He promises to bless our
children.
8. Judgment—26. "I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh."
The sinner reaps in kind what he is.
 481. Jesus Found in Places
Our Lord is said to be "on" different places.
1. He sat "on the well" to meet a needy sinner (John 4:6).
2. He was placed "on the pinnacle of the temple" to be tempted (Matt. 4:5).
3. He walked "on the sea" to succor His disciples (John 6:19).
4. He wrote "on the ground" with His finger to defeat His enemies (John
8:6).
5. He sat "on an ass's colt" to fulfill the Scriptures (John 12:15).
6. He was "on the earth" to glorify God and finish His work (John 17:4).
7. He was "upon the Cross" in dying for the sins of others (John 19:31; 1
Peter 2:24).
8. He is "on the right hand of the Father" in approval and blessing (Heb.
1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12).
 482. "Jesus Said," or "He Saith," and "He Said"
In John 1
The sayings of Christ contain the message of God to us, they are a mould to
shape us in life and service, and they are a magnet to attract and keep us.
1. He tells us what we are. "He said, Thou art Simon, the son of Jona" (v.
42). Simon was Peter's natural name, as identified with his life in nature and
sin.
2. He questions us when we seek Him. "Jesus turned... saw.... saith... What
seek ye?" (v. 38). Christ is the answer to all questions.
3. He invites us to dwell with Him. "He saith unto them, Come and see" (v.
39). If we come to Him we shall want to dwell with Him.
4. He bids us what to do. "Follow Me" (v. 43). Come, believe, and follow is
a triple command from Christ.
5. He appreciates guilelessness of character. "Jesus... saith of him" (v. 47).
He saw the guilelessness of Nathaniel, and commended it.
6. He answers our questions. "Jesus answered and said" (v. 48). The
approachableness of Christ creates confidence in Him.
7. He promises more than we expected. "Jesus answered and said... Thou
shalt see greater things" (v. 50).
8. He gives us to see the unseeable. "He saith... Ye shall see" (v. 51). He
leads us behind the things that move, and enables us to behold the Power that
moves them.
 483. "Jesus Saith," "Said," "Spake," and "Cried"
In John 11
1. A Divine Reason. "He said... this death... for the glory of God" (v. 4).
2. A Divine Direction. "He saith... Let us go" (v. 7).
3. A Divine Teacher. "These things said He" (v. 9-11).
4. A Divine Intention. "He saith... I go to awake him" (v. 11).
5. A Divine Explanation. "Jesus spake of His death" (v. 13).
6. A Divine Statement. "Then said Jesus... Lazarus is dead" (v. 14).
7. A Divine Promise. "Jesus saith... Thy brother shall rise" (v. 23).
8. A Divine Revelation. "Jesus said... I am the Resurrection and the Life" (v.
25).
9. A Divine Inquiry. "And said, Where have ye laid Him" (v. 34).
10. A Divine Direction. "Jesus said, Take ye away the stone" (v. 39).
11. A Divine Reminder. "Jesus saith,... Said I not unto thee" (v. 40).
12. A Divine Attitude. "Jesus lifted up His eyes and said" (v. 41).
13. A Divine Mandate. "He cried... Come forth" (v. 43).
14. A Divine Loosing. "Jesus saith,... Loose him" (v. 44).
 484. "Jesus Looked Round About"
1. As the Grieved Savior—Mark 3:5.
2. As the Divine Kinsman—Mark 3:34.
3. As the Compassionate Healer—Mark 5:32.
4. As the Searching Teacher—Mark 10:23.
5. As the Observing Lord—Mark 11:11.
 485. "Jesus Took"
Christ not only looked upon humanity and saw its need, but He came in
contact with it, that its need might be met.
1. His Incarnation. "He took not on," or, as American marginal Revised
Version: "For verily not of angels doth He take hold, but He taketh hold of
the seed of Abraham" (Heb. 2:16). Christ's incarnation was the door which
led to the altar of His sacrifice on Calvary, which secures for us the holy
place of His salvation. The word epilambanomai means to take on, or upon,
and is rendered "caught" in Matthew 14:31, "take hold of" in Luke 20:20, and
"lay hold on" in 1 Timothy 6.
12, 19. The thought is, His taking upon Himself human nature in order to
benefit the humans with whom He is identified. See how the incident of Peter
being "caught" by Christ illustrates.
2. His Identification. Christ is the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin
of the world" (John 1:29). The word airo, rendered "taketh away," means to
take up upon one's self, as when the healed man was commanded to "take up"
his bed (Matt. 9:6); but in Christ's case in being identified with us in our sin,
by dying for it, it means also to put away; hence, He was "manifested to take
away our sins" (1 John 3:5). The word is rendered "removed," in Mark 11:23,
"took away" in John 11:41, and "put away" in Ephesians 4:31. How true are
the words of Luther: "He is my sin, and I am His righteousness."
3. His Reception. When reference is made to Christ's deliberate action in
identifying Himself with the woes and wants of humanity, the words are
cited, "Himself took our infirmities" (Matt. 8:17), as fulfilling them.
Lambano means to take, or to receive to one's self; hence, it is often rendered
"receive." (See its use in John 1:12, 16; 6:21; 13:20; 16:24; 17:8; 20:22). The
hand of ready help was ever moved by the heart of loving sympathy.
4. His Deliberation. Christ's death was no accident. His star of destiny was
His death on Calvary. He knew, too, that death's grip could not hold Him. His
own statements are beyond all question as to these acts. He says: "I lay down
My life, that I might take (lambano, to take to Myself) it again." And He
further says: "I have power (or His Father's authority, as the word means, and
the context shows) to take it again" (John 10:17, 18).
5. His Commemoration. Lambano is used three times in the inception of the
Lord's Supper. "Jesus took bread... and said, Take, eat... He took the cup"
(Mark 14:22, 23). We are not left in any doubt as to the purpose of that death.
The Bread represented, as He Himself declares: "This is My body given to
you... This cup is the New Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you"
(Luke 22:19, 20). How terse and telling are the words, "given... shed for
you!" We find a sevenfold fact in that giving. Love is its source, Grace is its
act, Blood is its price, Men are its object, Salvation is its end, Christ is its
Substance, and Glory is its consummation.
6. His Power. "He took the seven loaves" (Matt. 15:36). When we place what
we have in His hands, He makes it meet any emergency. His taking is our
making, and others' blessing. There is much in our little when He takes it, for
the naught (0) of our insignificance is multiplied by the thousandfold (1000)
of His almightiness.
"Little is much, when God is in it."
7. His Example. "Took upon Him the form of a servant" (Phil. 2:7). What a
contrast between "the form of God" and "the form of a slave." Yet His
greatness is seen in both. The beauty of a violet, in its lowly bed under the
hedge, is as magnificent as the brightness of the sun in the sky. The Babe of
Bethlehem in a manger is equal to the Creator of Genesis. He is our Example
of Lowliness, hence we are exhorted to have the "same mind" of lowliness as
was in Him.
8. His Object Lesson. "He took a child and set him in the midst" (Mark
9:36). Christ was continually referring to things around, and reaching out to
things at hand, to illustrate Divine principles and truth. A child is simple in
trust, humble in spirit, loving in disposition, and responsive to kindness.
Christ not only set the "little child (R.V.) in the midst," but He took it into His
arms, and that act He emphasizes to point the injunction, that kindness done
to a child is a kindness done to Himself; yea, to His Father as well. Here is a
law in the Kingdom of grace. He that does a kindness to another does a
kindness to Christ.
9. His Prophetic Act. "Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John... and was
transfigured before them" (Matt. 17:1, 2). The word "taketh" has the prefix
para added to lambano, hence it means to take alongside of, which expresses
the thought of friendship and fellowship. Christ uses it when He says: "I will
come again and receive you to Myself."
 486. Jew and Palestine
1. There is one people whom Jehovah calls His "peculiar treasure unto Me
above all people" (Exod. 19:5).
2. There is one land which is called "holy" (Zech. 2:12), and promised to
Israel for an "everlasting possession" (Gen. 17:8).
3. There is one city which is called "the beloved city" (literally, "the dearly-
beloved"), and which Jehovah will "make a praise in the earth," and that is
Jerusalem (Rev. 20:9; Isa. 62:7).
4. There is one mountain which has been honored in the land of Palestine,
and that is the Mount of Olives, for Christ's sacred feet last rested upon it ere
He ascended to Heaven—Acts 1:12; and it is upon that mountain His holy
feet will stand when He returns in manifest glory to the earth, and which
mountain will be the object of great and momentous convulsions—Zech.
14:4.
5. There is one temple which is to be the scene of the greatest sacrilege ever
committed in a holy place, and that temple will be the rebuilt one in which
the abomination of the Antichrist will be set up—Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15.
6. There is one throne upon which Jehovah has said a descendant of David is
to sit for ever—2 Sam. 7:10-17; Luke 1:31-33. and therefore peculiarly
honored and magnified by Him.
7. And there is one Man in whom all God's plans centre, and He is a Jew—
namely, Christ, for He is distinctly said to be of the Seed of David—2. Tim.
2:8; of Israel—Rom. 9:5; and the Son of Abraham and David—Matt. 1:1.
 487. Joshua, the Leader
Josh. 18:1-10; 24:1-31
Bible characters illustrate some one grace in their lives. In Abraham we see
faith, in Joseph purity, in Moses meekness, in David courage, in Jonathan
love, in Samuel faithfulness, and in Joshua carefulness as a leader. Joshua
was a—
1. Victorious Leader—18:1. Under him the children of Israel were able to
subdue the land of Canaan and its inhabitants. It may be well for the teacher
to recall some of Joshua's victories, and then remind the scholars that Joshua
was a type of Christ—Heb. 4:8-15, R.V. When we are led by our Lord we
shall never be defeated. The Conqueror always conquers.
2. Discriminating Leader—18:2-10. Several of the tribes had not received
their portion of the land, so Joshua sought the Lord's mind as to what they
should receive, but omitting Levi, as their inheritance was in the priesthood.
In Christ believers are blessed with all spiritual blessing—Eph. 1:3. Every
blessing is in Him, and He is every Blessing, so that all we need for
advancement in the spiritual life is found in Him (see the seven "in whom's"
in Ephesians); but we need to come to our Divine Leader to know what He
would have us to do, for the truth of 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 is, that while all
believers are one in Christ, the Holy Spirit gives us the gift for His service as
He wills.
3. Reminding Leader—24:1-13. Joshua reminded the tribes and their
leading men what God had done for their fathers in the past, and for them.
This is strikingly illustrated in the personal pronoun "I" in relation to the Lord
God of Israel. We can only indicate and leave the teacher to connect with
New Testament truth:
Salvation, "I took... led... multiplied... and gave" (v. 3).
Possession, "I gave" (v. 4).
Commission, "I sent" (v. 5).
Emancipation, "I brought" (v. 6, 7).
Extermination, "I brought," "I gave," "I destroyed," "I delivered" (v. 8-12).
Benediction, "I have given you a land" (v. 13).
In all that was done Joshua saw the hand of God. It was not his prowess, but
God's power. Joshua reminded the people of their obligation to Him who had
done so much for them—see Psalm 78.
4. Commanding Leader—24:14-25. Joshua's clarion call was to "serve the
Lord." From verses 14 to 31 we find the words "serve" and "served"
occurring no fewer than fifteen times, and they cluster round three
predominating thoughts, namely, whom we are not to serve, the gods with
whom our former life were associated or who may come before us—14, 16,
20; whom we are to serve, the Lord—14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 31; and how
we are to serve Him: in sincerity and in truth—14. Service to the Lord takes
in all our life, as the London shoeblack recognised, when he said to the
gentleman who commended him for the care he took in shining his boots,
"I'm serving the Lord, sir, in serving you." Any drudgery is divinity when it is
service for Him.
5. Faithful Leader—24:26-28. Since Israel pledged themselves to serve the
Lord—24, Joshua made a covenant with the people, and set up a stone in
Shechem to be a witness of their affirmed allegiance to the Lord. Joshua did
not take any chances with a fickle people, but set up a monument to remind
them of their responsibilities. No service is of any moment unless it is done in
heart-faithfulness to the Lord. "I want to please the man who has appointed
me to my work," was the reply of an employee, when a man complained of
his action when he was carrying out his employer's directions.
6. Powerful Leader—24:31. The influence of Joshua was felt after his death,
for we are told, "Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days
of the elders that overlived Joshua." Those who truly live for the Lord always
find that their works follow them—Rev. 14:13. The old American song of
"John Brown's soul is still marching on" speaks of the continuance of
influence, and so does the hymn which tells us that "kind words can never
die." The best memorial that we can leave behind us is the fragrance of a holy
life, and the most abiding epitaph is the memory of a helpful influence.
 488. Judgment
Jeremiah 25
The language in the chapter is most emphatic in its statements. Sixteen times
the word "will" is found in the Revised Reading, as declaring what God will
certainly do. In verse 6, by way of promise, "I will do you no hurt"; and
fifteen times the words "I will" and "He will," as declaring God's acts of
judgment.
1. The Messenger of Judgment. "I will send" (v. 9).
2. The Scope of Judgment. "I will destroy" (v. 9).
3. The Misery of Judgment. "I will take from them the voice of mirth" (v.
10).
4. The. Stroke of Judgment. "I will punish" (v. 12).
5. The Desolation of Judgment. "I will make it desolate" (v. 12).
6. The Certainty of Judgment. "I will bring to pass all My words which I
have pronounced" (v. 13).
7. The Righteousness of Judgment. "I will recompense them according to
their deeds" (v. 14, R.V.).
8. The Effect of Judgment. "Be mad because of the sword that I will send
among them" (v. 16).
9. The Crushing of Judgment. "Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall,
and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send" (5:27).
10. The Awfulness of Judgment. "He will mightily roar" (v. 30, R.V.).
11. The Place of Judgment. "Jehovah will roar from on high" (v. 30, R.V.).
12. The Shout of Judgment. "He will give a shout" (v. 30, R.V.).
13. The Universality of Judgment. "He will plead with all flesh" (v. 31).
14. The Subjects of Judgment. "As for the wicked, He will give them to the
sword" (v. 31).
 489. Jubilee
The Jubilee is a type of the "acceptable year" of the Gospel (Luke 4:19).
What did the Jubilee mean?
1. Recognition of the Lord's Claim. "The land is Mine" (Lev. 25:23). "The
Lord's release" (Deut. 15:1-4).
2. Remember the Jubilee was Based on Atonement—Lev. 25:9. Christ's
substitutionary death is the basis of all blessing.
3. Release from Bondage. "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land" (Lev.
25:10).
4. Rest. "A year of rest unto the land." "A Sabbath for the Lord" (Lev. 25:4,
5).
5. Restoration. "Return every man unto his possession" (Lev. 25:10, 13, 28).
6. Rejoicing. The meaning of the word "Jubilee" is joy—Psa. 89:15-18.
7. Reunion. "Ye shall return every man unto his family" (Lev. 25:10).
 490. Judgments Relating to Believers
1. God's judgment upon us as sinners in Christ on the Cross. "By a
sacrifice for sin (margin), condemned sin in the flesh" (Rom. 8:3).
2. Believers' judgment on himself. "If we would judge ourselves we shall
not be judged" (1 Cor. 11:31).
3. The Lord's judgment of His children. "When we are judged, we are
chastened of the Lord" (1 Cor. 11:32).
4. The Church's Judgment in Discipline. "Judged him that hath done this
wrong" (1 Cor. 5:3-5).
5. The Lord's judgment of the "House" of Christendom. "Judgment must
begin at the house of God" (1 Peter. 4:17).
6. Believers' judgment of the world and angels. "The saints shall judge the
world... We shall judge angels" (1 Cor. 6:2, 3).
7. The Judgment Seat of Christ, before which believers will be examined—
1 Cor. 4:5; their conduct towards their fellow-believers scrutinized—Rom.
14; their work tested—1 Cor. 3:10-15; their motives looked at—2 Cor. 5:9,
10; and rewards given—1 Peter 1:7.
 491. Justification
1. Self-judgment is its forerunner—Luke 7:29; 18:14.
2. God is its Author—Rom. 3:30; 8:30, 33.
3. Grace is its spring—Rom. 3:24; Gal. 5:4; Titus 3:7.
4. Christ's Blood is its purchaser—Rom. 3:24; 5:9.
5. Christ's obedience unto death is its basis—Gal. 2:16; Rom. 5:18.
6. Christ's resurrection is its assurance—Rom. 4:24, 25.
7. Union in Christ's death is its freedom—Rom. 6:7, margin.
8. Faith in Christ is its medium—Rom. 3:26; 5:1; Gal. 3:24.
9. The Spirit of God is its power—1 Cor. 6:11.
10. Works are its outcome—James 2:21, 24, 25.
 492. King Saul's Down-Grade
1. His impatient act in sacrifice—1 Sam. 13:8-14.
2. His self-will re Amalek—1 Sam. 15.
3. His intense jealousy re David—1 Sam. 18:8.
4. His murderous acts re David—1 Sam. 18:11, 25; 19:10, 15.
5. Slaying eighty-five priests and the people of Nob—1 Sam. 22:18, 19.
6. Hunting for David's life— 1 Sam. 24:2; xxvi, 1, 2, 20.
7. Resorting to the dead—1 Sam. 28.
 493. Knotty Nots
In Hebrews 3 and 4
1. "Harden not" of warning (3:8, 13, 15; 4:7).
2. "Have not" of ignorance (3:10).
3. "Shall not" of exclusion (3:11).
4. "Believed not" of prevention (3:18).
5. "Could not" of inability (3:19).
6. "Mixed not" of want (4:2).
7. "Entered not" of loss (4:6).
 494. "Knowledge"
1. Conviction. "Knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20).
2. Salvation. "Knowledge of God" (2 Peter 1:2, 3, 8).
3. Invitation. "Knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:25; 3:7; Titus
1:1; Heb. 10:26).
4. Communion. "Knowledge of His will" (Col. 1:9).
5. Growth. "Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10; 2:2; 3:10).
6. Every Good. "Acknowledging of every good thing" (Philemon 6).
7. Christ. "Knowledge of the Son of God" (Eph. 1:17; 4:13).
 495. Lean, Look, and Listen
A notice at a railway crossing in America reads, "Listen and Look."
There are three L's in which a heaven of blessing is found, namely:
1. Lean hard upon Christ by faith—Canticles 8:5.
2. Look up to Him by prayer—Psa. 5:3.
3. Listen to Him by obedience—John 10:27.
 496. Lack of Vision
Lack of vision is a—
1. Precursor of doom—Prov. 29:18.
2. Forerunner of disaster—1 Sam. 3:1.
3. A dungeon of despair—Lam. 2:9.
4. A night of darkness—Micah 3:6.
5. A sign of spiritual declension—2 Peter 1:9.
6. An evidence of lukewarmness in Divine things—Rev. 3:18.
7. A state of unbelief—Rom. 11:8, 10.
8. A want of capacity to understand things in their true state—Mark 8:24.
 497. "Lamps"
"Seven Lamps" (Exod. 25:37)
The Hebrew word for "lamp" is rendered "candle" (Prov. 31:18), and "light"
(2 Sam. 21:17).
1. Man's indestructible spirit is "the candle of the Lord" (Prov. 20:27).
2. God's Word is a "Lamp to our feet" for guidance (Psa. 119:105).
3. Our Father's "commandment" is "a lamp" for our obedience (Prov.
6:23).
4. "Salvation as a lamp that burneth" (Isa. 62:1).
5. Supplied lamps for illumination—Matt. 25:4.
6. Dressed lamps for clear shining—Exod. 30:7.
7. Useful lamp for searching—Zeph. 1:12.
 498. "Last"
1. "The last Adam" (1 Cor. 15:45), the Life-giving Spirit.
2. "The last enemy" (1 Cor. 15:26), destroyed by Christ's death.
3. "The last trumpet" (1 Cor. 15:52), in relation to the believer, summoning
him to incorruptibility.
4. "The last time" (1 John 2:18; Jude 18), when we may expect the coming of
the Antichrist.
5. "The last days," which are "perilous" and irreverent (2 Tim. 3:1; Jas. 5:3).
6. "The seven last plagues" (Rev. 15:1; 21:9), which will be fearful in their
nature.
7. "The last" and the Lasting One. "First and the Last" (Rev. 1:11; 22:13).
 499. Leading
1. Who leads? "The Lord" (Gen. 24:27; Psa. 77:20; Deut. 32:12).
2. Whom the Lord leads—His redeemed—Exod. 13:17; 15:13.
3. Where the Lord leads. "In a plain path" (Psa. 27:11). "In the way
everlasting" (Psa. 139:24); "In the paths of righteousness" (Psa. 23:3); "To
the rock that is higher than I" (Psa. 61:2); "To the desired haven" (Psa.
107:30); "Into the land of uprightness" (Psa. 143:10).
4. How the Lord leads. "In mercy" (Exod. 15:13); "In righteousness" (Psa.
5:8); "By His counsel" (Psa. 73:24).
 500. Leaving Things
"He Left the Oxen, and Ran After Elijah" 1 Kings 19:20
Some things are left behind to our loss, but others to our gain. There are
things mentioned in Scripture, that were left behind to the gain of those who
left them, and in following the will of God:
1. Abraham left Ur of the Chaldees, and its idolatry; and illustrates God's
calling in conversion—Gen. 12:1-4.
2. The Israelites left the bondage and bitterness of Egypt; and corresponds to
being delivered from sin and the world—Exod. 12:40-42.
3. Bartimaeus left his garment in responding to the call of Christ, and
illustrates we should leave anything that hinders us in following our Lord—
Mark 10:50.
4. The woman of Samaria left her water-pot, in going to her friends to tell
them she had found the Savior, and shows how one may leave legitimate
things in the Lord's work—John 4:28.
5. Joseph left his coat in the hands of Potiphar's wife, rather than sin with
her. Faithfulness sometimes seems to incriminate us—Gen. 39:1-20.
6. David left behind the armor of Saul, for it was an encumbrance to him.
What is right to others, may be an encumbrance to us—1 Sam. 17:39.
7. Paul left behind his religiosity, because it kept him from Christ and the
fullness of His blessing—Phil. 3:4-7.
 501. Leaning in the Wrong Direction
"Lean Not to Thine Own Understanding" Prov. 3:5
1. Abraham leaned toward Egypt in unbelief and soon found himself
crippled by it—Gen. 12:10-20.
2. Lot leaned toward Sodom in compromise, and lost all he had gained—
Gen 13:10; 19:17.
3. David leaned toward unholy desire in laziness, and his name has been
smirched ever since—2 Sam. 11:2-4.
4. Jehoshaphat leaned toward worldly association with Ahab, and nearly
lost his life—1 Kings 22:29-32.
5. King Saul leaned toward his own inclination in sparing the Amalekites,
and lost his kingdom in consequence—1 Sam. 15:10-23.
6. Hezekiah leaned toward pride when he displayed his riches to the
representatives of Babylon, and brought distress to his posterity—Isa. 39.
7. Peter leaned toward self-sufficiency in his boasted allegiance to Christ,
and lost his courage at the taunt of a servant-maid—Luke 22:33, 56, 57.
 502. "Let Down"
None of these men were "let down" in the sense of the world, which lets
down a person by misrepresentation; but these were letting downs which
turned out to be lifting ups. There are certain great principles evidenced in the
following men who were said to have been "let down."
1. Rahab "Let Down" the Spies—Josh. 2:15. Fellowship with God's
purpose evidenced her faith in Him, and that faith inspired her to help others,
and that help brought her blessing and salvation—Heb. 11:31. The "cord" by
which she "let down" the spies was the "scarlet thread" which became a sign
of safety to her. Scofield says: "The scarlet line of Rahab speaks, by its color,
of safety through sacrifice" (Heb. 9:19, 22). Obedience to God shows our
faith in Him, which always secures safety for us.
2. Michal "Let Down" David—1 Sam. 19:12. When no principle is
involved, we are warranted to help others to escape from danger. Michal, by
her act, showed she had no fellowship with the cruel hate of Saul; but she had
heart-sympathy with the hunted and persecuted David. How full of meaning
is Psalm 109. in the light of 1 Samuel 19:11, for it shows that the persecution
of men will drive us in prayer to God, and by this means we find God is our
"Defense" and "Refuge" and "Strength" (Psa. 59:16, 17), and finding Him
such, we can sing of His power and mercy.
3. Jeremiah was "Let Down" into a Dungeon—Jer. 38:6. The enemies of
God's servants do not care into what mire they may place them. Faithfulness
to God will be sure to create opposition from the world. But they were not all
enemies in the court of the weak King Zedekiah, for Ebed-Melech not only
spoke to the king and got permission to get him, but was also careful to "let
down" some clouts and rags, to make it more comfortable to get the prophet
out of the dungeon. The opposition of the enemy will often bring the
opportune help of our friends; in fact, but for the enemy we should not have
known the friends.
4. The Palsied Man "Let Down" by his Friends to Christ—Luke 5:19. His
letting down in love was the forerunner of his getting up in power. These men
knew three things: first, their friend was helpless and needed healing; second,
that Christ could heal him, hence their aim to get him to the Savior; and,
third, if the needing man and the Savior were to meet, they must get him to
the Lord. So they lifted up their friend, and brought him along. The
difficulties of his dead weight, the impenetrable crowd, the lifting up, and the
taking the tiling off the roof, did not deter them. When we are determined to
get men to Christ we shall get them there.
5. The Dead Man "Let Down" into Elisha's Grave—2 Kings 13:21.
Contact with the prophet's dead body caused the body to live. Elisha means
"God my Savior." Contact with the Divine brings life to the human. The Lord
our Savior is the only One that can quicken us from the death of sin; but there
must be contact with Him by faith, if He is to do it for us, then association
with Him in His death is the death of self.
6. Paul "Let Down" in a Basket—Acts 9:24, 25; 2 Cor. 11:33. An apostle
in a basket! In what queer places the saints are found! Jonah in a fish, Elijah
under a juniper tree, and now Paul in a basket. Sometimes a letting down is
essential to a lifting up, hence we find in the same Epistle, the apostle tells he
was "caught up to Paradise" (2 Cor. 12:2).
7. Christ Lifted Down from the Cross—Luke 23:53; Acts 13:29. No study
or life is complete without Christ. That lifting down was not an accident, for
it was in fulfillment of what had been written of Him. We gaze with holy
wonder and loving reverence as we see the dead body of our Lord lifted
down from that Cross, for in that death we see Scripture fulfilled, God
satisfied, sin expiated, Hell defeated, Heaven opened, blessings secured, self
annulled, world separated, and death defeated.
 503. Leaving Things
1. Fleeing from Sin. "Left his garment in her hand" (Gen. 39:12, 15). Doing
the right thing sometimes brings us an ill consequence.
2. Following the Lord. "Left their nets and followed Him" (Matt. 4:20).
When the choice is between the nets of a lawful business and a call to follow
the Lord, He must have the preference.
3. First be Reconciled. "Leave thy gift... first be reconciled" (Matt. 5:23, 24).
Reconciliation to an offended brother is pre-requisite to communion with the
Lord.
4. Fascinated by Christ. "She left her water pot" (John 4:28). She forgot
what she brought to the well and her quest in coming, because she found
something better.
5. Following On. "Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, go on to
perfection" (Heb. 6:1). Stagnation is the bane of a consecrated life. We shall
go back if we do not "go on."
6. Found Wanting. Elisha "left the oxen," but he wanted to say "good-bye"
to those at home. Elijah would not brook delay. Earthly ties must not hinder
the call to the Lord's service—1 Kings 19:20, 21.
 504. "Left All"
1. Confidence. "Left all he had in Joseph's hands" (Gen. 39:6). He had
proved himself worthy of confidence, therefore his conduct commanded
greater trust.
2. Apostasy. "They left all the commandments of the Lord" (2 Kings 17:16).
To leave some of the commandments was bad, but to leave them all was
worse.
3. Devotion. "We have left all, and have followed Thee" (Mark 10:28, 29).
Renunciation for Christ brings reward from Him.
4. Consecration. "He left all and followed Him" (Luke 5:28). What a
contrast to the rich young ruler who was not willing to leave all—Luke
18:22.
 505. "Let God"
Ponder the following Scriptures where "Let God" occurs, or its equivalent,
and let go all else, that He may be everything.
1. Salvation. "Let the God of my salvation be exalted" (Psa. 18:46; 119:29).
2. Benediction. "Let Thy mercy be upon us" (Psa. 33:22).
3. Opposition. "Let the angel of the Lord chase them" (Psa. 35:5).
4. Adoration. "Let the Lord be magnified" (Psa. 35:27; 120:4).
5. Preservation. "Let Thy loving-kindness and truth continually preserve
me" (Psa. 40:11).
6. Protection. "Let Thy tender mercies speedily prevent us" (Psa. 79:8).
7. Beautification. "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us" (Psa.
90:17).
 506. "Let Not"
1. Dominion Over Sin. "Let not sin reign" (Rom. 6:12).
2. Dominion Over Pride. "Let us not be desirous of vain glory" (Gal. 5:26).
3. Dominion Over Anger. "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath" (Eph.
4:26).
4. Dominion Over Sloth. "Let us not sleep" (1 Thess 5:6).
5. Dominion Over Trouble. "Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:1).
6. Dominion Over the Flesh. "Let it not be named," etc. (Eph. 5:3).
7. Dominion Over Double-mindedness. "Let not that man think he shall
receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:7).
 507. "Lifted Up"
1. Eyes lifted up. "Lifted up their eyes" (Matt. 17:8).
2. Voice lifted up. "Lifted up her voice" (Luke 11:27).
3. Head lifted up. "Lift up your heads" (Luke 21:28).
4. Hands lifted up. "Lifting up holy hands" (1 Tim. 2:8).
5. Soul lifted up. "Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul" (Psa. 25:1).
6. Heart lifted up. "Let us lift up our heart unto God" (Lam. 3:41).
7. Wings lifted up. "Lifted up their wings" (Ezek. 10:19).
 508. "Lets" Which Let in a Blessing
1. Vigilance. "Let your loins be girded about" (Luke 12:35).
2. Diligence. "Let every man prove his own work" (Gal. 6:4).
3. Continuance. "Let us not be weary in well-doing" (Gal. 6:9).
4. Dominance. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts" (Col. 3:15).
5. Sustenance. "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col. 3:16).
6. Endurance. "Let us run with patience the race" (Heb. 12:1).
7. Supplication. "Let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6).
8. Utterance. "Let your speech be always with grace" (Col. 4:6).
 509. Letting the Light Shine at Home
"Go home" (Mark 5:19) "and show how great things God hath done unto
thee" (Luke 8:39). It is in the home we need to have—
1. Our speech seasoned with the salt of grace, that we may speak sweetly—
Col. 4:6.
2. Our manners tempered with the grace of courteousness, that we may act
graciously—1 Peter 3:8.
3. Our behavior toned with the godliness of chastity, that we may attract
powerfully—1 Peter 3:1, 2.
4. Our conduct tuned with the Word of God, that we may act consistently—
Titus 2:1-14.
5. Our rule ruled with the authority of Heaven, that we may behave
consecratingly—1 Tim. 3:1-7.
6. Our office dominated with the beauty of faithfulness, that we may live
blamelessly—1 Tim. 3:8-13.
7. And our relations in life adjusted with the direction of the Spirit, that we
may show we have received the Spirit fully—Col. 3:17; 4:1; Eph. 5:18; 6:9.
 510. "Let Us" in Hebrews
1. A Cautious Believer. "Let us fear" (4:1).
2. A Diligent Pilgrim. "Let us labor" (4:11).
3. A Cleaving Saint. "Let us hold fast" (4:14; 10:23).
4. An Earnest Suppliant. "Let us come boldly" (4:16).
5. A Progressive Disciple. "Let us go on" (6:1).
6. A Holy Priest. "Let us draw near" (10:22).
7. A Thoughtful Brother. "Let us consider one another" (10:24).
8. A Wise Athlete. "Let us lay aside every weight" (12:1).
9. An Enduring Runner. "Let us run with patience" (12:1).
10. A Possessing Possessor. "Let us have grace" (12:28).
11. A Separated Son. "Let us go forth unto Him" (13:13).
12. A Grateful Chorister. "Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God"
(13:15).
 511. Life Eternal
1. Man has not this life naturally. "Ye have no life in you" (John 6:53).
2. Christ is its Substance. "I am the Life" (John 14:6).
3. The knowledge of God in Christ is its meaning. "This is life eternal," etc.
(John 17:3).
4. Received by faith in Christ. "He that believeth on the Son hath eternal
life" (John 3:36).
5. Those who have received Christ have "passed" from "death into life"
(John 5:24).
6. Christ's indwelling is its power. "Springing up into everlasting life" (John
4:14).
7. This life reproduces likeness to itself. "We know we pass from death unto
life, because we love the brethren" (1 John 3:14).
 512. Lifter
One of the characters in which our Lord is described is the Lifter.
1. A Gracious Act. "Thou hast lifted me up" (Psa. 102:10).
2. A Sovereign Lord. "He bringeth low, He also lifteth up" (1 Sam. 2:7).
3. A Victorious Lord. "Thou hast lifted me up on high above mine enemies"
(2 Sam. 22:49).
4. A Living Emancipator. "Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death"
(Psa. 9:13).
5. A Great Physician. "He took her by the hand and lifted her up" (Mark
1:31).
6. An Exalting Friend. "The Lifter up (to make high) of mine head" (Psa.
3:3).
7. An Almighty Deliverer. "Lifted him up and arose" (Mark 9:27).
 513. Life in Christ
The positive blessing of the Gospel is life.
1. God-imparted life in its bestowment—1 John 4:9.
2. Christ-associated life in its union—John 14:6.
3. Christ-sustained life in its operation—John 6:57.
4. Spirit-inscribed life in its inscription—2 Cor. 3:3.
5. Self-displacing life in its power—2 Cor. 5:15.
6. Christ-indwelt life in its secret—Gal. 2:20.
7. Brethren-considered life in its love—Rom. 14:7-9.
8. Missionary-expressed life in its sympathy—1 Thess. 3:8.
 514. "Life Indeed"
One has said: "Life is short—only four letters in it. Three quarters of it is a
'lie,' and half of it is an 'if.'" We may add, by transposing the letters you can
make it into a "file." The child of God makes something better of the word
life by making an acrostic on it in association with Christ, and says—
L Living in Christ, I am saved—Rom. 8:1,2.
I Instructed by Christ, I am rested—Matt. 11:29.
F Following after Christ, I have fellowship with Him—John 12:24-26.
E Enduring through Christ, I am victorious—Phil. 4:13.
 515. Life's Blood
"The Sacrifice of Himself" Heb. 9:26
1. Adam had an opened side before he got his beautiful bride—Gen. 2:21.
2. Isaac was laid on the altar before he met with Rebekah—Gen. 22:2, 9;
24:67.
3. Jacob served fourteen years for Rachel before he got her—Gen. 29:18-28.
4. Job lost his possessions before he got the double portion—Job. 42:10.
5. David's three mighty men risked their lives before they obtained for the
king the desired water from the well at Bethlehem—1 Chron. 11:17-19.
6. The apostles hazarded their lives to propagate the Gospel—Acts 15:26.
7. Christ gave Himself up to death before He could see of the travail of His
soul—Matt. 28:20; Isa. 53:10, 11.
 516. Light
The Bible has a good deal to say about light. The first chapter of Genesis
speaks of it—Gen. 1:3, and so does the last chapter of Revelation—Rev.
22:5. Light is the symbol of holiness and truth, hence "God is Light" (1 John
1:5). Let us look at light as applied to God's children in the Epistles.
1. Our Enlightenment. "God who commanded the light to shine out of
darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the
glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6). The darkness of sin's
condemnation, control and, contamination is taken away by knowing Christ
as our Savior.
2. Our Environment. "Called you out of darkness into His marvellous light"
(1 Peter 2:9). The sphere into which we have been brought, and in which we
are to move, is the "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Peter
1:3), and of grace—Rom. 5:2.
3. Our Enduement. "Now are ye light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8). Being in the
light, we have all the privileges of the position, and among them is the power
of the Holy Spirit.
4. Oar Employment. "Walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:8). The believer's
life, wherever lived, has to be in correspondence to his position.
5. Our Enjoyment. "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another" (1 John 1:7). There is no peace, power, nor joy,
so long as we are out of the orbit of the Lord's presence; but remaining there
they are all found.
6. Our Equipment. "The armor of light" (Rom. 13:12). Christ is the Armor
of Light. When He stands between us and any foe we are sure of victory.
7. Our Ennoblement. "Made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the
saints in light" (Col. 1:12). The Lord has ennobled us in making us His
children, and sufficient for the heavenly inheritance.
 517. Little Things to Be Avoided
1. The "little foxes" of the world's contamination (Cant. 2:15).
2. The "little owl" of fleshly assumption (Lev. 11:17).
3. The little service to the Baal of idolatry—2 Kings 10:18.
4. The little honey of self's satisfaction—2 Kings 4:29, 43.
5. The "little sleep" of indolent slumber (Prov. 6:10).
6. The "little leaven" of wickedness (1 Cor. 5:6).
7. The "little member" of fiery talk (James 3:5).
 518. "Lift Up"
1. Faith's Vision. "Lift up thine eyes and see" (Gen. 13:14; 31:12).
2. Faith's Prayer. "Lift up thy prayer" (2 Kings 19:4).
3. Faith's Concentration. "I lift up my soul unto Thee" (Psa. 143:8).
4. Faith's Worship. "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary" (Psa. 134:2).
5. Faith's Testimony. "Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice" (Isa. 52:8).
6. Faith's Service. "Lift up the lad" (Gen. 21:18).
7. Faith's Recognition. "He lift up his eyes... and he saw" (Gen. 18:2).
 519. "Light"
That Which Reveals
1. Source of Light. "God is Light" (1 John 1:5).
2. Substance of Light. "I am come a Light into the world" (John 12:35, 36,
46).
3. Standing in Light. "Into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
4. Walking in the Light. "Walk in the light" (1 John 1:7).
5. Gospel of Light. "Commanded the light to shine out of darkness" (2 Cor.
4:6).
6. Protection of Light. "Armor of light" (Rom. 13:12).
7. Separation of Light. "What communion hath light with darkness" (2 Cor.
6:14).
 520. "Light"
Things of Light
1. Revelation. "The Light of the world" (John 8:12).
2. Reflection. "Ye are the Light of the world" (Matt. 5:14, 16).
3. Identification. "Ye are all the children of the light" (1 Thess. 5:5).
4. Relationship. "The Father of Lights" (James 1:17).
5. Vivification. "The life was the light of men" (John 1:4).
6. Possession. "Have the Light of Life" (John 8:12).
7. Satisfaction. "Full of light" (Luke 11:34, 36).
 521. Like
1. Be like a wise builder, and build on The Foundation—Luke 6:47-49.
2. Be like a faithful watchman, and be ready for the Lord—Luke 12:36.
3. Be like a hind in foothold, and slip not in life—Psa. 18:33.
4. Be like men in their manliness and "quit" likewise, and be strong—1 Cor.
16:13.
5. Be like David's mighty men in valor and courage—1 Chron. 12:8.
6. Be like a "Tree planted beside the rivers of water" for fruitfulness and
freshness—Psa. 1:3.
7. Be like the "wings of a dove" for beauty and swiftness—Psa. 55:6.
 522. Like Producing Like
Like producing like is seen—
1. In creation producing "after its kind" (Gen. 1. 11).
2. In the Love being "kind" (1 Cor. 13:4).
3. In the Spirit producing "a kind of firstfruits" (James 1:18).
4. In believers being "kindly affectioned" (Rom. 12:10).
5. In acting like God—2 Sam. 9:3.
6. In being "kind" like God, and thus show we are His kin—Luke 6:35.
7. In being clothed with "kindness," and thus to prove we are related to
Him who is Kindness itself—Col. 3:12; Titus 3:4.
 523. Little Sins
1. Wine—Gen. 9:21.
2. Calf—Exod. 32:3-8.
3. Wedge—Joshua 7:20.
4. Stale Bread—Joshua 9:5.
5. Few Sheep—1 Sam. 15:21. 23.
6. Lie—2 Kings 5:27.
7. Fear—Mark 14:71.
8. Deception—Acts 5:9.
9. Money—Luke 22:48. 10. Neglect—Heb. 2:3.
 524. Little Things God Uses
1. A "little maid" to cure a great man (2 Kings 5:2).
2. A "little cloud" to bring a tremendous shower (1 Kings 18:44).
3. A "little oil" to supply the need of His servant in a great famine (1 Kings
17:12).
4. A "few little fishes" to feed a hungry multitude (Matt. 15:34).
5. A "little child" to be an object lesson on humility (Matt. 18:2).
6. A "little flock" to possess the Kingdom (Luke 12:32).
7. The "little children" in the family of God are victorious (1 John 4:4).
 525. Living—How?
1. The prodigal followed the soul-wasting life by "riotous living" (Luke
15:13).
2. The believer in Christ is declared to "live" because of Christ ("by" means
"because of"), hence the Christian life is from the Lord—John 6:57.
3. The justified "live by faith" (Rom. 1:17).
4. As priests, we present our bodies a "living sacrifice," and thus live
consecratedly (Rom. 12:1).
5. As the Lord's own, we are responsible to "live unto the Lord" (Rom. 14:7,
8).
6. As those who are redeemed, our motto is, "For me to live is Christ" (Phil.
1:21).
7. To "live soberly, righteously, and godly" in this world, is to prove we
know the grace of God (Titus 2:12; 1 Peter 2:24).
8. To "live in the Spirit" is to evidence we have life from Him (Gal. 5:25).
 526. Longings
Epipotheo is rendered "long," "long after," "desiring greatly," "desire," and
"lusteth."
1. A babe's longing for food—1 Peter 2:2.
2. The Spirit's longing with love—Jas. 4:5. See R.V.
3. A teacher's longing to instruct—Rom. 1:11.
4. A believer's longing to be glorified—2 Cor. 5:2.
5. Believers' longing in prayer—2 Cor. 9:14.
6. An apostle's longing for his converts—Phil. 1:8.
7. Paul's longing in sympathy with Timothy—2 Tim. 1:4.
 527. Look at the Past
It is a good thing for the believer to look at—
1. The pit from which he was digged—Isa. 51:1.
2. The life from which he has been saved—1 Cor. 6:11.
3. The sins from which he is delivered—Eph. 2:1-3.
4. The master from whom he has been rescued—Rom. 6:17.
5. The bondage which he has left—Gal. 5:1.
6. The bitterness he has escaped—Exod. 1:14.
7. The far country of the past—Luke 15:24.
 528. "Looks"
We are often, in Holy Writ, exhorted to "Look." In the Old Testament there
are over twenty words rendered "Look."
1. The "Look" In of Sin. "I see... the law of sin which is in my members"
(Rom. 7:23). Sin is a dominating principle which blights and burns the inner
being.
2. The "Look" To of Salvation. "Look unto Me, and be ye saved" (Isa.
45:22). Salvation is a comprehensive word, and among other things, means
deliverance from guilt, forgiveness from sins, peace with God, relationship
with God, freedom from sinning, holiness of life, service for God, and eternal
glory.
3. The "Look" Up for Succor. "In the morning will I direct my prayer unto
Thee, and will look up" (Psa. 5:3). Directness of prayer shows itself in
patiently looking to the Lord for the answer.
4. The "Look" Out in Service. "Look on the fields" (John 4:35). To look on
the needs of others at the Lord's direction means we go forth with Him to
meet that need.
5. The "Look" Around in Contemplation. "When I consider Thy
Heavens... What is man?" (Psa. 8:3, 4). When we look around and see God's
works, we are made conscious of our smallness.
6. The "Look" Back in Remembrance. The Lord's Supper bids us look in
three directions. We look up and praise the Lord for what He is, we look on
and think of Him who is returning, and we look back and remember He died
for us—1 Cor. 11:23-26.
7. The "Look" For the Savior. "We look for the Savior" (Phil. 3:20, 21,
R.V.). The truth of the return of the Lord for His own is the goal of salvation,
the magnet of love, the meaning of hope, the mould of holiness, the incentive
to service, the separator from the world, and the soul of satisfaction.
 529. Look at Things in the Right Light
"The winter of our discontent" is caused by the discontent of our wintry
hearts. A well-known writer makes one of his characters reply to an
observation associating winter with death: "Winter does not belong to death,
although the outside of it looks like death. Beneath the snow the grass is
growing. Below the frosts the roots are warm and alive. Winter is only a
spring too weak and feeble for us to see that it is living. The cold does for all
things what the gardener sometimes has to do for valuable trees. He must
half-kill them before they will bear any fruit. Winter is in truth the small
beginnings of spring."
It is well we should not judge of things as they seem to be, but look at them
from the Divine standpoint.
1. A Lazarus with a sore-covered body is nearer Heaven than a richly fed
Dives—Luke 16:19-24.
2. A seeming self-boasting Apostle knows more of the grace of God than a
crowd of captious critics—2 Cor. 11 and 12.
3. An unpretentious Barnabas is more devoted than a self-consecrated
Ananias—Acts 4:36 to 5:3.
4. A praying Daniel is more effective in his work than the Medo-Persian law
makers—Dan. 6:1-24.
5. Paul, the chained prisoner, is more royal than the monarch before whom
he was charged—Acts 26:28, 29, R.V.
6. Elijah, the humble Tishbite, has more power in affairs than the proud and
wicked Ahab—1 Kings 17:1.
7. The little maid of Israel was a greater blessing to Naaman than all the
fellow-officers with which he was associated—2 Kings 5:1-3.
 530. Losing Things
God's children may suffer loss through failure.
1. Abraham lost faith through going down to Egypt—Gen. 12:10.
2. Samson lost power through Delilah—Judges 16:19.
3. David lost joy through the flesh—Psa. 51:12.
4. Lot lost possessions through world-bordering—Gen. 13:12; 19:29.
5. Peter lost testimony through cowardice—Luke 22:56-60.
6. The Ephesians lost their first love through half-heartedness—Rev. 2:4.
7. Moses lost place through discouragement—Num. 11:25.
 531. Looks of the Believer
1. Look and be saved—Isa. 45:22.
2. Look and obey—Num. 15:39.
3. Look and imitate—Judges 7:17.
4. Look and ponder—James 1:25.
5. Look and consider—Phil. 2:4.
6. Look and beware—Heb. 12:15.
7. Look and expect—Titus 2:13.
 532. "Look Upon"
1. Inspection. "The priest shall look upon it" (Lev. 13:43). An illustration of
Christ inspecting the sinner to make him conscious of his guilt.
2. Appreciation. "Look upon the face of thine anointed" (Psa. 84:9). God
appreciating Christ, and blessing us for His sake.
3. Compassion. "Look upon mine affliction" (Psa. 25:18; 119:132). The Lord
sympathizing with His people in their affliction.
4. Confession. "What is Thy servant that Thou shouldest look upon a dead
dog as I am" (2 Sam. 9:8). So says every contrite heart.
5. Qualification. "The Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might"
(Judges 6:14). When the Lord sends forth, He fits, furnishes, and encourages.
6. Recollection. "Look upon it and remember all the commandments of the
Lord" (Num. 15:39). Observe to practice.
7. Retribution. "The Lord look upon it, and require it" (2 Chron. 24:22).
Men's sins, in God's judgment, will surely find them out.
 533. Lord's Friendship
1. A Loving Friend. "A Friend loveth at all times" (Prov. 17:17). The times
cannot alter His constancy, change His affection, alienate His sympathy, nor
check His love.
2. A Lasting Friend. "A Friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Prov.
18:24). The word "sticketh" means to adhere to, to cleave closely. He will not
let us go, He holds us fast, and always.
3. A Living Friend. "As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the countenance of a
man his friend" (Prov. 27:17). "Sharpeneth" signifies to make sharp, acute, to
give an edge. His life will make us live and laugh.
4. A Lifting Friend. "A Friend of publicans and sinners" (Matt. 11:19). He is
no friend of sin, but He loves to lift the sinner from the pit of sin, and fit him
for the palace of His love.
5. A Lavish Friend. "Gavest it to the seed of Abraham, Thy friend for ever?"
(2 Chron. 20:7). Jehovah loves to give the best He has to His own. There is
no stint with Him. He gives like God—Isa. 41:8.
6. A Listening Friend. "The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man
speaketh unto his friend" (Exod. 33:11).
7. A Lovely Friend. "My Beloved is white and ruddy... this is my Friend"
(Song of Songs 5:1-16).
 534. Lordship of Christ
2. Thessalonians 3
"The Lord" is mentioned six times—__Thessalonians 3__1, 3, 4, 5, 16, 16;
and "Our Lord Jesus Christ" is mentioned three times—__Thessalonians
3__6, 12, 18.
1. "The Word of the Lord" associated with prayer and blessing
(__Thessalonians 3__v. 1).
2. "The faithfulness of the Lord" in stablishing and keeping
(__Thessalonians 3__v. 3).
3. "Confidence in the Lord" for the obedience of others (__Thessalonians
3__v. 4).
4. Direction from the Lord into love and patience—__Thessalonians 3__v.
5.
5. Commanding in the Lord for faithfulness and discretion—
__Thessalonians 3__v. 6.
6. Exhortation by the Lord for quietness and diligence—__Thessalonians
3__v. 12.
7. Peace from the Lord in communion and consideration—__Thessalonians
3__v. 16.
8. The Presence of the Lord for support and comfort—__Thessalonians
3__v. 16.
9. "The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" for graciousness and power
(__Thessalonians 3__v. 18).
 535. Love
1. The believer's love has God for its source—1 John 4:7, 8.
2. Christ's love as its measure—Eph. 5:2.
3. The Holy Spirit as its might—Col. 1:8.
4. Obedience as its credentials—1 John 5:2.
5. Labor as its outcome—1 Thess. 1:3.
6. Disinterestedness as its character—Rom. 12:9.
7. Believers as its object—1 John 3:11.
 536. Love
1. In God Himself we see the Passion of Love, as expressed in the passion of
Christ on the Cross—1 John 4:10.
2. In Him we behold the Purity of Love, as manifest in the holy life of the
Savior—1 John 3:16.
3. In Him we have evidenced the Power of Love, as unfolded in the devotion
of consecrated believers—2 Cor. 5:14-16.
4. In Him we discover the Pre-eminence of Love, for who but God Himself
would and could love a world of sinners?—1 John 4:16.
5. In Him we find the Persuasiveness of Love, as we listen to the telling
tones of His tender invitations—Rom. 5:8.
6. In Him we obtain the Protection of Love, for He ever shields those who
hide in Him—Rom. 8:35-39.
7. In Him we have the Perfection of Love, for there is no flaw nor failure in
the glow and gladness of His affection—1 John 4:18, 19.
 537. Love
1. Love is the Oil to lubricate all our spiritual being, and to cause it to run
easily—1 Cor. 13:4-8.
2. Love is the Life to rejuvenate, so that everything may blossom fruitfully
—John 15:10-16.
3. Love is the Affection to captivate, and to cause us to go with others
willingly—Ruth 1:16, 17.
4. Love is the Power to consecrate, which causes us to sacrifice ardently—1
Sam. 18:3, 4.
5. Love is the Spring to animate, which will cause us to do something for
the benefit of others—1 Chron. 11:17-19.
6. Love is a Tonic to stimulate, to give wings to our feet in service—John
20:4.
7. Love is the Grace to elevate, to lift us above the plain of self—Gal. 2:20.
 538. Love for the Book
"O How I Love Thy Law" Psa. 119:97
Spurgeon's love for the Bible is happily illustrated in the following, found on
the copy he used:
C. H. Spurgeon, 1856. "The lamp of my study—"The light is bright as ever,
1861.
"Oh, that mine eyes were more opened, 1864.
"Being worn to pieces, rebound 1870. The lantern mended and the light as
joyous to mine eyes as ever."
Mark the growing appreciation of the Book. In 1856 the Word was the "lamp
of my study;" in 1861 his appetite is as keen as ever; in 1864 his prayer is
intense for opened eyes, and in 1870 "the light as joyous as ever." May we
have a like appreciation. If we love the Word of the Lord, we shall be like the
Psalmist in Psalm 119.
1. Delight in God's commandments, "which I have loved" (v. 47).
2. Lift up our hands in appeal, for we shall say, "my hands also will I lift up
unto Thy commandments which I have loved" (v. 48).
3. Meditate in God's law "all the day," and say, "O how I love Thy law" (v.
97).
4. If we love God's law, we shall turn away from our own thoughts—v. 113.
5. Gold will have a subordinate place if we love God's commandments—v.
127.
6. Because God's Word is "very pure" we shall say, "Thy servant loveth it"
(v. 140).
7. We shall be able to say if we love God's Word, "Consider how I love Thy
precepts" (v. 159).
8. We shall turn away from the evil and keep to the good —v. 163.
9. We shall enjoy "great peace" through loving God's law—v. 165.
10. As we go on keeping God's testimonies we shall "love them exceedingly"
(v. 167).
 539. "Love" in John 15
1. The Source of Love. "The Father hath loved" (v. 9).
2. The Correspondence of Love. "As the Father hath loved Me, so have I
loved you" (v. 9).
3. The Continuance of Love. "Continue ye in My love" (v. 9).
4. The Command of Love. "My" commandment, that ye love one another"
(v. 12, 17).
5. The Example of Love. "As I have loved you" (v. 12).
6. The Proof of Love. "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My
love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love"
(v. 10).
7. The Superlative of Love. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man
lay down his life for his friends" (v. 13).
 540. Love of God
1. Unmerited in its object—1 John 4:10.
2. Unsought in its action—Rom. 5:8.
3. Universal in its offer—John 3:16.
4. Unbounded in its work—Eph. 2:4.
5. Unknown in its fullness—Eph. 3:19.
6. Unbroken in its ministry—Rom. 8:39.
7. Unending in its character—Jer. 31:3.
 541. Love of God
1. Inextinguishable in its flame of affection—Song of Sol. 8:7.
2. Inexhaustible in its flow of supply—Rom. 8:32-37.
3. Indefatigable in its attention of service—John 13:12.
4. Indispensable in its sustenance of grace—Eph. 2:4, 5.
5. Instant in its readiness of help—2 Cor. 5:14.
6. Immutable in its unchangingness of character—1 John 4:16.
7. Inseparable in its strength of holding—Rom. 8:39.
 542. Love's Characteristics
In Deuteronomy 26
This chapter is the unfolding of what Jehovah was to His people, and the
consequent obligation which rested upon them to be to Him. Twelve times
the sentence, "The Lord thy God" occurs (1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 10, 11, 13, 16,
19), "Lord" occurs five times (3, 7, 8, 17, 18), "Lord God of our fathers"
occurs once (v. 7), "O Lord" occurs once (v. 10), "Lord my God" occurs once
(v. 14), "Thy God" occurs once (v. 17). The fitness and fullness of these
several uses of the Name of Jehovah and Elohim are full of speaking
eloquence. There are seven things the Lord did for His people.
1. Love's Giving. "The land which the Lord thy God giveth" (v. 1, 2). The
cause of the Lord's giving is not found in Israel's deserving, but in His grace.
The same holds good with us in Christ. Ponder the "when we were" of
Romans 5:6, the "while we were" of Romans 5:8, "when we were" of
Romans 5:10, and "Even when we were" of Ephesians 2:5.
2. Love's Looking. "The Lord... looked on our affliction, and our labor, and
oppression" (v. 7). He saw the "oppression" of their bondage, the "labor" of
their toil, and the bitterness of their "affliction." Sin is an exactor, and a hard
task-master, but the Lord sees and succors when we cry out in heart-anguish.
See the fourteen things said of what we were before we believed in Christ, in
Ephesians 2.
3. Love's Deliverance. "The Lord brought us forth out of Egypt" (v. 8).
Jehovah not only protected Israel in Egypt, but He brought them out of it. His
power and wonders were manifest in doing so, and His skill was displayed.
Also the "greatness of His power" was unfolded in Christ's resurrection and
our quickening from the death of sin—See Eph. 1:19 to 2:1.
4. Love's Placement. "He hath brought us into this place" (v. 9). The land of
Canaan is typical of the fullness of the blessing in Christ. What does that
fullness mean? Satisfaction of heart, peace of mind, joy of soul, victory over
sin, meekness for service, communion with God, and blessing to others.
5. Love's Commands. "The Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do" (v.
13-19). Privileges always bring responsibilities. Obligations rest upon those
who have received benefits. Affection commands duties. Love demands
obedience. Faith proves itself by devotion, and love by consecration.
6. Love's Avouchment. "The Lord hath avouched thee this day to be His
peculiar people" (v. 18). The Lord's portion is His people, and also His
treasure. He speaks as if He could not do without us, we certainly cannot do
without Him; and not only so, but He avouches, that is, solemnly promises,
that it is so. His work of grace, His worth of Person, and His word of promise
places Him under His own loving obligation.
7. Love's Making. "He hath made thee... that thou mayest be an holy people
unto the Lord thy God" (v. 19). The fame of holiness is the highest of all
fame, providing we remember the Holy One makes us holy. When we are
well in soul through the health of holiness, we have the wealth of happiness.
His making is the cause of our doing, and the inspiration of our life.
 543. Love's Superlativeness
1. Love is seen in its highest form—1 John 3:16.
2. Love is revealed in its lowest stoop—1 John 4:9.
3. Love is made known in its purest grace—1 John 4:10.
4. Love is manifest in its greatest sacrifice—John 3:16.
5. Love is unveiled in its sublimest essence—1 John 4:8.
6. Love is bestowed in its mightiest power—1 John 4:16.
7. Love is communicated in its intensest blessing—1 John 4:17-21.
 544. Love's Character
"The Love of God" Rom. 5:5
1. Divine in its nature. "God is Love" (1 John 4:8, 16).
2. Definite in its giving. "God so loved... He gave" (John 3:16).
3. Decisive in its assurance. "As My Father hath loved Me, so have I" (John
15:9).
4. Deliberate in its service. "Having loved... He loved to the end" (John
13:1).
5. Dominating in its power. "The love of Christ constraineth" (2 Cor. 5:14).
6. Durable in its affection. "I have loved thee with an everlasting love" (Jer.
31:3).
7. Dedicating in its influence. "He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and
God in him" (1 John 4:16).
 545. Love's Unfailingness
1. Love's unfailing Promise—Joshua 23:14.
2. Love's unfailing Supply—1 Kings 17:14.
3. Love's unfailing Faithfulness—Psa. 89:33.
4. Love's unfailing Compassions—Lam. 3:22.
5. Love's unfailing Word—Luke 16:17.
6. Love's unfailing Strength—Isa. 40:26.
7. Love's unfailing Presence—Deut. 31:6.
 546. Lusts of the Flesh
1. Evil in their character—Col. 3:5.
2. Deceitful in their appearance—Eph. 4:22.
3. Varied in their manifestation—Rom. 7:8; 2 Tim. 3:6; Titus 3:3.
4. Fleeting in their enjoyment—1 John 2:17.
5. Hurtful in their embrace—1 Tim. 6:9; 1 Peter 2:11.
6. Personal in their origin—2 Tim. 4:3; 2 Peter 3:3; Jude 16, 18.
7. Captivating in their influence—James 1:14.
 547. "Manifold"
1. An Observing God. "I know your manifold transgressions" (Amos. 5:12).
2. A Merciful Lord. "According to Thy manifold mercies" (Neh. 9:19, 27).
3. A Surprising Worker. "O Lord, how manifold are Thy works" (Psa.
104:24).
4. A Wonderful Structure. "The Church, the manifold wisdom of God"
(Eph. 3:10).
5. A Weighty Responsibility. "Stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1
Peter 4:10).
6. A Trying Time. "Divers (same word) temptations" (James 1:2). "Manifold
temptations" (1 Peter 1:6).
7. An Overflowing Reward. "Who shall not receive manifold more," etc.
(Luke 18:30).
 548. Manna
The manna, as we know from Christ's teaching, is a type of Himself as the
Bread from Heaven—John 6:32, 33. The typical teaching of the manna may
be gathered from the following.
1. It was round in appearance—Exod. 16:14; suggestive of Christ, who is the
Eternal One, without beginning and without end—Rev. 1:8.
2. It was small in size—Exod. 16:14; typical of Christ, who became a Babe
in Bethlehem, and was a Man among men—Luke 2:11, 12, 16.
3. It was white in color—Exod. 16:31; which indicates Christ as the
Righteous One—Heb. 7:26.
4. It was sweet to the taste, it is said to be like wafers made with honey—
Exod. 16:31; typical of Christ as the precious One, whose Word is often
compared to honey—Psa. 19:10.
5. It is compared to Coriander seed, which was used as a condiment—Exod.
16:31; and may be taken as typical of Christ, who will season all our life with
His presence and grace—Col. 3:15, 16; 4:6.
6. It is further described as having the taste of sweet oil—Num. 11:8; and is
typical of Christ, who is ever fresh in the livingness of His love and truth—
Heb. 13:8.
7. It is further identified with the dew which fell upon the ground—Num.
11:9; and may be taken to represent the fact that Christ can only be known
and appreciated through the ministry of the Holy Spirit—Eph. 3:16, 17.
 549. "Many"
1. "Many infallible proofs" given by Christ (Acts 1:3).
2. "Many wonders and signs" were done by Him (Acts 2:43).
3. Christ was seen "many days" after His resurrection (Acts 13:31).
4. "Many believed in the Lord" (Acts 9:42).
5. "Suffer many things" (Matt. 16:21).
6. "Many were gathered together" unto Him (Mark 2:2).
7. "Many of His disciples went with Him" (Luke 7:11).
 550. Marks of a Disciple in Galatians 6
Galatians 6:17
1. A "spirit of meekness" (v. 1).
2. A bearing of burdens—v. 2.
3. A proving of work—v. 3.
4. A sowing to the Spirit—v. 8.
5. A continuance in well-doing—v. 9.
6. Doing good to others—v. 10.
7. Glorying in the Cross—v. 14.
 551. Meeting the Lord
1. The place of meeting. The Blood-stained Mercy Seat—Exod. 25:22; 30:6,
36.
2. The Person to meet. God Himself—Exod. 19:17.
3. Meeting Christ with praise—John 12:13.
4. Going forth to meet the Bridegroom—Matt. 25:1, 6.
5. Caught up to meet the Lord in the air—1 Thess. 4:17.
 552. Meetness
1. A Qualified Believer. Made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light
—Col. 1:12.
2. A True Penitent. Bringing forth "fruits meet for repentance" (Matt. 3:8;
Acts 26:20).
3. A Sanctified Worker. "Sanctified and meet for the Master's use" (2 Tim.
2:21).
4. A Diligent Teacher. "I think it meet to stir you up" (2 Peter 1:13).
5. A Humble Apostle. "I am not meet to be called an apostle" (1 Cor. 15:9).
 553. Meet Things
1. Fruits Meet for Repentance. "Bring forth fruits meet for repentance"
(Matt. 3:8).
2. Joy Meet for the Occasion. "It was meet we should make merry" (Luke
15:32).
3. Saints Meet for the Inheritance. "Made meet for the inheritance of the
saints in light" (Col. 1:12).
4. Vessels made Meet for Service. "Meet for the Master's use (2 Tim. 2:21).
5. Soldiers Meet for the Conflict. "Pass over all that are meet for the war"
(Deut. 3:18).
6. Praise Meet for the Subjects. "We are bound to thank God for you, as it
is meet" (2 Thess. 1:3).
7. Judgment Meet for the Sinner. "Receiving... that recompense... that was
meet" (Rom. 1:27).
 554. Mercy
Those Who Cry for Mercy Obtain the Mercy for Which They Cry
1. The Lord's mercy is "great" in character (Num. 14:18, 19).
2. "Plenteous" in blessing (Psa. 86:15).
3. "Everlasting" in extent (Psa. 100:5).
4. "Good" in help (Psa. 109:21).
5. "Delighting" in action (Micah 7:18).
6. "Tender" in bestowment (Luke 1:78).
7. "Rich" in wealth (Eph. 2:4).
8. "Abundant" in supply (1 Peter 1:3).
 555. "Me's" of Prayer
1. The penitent sinner's cry is, "Lord, be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke
18:13).
2. The feeble saint's petition is, "Keep me as the apple of the eye" (Psa.
17:8).
3. The ignorant scholar's request is, "Teach me Thy paths" (Psa. 25:4).
4. The tempted warrior's supplication is, "Let not mine enemies triumph
over me" (Psa. 25:2).
5. The troubled disciple's cry is, "Lord save me" (Matt. 14:30).
6. The searched one's petition is, "Lead me in the way everlasting" (Psa.
139:24).
7. The believing suppliant's prayer is, "Lord, remember me" (Luke 23:42).
 556. Message of the Gospel
Of Philip's message it is said, "He preached Christ unto them in Samaria, and
the things concerning the Kingdom of God;" and when he spoke to the
eunuch "he preached unto him Jesus." Christ should be proclaimed in the—
1. Personality of His Divine Sonship—Acts 9:20.
2. Propitiation of His Glorious Death—1 John 2:2.
3. Power of His Mighty Resurrection—Acts 4:33.
4. Pardoning of His Gracious Love—Acts 13:38, 39.
5. Peace of His Holy Calm—Acts 10:36.
6. Plan of His Outlined Purpose—Acts 15:13-18.
7. Promise of His Practical Blessing—Acts 3:19, R.V. When the Gospel is
thus proclaimed, there must be results.
The hearers will either be "pricked in their hearts" to their conviction and
conversion, as on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37), or they will be "cut to the
heart," to their ultimate condemnation and consternation (Acts 7:54).
 557. Millennial Reign of Christ
Described in Psalm 72
1. Righteousness will be the principle of His reign—v. 1, 2.
2. Peace will be the character of His reign—v. 3.
3. Beneficence will be the blessing of His reign—v. 4, 6, 11-13, 14.
4. Universality will be the extent of His reign—v. 8, 11, 17.
5. Prosperity will be the consequence of His reign—v. 7, 16.
6. Victory over His enemies will be the outcome of His reign—v. 9.
7. The kings of the earth will acknowledge His reign—v. 10, 11, 17.
8. Longevity will be the time of His reign—v. 17.
9. Appreciation will be given in acknowledgment of His reign—v. 15.
 558. Millennium—What Is It?
"A Thousand Years" Rev. 20:2, 3, 4
1. The Millennium will be inaugurated by the Personal Return of Christ,
when He will remove everything that offends, or is a stumbling-block—Matt.
13:41.
2. The Millennium will see the Jews converted to Christ at its inception—
Zech. 12:10, and the lost ten tribes will be united to Judah, and become one
nation—Ezek. 36, 37.
3. In the Millennium Jerusalem will be the centre of God's administration
—Jer. 3:17; Micah 4:8, and Palestine will be altered in its geographical
appearance—Zech. 14:4, 10, and extent—Ezek. 48.
4. During the Millennium the land of Palestine and the earth will become
more fertile and fruitful—Psa. 67:6; Ezek. 34:27.
5. In the Millennium the animal creation will be delivered into the liberty of
the glory of the children of God—Rom. 8:20, 21, R.V.
6. In the Millennium men will learn war no more, and will beat their
implements of slaughter into implements of agriculture—Hosea 2:18; Micah
4:3.
7. In the Millennium death will be the exception, and life will be greatly
increased in its longevity—Isa. 65:20-23.
8. In the Millennium Satan will be shut up in the abyss, therefore the
tempter will not do his fell work—Rev. 20:1, 2.
9. The character of the rule in the Millennium will be an administration of
righteousness—Isa. 32:1; Acts 17:31.
10. The Holy Spirit will be poured out upon "all flesh" in the Millennium—
Joel. 2:28, 29.
11. Israel will have great spiritual blessing—Jer. 32:37-41.
12. In the Millennium nations will be blest with Israel, especially Egypt and
Assyria—Isa. 19:23-25.
13. In the Millennium Jerusalem will be rebuilt and a new temple, and
religious worship will be in operation, although not the same as in the past—
Ezek. 40 to 47.
14. The Lord will be "King over all the earth," and all nations will worship
Him—Zech. 14:9; Isa. 2:2, in the Millennium.
 559. Millennium Indicated
In a Gospel Scene
In Mark 6:45-56 we have the record of how Christ constrained His disciples
to cross the lake while He went up into a mountain, how He saw them toiling
in rowing, how He came to them just before daybreak, how He stilled the
tempest, and they were safe to land, and then how He went on His way
healing the sick.
The whole scene is pictorial of the sequence of events.
1. Christ constrained His disciples to get into a boat and go over to the other
side of the lake. This is a picture of how He has made us in the boat of
existence to voyage on the lake of life.
2. Having "taken leave" of the disciples, He went up into a mountain to
pray, which may be taken to represent His departure to the right hand of
God, where He ever liveth to make intercession for us.
3. While on the mountain He saw the disciples as they were "distressed in
rowing" (R.V.). Christ sees us in all our toils, sorrows, and difficulties.
4. He came to the disciples in the fourth watch of the night, just before
daybreak. He also is coming to His own before the daybreak of the
Millennium to take us to Himself.
5. When Christ came to the disciples, the tempest was stilled, and He
brought them safe to land. So when our Lord comes for His own we shall
have the stillness of His peace in its fullest sense, and be safe in a glorified
Body with Himself.
6. Afterwards He went to the land of Gennesaret, and all who sought Him for
healing and health were made whole. So when Christ comes in His power to
the earth with the Redeemed, He will heal poor broken humanity, and bless
the whole earth.
 560. Millennium Pictured
In Christ's Transfiguration
"He made known His power and coming" 2 Peter 1:16, 18 We are warranted
in saying the transfiguration pictures the Millennium, for Christ said before it,
"But I tell you of a truth there be some standing here which shall not taste of
death till they see the Kingdom of God. And it came to pass about eight days
after these sayings," He was transfigured (Luke 9:27, 28), and this
transfiguration Peter states was prophetic, for He "made known" "His power
and coming," "when we were with Him in the Holy Mount" (2 Peter 1:16-
18).
The whole scene on the Mount and its sequence is full of suggestion.
1. We have the glorified Christ as the Object of wonder and praise. "We saw
His glory" (John 1:14), and as the glorified One He will be seen.
2. Moses was one of the two who "appeared in glory" (Luke 9:31), and he is
a type of those who have fallen asleep, but who will be raised and glorified
when Christ comes—Phil. 3:20, 21.
3. Elijah is a type of those who will be alive when Christ returns, and like
Elijah will never die, but be caught away to meet Christ in the air—1 Thess.
4:17.
4. Peter, James, and John are typical of the Jewish nation, who will see
Christ coming with ten thousand of His holy ones, when He comes to be
glorified in His saints—Zech. 14:5; 2 Thess. 1:10.
5. Christ coming down from the Mount with His disciples, and meeting the
devil-torn child—Luke 9:37-43, and His emancipating the child from the
Devil, is a type of Christ delivering poor demon-possessed humanity when
He comes to set up His kingdom, and in delivering the oppressed—Psa. 72:4.
6. Christ sending forth, "after these things," the seventy to preach the Gospel
of "the Kingdom of God" (Luke 10:1-11), is typical of that time when the
nation of Israel will be proclaimers that Christ reigns.
7. It was after the seventy had returned and told Christ what they had seen
and done, for "in that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit," and said, "All things are
delivered to Me of My Father" (Matt. 11:12-27).
 561. "Mind to Work"
"The People Had a Mind to Work" (Neh. 4:6)
If we have "a mind to work" we shall do our best for the Lord. See how
Nehemiah's mind to work worked out.
1. He prayed in the face of opposition—4:4, 5.
2. He watched against the inroads of conspiracy—7-9.
3. He was the more careful because of the wiliness of his enemies, and the
feebleness of his friends—10-14.
4. His vigilance was rewarded with success—15-23.
5. He got the people to say "Amen" to the Word of the Lord when
differences arose amongst themselves—5:1-13.
6. He had confidence in prayer that God would think of him, since he had
thought of God and His people—14-19.
7. His mind to work was evidenced in that he minded to work till it was
finished—6:15, 16.
 562. "Mine Eyes"
1. Cause of Confession. "Mine eyes have seen the King" (Isa. 6:5).
2. Cause of Content. "For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation" (Luke 2:30).
3. Cause of Consecration. "For Thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes"
(Psa. 26:3).
4. Cause of Confession. "He hath opened mine eyes" (John 9:30).
5. Cause of Rest. "For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mines eyes
from tears, and my feet from falling" (Psa. 116:8).
6. Cause of Faith. "Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for He shall pluck
my feet out of the net" (Psa. 25:15).
7. Cause of Hope. "Mine eyes shall behold, and not another" (Job. 19:27).
 563. Mistakes and Molders of Life
Judge Rintoul, of the City of London Court, gave an extremely interesting
address when he spoke to the members of the Bartholomew Club, on "The
Fourteen Mistakes of Life." He said pathetically: "I think I have the greatest
fitness for speaking on this subject, because I have committed every one of
them." And this is the list he gave:
1. To attempt to set up our own standard of right and wrong, and expect
everybody to conform to it.
2. To try to measure the enjoyment of others by our own.
3. To expect uniformity of opinion in this world.
4. To look for judgment and experience in youth.
5. To Endeavour to mold all dispositions alike.
6. Not to yield in unimportant trifles.
7. To look for perfection in our own actions.
8. To worry ourselves and others about what cannot be remedied.
9. Not to alleviate if we can all that needs alleviation.
10. Not to make allowances for the weakness of others.
11. To consider anything impossible that we cannot ourselves perform.
12. To believe only what our finite minds can grasp.
13. To live as if the moment, the time, the day, were so important that it
would live for ever.
14. To estimate people by some outside quality, for it is that within which
makes the man.
When we turn to the pages of Holy Writ, we find the opposites to what Judge
Rintoul says about mistakes.
1. The Rule of Life is found in the ten commandments—Exod. 20:1-17.
2. The Example of Life is to be like Christ; that is, to bring enjoyment to
others—Acts 10:38.
3. The Word of Life is to think with God, and thus to think with each other—
John 17:21.
4. The Wisdom of Life is to listen to the voice of experience and wisdom—
Prov. 1:8.
5. The Aim of Life is to please the Lord—2 Cor. 5:9, R.V.
6. The Kindness of Life is to yield to others when no principle of right is
involved—Rom. 14:10-16.
7. The Secret of Life is for Christ to live within us, for He alone can produce
perfection in us—Gal. 2:20.
8. The Joy of Life is to be "anxious for nothing," thankful for anything, and
prayerful in everything—Phil. 4:6, 7.
9. The Work of Life is to alleviate all the misery we can, and thus bring joy to
ourselves—Heb. 13:16.
10. The Help of Life is to remove the weaknesses we see in others, not
forgetting the weakness in ourselves—Gal. 6:1-3.
11. The Unity of Life is to remember that no man lives to himself, and that
we cannot do without each other, any more than one member of the body can
do without the other—1 Cor. 12:14-27.
12. The Fact of Life cannot be explained by the finite, therefore, there are
many things which are beyond human comprehension—Job 11:7.
13. The Future of Life is ever before us; therefore, to live only in the present
moment is the greatest folly—Luke 12:16-40.
14. The Inness of Life is its true character; therefore, to estimate things or
people by an outside quality is to miss the guiding principle, that the unseen
things are the real, and the seen things are the unreal—2 Cor. 4:18.
 564. "My Feet"
1. Set Feet. "Set my feet in a large room" (Psa. 31:8; 40:2).
2. Delivered Feet. "Delivered my feet from falling" (Psa. 116:8).
3. Refrained Feet. "I have refrained my feet" (Psa. 119:101).
4. Illuminated Feet. "Thy Word a lamp unto my feet" (Psa. 119:105).
5. Sure Feet. "He maketh my feet like hind's feet" (Psa. 18:33).
6. Pierced Feet. "They pierced my feet" (Psa. 22:16).
7. Victorious Feet. "Fallen under my feet" (Psa. 18:38).
 565. "Mountains a Way"
"I Will Make All My Mountains a Way" (Isa. 49:11)
Some mountains in Scripture are specially God's mountains, and they are
always a way to something.
1. Mount Moriah is the way to see God's gracious provision—Gen. 22:14.
2. Mount Horeb is the way to God's revelation of His covenant—Exod. 3:1;
40:27.
3. Mount Sinai is the way to conviction and commission—see the mount as
mentioned in Exod. 19; 24; 25:40; 26:30; 27:8; 31:18; Heb. 8:5; 12:18.
4. Mount Hor is the way to translation—Num. 20:22-28.
5. Mount Nebo is the way to discipline and vision—Deut. 32:49, 50.
6. Mount Zion is the way to victory and joy—Psa. 48:2; Obad. 17;
Revelation. 14:1.
7. Mount of Olivet is the way to Christ—Matt. 24:3; Mark 14:26; Luke
22:39; John 8:1; Acts 1:12; Zech. 14:4.
 566. Muse On Calvary
Muse on Calvary, and let that moving scene move us to act in soul for Him
who acted in love for us, and let us—
1. Believe in Him trustfully—Gal. 2:20.
2. Live to Him thoroughly—2 Cor. 5:14-16.
3. Love Him supremely—Eph. 5:1, 2.
4. Separate to Him wholly—Gal. 1:4.
5. Follow Him exclusively—1 Peter 2:21-24.
6. Praise Him gratefully—Rev. 1:5.
7. Expect Him hopefully—Titus 2:13, 14.
 567. "My"
There Are Nine "My's" in 2 Samuel 22:2, 3

1. Security. “Jehovah is my Rock.”

2. Safety. “My Fortress.”

3. Deliver. “My Deliverer.”

4. Stability. “God is my Rock.”

5. Shield. “My Shield.”

6. Strength. “Horn of my salvation.”

7. Exaltation. “My High Tower.”

8. Refuge. “My Refuge.”

9. Savior. “My Savior.”

 568. "Moved" Persons
1. A Compassionate Savior. "Moved with compassion " (Matt. 9:36; 14:14;
18:27; Mark 1:41; 6:34).
2. A Jealous Band. "Moved with indignation concerning the two" (Matt.
20:24, R.V.; see Acts 7:9).
3. A Stirred City. "All the city was moved" (R.V., "stirred"), "saying, Who is
this?" (Matt. 21:10).
4. An Envious Crowd. "The Jews, which believed not, moved with envy,
took unto them certain lewd fellows... gathered a crowd" etc. (Acts 17:5,
R.V.).
5. A Faithful Worker. "Noah... moved with fear, prepared an ark" (Heb.
11:7).
6. An Anointed Company. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by
the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21).
7. A Tender Heart. "When He saw him, He was moved with compassion"
(Luke 10:33, R.V.).
 569. "My Confession"
1. Christ for Me. Salvation—Rom. 5:8.
2. Christ in Me. Sanctification—Gal. 2:20.
3. Complete in Him. Supply—Col. 2:10, R.V.
 570. "My God"
"O My God, I Trust in Thee" (Psa. 25:2)
See the words "my God" as to what relationship with Him means in the
following Scriptures:
1. All need supplied—Phil. 4:19.
2. All enemies defeated—Psa. 7:1.
3. All safety found—Psa. 18:2.
4. All light given—Psa. 18:28.
5. All healing bestowed—Psa. 30:2.
6. All worship rendered—Psa. 43:4.
7. All thirst satisfied—Psa. 63:1.
 571. Name of Jesus
Bernard says: "Jesus is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, and joy in the
heart."
An old coloured woman who had learned the alphabet, said: "Now I want to
spell Jesus, for 'pears like the rest will come easier if I learn to spell that
blessed Name first."
1. Music in His Name—Acts 1:1.
2. Majesty of His Name—Acts 2:36.
3. Might of His Name—Acts 4:2; 5:30, 31.
4. Message of His Name—Acts 8:35.
5. Magnetism of His Name—Acts 9:5, 17, 27.
6. Melody of His Name—Acts 17:3.
7. Meaning of His Name—Matt. 1:21.
 572. Nazarite
"Nazarite" comes from "Nawzar," to separate. If we ponder Numbers 6 we
shall find a sevenfold separation stated and suggested.
1. Separation from the common run—v. 2.
2. Separation from uncleanness—v. 7.
3. Separation from strong drink and all its associations—v. 3, 4.
4. Separation from all that is associated with death—v. 6.
5. Separation from the cuttings of man—v. 5.
6. Separation from unclean food—v. 4.
7. Separation from self—v. 2, etc.
 573. Nehemiah's Prayer
"I beseech thee" (1:4, 5, 6, 8, 11; 2:4). Couple with "I beseech," "I pray," and
"I prayed." Burns says, "They never sought in vain that sought the Lord
aright;" and Coleridge declares, "He prayeth best who loveth best." Prayer is
—
1. The empty hand of need—Jas. 5:15, 16.
2. The call for aid—Luke 6:12.
3. The expression of faith—Acts 1:14.
4. The reliance of trust—Phil. 4:6.
5. The desire of love—Acts 12:5.
6. The work of grace—Col. 4:12.
7. The bloom of holiness—1 Tim. 4:5.
8. The communion of saints—Eph. 6:18.
 574. Nehemiah's Weeping
"I Sat Down and Wept" 1:4
The condition of things so burdened Nehemiah that he "sat down and wept,"
and more than that, he "mourned and fasted and prayed," and he did all
"before the God of Heaven." Christ did the same when He saw the city in its
sins and sorrow—Luke 19:41. Recall—
1. The tears of Abraham's sorrow—Gen. 23:2.
2. The tears of Josiah's repentance—2 Chron. 34:27.
3. The tears of the sinner's love—Luke 7:38.
4. Joseph's tears of sympathy—Gen. 45:2.
5. Israel's tears of complaint—Num. 11:4.
6. Peter's tears of regret—Luke 22:62.
7. Jesus' tears of compassion—John 11:35.
 575. New Birth
Christ repeated the necessity for the new birth twice to Nicodemus—John
3:3, 7. The Lord Jesus does not argue the matter with Nicodemus, but keeps
to this great necessity, if he would see and enter into the presence of God,
namely, that he must "be born again."
1. The necessity of the new birth is seen, because man is a sinner—Rom. 8:7,
8.
2. The Author of it is the Father—John 1:13.
3. The procuring cause of it is the Lord Jesus—1 John 5:1.
4. The Effective Agent is the Holy Spirit—John 3:6.
5. The instrument by which the Spirit accomplishes His purpose is the Word
of God—1 Peter 1:23.
6. The evidence of it is brought out by John in his First Epistle—see 2:29;
3:9; 4:7; 5:1; 5:18.
 576. New Things in the New Creation
2 Cor. 5:17, Margin
1. A New Aim. To please the Lord—v. 9, R.V.
2. A New Association. Oneness with the Lord—v. 14.
3. A New Attitude. To live "unto Him" who loved us—v. 15.
4. A New Activity. To walk by faith—v. 7.
5. A New Attachment. To be fused by the love of Christ—v. 14.
6. A New Ambassage. To deliver the message of reconciliation—v. 20.
7. A New Assurance about the future—v. 1-7.
 577. Non-Consenters
1. The holy ones not consenting to idolatry—Deut. 13:8.
2. The world not consenting to the request of God's people—Judges 11:17.
3. God's people not consenting to the world's demand—1 Kings 20:8.
4. The saint not consenting to the sinner's enticement—Proverbs 1:10.
5. The godly man not consenting to Christ's death—Luke 23:51.
6. The servant of Christ not consenting to remain and minister—Acts 18:20.
7. The professor not consenting to God's truth—1 Tim. 6:3.
 578. "No Orders, Except From the King"
Or, "Seven Times Go, From God"
There are seven commands which the Lord alone gives. These commands are
found in seven "Go's."
1. Adjustment. "Go and tell him of his fault" (Matt. 18:15).
2. Activity. "Go and work today" (Matt. 21:28).
3. Alertness. "Go out and meet Him" (Matt. 25:6).
4. Attention. "Go home to thy friends and tell," etc. (Mark 5:19).
5. Fruitfulness. "Go and bring forth fruit" (John 15:16).
6. Separation. "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11).
7. Testimony. "Go and preach the Gospel" (Mark 16:15). When our Lord
says "Go," faith recognizes His authority, and love is swift to respond to His
direction.
 579. "Not I, but Christ"
"As you grow in your art," said Gounod, to the young poet, "you will judge
the great masters of the past as I now judge the. great musicians of former
times. At your age I used to say 'I,' at twenty-five I said, 'I and Mozart,' at
forty, 'Mozart and I;' now I say, 'Mozart'." The same thing is illustrated in the
life of the believer who is growing in grace. At first the cry is:
1. "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30).
2. Then, "That I may be found in Christ" (Phil. 3:9).
3. Then, "Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20).
4. Lastly, "Christ is All" (Col. 3:11).
 580. "Nots"
There are some "not's" which God's children need to ponder, namely:
1. The "forget not" of remembered mercies (Psa. 103:2).
2. The "fear not" of gracious presence (Isa. 41:10).
3. The "let not" of dominating sin (Rom. 6:12).
4. The "look not" of prohibitive command (Prov. 23:31).
5. The "love not" of an ensnaring world (1 John 2:15).
6. The "sin not" of entire separation (1 Cor. 15:34).
7. The "say not" of careful speech (Rom. 10:6).
 581. Nots in Ecclesiastes 5:1-10
Negatives become positives if we heed them.
1. Watchfulness. "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God" (v. 1).
2. Considerateness. "Be not rash with thy mouth" (v. 2).
3. Slowness. "Let not thine heart be hasty to utter" (v. 2).
4. Faithfulness. "Defer not to pay thy vow" (v. 4).
5. Carefulness. "Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin" (v. 6).
6. Look Up. "Marvel not" (v. 8). There is One above who sees all, therefore
keep calm and cool.
7. Dissatisfaction. "Shall not be satisfied" (v. 10).
 582. "Not Worthy"
1. An Unworthy Forerunner. "I am not worthy" (John 1:27).
2. An Unworthy Disciple. "Taketh not his cross... is not worthy of Me"
(Matt. 10:38).
3. Unworthy Guests. "They which were bidden were not worthy" (Matt.
22:8).
4. An Unworthy Son. "I am no more worthy to be called thy son" (Luke
15:19, 21).
5. Unworthy Sufferings. "Sufferings of this present time, not worthy to be
compared with the glory" (Rom. 8:18).
6. An Unworthy World. "Of whom the world was not worthy" (Heb. 11:38).
7. A Humble Suppliant. "I am not worthy" (Matt. 8:8).
 583. "Now"
The present tense of the Christian life is what faith recognizes and enjoys.
The word "nun" is rendered "present" in Romans 11:5, and "at this time" in 1
Corinthians 16:12. The following seven nows in Romans will illustrate.
1. Mercy Obtained. "Now have obtained mercy" (Rom. 11:30). We could
never attain to the blessings of the Lord, but we can obtain them, for they are
all offered to us in Christ.
2. Righteousness Manifested. "But now the righteousness of God without
the law is manifested" (Rom. 3:21). God can righteously save those who
believe in Christ, for He is the righteous One for us in life and death.
3. Justification Declared. "Being now justified by His blood" (Rom. 5:9).
The blood of Christ's atonement is the procuring cause of every blessing, and
not least among them is that God accounts us righteous in Him.
4. Reconciliation Received. "By whom we have now received the
reconciliation" (margin, Rom. 5:11). Peace with God is the result of the work
of Christ, who has made peace for us by the blood of His Cross.
5. "Righteousness unto Holiness." "Even so now yield your members
servants to righteousness unto holiness" (Rom. 6:19). Consecration is an act
and an attitude. A definite act of yielding to God, and a constant attitude of
rightness and separation to Him.
6. "No Condemnation." "There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1, R.V.). Christ has been judged for our
sin and sins, and, therefore, for our sin and sins, believers will never be
judged.
7. "Salvation Nearer." "Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed"
(Rom. 13:11). The salvation which is "nearer" is the salvation of the body.
This is the consummation of redemption.
 584. "Now" of the Believer's Blessing
It is a good thing to know our present blessings in Christ. Among the many
which the spirit says are ours "now" are the following:
1. Relationship. "Now are we the children of God" (1 John 3:2). The God-
given right of children gives the children the right to all the Father possesses.
2. Reconciliation. "Now hath He reconciled" (Col. 1:21). Christ did not die
to reconcile God to us, for He never went away from us, but He died to
reconcile us to God, and to kill in us all that was associated with a state of
enmity.
3. Illumination. "Now are ye light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8). As to the past, we
were in a condition of "darkness;" as to the present, we are light in the Lord;
and as to the future, we are to "walk as children of the light."
4. Emancipation. "Now being made free from sin" (Rom. 6:22). Sin was our
master, but when grace mastered us we were freed from the old servitude,
that we might know the liberty of Christ's bondage.
5. Nearness. "Now in Christ Jesus ye... are made nigh by the Blood of
Christ" (Eph. 2:13). We are nearer than angels, for in the Person of God's Son
we are as near as He. Being "made nigh," let us keep near.
6. Union. "Now hath God set the members... in the body" (1 Cor. 12:18). He
hath set us in our place, and well placed in Christ. Let us keep our place by
holding the Head and the members.
7. Abiding. "Now little children, abide in Him" (1 John 2:28). There is only
one way to abide in Him, and that is by obedience. Those who keep His
commandments abide in Him, and He. also abides in them—1 John 3:24.
 585. Notable Commands
Num. 13:1-3, 17-33
There are certain words and expressions which we may take as hubs around
which the spokes of thought are found. The—v. 1. "Get You Up" of
Commission (v. 17). Moses bids the spies go search the land and see what
kind it was, and as to the inhabitants that dwelt in it. It is well to know the
strength and character of the enemy we have to conquer. As with Israel, so
with us, when the Lord bids us to go in a given direction, it matters not how
great the difficulties, or how formidable the foe, we shall have grace to
surmount the one and to overcome the other. With every "Go" of command
He gives us the "Lo" of His presence—Matt. 28:19, 20.
2. "Be of Good Courage" of Fortitude (v. 20). True courage is the outcome
of the fear of God. He who fears God need fear no foe. He who has looked
into the face of God can look in the face of any man. True courage has
consistency as its forerunner—Joshua 1:6, 7.
3. "Nevertheless" of Unbelief (v. 28). Unbelief always magnifies difficulties
and makes them far larger than they are. "There is always a 'nevertheless'
where man is concerned, and when unbelief is at work. The unbelieving spies
saw the difficulties—great cities, high walls, tall giants. All these things they
saw; but they did not see Jehovah at all. They looked at the things that were
seen, rather than at the things which were unseen. Their eye was not fixed
upon Him who is invisible. Doubtless the cities were great; but God was
greater; the walls were high, but God was higher; the giants were strong, but
God was stronger."
4. "Well Able" of Faith (v. 30). The man of faith who looks to God, and
remembers what He is able to do, exclaims, "We are well able to overcome."
"Faith looks the difficulties straight in the face. It is not ignorant—not
indifferent—not reckless; but—what? It brings in the living God. It looks to
Him; it leans on Him; it draws from Him. Here lies the grand secret of its
power."
5. "Not Able" of Despair (v. 31). What a contrast this to the "Well able" of
Caleb! "Stronger than we" is the exclamation of despair as the enemy is
compared with the self-occupied ones; but surely the foe is not stronger than
He! Ah! it makes all the difference whether it be "He" or "We." If the warfare
depends upon us there will be defeat, but since it depends upon the Lord there
must be victory, if we trust Him. Despair is born of self-occupation and
through viewing self's resources. There is only one way to get rid of self, and
that is to put Him in front of it; then self reads Himself.
6. "Evil Report" of Half-Heartedness (v. 32). Half-heartedness is a worm
that will kill any plant of grace. The reason why so many fail is because there
is a lack of thoroughness. Half-heartedness is the forerunner of defeat. Half-
heartedness magnifies difficulties, hesitates in danger, discourages timid
ones, breeds unbelief, lacks backbone, cripples devotion, and thinks much of
itself.
7. "We Saw" of Short-Sightedness (v. 33). The evil-reporters saw the great
ones of the earth, but they did not see the Great One of Heaven. If they had
looked at the great ones from God's point of view they would have seen that
they were but as "grasshoppers" in His sight—Isa. 40:22. Instead of this, the
spies say they are "as grasshoppers." If we look at difficulties and dangers
through the medium of earth's spectacles we shall be discouraged, and a
discouraged man is a defeated one; but if we stand on the mountain-top of
fellowship with God, earth's great ones will be pygmies.
 586. Obedience
Consecration is summed up in the voice of the Lord being "obeyed," and the
fear of the Lord being recognized.
1. Obedience is the proof of being Christ's sheep—John 10:27.
2. The meaning of faith—Heb. 11:8.
3. The response of love—1 Peter 3:6.
4. The evidence of union with Christ—Rom. 6:17.
5. The soul of holiness—1 Peter 1:22.
6. The mark of abiding in Christ—1 John 3:24.
7. The bringer of the Holy Spirit—Acts 5:32.
 587. Obedience
1. Obedience is essential to Possession—Deut. 1:6; 4:40.
2. Obedience is essential to Instruction—5:1-10:5.
3. Obedience is essential to Communion—10:10-12:32.
4. Obedience is the soul of Consecration—13:1-26:19.
5. Obedience is the secret of Benediction—27:1-28:68.
6. Obedience is the precursor of Victory—29:1-30:20.
7. Obedience is the feeder of Courage—31:1-6.
8. Obedience is the basis of Confidence—31:7, 8.
9. Obedience is the Harbinger of Help—31:9-13.
10. Obedience is the Soul of Appreciation—31:24-32:43.
11. Obedience is the Life of the Soul—32:44-47.
12. Blessing is the result of obedience—v. 33.
 588. "Obeyed Not"
Not to obey the Lord is the greatest calamity which can come to anyone.
Disobedience to Him is—
1. Cause of Premature Death, as seen in the children of Israel being
"consumed" in the wilderness—Joshua 5:6.
2. Cause of Defeat, and being dominated by our enemies, and the cause of
discomfort to ourselves—Judges 2:2.
3. Cause of Loss, impoverishment, and oppression, as is illustrated in Israel
when Midian prevailed against them—Judges 6:10.
4. Cause of Downfall, as is seen in King Saul and his disobedience regarding
Amalek—1 Sam. 15:20-23.
5. Cause of Dishonor, as is unfolded in the disobedience of the man of God
out of Judah—1 Kings 13:1-32.
6. Cause of Bondage, as is manifest in Israel's being carried away into
Assyria—2 Kings 18:11, 12; and of Judah into Babylon—Daniel 9:10-14.
7. Cause of Shame and Misery. See right through Jeremiah's prophecy, how
many disasters came to those who "obeyed not the voice of the Lord" (Jer.
3:13, 25; 9:13; 11:8; 17:23; 40:3; 42:21; 43:4, 7; 44:23).
 589. "Observe"
1. Observe the Lord's Feasts in the light of their spiritual meaning—Exod.
12:17, 24; 34:22; Num. 28:2.
2. Observe the commandments by obedience to them—see passages in Deut.
5:32; 6:3, 25; 8:1; 11:32; 12:1, 28, 32; 15:5; 16:12; 17:10; 28:1, 15, 58;
31:12.
3. Observe the Lord's ways by walking in them—Prov. 23:26.
4. Observe "all things" that Christ commanded His servants to teach—Matt.
28:20.
5. Observe the fact that the Lord observes us—Hosea 14:8.
6. Observe the Lord's doings, and thus be wise—Psa. 107:43. See what the
Lord is said to do.
7. Observe to act in the method the Spirit enjoins, "without prejudice" and
"partiality" (1 Tim. 5:21, R.V.).
 590. Only One Name
In the Name Jesus There Is Found—
1. Salvation—Acts 4:12.
2. Forgiveness—1 John 2:12.
3. Strength—Acts 3:16.
4. Eternal Life—1 John 5:13.
5. Sonship—John 1:12.
6. Answered Prayer—John 14:13, 14.
7. Leading—Psa. 23:3.
 591. Obtaining People
The words "taken," "perceived," "attained," "obtain," "comprehend,"
"apprehend," and "overtake" in the following Scriptures are one and the same
in the Greek.
1. An Obtained Sinner. "Taken in adultery" (John 8:3).
2. An Obtained Knowledge. "Perceived they were unlearned" (Acts 4:13).
3. An Obtained Righteousness. "Have attained to righteousness" (Rom.
9:30).
4. An Obtained Prize. "So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Cor. 9:24).
5. An Obtained Christ. "May be able to comprehend with all saints," etc.
(Eph. 3:18). Not Christ's love, but Himself.
6. An Obtained Purpose. "That I may apprehend that for which I am
apprehended" (Phil. 3:12).
7. An Obtained Surprise. "Should overtake you as a thief" (1 Thess. 5:4).
 592. "Off"
There Are Many Things the Lord Wants to Put "Off" From Us
1. The offending hand of sin is to be "cut off" (Matt. 5:30).
2. The shoes of human irreverence are to be "put off" (Acts 7:33).
3. The works of darkness are to be "cast off" (Rom. 13:12).
4. The old manner of life is to be "put off" by the child of God (Eph. 4:22;
Col. 3:8, 9).
5. Those who trouble the Church of God are to be "cut off" (Gal. 5:12).
6. When the Gospel is deliberately refused, we are to "shake off" the dust of
the place from our shoes (Matt. 10:14).
7. One thing believers should not do, and that is, to "cast off" their "first
faith" (1 Tim. 5:12).
 593. "Oh, That I!"
1. The Inquirer's Lament—Job. 23:3.
2. The Suppliant's Prayer—Job. 6:8.
3. The Murmurer's Complaint—Job. 10:18.
4. The Backslider's Remorse—Job. 29:2.
5. The Rebel's Wish—2 Samuel 15:4.
6. The Believer's Desire—Psa. 55:6.
7. The Prophet's Cry—Jer. 9:2.
 594. "On"
There are many things we are to do in relation to this preposition.
1. "Believe on the Name of His Son," in a personal faith in Him (1 John
3:23).
2. Build "on" the "most holy faith" of the truth (Jude 20).
3. "Put on" the Lord Jesus in the holy habit of life for conquest and power
(Rom. 13:12, 14; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10-14).
4. "Put on" the armor of God, to be protected in conflict against the evil
powers (Eph. 6:11, 14).
5. "Go on" to perfection in the enabling of the Spirit (Heb. 6:1).
6. "Meditate on" the Lord's things, and praise Him, and "muse on" to
personal comfort (Psa. 143:5).
7. "Wait on" the Lord for power and guidance (Psa. 25:3, 5; 27:14; 37:34).
 595. Oneness
The Lord prays that all His own may be one. This is seen in John 17.
1. One in Life. "Give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (v. 2).
2. One in Love. "Loved them, as Thou hast loved Me" (v. 23).
3. One in Preservation. "Keep those whom Thou hast given Me" (v. 11).
4. One in Separation. "They are not of the world" (v. 14).
5. One in Sanctification. "Sanctify them in Thy truth" (v. 17).
6. One in Service. "As Thou hast sent Me, so have I sent them" (v. 18).
7. One in Glory. "Be with Me, that they may behold My glory" (v. 24).
 596. "Opened" Things in Luke
1. An "opened Heaven" in approval—3:21.
2. An "opened Book" in testimony—4:17.
3. An "opened Door" to prayer—11:9, 10.
4. Opened Eyes to faith—24:31.
5. Opened Scriptures in teaching—24:32.
6. Opened Understanding to ignorance—24:45.
 597. Opportunity
As Made Clear in Acts 14
A fourfold opportunity came to Paul when he was persecuted at Lystra—Acts
14.
1. Opportunity to Speak—3. They spoke "boldly" (confidently) "in the
Lord." The apostles knew what they knew, and therefore could speak from
the certainty of personal experience. When we can say, "He loved me" (Gal.
2:20), then we have the power to help others.
2. Opportunity to Do Good to Others—8-10. When Paul saw the impotent
man he perceived he had faith to be healed, and healed him. When others feel
their need of aid it is easy to aid them. We should make it our motto to do all
the good we can, to all the people we can, and at all the times we can. A lad
the writer knew had hung up in his room a card, upon which were these
words:

"I am only one, but I am one;

I cannot do everything, but I can do something,
And by the grace of God I will do what I can."

3. Opportunity to Correct Misapprehension—14-17. The apostles would

not receive honor which was due to God, but they seized the occasion to
remind their auditors that they owed to their Creator the "good" they
received, and the seasons of His favor which they enjoyed. In the magnificent
library in Washington, U.S.A., there is inscribed within the words: "He that
builds beneath the skies builds too low." The greatest mistake we can make is
to live for self, and for the present world alone.
4. Opportunity to Prove the Sufficiency of God's Grace. Paul's being
stoned was far from being a pleasant experience, but it was the occasion to
prove what God could do for him. He was left for dead—19, and he was not
sure whether he was in the body or not—2 Cor. 12:3, 4, but he was caught up
to Paradise and heard "unspeakable words." If he had not been thrown out of
the city he would not have been caught up to Paradise. There is good in every
ill, a sweet in every bitter, a lifting up in every casting down, and a proving of
God's grace in every trial. Remember what Samson said about the lion and
the honey—Judges 14:14.
 598. Our Attitude to God's Word
1. Receive the Word of God with Meekness. "Receive with meekness the
engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). Receive it as
servants, for it is the voice of the Master; receive it as saints, to cleanse from
all defilement; receive it as subjects, for it is the command of the King;
receive it as soldiers, to equip for the warfare of evil; receive it as sons, for it
is the Father's will; receive it as saved ones, as the direction of grace; and
receive it as surrendered ones, as the rule for life.
2. Let the Word of God Dwell Richly. "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom" (Col. 3:16). Let it dwell in the heart, as a preservative
from evil; let it dwell in the soul, as the propeller in service; let it dwell in the
mind, as the plan for direction; and let it dwell in the affection, as the power
for conflict.
3. Keep the Word of God Tenaciously. "They have kept Thy Word" (John
17:6), Christ could say of His disciples. We should keep it as a treasure—
securely; as our teacher for instruction, as a tower for protection, and as our
trust, we should keep it faithfully and well.
4. Continue in the Word of God Untiringly. "If ye continue in My Word,
then are ye My disciples indeed" (John 8:31). Continuance in the Word is the
mark of true discipleship, the manifest evidence that we are true followers of
Christ.
5. Live Out the Word of God Faithfully. "Ye are manifestly declared to be
the epistle of Christ" (2 Cor. 3:3). The Christian is the world's Bible, a living
object-lesson. If we are not walking Bibles, then we are walking libels.
6. Hold Forth the Word of God Boldly. "Holding forth the Word of Life"
(Phil. 2:16). As the man holds the lighted torch above his head in the dark
night, to show himself and others the path in which to tread, so the Christian
is to hold up the Word by his life, and its testimony with his lips, that others
may be enlightened and benefited.
7. Muse on the Word of God Prayerfully. As the well-watered tree by the
river's side, grows and is fruitful, so the Christian who muses on, and
meditates in, the truth of God, is prosperous in life, and profitable to others—
Psa. 1:2.
 599. "Our God"
Heb. 12:29
1. The "God of Patience" to console us (Rom. 15:5).
2. The "God of Peace" to calm us (Rom. 15:33).
3. The "God of Hope" to cheer us (Rom. 15:13).
4. "The God of all Comfort" to comfort us (2 Cor. 1:3).
5. "The God of Love" to sustain us (2 Cor. 13:11).
6. "The God of all Grace" (1 Peter 5:10).
7. "God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 1:3)
 600. "Our God" in the Psalms
"He Is Our God and We Are His People" (95:7)
1. Rock of His Personality. "Who is a Rock save our God?" (18:31; 48:14;
113:5).
2. Refuge of His Defense. "In the Name of our God we will set up our
banners" (20:5).
3. Remembrancer for our Thought. "Remember the Name of the Lord our
God" (20:7).
4. Returner to Adjust. "Our God shall come and shall not keep silent" (50:3;
44:21; 99:8; 105:7).
5. Regarder to Bless. "Our own God shall bless us" (67:6; 123:2).
6. Object of Worship. "Exalt ye the Lord our God" (99:5, 9; 147:1, 7).
7. Embodiment of Holiness. "The Lord our God is holy" (99:9).
8. Source of Salvation. "Save us, O Lord, our God" (106:47; 98:3).
 601. "Our Hearts"
1. The Gospel Target—2 Cor. 4:6.
2. The Spirit's Abode—2 Cor. 1:22.
3. The Lord's Residence—Rom. 5:5.
4. God's Testing House—1 Thess. 2:4.
5. Faith's Concern—Heb. 10:22.
6. The Believer's Assurer—1 John 3:19.
7. The Spirit's Tablet—2 Cor. 3:2.
 602. "Our Sins"
1. Confession. "If we confess our sins" 1 John 1:9
2. Propitiation. "He is the Propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:2).
3. Substitution. "Who His own self bare our sins" (1 Peter 2:24).
4. Cancellation. "He was manifested to take away our sins" (1 John 3:5).
5. Emancipation. "Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us,"
etc. (Gal. 1:4).
6. Supplication. "Purge away our sins, for Thy Name sake" (Psa. 79:9).
7. Absolution. "Washed us from our sins in His own Blood" (Rev. 1:5).
 603. "Our Sins"
There are three things to remember about "our sins"
1. We Have Sinned. There are sins called "transgressions," which are goings
beyond God's law—Num. 14:41; there are sins of trespass, which mean
unfaithfulness to a trust, and slipping away from God's requirement—Matt.
6:14; there arc sins of iniquity, which denote the perversion of that which is
good, and making it bad; hence, being unrighteous—Rom. 6:13; there are
sins of rebellion, which signify the act of self-will and the clenched fists of
opposition—Job 34:37; there are sins of treachery, which signify an under-
current of hypocrisy—Hosea 6:7, R.V.; there are sins of omission, that is,
neglecting to do what we ought to do, and very often through ignorance—
Lev. 4:13; there are sins of debt, failing to do our duty, and paying what we
owe—Matt. 6:12; there are sins of disobedience, failing to respond to God's
word of direction, and generally through unbelief—Col. 3:6; and there are
sins of failure, that is, missing the mark of God's Word; hence, "all have
sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).
2. We Deserve to be Punished Because of our Sins—Lev. 26:18, 21, 24,
28. Anyone who breaks the law has to bear the consequence. Frequently we
are reminded that the one who sins has to "bear his sin" (Lev. 20:20; 24:15;
Num. 9:13; 18:22).
3. All Sin is Against God. David's confession—Psa. 51:4; the publican's cry
—Luke 18:13; the prodigal's lament—Luke 15:18; and Saul's exclamation,
all recognize sin is against God—1 Sam. 15:24.
There are several passages in the New Testament where the words "our sins"
occur.
 604. Outlook
Dr. Mullins, of America, in speaking at a meeting in Spurgeon's Tabernacle,
referred to the uncertain explanations and definitions which are given of
philosophy; and gave a definition of it, as "A blind man in a dark room,
looking for a black cat which is not there!"
Some might think the definition over defined, but there is no ambiguousness
when we are bidden to think of the future. This is seen if we ponder what we
are taught by the Word of God to look for.
1. We are looking for the "Blessed Hope" and the glorious appearing of the
Lord's return—Titus 2:13.
2. We are "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life"
(Jude 21).
3. We are "looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God" (2
Peter 3:12).
4. We are "looking for the Savior" to give us a glorified body (Phil. 3:20,
21).
5. We are looking for Himself to "appear" (Heb. 9:28).
6. We are looking for "new Heavens and a new earth" (2 Peter 3:13).
7. Then we are also reminded of this outlook in its practical power, when
the Spirit says: "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be
diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless"
(2 Peter 3:14).
 605. "Outers"
We read of those who "went out," "came out," and who are told to "get out"
and "come out." The greek word, exerkomai, in each of the following
instances means to get right out.
1. Separation. "Get out of thy country" (Acts 7:3; Heb. 11:8).
2. Redemption. "Came out of Egypt" (Heb. 3:16).
3. Consecration. "Come out" (2 Cor. 6:17; Rev. 18:4).
4. Persecution. "Then... Jesus... went out" (John 8:59).
5. Intercession. "He went out into a mountain to pray" (Luke 6:12; 21:37).
6. Restoration. "He went out and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:62).
7. Evangelization. "They went out and preached" (Mark 6:12).
 606. "Out of the Eater Cometh Forth Meat"
1. There is life and honey in every carcass of death and danger—Judges 14:8.
2. There is a bow of promise in every dark cloud of providence—Gen. 9:13.
3. There is a rose of blessing in every thorn of adversity—2 Cor. 12:7-10.
4. There is an open Heaven near every pillow of trial—Gen. 28:11-16.
5. There is a lifting up in every letting down—2 Cor. 11:33; 12:2.
6. There is a Paradise found in the Patmos of banishment—Rev. 1:3.
7. A "good cheer" in every night of affliction—Acts 23:11. Out of weakness
we are still made strong. He giveth songs in the night, and but for the night
we should not have the songs to sing. Refreshment is still found in many a
hollow place in life, and but for the hollowness the supply would never have
been secured—Judges 15:19.
 607. Outlook in the Epistle to the Hebrews
The future things mentioned in the above Epistle are of moment.
1. "A World to Come" (1:6; 2:5).
2. A Salvation to Come—1:14; 9:28.
3. A Coming Subjection—2:9.
4. A Sabbath Rest—4:9-11.
5. "An Age to Come" (6:5).
6. A Covenant to be Made with Israel and Judah—v. 8.
7. Good Things to Come—9:11; 10:1.
8. The Coming One Himself—10:37.
9. A Shaking of Heaven and Earth—12:25-27.
10. An Immovable Kingdom—12:28.
11. A City that will Abide—13:14.
12. "Them that must Give Account" (13:17).
"Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever. Amen" (13:21).
 608. Patience
1. A Needed Grace. "Ye have need of patience" (Heb. 10:36).
2. A Bestowed Power. "Strengthened with all might... unto all patience"
(Col. 1:11).
3. A Fruitful Outcome. "Bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).
4. A Forming Agent. "Tribulation worketh patience" (Rom. 5:3).
5. An Evidencing Witness. "The ministers of God in much patience" (2 Cor.
6:4).
6. A Communicative Blessing. "Patience, experience" (Rom. 5:4).
7. A Noble Race. "Let us run with patience the race set before us, looking
unto Jesus" (Heb. 12:1, 2).
 609. "Outside the Camp"
1. Place of Judgment. "Without the camp... shall he be burnt" (Lev. 4:12).
2. Place of Memorial. "Burnt offering... ashes without the camp" (Lev. 6:9-
11).
3. Place of Uncleanness. Unclean. "Without the camp shall ye put them"
(Num. 5:3).
4. Place of Separation. "He shall dwell alone: without the camp" (Lev.
13:46).
5. Place of Reproach. "Shut out from the camp" (Num. 12:15).
6. Place of Punishment. "Brought him without the camp... stoned... he died"
(Num. 15:36).
7. Place of Death. "Without the camp, and one shall slay her" (Num. 19:3).
8. Place of Fellowship. "Suffered without the camp... let us go forth therefore
unto Him, without the camp, bearing His reproach" (Heb. 13:11-13).
 610. Parasites
"My Familiar Friend... Which Did Eat of My Bread"
Psa. 41:9
Captain Cecil Rawling, in describing his explorations in New Guinea, among
many other things says: "It is quite impossible for anyone who has not visited
these parts of New Guinea to realize the density of the forest growth. The
vegetation, through which only the scantiest glimpses of the sky can be
obtained, appears to form, as it were, two great horizontal strata. The first
comprises the giant trees, whose topmost boughs are 150 feet or more above
the ground; the other, the bushes, shrubs, and trees of lesser growth, which
never attain a greater height than thirty to forty feet. Such is the richness of
the soil that not one square foot remains untenanted, and the never-ending
struggle to reach upwards towards the longed-for light goes on silently and
relentlessly. Creepers and parasites in endless variety cling to every stem,
slowly but surely throttling their hosts. From tree to tree their tentacles stretch
out, seeming such a close and tangled mass that the dead and dying giants of
the forest are prevented from falling to the ground."
There are moral and spiritual parasites which throttle, kill, injure, or retard
the growth of the spiritual life.
1. The parasite of sloth will hinder the grace of watchfulness as it did the
virgins—Matt. 25:5.
2. The parasite of worldliness will kill the grace of devotion, as it did in
Demas—2 Tim. 4:10.
3. The parasite of pride will devastate the grace of humility, as it did with the
Devil—1 Tim. 3:6.
4. The parasite of unbelief will keep down the grace of faith, as is seen in the
children of Israel—Heb. 3:17-19.
5. The parasite of self-elation will kill the grace of self-denial, as is stated of
Diotrephes—3 John 9.
6. The parasite of avarice will stifle the grace of reality, as is evidenced in
Achan—Joshua 7:21.
7. The parasite of covetousness will strangle the grace of generosity, as is
manifest in Balaam—2 Peter 2:15.
 611. Patience
1. Patience—Its Meaning: Endurance—2 Cor. 1:6.
2. Patience—Its Need—Heb. 10:36.
3. Patience—Its Accompaniment—Luke 8:15.
4. Patience—Its Power—Col. 1:11.
5. Patience—Its Attitude—Heb. 12:1.
6. Patience—Its School—Rom. 5:3.
7. Patience—Its Bestowment—Rom. 5:3.
 612. Paul's Confidence
2 Tim. 1:12
"I know Him whom I have believed" (R.V.). Christ to Paul was a personal
Savior and Friend. He had more than the knowledge of perception; he had the
knowledge of experience. To know by seeing that oranges are oranges is
good, but to taste the lusciousness of the orange by eating it is to know it is
sweet. What do we know of Christ?
1. Is He our Savior to save?—Luke 1:47.
2. Our Power to keep?—1 Peter 1:5.
3. Our Victor to overcome?—Rev. 12:11.
4. Our Satisfier to fill?—Deut. 33:23.
5. Our Holiness to sanctify?—1 Peter 1:16.
6. Our Lord to govern?—1 Peter 3:15, R.V.
7. Our Hope to attract?—Titus 2:13.
 613. Paul's Deposit
2 Tim. 1:12
"He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him." He says He can
keep us, for He is our Keeper—Psa. 121:5-8. But if He is to keep us we must
deposit ourselves with Him, for the meaning of the word "committed" is
"deposited." To deposit ourselves with the Lord is like placing money in the
bank on deposit for the bank to keep it. Paul committed to the Lord—
1. The Reputation of his character—1 Cor. 4:13.
2. The Temple of His body—2 Cor. 4:10, 11.
3. The Life of his service—Acts 20:24.
4. The Work of his labor—1 Cor. 15:10.
5. The Trial of his infirmity—2 Cor. 12:9.
6. The Consecration of his being—Gal. 2:20.
7. The Success of his service—Eph. 3:7, 8.
 614. Paul's Exhortations and Testimony
Philippians 4
1. The "I beseech" of exhortation (v. 2).
2. The "I entreat" of affection (v. 3).
3. The "I say" of exalting (v. 4).
4. The "I rejoiced" of appreciation (v. 10).
5. The "I speak," "I have," and "I am," of contentment (v. 11).
6. The "I know," the "I know," and the "I am" of initiation (v. 12, R.V.).
7. The "I can" of ability (v. 13).
8. The "I departed" of itineration (v. 15).
9. The "I desire" of fruitfulness (v. 17).
10. The "I have" and the "I am" of sufficiency (v. 18).
 615. Paul's Message
Acts 19 and 20
Paul had a message from his Master, and was faithful in giving it. His
message was sixfold in its substance.
1. "The Kingdom of God" (19:8). The laws of the realm of grace are
"righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 14:17), and this
realm is entered by the new birth—John 3:5, 8. Life to live is obtained by
receiving Christ.
"Righteousness" is doing right because it is the right thing to do. "Peace" is
the calm of God which comes as the result of obedience, and "joy" is the
plant that grows in the soil of holiness.
2. "That Way" (19:9, 23) indicates God's method of doing things. His way
is away from sin, according to His Word, personal faith in Christ, obeying
His commands, following Christ, ceasing from self, and consecration to God.
3. "The Word of the Lord Jesus" (19:10). This is a concrete sentence
denoting the sum total of His teaching. Ponder seven of those words: the
"come" of invitation (Matt. 11:28), the "take" of identification (Matt. 11:29),
the "ministered" of substitution (Matt. 20:28), the "love" of compassion (John
15:9), the "whatsoever" of prayer (John 14:13), the "peace" of bestowment
(John 14:27), the promise of "power" (Acts 1:8), and the "again" of return
(John 14:3).
4. "Repentance towards God" (20:21). Repentance is a change of mind
wrought by the Holy Spirit and shown in the action. The Prodigal not only
said "I will arise," but he did it. We may be sorry because we suffer the
consequence of sin, and not be sorry for the sin which brought the
consequences.
5. "Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (20:21). Faith is the act of the
will in receiving Christ—John 1:12, the attitude of the life in resting in Christ
—Rom. 1. 5, R.V., and the response of the heart to the commands of the
Lord. The trend of the will leads to the track in which we walk.
6. "The Gospel of the Grace of God" (20:24). A coloured preacher once
defined grace as "Receiving everything for nothing when we don't deserve
anything." This is good news. See what a beautiful illustration is found in the
parable of the prodigal son.
 616. Paul's Manner
As Described in Acts 19 and 20
His manner was bold or confident in tone, he spoke "boldly."
1. Persistent in Repetition. "Three months" and "two years" (v. 8, 10).
2. Intolerant to Error. "Disputing" (v. 8).
3. Persuasive in Utterance. "Persuading" (19:8-10).
4. Convincing in Argument. "Turned away" (19:26).
5. Provocative in Declaration—19:26-28.
6. Consistent in Testimony. "No cause whereby we may give account of this
concourse" (19:40).
7. Humble in Service. "With all humility" (20:19).
8. Determined in Purpose—20:24. Knowing how to do anything is half the
service in doing it.
 617. Paul's Molestations
As Seen in the Acts
Paul was molested in many ways.
1. He was disturbed by the "hardened" hearts of unbelief, and the "evil"
speaking against "that way" (19:9).
2. A "stir" (19:23) which developed into a storm of opposition which was
"full of wrath" (19:28), and aimless "confusion" was caused by his witness
(19:29-32). The town clerk of Ephesus charged the crowd with doing things
"rashly" (19:37), and were in danger of being called to give an account for
the created "uproar" (19:38-41).
3. Paul had "tears" and "temptations" because of the "lying in wait of the
Jews," who were like cruel beasts waiting for their prey (20:19).
4. The outlook was dark with further storms of "bonds and afflictions,"
which caused him to be "bound in spirit"
(20:22, 23); and yet amid it all he was careless of his comfort, and buoyantly
declared he was not moved by "these things," or even of life itself (20:24).
His one ambition was to "finish his course with joy," like the mariner, who
knows he must face the storms ere he reaches the port of safety.
There are some things we need to remember. If we do right we are sure to
meet with opposition. Difficulties are opportunities for God's deliverances.
Temptations prove our metal. Trials sharpen our faith. Seeking the welfare of
others will often bring woes to ourselves.
 618. Paul's Personal Experience
Every reader of Paul's epistles will be impressed with his personal sense of
responsibility. We have only to recall seven of the most familiar sayings to
illustrate.
1. The "I know" of personal faith in Christ (2 Tim. 1:12).
2. The "I am" of personal crucifixion (Gal. 2:20).
3. The "I serve" of personal service (Acts 27:23).
4. The "I can" of personal empowerment (Phil. 4:13).
5. The "I do" of personal consecration (Phil. 3:13).
6. The "I keep" of personal mastery (1 Cor. 9:27).
7. The "I have" of personal testimony (2 Tim. 4:7) demonstrate Paul's sense
of personal responsibility.
 619. Paul's Personal Injunctions to Timothy
1. A Becoming Behavior. "Mayest know how thou oughtest to behave
thyself" (1 Tim. 3:15). A becoming behavior becomes every one.
2. An Active Athlete. "Exercise thyself unto godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7). The
exercise of the soul in godliness is the sure way to avoid gracelessness.
3. A Meditative Student. "Give thyself wholly to them" (1 Tim. 4:15). A
concentrated mind is sure to reach a commendable end.
4. A Careful Custodian. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine" (1
Tim. 4:16). To apply the Word wholly to oneself, it is necessary to apply
oneself wholly to the Word.
5. A Saved Servant. "Doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that
hear thee" (1 Tim. 4:16). To practice the Word fully is the only way to
preserve oneself from defeat entirely.
6. A Clean Man. "Keep thyself pure" (1 Tim. 5:22). The cleansing from sin's
pollution is only possible by the Savior’s presence. We keep as we are kept.
7. A Separate Saint. "From such withdraw thyself" (1 Tim. 6:5). The place
of separation is the place of power.
8. An Approved Worker. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God" (2
Tim. 2:15). To please the Lord is the secret of true pleasure.
 620. Paul's Prayer
"I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day" (2 Tim. 1:3).
Prayer was the power that throbbed through the life and labors of Paul.
1. It was the oil to lubricate his spiritual nature—Phil. 1:4.
2. The wind that moved the vessel of his service—Philemon 4.
3. The sap that made him fruitful to his Lord—Col. 1:9.
4. The outbreathing of his spirit in petition for others—Acts 16:13.
5. The empty hand that received that for which he prayed—Phil. 1:9.
6. The lips of request that moved in asking for other things—2 Cor. 1:11.
7. The live wire that kept him in touch with the supply house of the Spirit's
power—1 Thess. 5:23.
 621. Paul's Regard for His Brethren
It is an interesting study to ponder Paul's regard for those with whom he
labored.
1. He was solicitous of Trophimus, who was sick—2 Tim. 4:20.
2. He writes of prayerful Epaphras—Col. 4:12.
3. The Women who helped in the Gospel—Phil. 4:3.
4. The beloved Timothy—2 Tim. 1:2.
5. Profitable Mark—2 Tim. 4:11.
6. Refreshing Onesiphorus—2 Tim. 1. 16.
7. And Others—Rom. 16.
 622. Paul's Sevenfold Character
2 Tim. 4:6, 7, 17
1. The Ready Servant. "I am now ready to be offered."
2. The Commissioned Mariner. "The time of my departure is at hand."
3. The Victorious Warrior. "I have fought a good fight."
4. The Successful Athlete. "I have finished my course."
5. The Faithful Steward. "I have kept the faith."
6. The Rewarded Laborer. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness."
7. The Strengthened Sufferer. "The Lord stood with me and strengthened
me."
 623. Paul's Sevenfold Boasting
The Apostle frequently uses the word for boasting, and its co-relative, which
means to glory in, make a boast of, and to speak loudly about anything or
anyone. Sometimes the word is rendered "rejoice," "glory," and "boast."
1. Boasting in Christ. "Rejoice ("glory," R.V.) in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:3).
When we make our boast in the Lord we have some One who is worthy in
whom to glory. If we glory in what we are, in what we can do, or in anything
we have, we are missing the mark, and dishonoring the Lord.
2. Boasting in God. "But we also joy (boast) in God" (Rom. 5:11). To be
reconciled to God, and to be saved in His life is good and better; but the
superlative is to joy in Him. "Any salvation short of knowing God Himself is
no salvation at all."
3. Boasting in Tribulation. "But we glory in tribulations also" (Rom. 5:3).
Tribulations are hurtful, and they may be harmful. They may not be
toothsome, but they are often wholesome. The knocks that are meant to
bruise, often bless. To glory in them is only possible as we "boast in the
Lord."
4. Boasting in the Cross. "God forbid that I should glory (boast), save in the
Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal. 6:14). The apostle was not merely
boasting in Christ's atonement, but in the sufferings which came to him
because of his crucified Lord.
5. Boasting in Infirmities. "Glory in mine infirmities"
(2 Cor. 12:9). The infirmities were bodily weaknesses. He felt them keenly,
and prayed about them earnestly, and found in them a strength through the
sufficient grace of his Lord.
6. Boasting in Exaltation. "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is
exalted" (James 1:9). God's liftings-up are not meant to lift us in pride, but to
inspire to thankfulness and humility.
7. Boasting in Hope of the Glory. "Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God"
(Rom. 5:2). The outlook of the believer is bright with coming glory.
 624. Paul's Threefold Ambition
1. To be "well-pleasing to the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:9, R.V.).
2. To preach Christ, where He had not been named—Rom. 15:20.
3. To mind one's own business—1 Thess. 4:11.
 625. Paul's Three "I Have's" of Climax
2 Tim. 4:6-8
1. A Good Fight. "I have fought a good fight." Paul had not kept on the
defensive in standing against the forces of evil—Eph. 6:10-16; but he had
been on the offensive in waging war against the powers of darkness—2 Cor.
10:4. Christ's victories are ours—Col. 2:15; so we may be victorious against
the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The Spirit is opposed to the internal
enemy the flesh, the Father is against the external enemy the world, and
Christ is antagonistic to the Devil—Gal. 5:18; 1 John 2:16; 3:8.
2. A Course Finished. "I have finished my course." Paul recognized there
was a race to run—Heb. 12:1; a standard of rules to follow—2 Tim. 2:5; a
resolute purpose to fulfill—1 Cor. 9:25-27; a goal to reach—Phil. 3:12-14;
and a prize to win—2 Tim. 4:8. The Christian life is no easy thing, but it is a
blessed one. The things that cost little are of little worth, while those of value
cost much. Like his Lord, Paul "finished" his "course" (John 17:4).
3. A Kept Faith. "I have kept the faith." "The faith" is the truth of the
Gospel. There are seven colors to the bow of the faith, namely, Christ's holy
incarnation, His beautiful life, His beneficent ministry, His words of
Revelation, His atoning death, His victorious resurrection, and "the blessed
hope" of His return. This Paul "kept." Kept it pure, consistently, prayerfully,
carefully, continuously, bravely, and faithfully.
 626. Paul's Way in Prayer
Paul as a man of prayer is patent to the most casual reader of Scripture. Mark
the characteristics of his praying.
1. Powerful in Effect—Acts 16:25. The earthquake at Philippi and the soul-
quake in the Philippian jailer were the result of the prayers in the inner
prison.
2. Sympathetic in Spirit—Acts 20:36. Paul's kindly heart, his human touch,
his weeping eyes, his holy concern, all tell out his sympathetic spirit.
3. Loving in Fellowship—Acts 21:5. He listens to what others have to say,
and together they pray about the matter. Matters of difference are best settled
on the knees of prayer.
4. Identifying in Love—Acts 28:8. Paul's hands laid on the sick man show
his whole-souledness in seeking the other's blessing. He identified himself
with him.
5. Continuous in Exercise. "Without ceasing" Paul prayed (Rom. 1:9).
Persistency in prayer proves potentiality in petition. "Praying always for you"
(Col. 1:3, 9). "Night and day" (1 Thess. 3:10; 2 Tim. 1:3).
6. Intense in Purpose—Rom. 10:1. The soul of prayer is the prayer of the
soul, and without soul it is only a lifeless form.
7. Definite in Petition. "I pray to God that ye do no evil" (2 Cor. 13:7). There
was much evil in the Church at Corinth, and the best way to get it out was to
pray it out, for prayer shuts the door on evil.
8. Pointed in Application. Mark the three "whats" which point Paul's prayer
for the saints in Ephesus—Eph. 1:16-20; and the three "thats" for the
Philippians—Phil. 1:9, 10.
9. Personal in Plea. Mark the "you's," "your's," and "ye" in 1 Thessalonians
1. The saints called forth his thanks, and Paul did not hesitate to mention in
detail to the Lord what was worthy of commendation.
 627. People in a Hurry
1. A Compassionate God. "He ran... and kissed him much" (Luke 15:20,
R.V., margin).
2. A Mistaken Succorer. "One of them raw... and gave Him to drink" (Matt.
27:48; Mark 15:36).
3. A Disappointed Woman. "She runneth... and saith... They have taken
away the Lord" (John 20:2).
4. A Curious Two. "So they both ran together: and the other disciple did
outrun Peter" (John 20:4).
5. A Speeded Couple. "They departed quickly... and did run to bring His
disciples word" (Matt. 28:8).
6. An Acknowledging Sinner. "He ran and worshipped Him" (Mark 5:6).
7. A Wondering Disciple. "Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre: and
stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed,
wondering in himself at that which had come to pass" (Luke 24:12).
 628. "People of God"
1 Peter 2:10
The above is one of the designations by which believers are called.
1. Their Past History. "Which were not a people" (1 Peter 2:10). To
remember what we were, is to make us appreciate what we are.
2. Their Present Position. "But are now the people of God" (1 Peter 2:10).
Since He owns us, we ought to own ourselves.
3. Their Practical Conduct. The result of being separate from things that
contaminate us is, God says, "I will be their God, and they shall be My
people" (2 Cor. 6:16).
4. Their Peculiar Designation. He calls them "a peculiar people," or, "a
people for His own possession" (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). We are His
property, and therefore peculiar in being for Himself.
5. Their Propitiating Atonement. Christ has made an atonement for the sins
of the people—Heb. 2:17. That atonement is full, eternal, and God-glorifying.
6. Their Promised Rest. "There remaineth a rest for the people of God"
(Heb. 4:9). The outlook for God's people is blessed and bright.
7. Their Eternal Bliss. "They shall be His people," is the word of God's
promise. Those chosen in time will be well looked after in eternity.
 629. "Perfect Heart"
"Perfect" is rendered "full" in Ruth 2:12; "made ready" in 1 Kings 6:7; "just"
in Proverbs 11:1; and "whole" in Amos 1:6.
1. A Sad Want. "Not with a perfect heart" (2 Chron. 25:2).
2. A Holy Requirement. "Let your heart be perfect" (1 Kings 8:61).
3. A Prevailing Plea. "I have walked before Thee with a perfect heart" (2
Kings 20:3).
4. A Necessary Qualification. "Jehovah shows Himself strong to those who
have a perfect heart" (2 Chron. 16:9).
5. A Parent's Admonition. "Serve Him with a perfect heart" (1 Chron. 28:9).
6. A Consecrated Band. "Offered with a perfect heart" (1 Chron. 29:9).
7. A King's Prayer. "Give unto my son a perfect heart" (1 Chron. 29:19).
 630. Perfection of Christ
In John 10
1. A Perfect Character. "The Good Shepherd" (v. 14).
2. Perfect Knowledge. "I know My sheep" (v. 14).
3. A Perfect Sacrifice. "I lay down My life for the sheep" (v. 15).
4. Perfect Obedience. "This commandment have I received," etc. (v. 18).
5. A Perfect Gift. "I give unto them eternal life" (v. 28).
6. Perfect Keeping. "Neither shall any pluck them out of My hand" (v. 28).
7. Perfect Unity. "I and My Father are one" (v. 30).
 631. Perish
1. A Sad Condition. "Ready to perish" (Deut. 26:5).
2. A Startling Cry. "Master, Master, we perish" (Luke 8:24).
3. A Supplying Love. "Should not perish" (John 3:15, 16).
4. A Predicted Substitute. "One die... nation not perish" (John 11:50).
5. An Assuring Word. "Shall not perish" (John 10:28).
6. A Gracious Waiting. "Not willing any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9).
7. An Ominous Outlook. "Way of the ungodly shall perish" (Psa. 1:6).
 632. Personal Possessions—"Whose"
1. Personal Sins. "Whose mouth," etc. (Rom. 3:14).
2. Personal Vicariousness. "By whose stripes ye were healed" (1 Peter 2:24).
3. Personal Forgiveness. "Whose iniquities are forgiven" (Rom. 4:7).
4. Personal Faith. "Whose faith follow" (Heb. 13:7).
5. Personal Record. "Whose names are in the Book of Life" (Phil. 4:3).
6. Personal Property. "Whose I am" (Acts 27:23).
7. Personal Retribution. "Whose end is destruction" (Phil. 3:19).
 633. Personal Pleas
Psa. 143:1-11
1. "Answer Me" of Prayer.
2. "Hear Me" of Urgency.
3. "Cause Me" of Alertness
4. "Cause Me" of Dependence.
5. "Deliver Me" of Defense.
6. "Lead Me" of Guidance.
7. "Quicken Me" of Revival
 634. Peter's Backsliding
Christ indicates that Peter was wrong in heart before he was wrong in act, for
before he recorded utterances describing his backsliding, He said, "When
thou art converted" and "I have prayed for thee that thy faith may not fail"
(Luke 22:32). Satan sifted Peter in his subtle service, and Peter lost the—
1. Wheat of confidence, for he was self-confident in his boasting—Luke
22:33.
2. Alertness of faith when he was asleep instead of being awake—Luke
22:45.
3. Simplicity of reliance, when he cut off the servant's ear—Luke 22:50;
John 18:10.
4. Nearness of fidelity, when he followed afar off—Luke 22:54.
5. Separation of obedience, when he sat down among the enemies of Christ
—Luke 22:55; John 18:18.
6. Devotion of love, when he denied his Lord—Luke 22:57.
7. Reality of truthfulness, when he said he was not one of Christ's disciples
—Luke 22:58.
8. Consecration of sincerity, when he declared he knew not what the man
said, when he was accused of being "with" Christ—Luke 22:60
 635. Peter's Experiences
As Recorded in Acts 10
His experience may be summarized in connection with the uses of his name.
1. "Peter Went Up" (v. 9). Peter had a definite object in going to the
housetop; it was to pray. Prayer to God preceded his vision from God. All
good is ever born of prayer, and no good is enjoyed without it.
2. "Peter Doubted" (v. 17). He was not sure what the clean and unclean
things meant which he saw in the sheet let down, and, being a Jew, he would
not eat anything that was unclean; but he had to learn that what was
ceremonially unclean becomes clean when God sanctifies it. Ruskin, in his
"Ethics of the Dust," calls our attention to the silent forces of nature, which
never appear so grand as when they transmute baser materials into higher
forms. We see the pool of slime transformed by the action of light and heat,
repose and quiet, so that the clay hardens into blue sapphire, the sand into
burning opal, the soot into flashing diamond. And even Jesus never appears
so glorious in loveliness as when we see Him transforming the very filth and
slime of society into gems fit to burn and shine in an immortal crown.
3. "Peter Thought" (v. 19). Thoughtlessness ever breeds a host of evils,
while thoughtfulness is like the dawn of the morning, it illuminates and
blesses. To think of the consequences of a given action will often prevent us
from taking it. To think on the unevenness of our ways is the first step
towards mending them.
4. "Peter Went Down" (v. 21). Peter's going down showed he obeyed the
Divine direction of "get thee down" (v. 20); and happily he went as he was
bidden, "doubting nothing." Sir Isaac Newton once said: "It is very difficult
to light a candle with the extinguisher on it," and used the simile to denote a
man who is blinded by prejudice. Peter had to remove the extinguisher of
Jewish prejudice, and we do well to do the same when selfish interests hinder
us from doing beneficent actions.
5. "Peter Went Away with Them" (v. 23). Being directed by the Lord, he
knew he could do some good by going with the three men. When we act
under the Lord's direction we are always sure of doing some good to others.
6. "Peter Took Him Up" (v. 26). Cornelius was wrong in worshipping
Peter, and Peter would have been wrong if he had allowed him to do so. We
should not give to those who bring us blessing what belongs to the Lord. We
thank God for His servants, but we must not put His servants in the place of
Him-self. A lot of young people once clustered round an evangelist who had
been the means of great blessing to them, and said, "What shall we do when
you go away?" Whereupon he replied, "If you tie your religion to my coat-tail
I shall take it away with me."
7. "Peter Opened His Mouth" (v. 34). The message which Peter delivered
may be summarized under the following points, all of which centre in Christ:
(1) The word of peace which Christ brought—v. 36, 37.
(2) The work of Christ which He performed through God's anointing in the
power of the Spirit—v. 39.
(3) The walk of Christ in His healing ministry as He went about doing good,
and the cause of it—for God was with Him—v. 38.
(4) The wonder of Christ's Cross, for while men in their wickedness slew and
hanged Him on a tree, that very tree has become a beacon light telling of
salvation to all—v. 39; Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:10.
(5) The witness of God in raising Christ from the dead, and in showing Him
openly to those who were afterwards co-witnesses of the fact—v. 40, 41.
(6). The ordination of God setting apart Christ to be the Judge of the living
and the dead—v. 42.
(7) And the offer of remission of sins to all who will believe in Christ—v. 43.
 636. Peter's Restoration
1. "Peter remembered the word of the Lord," the prelude to restoration
(Luke 22:61).
2. "Peter wept bitterly," the accompaniment of restoration (Luke 22:62).
3. "Peter ran," the urgency to restoration (Luke 24:12; John 20:4).
4. "Peter wondered," the amazement of restoration (Luke 24:12).
5. Peter interviewed and old "Simon" not omitted, the searching to
restoration—Luke 24:34; Mark 16:7.
6. Peter questioned by the Lord, the lesson of restoration—John 21:15-17.
7. Peter commanded to "follow" Christ, the obedience of restoration (John
21:22).
8. Peter filled with the Spirit, and thus restoration consummated—Acts 1:2,
14-18.
 637. Phases of Prayer
Prayer has many phases.
1. Self cries for help in distress, like those who are said to have cried unto
the Lord—Psa. 107:6, 13, 19, 28.
2. The needy cry for personal aid when the need of adversity grips them—
Neh. 1:6, 11.
3. The abiding one asks as Christ would plead—John 15:7.
4. The servant of God prays when he requires the Lord's direction—Exod.
14:15.
5. The harassed one seeks the Lord's equipment in meeting his enemies—
Neh. 4:9.
6. The communing saint loves to pour out his soul in secret—Matt. 6:6.
7. The unselfish one gives himself out in intercession for others—Col. 4:12.
 638. Philippian Jailer
Acts 16
Convicted, converted, and consecrated are words which express the
experience of the jailer.
1. Convicted. The earthquake caused a soul-quake with the jailer. The
foundations of his being were shaken, as well as the foundations of the prison
—27. His trembling manner, humble demeanor, and earnest cry tell out his
anguish of soul—29, 30. Conviction of sin always precedes conversion from
sin. The needle of God's law, causing heartache and bitterness of soul, goes
before the scarlet thread of the Gospel—Rom. 7:7-13, 25.
2. Converted—31, 34. "He believed in God" sums up the conversion of the
jailer. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ" is the message that comes to him,
like a draught of water to the famished traveler in the arid desert. What does
it mean to believe on Christ? At least three things—To believe on Him as
"Jesus" is to be saved through Him—Matt. 1:21.
To believe on Him as "Christ" is to be sanctified in Him—1 Cor. 1:2.
To believe on Him as "Lord" is to be swayed by Him—John 13:14.
3. Consecrated—33, 34. The jailer evidences his conversion by his kindly
treatment to the apostles. He seeks to repair the past and improve the present.
It has been well said: "Here is a man converted and he instantly seeks to
make up for the past. He tries to rub out yesterday's injury." Christianity
always drives men back upon their yesterdays. The Christian says: "I must
pay the money that I am owing. I know that the Statute of Limitations would
excuse me, but there is no Statute of Limitations in the regenerated heart."
The penitent says: "I must find out the life I once bruised, and if that life is no
longer on the earth I must find some descendants, and for David's sake I will
love Mephibosheth." The religion that does this proves its own inspiration. It
does not need our eloquence, nor ask for our intellectual patronage.
 639. Philip, the Evangelist
Acts 8
Philip was not a man to act on his own authority, nor one who sought to carry
a mission in his own power. He was a God-sent servant and a Spirit-
controlled worker. When the "angel of the Lord" directed Philip to go to a
certain place "he arose and went" (26, 27); when "the Spirit said" to Philip,
"Speak to a certain person," he obeyed with alacrity (29, 30); and when the
"Spirit of the Lord caught" the evangelist away, he submissively allowed
himself to be taken (v. 39). In Philip being controlled by the Lord we have
the secret of his success in labour.
Other points in the chapter might be pondered as they relate to Philip—
1. His Obedience. "He arose and went" (v. 27).
2. His Alacrity. "Philip ran" (v. 30).
3. His Theme. "Philip opened his mouth, and preached Jesus" (v. 35).
4. His Response. "Philip said" (v. 37).
5. His Service. "He baptized him" (v. 38).
6. His Submissiveness. "Philip caught away" (v. 39).
7. His Perseverance. "He preached in all the cities" (v. 40).
 640. Pillars of "the Faith"
The live wires of the life-giving faith of truth of Christianity may be
summarised under seven pillars of wisdom—Prov. 9:1.
1. The Pillar of Christ's Unique Incarnation. "God manifest in the flesh" (1
Tim. 3:16).
2. The Pillar of Christ's Unparalleled Life. "God was with him" (Acts
10:38).
3. The Pillar of Christ's Unanswerable Testimony. "A man approved of
God" (Acts 2:22).
4. The Pillar of Christ's Unlimited Atonement. "God set forth" (Rom. 3:25).
5. The Pillar of Christ's Unprecedented Resurrection. "God raised Him
from the dead" (Acts 10:40).
6. The Pillar of Christ's Uniting Spirit. "God saith, I will pour out My Spirit"
(Acts 2:17).
7. The Pillar of Christ's Universal Reign. "God hath appointed," etc. (Acts
17:31).
It will be noted we have quoted sentences in each of which we have the
statement of what God says about Christ.
 641. Places Where Believers Should Not Be Found
There are some places in which the believer should not live.
1. Not in the contamination of the world, like Peter—Luke 22:55.
2. Not in the fog of vexation, like Lot—2 Peter 2:7, 8.
3. Not in the wilderness or desert of pessimism, like the Psalmist—Psa.
102:6.
4. Not in the darkness of fear, like David—1 Sam. 27:1.
5. Not under the juniper tree of discouragement, like Elijah—1 Kings 19:4.
6. Not in the ship of backsliding, like Jonah—Jonah 1:5.
7. Not in the wilderness of unbelief, like Israel—Heb. 3:7-12.
 642. "Pleasure of Jehovah"
"Pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand." The word "pleasure," in
Isaiah 53:10, speaks of an inward pleasure and delight. It is rendered
"purpose" in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "delight" in Psalm 1:3, "desire" in 1 Kings
10:13, "willingly" in Proverbs 31:13, "pleasant" in Isaiah 54:12, and
"acceptable" in Ecclesiastes 12:10. Each of these words may be used to
express the outlook of God, for—
1. He will fulfill the "purpose" of His grace to glorify those whom He has
called—Rom. 8:30.
2. He will "delight" to "rejoice" over a redeemed Israel "with joy" (Zeph.
3:17).
3. His "desire" is expressed in the loving words of, "I will betroth thee to
Me... in loving kindness and faithfulness, and thou shalt know Me as
Jehovah" (Hosea 2:19, 20).
4. His willingness to bless is stated in the loving words, "I will rejoice over
them to do them good" (Jer. 32:41).
5. There is a time coming when "Judah and Jerusalem" will "be pleasant
unto Jehovah," "as in former years" (Mal. 3:4).
 643. "Poured Out"
1. A Sorry Statement. "Thy filthiness was poured out" (Ezek. 16:36).
2. A Suffering Savior. "I am poured out like water" (Psa. 22:14).
3. A Supplicating Saint. "I poured out my soul before the Lord" (1 Sam.
1:15).
4. A Supplied Suppliant. "And she poured out" (2 Kings 4:5).
5. A Sacrificing Sovereign. "Poured it out to the Lord" (1 Chron. 11:18).
6. The Sent Spirit. "Poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:17, 18;
10:45).
7. A Sanctified Servant. "I am now ready to be poured out as a drink
offering" (2 Tim. 4:6, R.V., margin).
 644. Power
1. Divine in its Character. "Divine power" (2 Peter 1:3).
2. Eternal in its Blessing. "Save to the uttermost" (Heb. 7:25).
3. Saving in its Operation. "Gospel came... in power" (1 Thess. 1:5).
4. Healing in its Touch. "What power?... Jesus" (Acts 4:7, 10).
5. Enabling in its Strength. "Power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Cor.
12:9).
6. Keeping in its Ministry. "Kept by the power of God" (1 Peter 1:5).
7. Witnessing in its Testimony. "Great power gave the apostles witness"
(Acts 4:33).
8. Moving in its Service. "Working which worketh in me mightily" (Col.
1:29).
 645. Power
A sevenfold excellence of God's power is seen in the following:
1. "Exceeding" in its Greatness (Eph. 1:19).
2. "Mighty" in its Essence (Eph. 1:19; 6:10).
3. "Effectual" in its Working (Eph. 1:20).
4. "Divine" in its Source (2 Peter 1:3).
5. "Glorious" in its Achievement (Col. 1:11).
6. Eclipsing in its "Excellence" (2 Cor. 4:7).
7. "Spiritual" in its Nature (Rom. 15:13, 19).
 646. Power of Christ's Coming
Archibald G. Brown, in speaking of the sustaining power of a personal faith
in the personal return of Christ, said: "If the eyes of faith had not brought me
to see the Second Coming of Christ as the fulfillment of prophecy, force of
circumstances would have driven me into infidelity. When I see iniquity
more and more abounding, more heathen than fifty years ago, less godly and
converted people, only this hope sustains me, that He will come again—not
the weary one, the despised one—but in power and in might, at His Father's
right hand. And woe to the despots then! Then shall begin the Millennial age
when He shall appear, showing the wounds of the Lamb that was slain, and
when righteousness shall cover the earth. The same Christ, He and not
another, and we shall know Him by the print of the nails!" Yes, the "Blessed
Hope" of Christ's return is—
1. Our Comfort in Sorrow—1 Thess. 4:14.
2. Our Joy in Persecution—2 Thess. 1:7.
3. Our Purifier in Life—1 John 3:3.
4. Our Outlook of Expectation—Phil. 3:20, 21.
5. Our Confidence in Confession—Heb. 10:23, R.V.
6. Our Patience in Trial—James 5:7.
7. Our Strength in Endurance—1 Peter 1:13.
 647. Power of Christ's Presence
Mark 4 and 5
1. Nature obeyed Him—4:39.
2. The disciples "feared" Him (4:41).
3. The demoniac "worshipped Him" (5:6).
4. The demons acknowledged His deity—5:7.
5. The Gadarenes were "afraid" of His accomplishments 5:15.
6. The liberated man wanted to be "with Him" (5:18).
7. The "people gathered unto Him" (5:21).
 648. Power of His Presence
"My Presence Shall Go with Thee" Exod. 33:14
1. Power of His presence to save. "The angel of His presence saved them"
(Isa. 63:9).
2. Power of His presence for joy. "In Thy presence is fullness of joy" (Psa.
16:11).
3. Power of His presence to protect. "Thou shalt hide them in the secret of
Thy presence" (Psa. 31:20).
4. Power of His presence to move. "Moved at the presence of God" (Psa.
68:8).
5. Power of His presence to search. "Whither shall I flee from Thy presence"
(Psa. 139:7).
6. Power of His presence to break down. "Broken down at the presence of
the Lord" (Jer. 4:26; 5:22).
7. Power of His presence to bless. "Times of refreshing from the presence of
the Lord" (Acts 3:19).
 649. Power of God
1. Power to Give—2 Peter 1:3.
2. Power to Keep—1 Peter 1:5.
3. Power to Uphold—Heb. 1:3.
4. Power to Calm—Col. 1:11.
5. Power to Equip—Eph. 6:10.
6. Power to Prepare—Eph. 3:16.
7. Power to Use—Acts 1:8.
 650. Power of the Cross
"Christ crucified... the power of God" 1 Cor. 1:18, 23, 24 As we look at the
prism of the Cross, we see an eightfold glory of grace. In that Cross there is
—
1. The Power to Reconcile to God—Eph. 2:16.
2. The Power to Separate from the World—Gal. 6:14.
3. The Power to Exalt to God's Throne—Phil. 2:8.
4. The Power to Remove the Law's Claim—Col. 2:14.
5. The Power to Keep from the Flesh—Gal. 5:24.
6. The Power to Put Off the Old Man of Habit—Rom. 6:6.
7. The Power to Ignore the "I" of Self—Gal. 2:20.
8. The Power to Inspire to Obedience—Gal. 3:1.
 651. Practicality
No devoted Christian can do anything unworthy of the name he bears.
1. As a Child of God, he is obedient to his Father—1 Peter 1:14-17.
2. As a Citizen of Heaven, he is separated from the evils of earth—1 Peter
2:11; Heb. 11:13.
3. As a Called One, he is walking worthy of his high and holy calling—1
Thess. 2:12.
4. As a Charged Servant, he is faithful to the trust committed to him—1
Tim. 1:18; 5:21; 6:13; 2 Tim. 4:1.
5. As a Chosen Vessel, he is selected to be for God's use and service—Acts
9:15; 2 Tim. 2:4; 1 Peter 2:9.
6. As a Consecrated Believer, he is wholly devoted to the Lord Himself—
Num. 6:7, 9, 12; 2 Chron. 29:31.
7. As a Covenanted Priest, he is fearless in his fidelity to his Lord—Mal.
2:4, 5; Heb. 8:10.
 652. Pray—How to Do It
How to do anything is the secret and soul of its accomplishment.
1. Pray secretly in the closet of communion—Matt. 6:6.
2. Pray watchfully in the alertness of wakefulness—Matt. 26:41.
3. Pray believingly in the simplicity of faith—Mark 11:18.
4. Pray unceasingly in the continuance of well-doing—1 Thess. 5:17.
5. Pray abidingly in the will of God and in Christ—John 15:7, 8.
6. Pray directly in the pointedness of definite petition—James 5:17, 18.
7. Pray effectually in the power of the Spirit—Jude 20.
 653. Prayer
An Acrostic
Pleads the Name of Jesus—John 14:13, 14.
Regards the work of Jesus—Heb. 10:19-22.
Abides in the Person of Jesus—John 15:7.
Yields to the will of Jesus—1 John 5:14, 15.
Expects a fulfillment of the promise of God in Christ—2 Cor. 1:20.
Remembers that there are conditions attached to the fulfillment of the
promises in our experience—2 Cor. 7:1.
 654. Prayer—What It Is
Prayer obtained Pentecost, and retained it. Where prayer is lacking in a
Church, it will soon die of dry rot.
1. Prayer is the empty hand of need, as expressed in the parable of the friend
at midnight—Matt. 8:2, 3.
2. Prayer is the cry of despair, bringing deliverance—Psa. 107:6, 13, 19, 28.
3. Prayer is the key to open the larder of Heaven's supplies—Acts 4:31.
4. Prayer is the hedge of protection keeping back the enemy—Neh. 6:9.
5. Prayer is the life's blood coursing through the spiritual being, keeping all
in health—Phil. 4:6, 7.
6. Prayer is the sap of fruitfulness evidencing union with Christ—John 15:7,
8.
7. Prayer is the companion of praise—Acts 16:25.
 655. Prayer of Faith
James 5:15
1. Rises from an uncondemning heart—1 John 3:20-22.
2. Recognizes the Will of God—1 John 5:14.
3. Rests on the Promise of Christ—John 14:14.
4. Relies on the Purpose of God—Acts 4:25-31.
5. Reckons on the Power of God—Acts 1:14.
6. Responds to the Spirit of God—Eph. 6:18.
7. Rejoices in the Answer from God—Luke 1:13.
 656. Prayer's Attitude
"He Kneeled Down and Prayed" Luke 22:41
1. Kneel reverently, as Solomon did at the dedication of the Temple—2
Chron. 6:13.
2. Kneel continually, as Daniel did, three times a day—Dan. 6:10.
3. Kneel worshippingly, as the Psalmist urges, for Jehovah is our Maker—
Psa. 95:6.
4. Kneel submissively, as Christ did in the Garden of Gethsemane—Luke
22:41.
5. Kneel earnestly, as the leper did when he besought Christ for cleansing—
Mark 1:40.
6. Kneel forgivingly, as Stephen did when he prayed for his murderers—Acts
7:60.
7. Kneel intercedingly, as Peter did when he prayed for Tabitha—Acts 9:40.
8. Kneel faithfully, like Paul, when he prayed for the Church in Ephesus—
Acts 20:36.
9. Kneel confidently, like the apostle, when he recognized God as his Father
—Eph. 3:14.
 657. Prayer's Effectiveness
"The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working" (James
5:16).
1. Prayer accomplishes things, as Elijah demonstrated in obtaining the
needed rain—James 5:17.
2. Prayer concentrates the mind upon a given object, as Nehemiah illustrates
when he repaired the wall in the face of the opposition against him—Neh.
4:9.
3. Prayer cleanses the heart and life, as David experienced, when he prayed:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God" (Psa. 51:10).
4. Prayer enables the witness to go forward with renewed courage, as is seen
in the early Christians, who prayed they might with all boldness preach the
Word—Acts 4:29.
5. Prayer is the soul of revival, as the Psalmist recognized, when he pleaded
that God would "Quicken" (revive) "me according to Thy Word" (Psa.
119:154).
6. Prayer is one of the weapons which is a part of the Christian's armor
—"all-prayer" (Eph. 6:18).
Prayer is, as Matthew Henry says: "The key of the morning, and the lock of
the evening."
 658. Prayer and Persons
1. A Beggar supplicating a blessing, like the friend at midnight knocking at
the door for bread—Luke 11:5-10.
2. A Friend seeking a favor, like Epaphras praying for the Colossians—Col.
4:12.
3. A Pastor pleading for his flock in Ephesus—Acts 20:36.
4. A Child praying to his Father in all things—Matt. 6:9-15.
5. A Suppliant asking for a redress—Luke 18:1-8.
6. A Believer receiving a benediction—1 John 5:14, 15.
7. A Priest interceding for others—1 Tim. 2:1.
 659. Praying for Others
Two young people, a boy and girl, aged six and eight, were being put to bed
by their mother, and she, like a good mother, saw that they prayed before
they got into bed, but just before she had taken them to the bedroom, the boy
had provoked his mother and she had spoken to him reprovingly. When the
boy was saying his prayers, he said, "O Lord, bless Mamma, and save her
from getting cross." When the girlie prayed, she prayed more consistently;
she implored the Lord to "Bless Mamma, and save us from making her
cross." There is such a thing as balance in prayer, we may pray from our
standpoint and reflect upon others. The better way is to pray that we may be
right and be a blessing to others. When we pray for others, let us endeavour
to pray as follows:
1. Pray like Epaphras, that others "may stand perfect and complete in the
will of God" (Col. 4:12).
2. Pray like Paul did for the Thessalonians, that others may be sanctified
wholly—1 Thess. 5:23.
3. Pray like the Apostles did for the elected deacons, that others may be
qualified by the Holy Spirit for His work—Acts 6:6.
4. Pray like the Church did for Peter, that others may be got out of the prison
of difficulties—Acts. 12:5.
5. Pray as Peter and John did for the believers at Ephesus, that others may
receive the Holy Spirit—Acts 8:15.
6. Pray as the Church at Antioch did for Paul and Barnabas, that others may
be led in the Lord's work—Acts 13:3.
7. Pray as The Apostle did for the elders and church at Ephesus, that others
may be kept from error and evil and kept in the grace of God—Acts 20:36.
 660. "Promise of the Father"
Acts 1:4
"The promise of the Father" may be read in three ways.
1. The promise given to Christ by the Father as the result of His atoning
death—John 14:26; 15:26. The Paschal Lamb secured the Pentecost of the
Spirit.
2. The promise of the Spirit donates the gifts of the Spirit. See the
association of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 in connection with the
sevenfold "the same God," "the same Lord," and "the same Spirit" (1 Cor.
12:4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11).
3. The promise of Christ to the believer—John 16:7.
 661. Precept and Promise
1. Acknowledgement and Direction. Precept: "In all thy ways acknowledge
Him." Promise: "He will direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:6).
2. Delight and Bestowment. Precept: "Delight thyself in the Lord." Promise:
"He will give thee the desires of thine heart" (Psa. 37:4).
3. Obedience and Satisfaction. Precept: "If ye be willing and obedient."
Promise: "Ye shall eat the good of the land" (Isa. 1:19).
4. Taking and Resting. Precept: "Take My yoke upon you." Promise: "Ye
shall find rest" (Matt. 11:29).
5. Bringing and Filled. Precept: "Bring all the tithes." Promise: "I will open
the windows" (Mal. 3:10).
6. Seeking and Securing. Precept: "Seek ye first." Promise: "All these things
added" (Matt. 6:33).
7. Walking and Peace. Precept: "Walk in my statutes." Promise: "I will be
your God" (Ezek. 11:20).
 662. Pre-Millennial Coming of Christ
Christ unmistakably taught there could be no Millennium until He returned.
There is no more pathetic scene in the life of Christ than when He wept over
the city of Jerusalem, and complained that the Jews had not received Him;
the consequence was, their house was left unto them "desolate," and He told
them that they should not see Him again till they should say, "Blessed is He
that cometh in the Name of the Lord." And then Christ, in response to the
threefold question which the disciples put to Him, which was, "When shall
these things be?" "What shall be the sign of Thy Coming, and of the end of
the age?" replies by telling them the conditions that will be found before He
returns. If Matthew 24 is carefully read, those conditions may be summarized
as follows:
1. Spiritual declension, unfaithfulness will abound, hence Christ warns us
against false christs, false prophets, and deceivers—Matt. 24:4, 5, 11, 24.
2. Spiritual deception and deceivers and apostasy will precede His Coming,
hence iniquity shall abound, the love of the many shall wax cold, the
character of the pre-antediluvian days will exist, the evil servant will presume
upon the Lord's seeming delay, there will be those who will not be ready as
represented in the virgins, the unfaithful servant who did not use his Master's
talent, and also those who did not minister to the Lord's brethren in their need
—Matt. 24:12, 37-39, 48-51; 25:1-13, 24-30, 41, 46.
3. Instead of finding a condition of peace and tranquility when He returns, He
says there will be wars and rumors of wars, and nation rising against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom—Matt. 24:6, 7.
4. Following in the steps of war, there will be famine and pestilence, and so
terrible will these things be, that unless the days are shortened no flesh will
be saved from their awful consequences—Matt. 24:7, 22.
5. Terrible sufferings will also be characteristic of the time of the end, hence
we read of sorrows, affliction, woes, unparalleled tribulation, hatred, killing,
and loss—Matt. 24:8, 9, 19, 21.
6. Immediately after the tribulation of those days, there will be wonderful
phenomena seen in the heavens and in the earth, in the darkened sun, in the
light less moon, in the falling stars, in the shaking heavens, and in the
quaking earth—Matt. 24:7. 29.
7. The budding fig tree of Israel's restoration is yet another sign of the time of
the end, and that the summer of blessing for God's covenanted people is near
—Matt. 24:32.
8. The time when all these things shall be, is not left in the uncertainty of
doubt, for it is when these things shall come to pass that He is nigh even at
the doors, and as Christ Himself says, "The Son of Man shall be seen coming
with power and great glory" (Matt. 24:30, 33). And following this affirmation
of Christ's, He tells us "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall
not pass away" (Matt. 24:35).
Surely such a state of things goes to prove beyond all question that no
Millennium is in existence when the Lord returns, but just the opposite.
 663. Presence of the Lord
His presence is a—
1. Searching presence to convict—Psa. 139:7.
2. Saving presence to convert—Isa. 63:9.
3. Separating presence to consecrate—Psa. 31:20.
4. Settling presence to calm—Exod. 33:14.
5. Satisfying presence to rejoice—Psa. 16:11.
6. Supplying presence to refresh—Acts 3:19.
7. Sanctifying presence to humble—1 Cor. 1:26-31.
 664. "Precious Blood of Christ"
1. The Blood of Expiation to satisfy God's claims—Lev. 16:14, 15.
2. The Blood of Atonement to cover the sinner's guilt—Lev. 16:15; Isa. 6:7.
3. The Blood of Cleansing to remove the sinner's defilement—Lev. 14:7.
4. The Blood of Consecration to cause the sinner's acceptance—Lev. 1:1-9.
5. The Blood of Covenant to secure the sinner's blessing—Exod. 24:6-8.
6. The Blood of Hallowing to consecrate to the Lord's service—Exod. 29:20,
21.
7. The Blood of Provision to restore to fellowship—Num. 19:1-21.
 665. Presence
Psalm 23:4
1. Redeeming presence for succor. "Angel of His presence" (Isa. 63:9).
2. Resting presence for safety. "My presence shall... give thee rest" (Exod.
33:14).
3. Rejoicing presence for joy. "In Thy presence is fullness of joy" (Psa.
16:11).
4. Regarding presence for love. "Hide them in the secret of Thy presence"
(Psa. 31:20).
5. Restoring presence for revival. "Restore us again, cause Thy face"
(presence), etc. (Psa. 80:3, 7, 19).
6. Resuscitating presence for health. "The health of Thy countenance"
(presence), (Psa. 42:11; 43:5).
7. Reflecting presence for beauty. "Cause Thy face (presence) to shine with
us" (Psa. 67:1, R.V., margin).
 666. Price to Be Paid
Benefit to others is always brought by a price that is paid. See how this is
brought out in the Sacred Book.
1. The birth of Benjamin was at the cost of Rachel's life—Gen. 35:17, 18,
margin.
2. The sufferings of Joseph were the cost of his after-blessings to his
brethren—Gen. 45:5-11.
3. Paul filled up the sufferings of Christ in allowing His Lord to suffer in
him—Col. 1:24.
4. The three Hebrews were cast into the fiery furnace that God's Name
might be glorified—Dan. 3:13-23.
5. The Early Christians suffered that the truth might be furthered—Acts
16:19-24.
6. John was banished to Patmos that he might receive the Revelation—Rev.
1:9.
7. Christ suffered for our sins that He might bring us to God—1 Peter 4:1.
 667. Pride
Study Could Be Divided Into 2, 3, or 4
The life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ are a standing rebuke to every
form of pride to which we are subject.
1. Pride of Birth and Rank. "Is not this the carpenter's son?" (Matt. 13:55).
2. Pride of Wealth. "The Son of Man hath not where to lay His head" (Matt.
8:20).
3. Pride of Respectability. "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" "He
shall be called a Nazarene" (John 1:46; Matt. 2:23).
4. Pride of Personal Appearance. "He hath no form or comeliness" (Isa.
53:2).
5. Pride of Reputation. "Behold a man gluttonous and a winebibber, a friend
of publicans and sinners" (Matt. 11:19).
6. Pride of Independence. "Many others who ministered to Him of their
substance" (Luke 8:3).
7. Pride of Learning. "How knoweth this Man letters, having never learned"
(John 7:15).
8. Pride of Superiority. "I am among you as He that serveth." "He humbled
Himself." "Made a curse for us" (Luke 22:27; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 3:13).
9. Pride of Success. "He came unto His own and His own received Him not."
"Neither did His brethren believe on Him." "He was despised and rejected of
men" (John 1:11; 7:5; Isa. 53:3).
10. Pride of Self-reliance. "He went down to Nazareth, and was subject unto
them" (Luke 2:51).
11. Pride of Ability. "I can of Mine Own Self do nothing" (John 5:30).
12. Pride of Self-will. "I seek not Mine Own will, but the will of Him that
sent Me" (John 5:30).
13. Pride of Intellect. "As My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things"
(John 8:28).
14. Pride of Party. "Forbid him not, for he that is not against us is for us"
(Luke 9:50).
15. Pride of Resentment. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they
do" (Luke 23:34).
16. Pride of Reserve. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry
ye here and watch with Me." "The Son of Man must suffer many things and
be rejected" (Matt. 26:38; Luke 9:22).
17. Pride of Sanctity. "This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them"
(Luke 15:2).
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5).
 668. Promise in Joshua 1
There are many promises given in the chapter:
1. The Land of Promise—v. 3, 4.
2. The Word of Promise, for He has pledged not to "fail" us nor "forsake" us
(v. 5).
3. The Oath of Promise—v. 6.
4. The Prosperity of Promise—v. 7.
5. The Success of Promise—v. 8.
6. The Joy of Promise—v. 9.
7. The Command of Promise, for when the Lord commands us to "be of
good courage," He will give the courage He commands—v. 18.
W. T. Stead, of the Review of Reviews, has left on record, as to the influence
of this chapter upon his life: "If I had to single out any one chapter which I
am conscious of having influenced me most, I should say the first of Joshua,
with its oft-repeated exhortation to be strong and to be very courageous."
 669. Promises
How many promises God gives us as we are journeying along the road of life.
The following is a sevenfold bow of promise—
1. He promises Help in need—Heb. 13:5, 6.
2. Strength in weakness—Isa. 41:10.
3. Cheer in despondency—Matt. 14:27.
4. Guidance in perplexity—Psa. 32:8.
5. Peace in trouble—Isa. 66:12.
6. Joy in sorrow—Isa. 61:3.
7. Power in service—Acts 1:4-8.
 670. Promptness of Faith
"He Went." "He Arose" (1 Kings 17:5, 10)
1. The Warrant of Faith. "The Word of the Lord" (v. 5).
2. The Reward of Faith. "Ravens brought him bread" (v. 6).
3. The Test of Faith. "No rain" (v. 7).
4. The Fellowship of Faith. "Bring unto me... thee... and thy son" (v. 13).
5. The Promise of Faith. "Thus saith the Lord" (v. 14).
6. The Obedience of Faith. "She went and did" (v. 15).
7. The Testimony of Faith. "According to the Word of the Lord" (v. 16).
 671. Proofs
1. Obedience proves Sonship. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they
are the sons of God" (Rom. 8:14).
2. Separation proves Saintship. "As becometh saints" (Eph. 5:3).
3. Service proves we are the Lord's. "Serving the Lord" (Rom. 12:11).
4. Shining proves Light. "Ye are the light of the world... Shine" (Matt. 5:14-
16).
5. Walk proves Life. "Since by the Spirit we live, let us walk in the Spirit"
(Gal. 5:25).
6. Following proves Discipleship. "If any man will come after Me, let him
take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).
7. Abiding in Christ proves Union with Him. "Abide in Me, and I in you...
the branch cannot bear fruit except it abide in the vine: no more can ye except
ye abide in Me" (John 15:4).
 672. Proofs of the New Birth
The evidences of being "born of God" are brought out in the First Epistle of
John, where we find gennao occurring ten times. Let us briefly look at some
of these results.
1. Righteousness of Life. "Every one that doeth righteousness is begotten of
Him" (1 John 2:29, R.V.). Generally speaking, righteousness is conformity to
the standard of right. The standard of right is the ten commandments in the
Old Testament, as Arnold says, "Righteousness is the master-word in the Old
Testament;" and the standard of right in the New Testament is Christ, hence,
the Christian says, "What would my Lord do?"
2. Separation from Sin. "Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin,
because his seed abideth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of
God" (1 John 3:9, R.V.). Those who have Divine life do not make it a practice
to sin. They are not sinless, nor not liable to fall through temptation, but
sinning is no longer a habit of their life.
3. Love to Others. "Every one that loveth is begotten of God" (1 John 4:7,
R.V.). Love is not the empty effervescence of animal desire, but the pure
flame of an ardent affection, which expresses itself in sacrifice, help, co-
operation, sympathy, devotion, thoughtfulness, and service.
4. Faith in Christ. "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten
of God" (1 John 5:1, R.V.). The tense of the verb to believe, is the key to the
understanding of these words—"Believeth." Faith is the hand that links us on
to Christ, and it is the coupling which keeps us one with Him, even as the
couplings of the carriages keep them coupled to the engine. The world
wonders we make so much of faith, but the believer knows its worth and
power. We know that the "Jesus" of humanity is the Christ of Deity.
5. Loving the Lord. "Every one that loveth Him that begat" (1 John 5:1,
R.V.). The next verse tells us that we show our love to Him by doing His
commandments. The love of God is like the sun to the flowers, it causes them
to turn to it; the love of God is like the electric current which moves the
needle and sends a message from one operator to another.
6. Victory. "Whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world" (1 John
5:4, R.V.). God has made no provision for His children to be overcome by the
Devil of temptation, the siren of the world, and the whirlpool of the flesh.
Victory shows our relationship. Thomas Manton says: "It would be
monstrous for the eggs of one creature to bring forth the brood of another
kind, for a crow or a kite to come from the egg of a hen. It is as unnatural a
production for a new creature to sin." Spurgeon comments on this quotation:
"Each creature brings forth after its own kind. Out of a dove's nest we expect
only doves to fly. The heavenly life breeds birds of paradise, such as holy
thoughts, desires, and acts; and it cannot bring forth such unclean birds as
lust, envy, and malice. The life of God infused in the new birth is as pure as
the Lord by whom it was begotten, and can never be otherwise."
 673. Psalm 47
Five times in this Psalm we are exhorted to "sing praises" (6, 7), and to sing
them "to God," "unto our King," and to "sing with the understanding." Some
reasons why we should "sing praises" are—
1. Because of what the Lord is. "Jehovah Most High is terrible," "Great
King over all the earth," "Our King," and "The God of Abraham" (v. 2, 6, 9).
2. Because of what He has done. "God is gone up with a shout," speaking of
victory over His enemies (v. 5).
3. Because of what He is doing, and can do. He "subdueth," "He chooseth,"
(R.V.), "God reigneth... sitteth" (v. 3, 4, 8).
4. Because of what He is to us. "The God of Abraham" (v. 9).
5. Because of what He calls us. "The Excellency of Jacob" (v. 4).
 674. Psalm 143
The personal pronoun "I" in the Psalm reflects the Psalmist in several
characters.
1. A Tracing Pilgrim. "I remember" (v. 5).
2. A Thoughtful Saint. "I meditate" (v. 5).
3. A Musing Believer. "I muse" (v. 5).
4. A Supplicating Beggar. "I stretch" (v. 6).
5. A Dependent Child. "I trust" (v. 8).
6. A Lifted Soul. "I lift" (v. 8).
7. A Pursued Warrior. "I flee" (v. 9).
 675. Purchase
1. A Great Purchaser. "Denying the Lord that bought them" (2 Peter 2:1).
2. A Great Price. "Bought with a price" (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).
3. A Great End. "Redeemed us to God by Thy Blood" (Rev. 5:9).
4. A Great Separation. "Redeemed from among men" (Rev. 14:3, 4).
5. A Great Privilege. "I counsel thee to buy me gold," etc. (Rev. 3:18).
The word agorazo is rendered "bought," "buy," and "redeemed" in the above
Scriptures.
 676. Qualifications Which Workers Need
We are qualified when we have—
1. The "Go" of Commission, like Isaiah—Isa. 6:9.
2. The Glow of Compassion, like Christ—Matt. 14:14.
3. The Grip of Conviction, like Paul—1 Cor. 2:2.
4. The Godliness of Consecration, like Barnabas—Acts 4:36, 37; 11:24.
5. The Grace of Consistency, like Joseph—Gen. 39:10-23.
6. The Gumption of Compatibility, like Philip—Acts 8:30-40.
7. The Grit of Continuance, like Moses—Heb. 11:24-29.
 677. Queen of Sheba
1 Kings 10:1-13
1. A Listening Ear. "She heard" (v. 1).
2. A Ready Foot. "She came" (v. 2).
3. A Communing Heart. "She communed" (v. 2).
4. An Appreciative Eye. "When the Queen of Sheba had seen" (v. 4, 5).
5. A Confessing Tongue. "She said" (v. 6).
6. A Giving Hand. "She gave" (v. 10).
7. A Prostrated Spirit. "No more spirit in her" (v. 5).
8. A Rewarded Suppliant. "Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her
desire" (v. 13).
 678. Questions About Ability
1. Christ to the Blind Men. "Believe ye that I am able?" (Matt. 9:28).
2. God and Forgiveness. "Who can forgive sins but God only?" (Mark 2:7).
3. Satan's Limitation. "Can Satan cast out Satan?" (Mark 3:23).
4. Salvation. "Who then can be saved?" (Mark 10:26).
5. Christ the Answer. "How can we know the way?" (John 14:5).
6. Disciples' Inability. "Why could not we cast him out?" (Matt. 17:19).
7. The Quandary of Nicodemus. "How can a man be born when he is old?"
(John 3:4).
 679. Ready
1. Condition of the Sinner. "Ready to perish" (Deut. 26:5; Job 29:13; Prov.
31:6; Isa. 27:13).
2. Compassion of the Lord. "Ready to pardon" (Neh. 9:17; Psa. 86:5; Isa.
38:20).
3. Conduct of the Saint. "Ready to do" (2 Sam. 15:15).
4. Commission of the Servant. "Ready to preach" (Rom. 1:15).
5. Coming Glory and Salvation. "Ready to be revealed" (1 Peter 1:5).
6. Complaint of the Sorrowful. "Ready to halt" (Psa. 38:17).
7. Consequence of Backsliding. Things "ready to die" (Rev. 3:2).
 680. Redemption—What Is It?
1. Subjects of Redemption. Those who were in bondage to a "vain manner
of living" (1 Peter 1:18, R.V.).
2. Source of Redemption. Of God it is said that "His grace" operates
"through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus," and that the redemption
comes to us "according to the riches of His grace" (Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7).
3. Price of Redemption. The price is "His Blood" (Eph. 1:7), which Christ
gave as "a ransom" (Matt. 20:28), and is the equivalent for all demands—1
Tim. 2:6.
4. Substance of Redemption. Christ is its Substance and Embodiment,
hence, "He is made unto us Redemption" (1 Cor. 1:30).
5. Receiver of Redemption. Faith, like Anna, who "looked for redemption"
(Luke 2:38), finds what it looks for in the Redeemer.
6. Meaning of Redemption is "deliverance." The Lion of the tribe of Judah
breaks every chain—Heb. 11:35.
7. Consummation of Redemption is when our Lord returns. Hence, we are
waiting for "the redemption of our body" (Rom. 8:23).
 681. Redemption Exemplified
There is one chord of truth which the Holy Spirit strikes with repeated
emphasis in the Word of God, and that is redemption by blood. In various
ways the subject is brought before us.
1. Israel's deliverance from Egypt is a picture of redemption's emancipating
liberty—Exod. 15:13.
2. The Ransom and Redemption Money—Exod. 30:12; Num. 3:49, are
types of its protecting and bestowing grace.
3. The Action of Boaz in reclaiming the lost inheritance of Naomi, and
purchasing Ruth to be his wife, is an illustration of its releasing and claiming
power—Ruth 4:10.
4. The Year of Jubilee, with its bestowments of release to the debtor,
freedom to the slave, and rest to the captive, depict the blessings of
redemption—Lev. 25.
5. The Testimony of God's Assuring Word to the believer is God's
guarantee as to his personal benefit of redemption in Christ—Eph. 1:7.
6. The Song of the Redeemed in glory has its inspiration in the redemptive
work of the Lord—Rev. 5:9.
7. The Holiness of the Child of God has its incentive in the redeeming blood
of Calvary—1 Peter 1:18, 19; Titus 2:14.
 682. "Rejoice"—the Foundation
Rejoicing in God and in His attributes and blessings as found in the Psalms.
1. Object of Rejoicing. "Rejoice in the Lord" (33:1).
2. Salvation. "My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation" (13:5).
3. Mercy. "I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy" (31:7).
4. Protection. "In the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice" (63:7).
5. Revival. "Revive us... that Thy people may rejoice in Thee" (85:6).
6. Word of God. "Statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (9:8;
119:111).
7. Israel. "That I may rejoice in the gladness of Thy nation" (106:5).
 683. "Rejoice" —the Reasons
1. Because your "names are written in Heaven" (Luke 10:20).
2. Because you see the Lord"—John 20:20.
3. Because you can rejoice in sorrow—2 Cor. 6:10.
4. Because the Gospel is preached—Phil. 1:18.
5. Because others are walking in the truth—2 John 4.
6. Because we are "counted worthy" to suffer shame for the sake of Christ
(Acts 5:41).
7. Because we are told to "rejoice evermore" (1 Thess. 5:16).
 684. Rejoicing People
The Greek for "rejoice" is rendered "joyfully," "glad," and "rejoicing" in the
following Scriptures.
1. A Glad Sinner. "When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad" (Luke
23:8).
2. A Glad Shepherd. "He layeth the sheep on His shoulders rejoicing" (Luke
15:5).
3. A Glad Father. "Be glad" (Luke 15:32).
4. A Glad Receiver. "Received Him joyfully" (Luke 19:6).
5. A Glad Anticipator. "He saw My day and was glad" (John 8:56).
6. A Glad Disciple. "Went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39).
7. A Glad Apostle. "I rejoice" (Phil. 1:18; 2:17, 18; 4:10).
 685. Rejoicing Persons
In the New Testament
1. Mary, the saved. "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior" (Luke 1:47).
2. Jesus, the Lord. "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit" (Luke 10:21).
3. Eunuch, the believer. "He went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39).
4. Paul, the minister. "I rejoice;" "I rejoiced" (2 Cor. 6:10; 7:7, 9, 16).
5. John, the appreciator. "I rejoiced greatly" (2 John 4; 3 John 3).
6. Jailer, the grateful. "He set before them and rejoiced" (Acts 16:34).
7. Magi, the seekers. "Rejoiced when they saw the star" (Matt. 2:10).
 686. Relative Positions
1. Down in the pit for misery—Psa. 40:2.
2. Through the door for safety—John 10:9.
3. Into the Kingdom for blessing—Col. 1:13.
4. At the table for fellowship—Psa. 23:5.
5. Before the throne in worship—Isa. 6:3, 4.
6. Out in the field for testimony—Matt. 9:38.
7. In the glory for satisfaction—John 17:24.
 687. "Rejoice" in What?
1. Persecution. "Rejoice ye in that day" (Luke 6:23)
2. Expectation. "Rejoicing in hope" (Rom. 12:12).
3. Communion. "I therein do rejoice" (Phil. 1:18).
4. Repetition. "Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice" (Phil.
4:4).
5. Identification. "Rejoice in my sufferings" (Col. 1:24).
6. Appreciation. "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly" (Phil. 4:10).
7. Compensation. "Rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's
sufferings" (1 Peter 4:13).
 688. Religion or Christ?
"Religion is often put on a pedestal and worshipped instead of Christ," so said
a well-known Canon of the Church of England. There are many who are
content with an outward show of religion and religious observances who
know nothing of heart-faith in Christ and Christly action. The word "religion"
only occurs four times in the Bible.
1. God's Religion. There is God's description of a true and practical religion,
which is to care for the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep
unspotted from the world—James 1:27.
2. An Empty Religion. Then there is the Spirit's description of an empty
religion, when he describes a person who seems to be religious and who
bridleth not his tongue—James 1:26.
3. Man's Religion. Paul, in looking upon the empty rites of the idolatrous
worship at Athens, said, "I perceive that in all things ye are too religious"
(Acts 17:22, R.V., margin).
There is often a good deal of religion without Christ, but there is always true
religion when there is Christ. In striking contrast to the word religion we find
the names and titles of "Christ," "Jesus," and "Lord," which occur 2269
times! The secret of practical religion is the potential Christ.
 689. "Remember Me"
1. A Sinner's Request. "Remember me when Thou comest into Thy
Kingdom" (Luke 23:42).
2. A Worker's Plea. "Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe
not out my good deeds," etc. (Neh. 13:14).
3. A Suppliant's Argument. "Remember me... according to the greatness of
Thy mercy" (Neh. 13:22; Psa. 25:7).
4. A Laborer’s Cry. "Remember me, 0 my God, for good" (Neh. 13:31).
5. A Covenanter's Petition. "Remember me, O Lord, with the favor that
Thou bearest unto Thy people" (Psa. 106:4).
6. A Needy One's Desire. "Remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of
my persecutors" (Jer. 15:15).
7. An Apostolic Appreciation. "I praise you, brethren, that you remember
me in all things" (1 Cor. 11:2).
 690. Reminders to Workers
"As" or "According As"
1. The Worker's Court of Appeal. "As it is written," or "according as" (Rom.
1:17; 2:24; 3:4, 10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 29, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 15:3, 9, 21).
2. The Worker's Administrator. "The Spirit dividing to every man severally
as He will" (1 Cor. 12:11, 18).
3. The Worker's Encouragement. "As we have received mercy, we faint not"
(2 Cor. 4:1).
4. The Worker's Walk. "Walk even as He walked" (1 John 2:6).
5. The Worker's Instructor. "Taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus" (Eph.
4:21).
6. The Worker's Becomingness. "As becometh saints" (Eph. 5:3).
7. The Worker's Hope. "Even as ye are called in one hope of your calling"
(Eph. 4:4).
 691. Rent Things
1. A Rent Heart—Humiliation. "Rend your heart" (Joel 2:13).
2. A Rent Veil—Propitiation. "Veil of the temple was rent in twain" (Matt.
27:51).
3. A Rent Child—Oppression. "The spirit cried, and rent him sore" (Mark
9:26).
4. A Rent Lion—Submission. "Samson... rent him" (Judges 14:6).
5. A Rent Heaven—Inundation. "O that Thou wouldest rend the Heavens
and come down" (Isa. 64:1).
6. A Rent Kingdom—Rejection. "The Lord hath rent the Kingdom from
thee" (1 Sam. 15:28).
7. A Rent Mantle—Indignation. "When I heard this thing, I rent my
garment," etc. (Ezra 9:3).
 692. "Rest"
1. A sinner's rest disturbed—Luke 12:19.
2. A restless one delivered—Matt. 11:28.
3. A second rest found—Matt. 11:29.
4. A worker refreshed —Philemon 7, 20.
5. The Spirit resting upon a saint—1 Peter 4:14.
6. A busy group resting—Mark 6:31.
7. Tired and persecuted saints "rested" (Rev. 14:13).
 693. Rest in Seven Aspects
1. Rest of Conscience about our sins through faith in the atoning work of
Christ—Heb. 10:12.
2. Rest of Assurance from judgment through Christ's Word of authority—
Luke 7:50; John 5:24.
3. Rest of Confidence from fear of death by entering into Christ's victory—
Acts 2:26.
4. Rest of Consecration by being yoked with Christ in the will of God—
Matt. 11:29.
5. Rest of Heart by leaving everything in the Lord's hands—Phil. 4:6, 7.
6. Rest of Mind in the Lord's service by fellowship with Christ—Acts 9:31.
7. Rest of Glory, consummated when Christ returns—Heb. 4:9.
 694. Restoration of Jews to Palestine and Glories
I. Promise of Restoration to the Land. "Behold, I will gather them out of all
countries whither I have driven them in Mine anger, and in My fury, and in
great wrath, and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them
to dwell safely." "This place" is specifically stated, namely, "This city"
(Jerusalem), and "this land" (Palestine), so there can be no mistake as to
locality—Jer. 32:36-41.
II. Ancient Glories and Sanctity of the Race Regained.
Here are a few of the many promises:
1. "I will build them as at the first" (Jer. 33:7).
2. "I will no more make you a reproach among the nations" (Joel 2:19).
3. "I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten" (Joel 2:25).
4. "I will save you from all your uncleanness" (Ezek. 36:29).
5. "I will bring upon you all the good I have promised them" (Jer. 32:42).
6. "I will make you a name and a praise among the people of the earth"
(Zeph. 3:20).
7. "I will be your God" (Ezek. 36:28).
Scriptures might be multiplied, but the above emphatic "I will's" of Jehovah
are more than sufficient.
 695. Results of Communion
When we have communion with Christ we have—
1. Joy in sorrow, as Mary experienced—John 11:32.
2. Gladness in persecution, as Paul and Silas experienced—Acts 16:25.
3. Power in weakness, as the apostle knew—2 Cor. 12:8,9.
4. Success in labor, as the disciples found out in fishing—John 21:6.
5. Endurance in trial, as John the apostle was made to know when he was
banished to the Isle of Patmos—Rev. 1:9, 12.
6. Victory in temptation, as Joseph in Egypt experienced—Gen. 39:9.
7. Guidance in perplexity, as the Acts of the Apostles illustrate—Acts 8:26,
29, 31.
 696. Revival
1. Rule of Revival. "Revive Thou me according to Thy Word" (Psa. 119:25,
107, 149, 154, 156). Any revival not based on God's Word will be like a sky-
rocket, which goes up with a flash, and comes down a stick!
2. Sphere of Revival. "Revive me in Thy way" (Psa. 119:37). The way of
revival is always the way of holiness of life, lowliness of spirit, and
humbleness of mind.
3. Principle of Revival. "Revive me according to Thy righteousness" (Psa.
119:40). Righteousness is the principle of doing right because it is the right
thing to do.
4. Attraction of Revival. "Revive me after Thy lovingkindness" (Psa.
119:88, 159). Love dominates in all true revival, and is ever active in
kindness.
5. Source of Revival. "Wilt not Thou revive us again?" (Psa. 85:6). If the
Lord revives, He will do it well, and we shall want Him to do it all the time.
6. Subjects of Revival. "Revive us... Revive me." "Revive Thy work" (Hosea
6:2; Psa. 138:7; Hab. 3:2). "To revive the humble" (Isa. 57:15). When a
revival begins in the first person, there are sure to be others joining in it.
7. Secret of Revival. Prayer. "Wilt not Thou revive us" (Psa. 85:6). Prayer is
the wire which keeps us in touch with the power house.
8. Outcome of Revival. "That Thy people may rejoice" (Psa. 85:6). "Revive
as the corn," etc. (Hosea 14:7).
 697. Riches
"Let Not the Rich Man Glory in His Riches" Jer. 9:23
When gold is our god how poor we are! When money is our objective, what
subjective slaves we are to its rule.
1. Riches are Unreliable. "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall" (Prov.
11:28). Anything short of God will fail us.
2. Riches are Uncertain. "Riches certainly make themselves wings and fly
away" (Prov. 23:5). When we think we have got them, they are gone.
3. Riches are Unsatisfying. "Neither is his eye satisfied with riches" (Eccles.
4:8). Gold is not bread, and riches cannot feed the heart.
4. Riches are Unproductive. "Deceitfulness of riches choke the Word" (Matt.
13:22). Riches promise much, but produce nothing.
5. Riches are Unprofitable. "How hardly shall they that have riches enter the
Kingdom of God" (Mark 10:23). Riches block the way to higher things.
6. Riches are Unsettling. "Trust not in uncertain riches" (1 Tim. 6:17). If we
trust in anything short of the living God, we shall find ourselves unsettled.
7. Riches are Unfruitful. "Your riches are corrupted" (James 5:2). A
corrupted thing cannot produce anything that is beneficial.
 698. Rich Fool
Luke 12:16-34
1. Prosperous in Business. "Ground... brought forth plentifully" (v. 16).
2. Self-centered in Thought. "What shall I do... Layeth up treasure for
himself" (v. 17, 21).
3. Mistaken in Possessions. "My barns... my fruits... my goods... my soul" (v.
18, 19).
4. Deceived in Outlook. "Many years." "This night" (v. 19, 20).
5. God-forgetful in Soul. "Thy soul shall be required of thee" (v. 20); "not
rich towards God" (v. 21).
6. Earthly in Treasure. "Those things which thou hast provided" (v. 20).
7. Soulish in Nature. He lived in his soul. "I will say to my soul" (v. 19).
 699. Robbing God
"Will a Man Rob God?" Mal. 3:8
God has to chide His people when they fail to recognize what belongs to
Him. Malachi indicates how we may steal in connection with Himself.
1. We rob Him of obedience when we depart out of His way—3:5.
2. We rob Him of reverence when we profane His holiness—3:10.
3. We rob Him of allegiance when we oppress those in need—3:5.
4. We rob Him of worship when we neglect His ordinances—3:7.
5. We rob Him of His rights when we fail to give Him His tithes—3:8.
6. We rob Him of glory when we misrepresent Him, by saying what is not
absolutely true—3:14, 15.
 700. Right
The word "right" in other places is rendered "righteous" (Num. 23:10),
"straight" (Ezek. 1:7), "upright" (Prov. 15:8).
1. "Right Statutes" to govern us (Psa. 19:8).
2. Right Word to guide us—Psa. 33:4.
3. Right Ways to protect us—Hosea 14:9.
4. Right Work of the pure is appreciated—Prov. 21:8.
5. Right Life protects from ill—Exod 15:26; Deut. 6:18.
6. Right Action brings blessing—Deut. 12:28.
7. Right Speech gives satisfaction—Prov. 16:13.
 701. "Rise Up"
1. Saved and Moving. "Rise up and walk?" (Luke 5:23). Healed from the
disease of sin, henceforth we are to walk in the Lord.
2. Listening and Working. "Let us rise up and build" (Neh. 2:18). Listening
to the words of Nehemiah led the listeners to activity.
3. Rebuke and Command. "Rise up, ye women that are at ease" (Isa. 32:9).
Sloth is a curse to the sluggard and an invitation to Satan.
4. Affection and Concern. "Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away"
(Canticles 2:10). The Lover of the Bride wants her at His side.
5. Christ and Disciples. "Rise up, let us go" (Mark 14:42). The
consciousness of danger always calls forth the concern of the Savior.
6. Prayer and Deliverance. "Arise up quickly" (Acts 12:7). Prayer for Peter
brought deliverance to Peter.
 702. Rules
The child of God, as he lives up to his privileges, observes the following
rules:
1. He denies himself—Luke 9:23.
2. He loves his brother—1 John 3:14.
3. He looks upon the things of others—Phil. 2:4.
4. He ministers to the need of those who are of "the household of faith" (Gal.
6:10).
5. He sympathizes with those who are in sorrow—Rom. 12:15.
6. He allows others to be preferred before him—Rom. 12:10.
7. He seeks to please his Lord in all things—Heb. 13:21.
 703. Royal Commissions
Here are eight Royal commands of the Lord to His servants. Are there none
of them for you?
1. Go and teach all nations—Matt. 28:19.
2. Go and preach the Gospel—Mark 16:15.
3. Go to the lost sheep—Matt. 10:6.
4. Go into the vineyard—Matt. 20:4.
5. Go into the highways—Matt. 22:9.
6. Go into the streets and lanes—Luke 14:21.
7. Go home to thy friends—Mark 5:19.
8. Go and do likewise—Luke 10:37.
 704. Rules for Conduct
1. A personal faith in Christ to save from sin—Matt. 1:21.
2. An empowerment by the Holy Spirit to do the will of God—Acts 1:8;
Eph. 3:16.
3. The blessedness of joy which comes from heart purity—Matt. 5:8.
4. Love, which shows itself in sympathy and help to others, and that love
born of the love of God—1 John 3:16; 1 Cor. 13.
5. An obedience to Christ which shows itself in keeping His commandments
—John 13:34, 35; 14:15.
6. Christ Himself producing His life over again in the lives of. those who are
indwelt by Him—Gal. 2:20.
7. Doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do, or as grace
teaches: "To live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world" (Titus
2:12).
 705. Runners
1. A Fruitless Task. "Not of him that runneth" (Rom. 9:16).
2. A Heavenly Race. "Let us run with... the race" (Heb. 12:1).
3. A Definite Object. "So run that ye may obtain" (1 Cor. 9:24).
4. A Trained Athlete. "I therefore so run" (1 Cor. 9:26).
5. A Stunted Assembly. "Ye did run well; who did hinder you?" (Gal. 5:7).
6. A Hindering People. "Lest by any means I should run, or had run in vain"
(Gal. 2:2; Phil. 2:16).
7. A Successful Word. "That the Word of the Lord may have free course
("run," R.V., margin) and be glorified" (2 Thess. 3:1).
 706. Sabbath
1. We are commanded to keep holy the Sabbath Day—Exod. 20:8-10. When
God commands, it is for us to obey.
2. We are to rest one day in seven, because God rested from His creative
work on the seventh day—Gen. 2:2. It is economic and essential that
everything that works should have a period of rest.
3. The early Christians by the practice of gathering together to worship the
Lord, and to remember His death, on the first day of the week, proclaim they
had the authority of Christ to do so—Acts 20:7.
4. There is a special blessing promised to those who keep God's day of rest—
Isa. 56:4, 5.
5. If God's Day is not recognized, people will drift into the rapids of
agnosticism, rationalism, covetousness, self-pleasure, and sin; for if we cut
ourselves from one of God's commands, we shall cut ourselves from others—
Isa. 56:2, 6; 58:13.
6. Disobedience to remember the Sabbath by self-action always brings
punishment, as is evidenced in the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath—
Num. 15:32-41; and in the case of those who gathered manna—Exod. 16:25,
26.
7. And the most important of all, is, the Sabbath is a Holy Day; for the Lord
has sanctified it—Gen. 2:3; hence, for man to take what is holy to the Lord
for his own use is to commit a trespass in God's holy things; and when any
man did this under the law, atonement had to be made for his sin, and
reparation—See Lev. 5:14-19. It is a principle we do well to recognize, that
in all God's commands He has our best interests at heart, and we study our
own interests when we obey His bidding.
 707. Saints in Wrong Places
1. A Discouraged Worker. Elijah under a juniper tree—1 Kings 19:4.
2. A Backsliding Believer. Abram in Egypt—Gen. 12:10.
3. A Disobedient Servant. Jonah in the sea-monster—Jonah 2.
4. A Seduced Prophet. The man of God in the old prophet's house—1 Kings
13:19.
5. A Lazy Saint. David on the house top—2 Sam. 11:2.
6. A Silenced Witness. Lot in Sodom—Gen. 14:12.
7. A Miserable Disciple. Peter before the fire—Luke 22:55.
 708. Safeguards
1. On God's Side. "Who is on the Lord's side?" (Exod. 32:26).
2. In God's Hand. "Covered thee in the shadow of Mine hand" (Isa. 51:16;
John 10:28, 29).
3. Doing God's Work. "My work in the Lord" (1 Cor. 9:1). "Stablish you in
every good work" (2 Thess. 2:17).
4. Walking in God's Way. "I have walked in Thy truth" (Psa. 26:3; Isa. 38:3).
5. Energized by God's Power. "Strong in the Lord and in the power of His
might" (Eph. 6:10).
6. Enlightened through God's Word. "Eyes of your understanding be
enlightened" (Eph. 1:18).
7. Aiming for God's Glory. "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1
Cor. 10:31).
 709. Saint's Medicine Chest
One pound of the Spirit's Graces in equal portions of one ounce each.
1 oz. Balm of Gilead—Jer. 8:22.
1 oz. Bark of Calvary—Isa. 53:4-6.
1 oz. Syrup of Faith—James 5:15.
1 oz. Essence of Love—1 Cor. 13:13, R.V.
1 oz. Oil of Confidence—Prov. 3:26.
1 oz. Honey of the Word—Prov. 4:20-22; 16:24.
1 oz. Spice of Consecration—Song of Songs 4:12-16.
1 oz. Stalk of Uprightness—Prov. 14:2; Rom. 14:17.
1 oz. Flower of Discretion—Prov. 22:3.
1 oz. Root of Contentment—Heb. 13:5, 6.
1 oz. Herb of Joy—Prov. 17:22.
1 oz. Milk of Kindness—Prov. 31:20.
1 oz. Frankincense of Worship—Matt. 2:11.
1 oz. Dew of Humility—Prov. 22:4.
1 oz. Crystals of Patience—2 Peter 1:6.
1 oz. Perfume of Praise—Psa. 103:1, 2.
Pound these ingredients well in the mortar of believing prayer—1 John 5:14,
with the pestle of truth—Eph. 4:20, 21; add sufficient water of the Spirit's life
—Rom. 8:11, till all are mixed proportionately together, and then put up in
the jar of a sanctified memory—2 Peter 1:12. Apply the preparation three
times a day, and oftener if required, with the hand of diligence—2 Peter 1:10,
and it will be found that this Christ-all compound—Matt. 8:17, will cure all
kinds of ailments—Matt. 8:16.
 710. Salvation
1. Establishing in its Stability. "Rock of His Salvation" (Deut. 32:15).
2. Exhaustless in its Supply. "Wells of Salvation" (Isa. 12:3).
3. Enabling in its Strength. "Strength of Salvation" (Isa. 33:6).
4. Environing in its Protection. "Salvation will God appoint for her
bulwarks" (Isa. 26:1; 2 Samuel 23:5; Psa. 149:4).
5. Exhilarating in its Joy. "The cup of Salvation" (Psa. 116:13).
6. Enlightening in its Presence. "Salvation... as a lamp" (Isa. 62:1).
7. Eternal in its Character. "My Salvation shall be for ever" (Isa. 51:6).
8. Easy in its Comfort. "Thy chariots of Salvation" (Hab. 3:8).
 711. Satan and Job
Job. 1
1. Satan Among the Saints. "Satan came also among them" (v. 6). He is a
regular attendant when God's people meet together.
2. Jehovah's Question. "Satan, whence comest thou?" (v. 7). Sometimes he
has a "seat" and a synagogue—Rev. 2:9, 24.
3. Satan's Reply to Jehovah. "Satan answered, From going to and fro in the
earth" (v. 7) (1 Peter 5:8).
4. Jehovah's Inquiry about Job. "Hast thou considered My servant Job" (v.
8). The Lord appreciates what He sees in Job.
5. Satan's Insinuation. "Satan... said, Doth Job fear God for nought?" (v. 9).
Being Job's adversary, he accuses him to God.
6. Jehovah's Permission. "The Lord said unto Satan, All that he hath is in
thy power" (v. 12). We consider the "end of the Lord" in this permission—
James 5:11.
7. Satan's Going Forth from the presence of the Lord to afflict Job—v. 12.
Ponder the added afflictions of Job from Satan in Job 2.
 712. "Salvation"
1. Power. "Horn of Salvation" (18:2; 20:6, margin; 25:5).
2. Protection. "Shield of Salvation" (18:35).
3. Person. "God of my salvation" (18:46; 27:1, 9).
4. Principle. "Truth of Thy Salvation" (69:13).
5. Provision. "The Salvation of God" (50:23; 62:7).
6. Pleasure. "I will joy in the God of my Salvation" (Heb. 3:18).
7. Patience. 'I will wait for the God of my Salvation" (Micah 7:7).
8. Prayer. "Help us, O God of our Salvation" (79:9).
9. Presence. "Surely His Salvation is nigh" (85:9).
10. Prospect. "Behold thy Salvation cometh" (Isa. 62:11).
11. Platform. "Rock of our Salvation" (95:1).
12. Priesthood. "I will clothe her priests with Salvation" (132:16; Isa. 61:10).
 713. Satan in the Book of the Revelation
1. The Description of Satan in Revelation 12 Once he is called "the great red
dragon" (v. 3), once "the great dragon" (v. 9), six times "the dragon" (4, 7, 7,
13, 16, 17), once "the old serpent" (9), twice "the Devil" (v. 9, 12), once
"Satan" (v. 9), and once "the accuser" (10).
2. The Synagogue of Satan identifies him with religious circles—2:9; 3:9, in
his work among those who profess the Name of Christ.
3. The "Seat" of Satan, where he dwells, speaks of his power to oppose the
truth and persecute God's faithful ones—2:13.
4. The "Depths of Satan" 2:24), denote his subtle and hidden workings, as he
seduces and leads astray by his false ways and doctrines.
5. Confinement of Satan in the abyss for a thousand years, where he is kept
while Christ reigns—20:1-3.
6. Loosing of Satan for a short period, and his consignment into the Lake of
Fire—20:7-9.
 714. Satan's Activities
No. 1
Satan has many devices, designs, and doings to accomplish his fell purposes.
1. He provokes to wrong action, as seen in David—1 Chron. 21:1.
2. He resists the grace of God, as illustrated in Joshua—Zech. 3:1.
3. He tempts to gain advantage, as manifest in Christ—Matt. 4:10.
4. He takes away the seed of God's Word, as taught in the parable of the
sower—Luke 8:12.
5. He desires to have us, to sift, as stated by Christ to Peter—Luke 22:31.
6. He transforms himself into an angel of light to lead us astray, as warned
by Paul—2 Cor. 11:14.
7. He incites to sin, that he may get us under his power, as unfolded by John
—1 John 3:8.
 715. Satan's Activities
No. 2
1. He attracts by the glamour of wonders, as will be evidenced in the coming
man of sin—2 Thess. 2:9.
2. He seeks to get "an advantage" over us by misrepresentation, as pointed
out by the apostle—2 Cor. 2:11.
3. He fills the heart with lies to keep back what is devoted to the Lord, as
practiced in Ananias—Acts 5:3.
4. He hinders in seeking to thwart God's purposes, as stated by Christ—Matt.
16:23.
5. He seeks to gain possession of people, that he may carry out his designs,
as demonstrated in Judas—John 13:27.
6. He oppresses that he may harm those whom he dominates, as manifest in
Christ's opposing ministry—Matt. 9:32; 15:22; Acts 10:38.
7. He persecutes the servants of God, who are faithful to Him, as predicted
he would—Rev. 2:10.
 716. Satan's Activities
No. 3
1. He fights against the heavenly powers to hinder Christ's rule, as described
in Revelation 12:3-10.
2. He places himself upon us when we "give place" to him by inconsistent
conduct, as stated in Ephesians 4:27.
3. He blinds the minds of those who are in unbelief, that they may not see
Christ, as revealed in 2 Corinthians 4:4.
4. He beguiles by his sophistries to rob us of blessing, as he did Eve—2 Cor.
11:3.
5. He works in the children of disobedience, that he may wreck their career,
as we read in Ephesians 2:2.
6. He hinders God's servants in their work, as Paul experienced in his
ministry—1 Thess. 2:18.
7. He accuses the brethren to God, and does it night and day, that he may
wound God by their inconsistencies, as is revealed in Revelations 12:10.
 717. Satan's Many Parts
The Bible shows that Satan can play many parts, and among the principal
parts he plays are the following seven:
1. He is the Devil to deceive—Rev. 20:10.
2. He is the adversary (Satan) to accuse—Luke 22:31.
3. He is an angel of light to misrepresent—2 Cor. 11:14.
4. He is an enemy to oppose—Matt. 13:28, 39.
5. He is the hinderer to deter—1 Thess. 2:18.
6. He is the god of this age to blind—2 Cor. 4:4.
7. He is the tempter to allure—Luke 4:2; 1 Thess. 3:5.
 718. Scriptures
The Scriptures claim to be inspired, and prove the claim they make. They are
—
1. God-breathed in substance—2 Tim. 3:16.
2. Unbreakable in nature—John 10:35.
3. Christ-revealing in contents—John 19:24, 28, 36, 37; Luke 24:27, 32).
4. Definite in message—1 Cor. 15:3, 4.
5. Holy in character—2 Tim. 3:16.
6. Profitable in out-working—2 Tim. 3:16.
7. Divine in authorship—2 Peter 1:19, 20.
 719. Satan's Subtle Service
Satan means an opponent, the accuser; hence, the adversary. He is God's
adversary, and man's, too. He accuses God to us, and accuses us to God.
1. Satan opposes the death of Christ, as seen in his use of Peter, when he tried
to keep Christ from the Cross, and brought Christ's stern rebuke: "Get thee
behind Me, Satan" (Matt. 16:23).
2. Satan catches away the seed of God's Word, when it falls upon the
wayside-bearer, lest it should find a lodgment in the heart—Mark 4:15.
3. Satan sifts the self-sufficient believer, as he did Peter, to get rid of faith in
the Lord—Luke 22:31.
4. Satan endeavors to get people to compromise in their consecration, as he
did Ananias, when he and his wife kept back part of the price—Acts 5:3.
5. Satan tempts with his devices to get an "advantage" by keeping us from
acting after Christ in our actions towards each other—2 Cor. 2:11.
6. Satan transforms himself into an angel of light through his emissaries who
come in a false guise to deceive—2 Cor. 11:11-15.
7. Satan hinders the servants of God in their service by putting difficulties in
their way—1 Thess. 2:18.
 720. Satan's Wicked Ways
1. Satan's malignant temptation of Christ in the wilderness, through the
flesh's weakness, the world's glamour, and the pride of life—Mark 1:13.
2. Satan's cruel work in binding a woman for eighteen years, so that she
could not raise herself—Luke 13:16.
3. Satan's despotic sway in dominating Judas to betray Christ—Luke 22:3;
John 13:27.
4. Satan's deceitful working through the coming man of sin, to get them to
believe the lie that his protégé is the Christ—2 Thess. 2:9.
5. Satan's purpose in seeking to turn aside from the right things in the
relations of life—1 Tim. 5:15.
6. Satan's hurtful messenger in causing the Lord's people to have thorns in
their bodies—2 Cor. 12:7.
7. Satan's resisting the angel of the Lord to hinder the blessing of His people
—Zech. 3:1, 2.
 721. Satan's Wily Wiles
Satan has many wiles and weapons, and by means of them deceives and
defeats us.
1. Wiles to Deceive. "Wiles of the Devil" (Eph. 6:11). With cunning and craft
he lies in wait, like a wrecker with a false light.
2. Darts to Hurt. "Fiery darts of the evil one" (Eph. 6:16, R.V.). His darts are
intended to do us harm, as they did in the case of Job.
3. Snares to Entrap. "The snare of the Devil." Pride, riches, and error are
some of his snares (1 Tim. 3:7; 6:9; 2 Tim. 2:26).
4. Devices to Defraud. "We are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor. 2:11),
and those devices are to get advantages over us to rob us.
5. Buffets to Injure. "The messenger of Satan to buffet me" (2 Cor. 12:7).
Buffet means to hit one with a clenched fist.
6. Sifts to Remove. "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as
wheat" (Luke 22:31). He sifts to get rid of faith, love, consecration, prayer,
faithfulness, watchfulness, and power.
7. Tares to Choke. "Enemy came and sowed tares" (Matt. 13:25). The tares
resemble the wheat, but they are destructive to it.
 722. Saved "From" and "To"
1. Saved from the wrath to come—Rom. 5:9.
2. From the curse of a broken law—Gal. 3:10.
3. From the servitude of sin—Rom. 6:16.
4. From the pollution of sin—1 Cor. 6:9. 10.
5. From the corruption of the world—2 Peter 1:4.
6. From the selfishness of self—2 Peter 2:10. Saved
1. To relationship with God—John 1:12.
2. To eternal life—John 3:36.
3. To newness of life—Rom. 6:4.
4. To holiness of character—Rom. 6:22.
5. To pureness of heart—Matt. 5:8.
6. To the love of Christ—2 Cor. 5:14.
7. To righteousness of conduct—Rom. 14:17.
8. To sweetness of temper—Eph. 4:31, 32.
9. To victory over Satan—Rev. 12:11.
10. To saving others—Jude 23.
 723. "Saved"
1. Originator of our being Saved. The Lord: "Who hath saved us" (2 Tim.
1:9).
2. Mediator through whom we are Saved. Christ: "Through Him might be
saved" (John 3:17).
3. Cause of our being Saved. Grace: "By grace ye are saved" (Eph. 2:5-8).
4. Instrument of being Saved. Faith: "Thy faith hath saved thee" (Luke
7:50).
5. Assurance to those who desire to be saved and those who are. Word of
Christ: "These things I say that ye might be saved" (John 5:34).
6. Promise to those who want to be Saved. Prayer: "Whosoever shall call on
the Name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).
7. Mission of the Christ and the Gospel. "By which also ye are saved" (1 Cor.
15:2).
 724. "Save Me"
1. A Persecuted Saint. "Save me from all them that persecute me" (Psa. 7:1).
2. A Harassed Sufferer. "Save me from the lion's mouth" (Psa. 22:21).
3. An Oppressed Suppliant. "Save me, O God, by Thy Name," etc. (Psa.
54:1).
4. A Confident Believer. "As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord
shall save me" (Psa. 55:16).
5. A Happy Worshipper. "The Lord was ready to save me; therefore we will
sing," etc. (Isa. 38:20).
6. A Sinking Disciple. "Lord, save me" (Matt. 14:30).
7. An Agonizing Savior. "Father, save Me from this hour" (John 12:27).
 725. Savior
An Acrostic

Saves from sin by His grace—Eph. 2:5.

Atones for sin by His blood—Rom. 3:25, 26.

Vivifies from sin by His life—Rom. 5:11.

Inspires to love by His love—2 Cor. 5:14.

Obtains an inheritance by His power—Heb. 1:3, 4.

Receives to glory at His return—John 14:3.

 726. Sea of Crystal
George Fox, in writing of one of his experiences, said: "I saw a sea of ink and
a sea of crystal, and the sea of crystal swept away the sea of ink." The above
quotation suggests what the Gospel of God's grace does in the lives of those
who believe in Christ, for, as in the Millennium, there will be an effective
living water current which will wash out the Dead Sea, and make it a living
stream—Ezek. 47.
1. So the Gospel in the cleansing of the precious Blood of Christ removes the
foulness of sin—1 John 1:7.
2. The water of life quenches the fire of unholy passion—John 4:14.
3. The love of God supplants the desire to sin—2 Cor. 5:14-17.
4. The power of Christ conquers the dominance of evil—Rom. 6:14.
5. The holiness of the Lord electrifies to wholehearted devotion to Him—
Phil. 4:12, 13, and thus annuls the failure of self-effort.
6. The presence of Christ destroys all fear of man and Devil, for His grace is
sufficient—2 Cor. 12:9.
7. The Coming of Christ drives all impurity away, for it is the soul's
ambition, when looking for Him, to be ripe and ready, and thus to have His
approval—1 John 3:2, 3.
 727. Second Choice
1. Abraham was called at the first to go direct to Canaan, but he chose a
second choice in staying at Haran for a time, till the Lord spoke to him again.
How significant is the past tense of Genesis 12:1, "The Lord had said unto
Abraham" (Gen. 11:31; 12:1-3); also, "when his father was dead" of Acts
12:1-3, plainly indicating that death had to snap the bond which caused him
to tarry in Haran.
2. Lot appears to have been only a second-rate believer. He seems to have
started wrong. Meanful is the statement that "Lot went with Abram" (Gen.
12:4), while the latter went with God, in response to His call. Again, Lot
"lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan," etc., while Abraham
who did not look, was bidden by the Lord to "look" at Heaven's expanse, as
He gave him Heaven's promise—Gen. 13:10-14.
3. God wanted Moses to go at His bidding and speak to Pharaoh; he
hesitated, and complained he could not speak, and passed the honor on to
Aaron. Thus Aaron got the best blessing and Moses the second choice—
Exod. 4:14-16; the same thing is illustrated again when the Spirit was
distributed among the seventy elders for administration purposes, instead of
resting on Moses alone—Num. 11:11-17.
4. The Children of Israel made the second choice of wandering in the
wilderness, instead of entering the Promised Land. They saw many things of
the Lord's doings, but they would have had a greater blessing if they had
entered into His rest—Heb. 3:11.
5. Martha made the second choice of being cumbered with serving, while
Mary had the Lord's rest in sitting at His feet—Luke 10:39-42.
6. Moses and Elijah, when transfigured on the mount with Christ, had
fellowship with Him in conversing about His death; while the disciples were
concerned about the place where they were found, and said: "It is good to be
here." Certainly the better was to be with Him—Luke 9:33.
 728. Secret of Victory Over the World
1. Keep from it—James 1:27. The place of separation is the place of power.
To "keep unspotted" means not to be stained, therefore we must not be near
the world, but keep from the range of its mud-slinging.
2. Take Christ's victory over it. His Word is, "I have overcome the world,"
therefore He bids us "Be of good cheer" (John 16:33). See the three
references to Christ and "this world" in John's Gospel—John 12:31; 14:30;
16:11.
3. Believe you have got the victory over it. "This is the victory that
overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4, 5); and the reasons are,
because we have been begotten of God, and because we believe in the Son of
God.
4. Recognize the Lord's indwelling presence. "Ye... have overcome them,
because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
The Lord within keeps the world without.
5. Remember, the world is an enemy, and the injunction is not to have
fellowship with it—James 4:4; for if we do, we side with an enemy and
make ourselves antagonistic to God.
6. The uncompromising and specific command of the Lord is, "Love not
the world" (1 John 2:15). This will be easy if we dwell in the love of God.
7. Call to mind the prayer of Christ about the world, and remember you
are taken "out of it," sent into it, not of it, and He prays you may be kept from
it—John 17:6, 7, 14, 15.
 729. Seeing Christ
1. The shepherds saw Him as the Incarnate One—Luke 2:17.
2. Simeon saw Him as the Saving One—Luke 2:30.
3. His earthly parents saw Him as the Working One—Luke 2:49.
4. Peter saw Him as the Provider—Luke 5:8.
5. The leper saw Him as the Cleanser—Luke 5:12.
6. The demoniac saw Him as the Emancipator—Luke 8:28.
7. Peter and John saw Him as the Glorified One—Luke 9:32.
8. Zacchaeus saw Him as the Savior—Luke 19:5.
9. Herod saw Him as the Silencer—Luke 23:8.
10. The centurion saw Him as the Righteous One—Luke 23:47.
11. The disciples saw Him as the Risen One—Luke 24:39.
 730. Seeing Jesus
John 12:21
1. To see Him with the eye of faith is to be saved by Him—Isaiah 45:22.
2. To see Him with the eye of love is to be satisfied with Him—Acts 7:56.
3. To see Him with the eye of recognition is to adore Him—John 20:16.
4. To see Him with the eye of consecration is to glory in Him—Cant. 5:16.
5. To see Him with the eye of spiritual understanding is to endure like Him
—Heb. 12:1, 2.
6. To see Him with the eye of reality is to be glad in Him—John 20:20.
7. To see Him with the eye of hope is to be filled with a holy enthusiasm for
Him—Titus 2:13.
 731. Seeing Savior
Luke 19:5
Christ "looked up and saw Zacchaeus." A seeking sinner is never lost sight of
by the seeing Savior. There are seven things the Savior sees.
1. He sees what we are and tells us we have sinned, as He made known to
Paul—Rom. 3:23.
2. He sees what we have done, as He made the woman of Samaria to realize
—John 4:29.
3. He sees what we cannot do, as He reminded Nicodemus when He told him
he needed to be born again or from above—John 3:5-7.
4. He sees what we want, namely, eternal life, as the disciples discovered—
John 6:68.
5. He sees what we would like to do, namely, "to do good," and gives us the
Spirit to accomplish (Rom. 7:19, 8:2).
6. He sees our difficulties, as He saw the disciples "toiling in rowing," and
gives deliverance (Mark 6:48).
7. He sees our trials, and supplies the sufficient grace, as He did the Apostle
—2 Cor. 12:9.
 732. Seek
1. Whom to seek. The Lord. "Seek ye the Lord" (Isa. 55:6).
2. When to seek. "First" (Matt. 6:33); "Early" (Psa. 63:1); "Continually" (1
Chron. 16:11).
3. What to seek. "Peace" (Psa. 34:14); God's "Precepts" (Psa. 119:45);
"Good" (Amos 5:14); "Righteousness and Meekness" (Zeph. 2:3); "Things
above" (Col. 3:1).
4. How to seek. With a "prepared heart" (2 Chron 19:3; 30:19); with a
prayerful spirit—Dan. 9:3; Matt. 7:7.
5. Why we should seek. Because we "shall not want" (Psa. 34:10).
 733. Seeking
To have a purpose in life and to fulfill it, is to live to purpose.
1. The Good Shepherd sought the lost sheep till He found it—Matt. 18:12.
2. The Father seeks worshippers to praise Him—John 4:23.
3. To seek first the Kingdom of God is to find the added of His blessing—
Matt. 6:33.
4. To seek the Lord by prayer is to find the blessing we desire—Matt. 7:7, 8.
5. If we seek to see Jesus we shall find in Him salvation—Luke 19:3.
6. To seek those things which are above is to find Christ in His risen power
—Col. 3:1.
7. Satan seeks to devour the love and faith of the saints that he may find food
for his unholy satisfaction—1 Peter 5:8.
 734. Seeking Sinner
Luke 19:3
Zacchaeus "sought to see Jesus who He was;" and he went to some trouble in
his quest, for he "climbed" up a tree "to see Him." Who is He? There are
many answers to the question. The following seven cover a good deal of
ground.
1. Son of God in His Supreme Being. Christ in His personality is the Son of
God, God the Son, hence He is said to be "The Express Image of God's
Person" (Heb. 1:3). That does not mean the impression of God as the wax
bears the impression of the die pressed upon it, but the die that makes the
impression.
2. Son of Man in His Spotless Humanity. He became man when He took
our nature upon Him, but it does not say He became God. He was perfectly
human, and a Perfect Human. He did no sin—1 Peter 2:22; He knew no sin—
2 Cor. 5:21; in Him was no sin—1 John 3:5; and He was separate from
sinners—Heb. 7:26.
3. Savior of Men in His Gracious Love. The good Samaritan and loving
acts are the unfoldings of His compassion and love—Luke 10:30-35.
4. Suffering Lord in His Sufficient Atonement. The word "atonement" is
rendered "satisfaction" in Numbers 35:31, and the New Testament equivalent
is the word "propitiation" in Romans 3:25. God gives what He demands.
5. Successful Combatant Against all Evil, for He has destroyed him who
had the power of death, and Christ now holds the keys of Hades and death—
Rev. 1:18.
6. Secret of Blessing. All blessing is found in Christ—Eph. 1:3. God has
nothing to give us apart from Him, and He has no withholdings with Him—
Rom. 8:32.
7. Sufficient Grace in Meeting our Need. Our need is met "according to His
riches, not out of them, hence all grace is at our disposal—2 Cor. 9:8.
 735. Service of the Believer
There are many illustrations we find bringing out the character of those who
serve. There is the service of—
1. The Priest in the Temple—Heb. 9:14.
2. The Slave in the House—Luke 17:8.
3. The Deacon in the Church—Luke 22:26.
4. The Elder in the Flock—Rom. 1:9.
5. The Son in the Family—Matt. 4:10.
6. The Maid in the Home—Acts 12:13.
7. The Member in the Body—1 Cor. 12:21.
 736. Self Voices
1. Voice of the World. "Save thyself" (Luke 23:39).
2. Voice of the Self-Christian. "Pity thyself" (Matt. 16:22, R.V., margin).
3. Voice of the Lord. "Deny thyself" (Matt. 16:24).
 737. Self-Seeking
1. Self-Pleasing. "Walk as men" (1 Cor. 3:3).
2. Self-Pride. "I have made" (Daniel 3:15).
3. Self-Prayer. "Prayed with himself" (Luke 18:11).
4. Self-Righteousness. "I counted loss" (Phil. 3:4-7).
5. Self-Opinion. "I thought" (2 Kings 5:11).
6. Self-Service. "I go a fishing" (John 21:3).
7. Self-Eminence. "Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence" (3
John 9).
8. Self-Placement. "Reasoning... which should be the greatest" (Luke 9:46).
 738. "Sent Forth"
The word exapostello is rendered "sent forth," "sent away," "sent," and
"send."
1. God "sent forth His Son" to the work of redemption (Gal. 4:4, 5).
2. God "sent forth the Spirit of His Son" to assure believers of their sonship
(Gal. 4:6).
3. The Lord "sent His angel" to deliver Peter (Acts 12:11).
4. Paul was told by the Lord: "I will send thee far hence to the Gentiles"
(Acts 22:21).
5. The rich in themselves, the Lord hath "sent empty away" (Luke 1:53).
 739. "Set Forth"
1. The Truth "set forth" in order (Luke 1:1).
2. The Death of Christ "set forth" as a propitiation (Rom. 3:25).
3. Christ "set forth" as the Crucified One in the Gospel message (Gal. 3:1).
4. The Apostles "set forth" as an object lesson (1 Cor. 4:9).
5. The Way of the world, to "set forth" the good first and the bad after (John
2:10).
6. The Acceptable Prayer "set forth" like the evening sacrifice (Psa. 141:2).
7. Sinners "set forth" as a warning against sin and its consequent judgment
(Jude 7).
 740. Sermons in Stones
1. The Stone of Hard Circumstances becoming the blessing of Heaven's
manifestation, as demonstrated in Jacob's experience—Gen. 28:11, 12.
2. The Stones of Gracious Deliverance, as made known in the memorials of
Gilgal, proclaiming Egypt's reproach rolled away from Israel—Joshua 4:5-9.
3. The Stone of Ebenezer testifying to Jehovah's help—1 Sam. 7:12.
4. The Stone of Kidron heralding the Lord's victory—1 Sam. 17:50.
5. The Stone of Hindrance asking for the active labor of Christ's disciples—
John 11:39.
6. The Stone of Approval given to the overcomer as his reward—Rev. 2:17.
7. The Stone of Death rolled away announcing Christ's triumphant
resurrection—Luke 24:2.
 741. Seven Acts
1. An Act of Faith. "He, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus"
(Mark 10:50).
2. An Act of Love. "Perfect love casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18).
3. An Act of Confidence. "Casting all your care upon Him" (1 Peter 5:7).
4. An Act of Worship. "Cast their crowns before the throne" (Rev. 4:10).
5. An Act of Obedience. "Cast the net... they cast therefore" (John 21:6).
6. An Act of Consecration. "Cast that He hath given thee upon the Lord"
(Psa. 55:22, R.V., margin).
7. An Act of Power. "Casting down imaginations" (2 Cor. 10:5).
 742. Seven "Great" Things in Hebrews
1. A "great salvation" (2:3).
2. A "great high priest" (4:14).
3. A "great man" (7:4).
4. A "great fight" (10:32).
5. A "great recompense" (10:35).
6. A "great crowd of witnesses" (12:1).
7. A "great Shepherd" (13:20).
 743. Sevenfold Sanctification
1. "Sanctified in Christ." Standing of the Saint (1 Cor. 1:2).
2. "Sanctified by God the Father." Love separating the believer for
Himself (Jude 1).
3. "Being Sanctified by the Holy Ghost." Power and Progress (Rom.
15:16).
4. "Sanctified in the Truth." Sphere and Cleansing (John 17:19, R.V.).
5. "Sanctified... by Prayer." Dependence and Request (1 Tim. 4:5).
6. Sanctified by Blood. Salvation and Dedication—Heb. 10:10, 14; 13:12.
7. "Sanctify Yourselves." Privilege and Responsibility (Lev. 11:44; 1
Chron. 15:12).
 744. Seven Golden Links
Romans 4:25; 5:1-5
1. Substitution. "Delivered for."
2. Justification. "Justified by."
3. Introduction. "Access by faith."
4. Position. "This grace wherein we stand."
5. Exultation. "Rejoice in hope."
6. Education. "Tribulation worketh."
7. Possession. "Love of God shed abroad."
 745. Seven Golden Links of Grace
Titus 2:11-14
1. The Blessing which Grace brings. "Salvation."
2. The Instruction which Grace gives. "Teaching us that denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly."
3. The Hope which Grace begets. "Looking for that Blessed Hope," etc.
4. The Price which Grace paid. "Who gave Himself for us."
5. The End which Grace had. "That He might redeem us from all iniquity."
6. The Acquirement which Grace claims. "Purify unto Himself a peculiar
people."
7. The Zeal which Grace inspires. "Zealous of good works."
 746. Seven Greatest Things
1. The greatest force in the world. "The Love of Christ" (2 Cor. 5:14).
2. The greatest faith in the world. "The Faith of Christ" (Gal. 2:16).
3. The greatest fruit in the world. "The Gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:1).
4. The greatest factor in the world. "The Power of Christ" (2 Cor. 12:9).
5. The greatest fulcrum in the world. "The Word of Christ" (Col. 3:16).
6. The greatest fabricator in the world. "The Mind of Christ" (Phil. 2:5).
7. The greatest fellowship in the world. "The Afflictions of Christ" (Col.
1:24).
 747. Seven "I Wills" of Grace
In Hosea 13:14; 14:4, 5
1. The "I will" of resurrection. "I will ransom thee from the power of the
grave."
2. The "I will" of redemption. "I will redeem thee from death."
3. The "I will" of retribution. "O death, I will be thy plagues."
4. The "I will" of removal. "0 grave, I will be thy destruction."
5. The "I will" of restoration. "I will heal their backsliding."
6. The "I will" of regard. "I will love them freely."
7. The "I will" of refreshment. "I will be as the dew unto Israel."
 748. Seven Secrets in 1 John
1. The Word of God is the secret of power—2:14.
2. Doing the will of God is the secret of continuance—2:17.
3. Being born of God is the secret of holiness—3:9.
4. The love of God is the secret of service—3:16.
5. The presence of God is the secret of assurance—3:19.
6. Faith in God is the secret of victory—5:4.
7. The Spirit of God is the secret of discernment— 4:6.
 749. Seven Stars
1. Loved by Christ—Gal. 2:20.
2. Loosed through Christ—Rev. 1:5, R.V.
3. Lightened in Christ—Eph. 5:8.
4. Led by Christ—John 10:3.
5. Leaning on Christ—John 13:25.
6. Living with Christ—Eph. 2:6.
7. Looking for Christ—Titus 2:13.
 750. Seven Traits of Faith
1. "The word of faith" is faith's basis (Rom. 10:8).
2. "The walk of faith" is faith's life (2 Cor. 5:7).
3. "The shield of faith" is faith's protection (Eph. 6:16).
4. The service of faith is faith's business—Phil. 1:27.
5. The object of faith is God Himself—Rom. 4:5, 20.
6. The power of faith is the Holy Spirit—Acts 6:5, 8.
7. The prayer of faith is faith's dependence—Jas. 5:15.
 751. "Shall Be Given"
1. Provision. "Bread shall be given him" (Isa. 33:16).
2. Promise. "Ask, and it shall be given you" (Matt. 7:7).
3. Power. "It shall be given you in that same hour" (Matt. 10:19).
4. Addition. "Whosoever hath, to him shall be given" (Matt. 13:12).
5. Reward. "Give, and it shall be given unto you" (Luke 6:38).
6. Fellowship. "Through your prayers I shall be given" (Philemon 22).
7. Glory. "The kingdom shall be given to the saints" (Dan. 7:27).
 752. "Shall Come"
Things that "shall come" in the future.
1. "Shall come" of Separation (Matt. 13:49).
2. "Shall come" of Glory (Matt. 16:27).
3. "Shall come" of Fulfillment (Matt. 23:36).
4. "Shall come" of Antichrist (Matt. 24:5; 1 John 2:18).
5. "Shall come" of Judgment (Matt. 25:31).
6. "Shall come" of Return (Luke 12:38).
7. "Shall come" of Gathering (Luke 13:29).
8. "Shall come" of Ensnarement (Luke 21:35, 36).
9. "Shall come" of Outpouring (Acts 2:17).
10. "Shall come" of Refreshing (Acts 3:19).
11. "Shall come" of Peril (2 Tim. 3:1).
12. "Shall come" of Assurance (Heb. 10:37).
13. "Shall come" of Scoffers (2 Peter 3:3).
14. "Shall come" of Preservation (Rev. 12:10).
 753. "Shall Come to Pass"
This sentence in relation to the fulfillment of prophecy occurs in Zechariah
many times.
1. Rebuilding of the Temple. "Build in the temple of the Lord... this shall
tome to pass if ye will... obey" (6:15).
2. Restoration. "It shall come to pass... ye shall be a blessing" (8:13).
3. Identification. "Shall come to pass... we will go with you" (8:20-23).
4. Judgment. "Shall come to pass... I will destroy all the nations that come
against Jerusalem" (12:9; 13:2, 3, 4, 8).
5. Constant Illumination. "Shall come to pass... at evening time it shall be
light" (14:6, 7).
6. Contention. "Shall come to pass... his hand shall rise up against his
neighbour" (14:13).
7. Worship. "Shall come to pass... nations... shall come and worship"
(14:16).
 754. "Shall See"
1. Purity of Promise. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God"
(Matt. 5:8). Purity within is essential to vision without.
2. Sin and Salvation. "All flesh shall see the salvation of the Lord" (Luke
3:6). A consciousness of sin will make us appreciate the call of the Savior.
3. Opened Heaven and an Open Way. "Hereafter (from henceforth) ye shall
see Heaven opened" (John 1:51). Christ by His Blood has opened Heaven,
and brings Heaven down to us in its supply.
4. Spirit and Sight. "Shall see visions" (Acts 2:17) is one of the outcomes of
the Spirit's ministry. We need the vision to fill our vocation.
5. Promise and Prospect. "We shall see Him... and be like Him" (1 John
3:2). The promise is we "shall see Him," and the prospect is "we shall be like
Him."
6. Seed and Satisfaction. "He shall see His seed... He shall see of the travail
of His soul and be satisfied" (Isa. 53:10, 11). He died to have us, and it was
for us He died.
7. Person and Partnership. "A little while and ye shall see Me" (John 16:16,
17, 19, 22). We shall share what He has gone to prepare, when He comes
back.
 755. "Shed"
1. Pursuit of the Sinner. "Their feet are swift to shed blood" (Rom. 3:15).
2. Propitiation of the Savior. "Blood... which is shed for many" (Matt.
26:28).
3. Power of the Spirit. "He hath shed forth this" (Acts 2:33).
4. Love of God in the Heart. "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts,"
etc. (Rom. 5:5).
5. Supply of the Spirit. "Which He shed on us abundantly" (Titus 3:6).
6. Faithful Martyr. "The blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed" (Acts
22:20).
7. World's Crime. "Righteous blood shed on the earth" (Matt. 23:35; Luke
11:50).
 756. Sheep
1. Straying sheep. "All we like sheep have gone astray" (Isa. 53:6; 1 Peter
2:25).
2. Sought sheep. "I have found my sheep" (Luke 15:6).
3. Kept sheep. "A keeper of sheep" (Gen. 4:2).
4. Galled sheep. "He calleth His own sheep by name (John 10:3).
5. Purchased sheep. "Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (John
10:11).
6. Hearkening sheep. "My sheep hear My voice" (John 10:27).
7. Loved sheep. "Great Shepherd of the sheep" (Heb. 13:20).
 757. Shook Off
The Greek word apotinasso, rendered "shook off" in Acts 28:5, is a cognate
word to apotithemi. In connection with the latter term there are several things
the believer is told to shake or put off.
1. The Works of Darkness—Rom. 13:12.
2. Former Lusts—Eph. 4:22.
3. Lying, etc.—Eph. 4:25.
4. Anger, etc.—Col. 3:8.
5. Every Weight—Heb. 12:1.
6. All Filthiness—James 1:21.
7. All Malice, etc.—1 Peter 2:1.
 758. Shortness
1. A Self-righteous Man's Rest. "The bed is shorter than a man can stretch
himself" (Isa. 28:20).
2. A Wicked Man's Triumph. "The triumphing of the wicked is short" (Job
20:5).
3. The Sinner's Deficiency. "Come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).
4. A Sad Want. For a saint to "come short" of God's rest (Heb. 4:1).
5. An Incentive to Work. "The time is short" (1 Cor. 7:29).
6. The Devil's Knowledge. "Knoweth he hath but a short time" (Rev. 12:12).
7. The Lord's Discipline. "In those days the Lord began to cut Israel short"
(2 Kings 10:32).
 759. Shoulders
1. Redeemed Shoulders. "Upon their shoulders" (Exod. 12:34).
2. Representative Shoulders. "Stones upon the shoulders" etc. (Exod.
28:12).
3. Upholding Shoulders. "He shall dwell between His shoulders" (Deut.
33:12).
4. Strong Shoulders. "He put them upon his shoulders" (Judges 16:3).
5. Responsible Shoulders. "They bare it upon their shoulders" (Num. 7:9).
6. Saving Shoulders. "He layeth it on His shoulders" (Luke 15:5).
7. Governing Shoulder. "The government shall be upon His shoulder" (Isa.
9:6).
The Lord only needs one shoulder for the government of the world, but He
needs both shoulders when He brings home a lost sinner. Note the contrast in
the last two Scriptures. The shoulder is a symbol of strength.
 760. "Shut In"
1. Searching. Six times we have the phrase, "shut him up" or "shut him in"
(Lev. 13:4, 5, 21, 26, 31, 33). If there was no doubt about a person having
leprosy he was not shut up—Lev. 13:11, but was shut out of the camp—Lev.
13:46. Is there not a needs be to be shut in with the Lord our Priest, that He
may search us that He may discover to us any leprosy of sin?
2. Salvation. "The Lord shut him in" (Gen. 7:16). The Lord had first
beckoned Noah to "come thou and all thy house into the ark," and when he
had obeyed God's "come in," then he knew he was shut in with the Lord, and
was as safe and as secure as the Lord Himself. We who are found in Christ
are safer than Noah, for we are not in a ship with the Lord, but we are one
with the Lord as the member of the body is one with the head.
3. Supplication. "He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain,
and prayed unto the Lord" (2 Kings 4:33). The "therefore" tells us why Elisha
shut himself in the room, it was because the son of the Shunammite was
dead. "He prayed!" How simple and yet expressive are the words. The only
way to quicken dead sinners is to get into touch with them, as Elisha did
when he stretched himself seven times on the dead body of the lad; and also
to get into touch with the Living God by prayer.
4. Supply. "Thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons" (2 Kings
4:4, 5). Being shut in proclaimed two things, she shut out the world and its
help, and she was shut up to God to be supplied. No need is truly met, no
progress is ever made, no debt of obligation to the Lord is ever paid, only as
we get the oil of the Spirit's unction by waiting in soul faith on God.
5. Safety. "Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy
doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the
indignation be overpast" (Isa. 26:20).
In these words the Lord enjoins His people to protect themselves from danger
and judgment. Here is a threefold command: "enter," "shut," and "hide."
"Enter" means to enter and abide, and speaks of a deliberate act. "Shut"
means to be shut up in the entered place, and embodies the thought of giving
one self over, hence a deliberate attitude is suggested; and "hide" comes from
a word which means to be dark, hence, to hide is not to be seen. It is in "the
chambers" we are to be hid; that is, the enclosure or apartment of the Lord's
presence. Jehovah is our Dwelling Place, and hidden in Him no enemy can
find us nor ill assail us.
6. Separation. "Go shut thyself within thy house" (Ezek. 3:24). Sometimes
the Lord puts an embargo upon the lips of His servants, and leaves sinners to
their death and doom. He always expects us to be separated from the world of
evil, the ways of sin, and the waywardness of the flesh.
7. Secrecy. "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast
shut thy door, pray to thy Father in secret" (Matt. 6:6). The secret life of
prayer is the secret of the life of faith, the labor of love, the reality of hope,
the soul of communion, the bond of union, the thrill of joy, the calm of peace,
and the assurance of victory. The tap-root of prayer finds its feeder in the
river bed of God's being.
8. Service. "When the doors were shut... came Jesus" (John 20:19-23). The
commissioner in service is Christ. A vision of the Crucified One is essential
to service; peace and joy are the outcome of fellowship with Christ in service;
and the breath of the Spirit is the power of service.
 761. Sight of Sights
1. "We see Jesus" (Heb. 2:9).
2. "Before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been set forth crucified" (Gal. 3:1).
3. "Looking unto Jesus... who endured the Cross" (Heb. 12:2).
4. "They shall look upon Me, whom they have pierced" (Zech. 12:10).
 762. Silence Before the Lord
The Hebrew word for silence and stillness is variously rendered in the
following Scriptures, and is indicated in the words which are given in
inverted commas; and the use of the word may be taken to indicate what
silence before the Lord suggests.
1. Resting in the Lord. "Rest" in the Lord (Psa. 37:7).
2. Waiting upon the Lord. "Wait" (Psa. 62:5).
3. Silence before the Lord. "Held... peace" (Lev. 10:3).
4. Guidance from the Lord. "Tarry" (1 Sam. 14:9).
5. Arrested by the Lord. "Stand still" (Joshua 10:12).
6. Fellowship with the Lord. "Be still" (Psa. 4:4).
7. Made by the Lord. "A calm" (Psa. 107:29).
 763. Sin
1. Sin weakens the body, as inferred by Christ: "Go and sin no more," to the
impotent man (John 5:14).
2. Sin impairs the mind, as is illustrated in the King of Babylon—Dan. 4:28-
34.
3. Sin robs the soul, for its wages is death—Rom. 6:23.
4. Sin mars the spirit, for it deceives those who are its votaries—Heb. 3:13.
5. Sin darkens the understanding, as Christ told the Pharisees—John 9:41.
6. Sin deafens the spiritual sense, for it causes us to forget the Lord—Deut.
8:11, 14.
7. Sin cripples the memory, for it causes men to turn away from the truth—
2 Tim. 4:3, 4.
 764. Sin and Sins
1. Sin is the root. "Sin in me" (Rom. 7:20). Sins are the fruit. "Our sins" (1
John 3:5).
2. Sin is the cause. "Sin wrought in me" (Rom. 7:17, 18). Sins are the effect.
"Your sins" (Col. 2:13).
3. Sin tells what we are. "Sinners" (Rom. 5:19).
Sins proclaim what we have done. "Sins" (1 Tim. 5:24).
4. Sin is condemned. "Condemned sin" (Rom. 8:3). Sins are forgiven.
"Forgiveness of sins" (Acts 26:18).
5. Deliverance from sin as a master in Christ—Rom. 6:10. Sins remitted.
"Remission of sins" (Matt. 26:28).
6. Sin in the believer, latent. "If we say we have no sin" (1 John 1:8). Sins,
the habit of life, forsaken. "Not commit sin" (1 John 3:9).
7. Sin is not the believer's master. "Sin shall not have dominion over you"
(Rom. 6:14). Believers are "dead to sins" (1 Peter 2:24).
 765. Sin
Sin has a soul as well as a body. We have the contents of sin's inness
described in 1 Corinthians 5:9-11.
1. The "fornications" of unholy intercourse.
2. The "idolaters" of self-adulation.
3. The "adulterers" of sinful alliance.
4. The "effeminate" of personal abuse.
5. The "abusers" of beastly act.
6. The "thieves" of sacrilegious robbery.
7. The "covetous" of grabbing avarice.
8. The "drunkards" of sinful excess.
9. The "revilers" of ungodly opposition.
10. The "extortioners" of pilfering greed.
 766. Sin Is a "Trespass"
Sin is a deviation, a lapse, a falling aside from God's requirement. The word
rendered "trespasses" in Matthew 6:14 (paraptoma) is translated "sins" in
Ephesians 1:7; 2:1, 5; "offence" in Romans 5:15, 16, 17, 18, 20; "fault" in
Galatians 6:1; James 5:16; and "fall" in Romans 11:11. As a man who slips
aside from the path falls into the ditch to his hurt, so the sinner by his
deviation from the will of God has lapsed from the truth and trespassed
against the God of Truth. Let us take each of the above words in their setting,
for they illustrate the meaning of the word "trespass."
1. Every offence against God's Word means a fall from God, and damage to
us and to others. See the word "offence" in Romans 4:25; 5:15; 16, 17, 18,
20.
2. Every departure from God means a fall from the Divine purpose. See
what the Spirit says about the "fall" of Israel in Romans 11:11, 12.
3. Every sin committed is a medium to convey spiritual death and
condemnation. See the description of the condition of the Colossian and
Ephesian believers before conversion—Col. 2:13; Eph. 2:1, 5.
4. Every slip from the path of right and duty is damaging to the one who
slips. See the word "fault" in Galatians 6:1 and James 5:16.
5. Every trespass is a falling aside from God Himself, and is an affront to
Him, which He alone can forgive, but which He does when He acts in grace,
for He "forgives our trespasses" through the Blood of Christ's satisfying and
vicarious death. See the word "trespass" and "sins" in Matthew 6:15; 2
Corinthians 5:19; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 2:13.
 767. Sin Is Iniquity
Iniquity is that which is distorted, hence that which is wrong and perverse.
1. "Iniquity in the holy things" (Exod. 28:38) is to do wrong in our service
for God.
2. "Iniquities prevail against me" (Psa. 65:3). The power of sin over the
individual.
3. "Brought low for their iniquity" (Psa. 106:43). Sin's humbling and
depriving power.
4. "People laden with iniquity" (Isa. 1:4). Aggressiveness of sin's burden.
5. "For your iniquities ye have sold yourself" (Isa. 1. 1). Bondage and
bitterness of sin.
6. "Your iniquities have separated between Me and you" (Isa. 59:2). The
separating power of sin.
7. "I will punish you for all your iniquities" (Amos 3:2). Sin brings its own
punishment, for the one who breaks God's law is broken by the law he
breaks.
 768. Sin—Its Fact
1. Nature proclaims it, for it is under its curse—Gen. 3:17.
2. Man acknowledges it, like the Prodigal, he says, "I have sinned" (Luke
15:21).
3. Law discovers it, for by the law is the knowledge of it—Rom. 3:20.
4. God declares it, for He says, "Because of thy sins" (Micah 6:13) "I will
make thee sick."
5. Christ reveals it, for His holiness makes men like Isaiah say, "I am
undone" (Isa. 6:5).
6. Experience proves the fact of sin, like the Psalmist, it forces from us the
confession, "I have sinned against Thee" (Psa. 51:4).
7. The believer knows it, for like Paul, we say, "I know in me dwelleth no
good thing" (Rom. 7:18).
 769. Sin—Its Nature
The meaning of the word to sin is, to miss the mark. It is rendered "miss" in
Judges 20:16. The mark in the Old Testament is the Law; and in the New,
Christ.
1. Judas missed the mark of love to Christ in betraying Him—Matt. 27:4.
2. The prodigal missed the mark of contentment in the Father's will by
having his own will—Luke 15:18, 21.
3. The impotent man missed the mark of God's law in sinning against
himself—John 5:14.
4. The adulterous woman missed the mark of purity by her sin—John 8:11.
5. The angels missed the mark of God's glory by their pride—2 Peter 2:4.
6. Israel missed the mark of God's rest by their unbelief—Heb. 3:17.
7. The sinner misses the mark of God's salvation by refusing Christ in His
atonement—Heb. 10:26.
8. The heretic misses the mark of God's truth by his error—Titus 3:11.
 770. Sin of Not Doing
Some of the greatest punishments come to people because of what they have
not done.
1. Meroz is cursed for not helping—Judges 5:23.
2. Those who love not the Lord come under His anathema—1 Cor. 16:22.
3. The nations that do not minister to Christ's brethren go away into eternal
punishment—Matt. 25:40-46.
4. Those who know not God and have not obeyed the Gospel are banished
from the Lord's presence—2 Thess. 1:8.
5. Not to believe on Christ is the sin of sins—John 16:9.
"It is not the things you do, friend, It's the things you leave undone, That
cause the heartache At the setting of the sun."
 771. Sin's Indelibility
"Some Men's Sins... Follow After" 1 Tim. 5:24
What a man does stamps itself indelibly on his own personality, and he
carries with him the imprint of all his acts. We have many illustrations in the
Word of the fact that sin's impress is stamped upon the sinner, hence, in the
characters produced we have warning adduced.
1. Pharaoh's hardness of heart is a warning against unbelief—Exod. 8:19.
2. Cain's self-will is a beacon against self-action—Jude 11.
3. Korah's pride is a danger-signal against self-inflation—Jude 11.
4. The disobedience of Lot's wife and God's judgment upon her is a warning
against self-will—Luke 17:32.
5. Balaam's covetousness is a beacon against greed—2 Peter 2:15.
6. Saul's self-action is a warning against the sin of self-dependence—1 Sam.
15:22, 23.
7. Belshazzar's downfall is a warning against the course of desecration and
sin—Dan. 5:22, 30.
 772. Sinner Compared to Many Things
1. The uncleanness of the dog—Prov. 26:11.
2. The fierceness of the leopard—Dan. 7:6.
3. The subtlety of the serpent—Matt. 23:33.
4. The ravening of the lion—Psa. 22:13.
5. The stupidity of the sheep—Isa. 53:6.
6. The cunning of the fox—Luke 13:32.
7. The poison of the viper—Matt. 23:33.
8. The cruelty of the bear—Dan. 7:5.
9. The wallowing of the sow—2 Peter 2:22.
10. The wasting of the boar—Psa. 80:13.
11. The devouring of the wolf—John 10:12.
12. The stubbornness of the ass—Job 11:12.
 773. Sin—What Is It?
1. "Sin is transgression of the law." (Lawlessness—1 John 3:4, cf. R.V.)
2. A grievous malady, contaminating the whole of man's being—Isa. 1:4, 5;
Rom. 3:10-18.
3. An obscuring cloud, which hides the face of God's blessing—Isa. 59:2.
4. A binding cord, which holds man in its power—Prov. 5:22.
5. A tyrannical owner, who embitters the lives of his slaves—Neh. 9:37.
6. A disturber of rest, which causes disorder and anxiety—Psa. 38:3.
7. A robber of blessing, which strips and starves the soul—Jer. 5:25.
8. A terrible devastation, which brings untold desolation—Micah 6:13.
9. A tripper-up, which continually overthrows the sinner to his hurt—Prov.
13:6.
10. A record writer, which leaves its indelible mark upon the committer—
Jer. 17:1.
11. A betraying presence, which "will out" no matter what pains are taken to
hide it—Ezek. 21:24.
12. A sure detective, which turns upon the sinner and finds him out—Num.
32:23.
13. An accusing witness, which points its condemning finger at the prisoner
in the bondage of sin—Isa. 59:12.
14. A sum of addition, which accumulates its weight to the condemnation of
the sinner—Isa. 30:1.
 774. Sins Against the Holy Spirit
"They Rebelled, and Vexed His Holy Spirit" Isa. 63:10
1. The Spirit may cease to "strive" through disobedience—Gen. 6:3; 1 Peter
3:20.
2. The Spirit may be lied against by evil promise and untruth—Acts 5:9.
3. The Spirit may be resisted by opposition to the truth—Acts 7:51.
4. We may "grieve" the Spirit by inconsistency—Eph. 4:30.
5. We may "quench" the Spirit by discouraging others—1 Thess. 5:19.
6. We may do "despite" to the Spirit by rejecting Christ—Heb. 10:29.
7. We shall be walking after the flesh in opposition, if we do not walk after
the Spirit—Rom. 8:4, 5.
 775. Sins of the Body
Sometimes in thinking of the welfare of the soul, we bring woe to the body.
1. Sins of unholy passion. When the flesh has sway, the spirit goes under—
Gal. 5:19-21.
2. Sins of unbridled appetite. The desire for strong drink is the worst of
these—Eph. 5:18.
3. Sins of expensive adornment. A small mind is seen in a dressy body—1
Peter 3:3.
4. Sins of not yielding the body to the Lord's keeping—Rom. 12:1.
5. The sin of not recognizing that the members of the body are the members
of Christ—1 Cor. 6:15.
6. The sin of not keeping the body under the Spirit—1 Cor. 9:27.
7. The sin of not treating the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit—1 Cor.
3:16.
8. The sin of not remembering the body belongs to Christ—1 Cor. 6:20,
R.V.
 776. Sins of God's People
When we turn to the pages of God's Word we find that the origin of many
evils we have today, and which have been, would never have arisen if God's
people had been true to Him in the past.
1. If Abram had not listened to the voice of Sarah in committing fornication
with Hagar, there would have been no Arab difficulty today—Gen. 16:2, 12,
15; 21:21.
2. If Lot had never gone down to Sodom and been associated with Sodom in
marrying a Sodomite, his nameless wife would never have been turned into a
pillar of salt—Gen. 19:26.
3. If Lot had not got drunk and committed incest with his daughters, the
nations of Moabites and the Ammonites, which became such scourges to
Israel, would never have been in existence—Gen. 19:30-38.
4. If Jacob had guarded his daughter Dinah, as he should have done, his sons
would not have committed murder in slaying her seducer and the innocent
men affiliated with Shechem—Gen. 34.
5. But for the evil of concubinage, Amalek, Israel's enemy, would never have
been in existence—Gen. 36:12.
6. But for the evil influence of Balaam, the children of Israel would not have
committed fornication with the daughters of Moab—Num. 25; Rev. 2:14.
7. But for the sin of David in committing adultery with Bathsheba, the
enemies of the Lord would not have had occasion to blaspheme—2 Sam.
12:14.
8. But for the sinning brother in the Church of Corinth, the leaven of
wickedness would not have been present, and the evil would not have been
allowed to remain if the Church had not been in a carnal state—1 Cor. 5:1 -7.
9. The strictures from Christ upon the Churches in Asia would not have
been made if they had been in a right condition—Rev. 2 and 3.
 777. Sins of the Mind
The mind within is the sum total of what we are. "As a man thinketh in his
heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7).
1. The corrupt mind of evil thoughts. The sin of the heart within is no less a
sin—Matt. 5:27, 28.
2. The proud mind of self-esteem. To mind "high things" is to evidence we
are puffed up with "conceit" (Rom, 12:16).
3. The doubting mind of unbelief. Not to remember Christ's words is to stifle
faith. Doubts will arise if we do not believe—Luke 24:38.
4. The worrying mind of anxiety. Worry never helps, it always hinders—
Luke 12:29, margin.
5. The cumbered mind of over-carefulness. Burdened with care we shall not
reach the better part—Luke 10:40-42.
6. The selfish mind of grab. To only think of present things is to miss the
essential thing of being rich towards God—Luke 12:17-21.
7. The ambitious mind of self-esteem. To want to be great to the exclusion
of others is to be antichrist—Luke 9:46-48.
 778. Skins
1. An Atoning Skin. "The Lord God made coats of skin" (Gen. 3:21).
2. A Memorial Skin. "The priest shall have to himself the skin" (Lev. 7:8).
3. A Leprous Skin. See the expression, "in the skin," in Leviticus 13, which
occurs about thirty times.
4. A Burned Skin. "Shall burn in the fire their skins" (Lev. 16:27).
5. A Purified Skin. "Purify all your raiment and all vessels of skin" (Num.
31:20, margin).
6. A Broken Skin. "My skin is broken" (Job. 7:5).
7. An Unchangeable Skin. "Can the Ethiopian change his skin?" (Jer.
13:23).
 779. Snares
A snare is that which entraps us to our damage, holds us to our loss of liberty,
and hinders us from doing good.
1. The snare of evil companionship—Joshua 23:3.
2. The snare of a designing enemy—Psa. 91:3.
3. The snare of the wicked, who forget God's Word—Psa. 119:110.
4. The snare of the proud and froward—Psa. 140:5; Prov. 22:5.
5. The snare of the fleshly woman—Prov. 7:23.
6. The snare of "an evil time" (Eccles. 9:12).
7. The snare of an ungodly prophet—Hosea 9:8,
 780. "So"
Words are windows to let the light of thought in. Small words have their
mission as well as large ones. "So" frequently occurs in the book of
Nehemiah. We give a few instances.
1. The "So" of Prayer. "So I prayed" (2:4). Nehemiah sandwiched the
"request" of the king and his answer with prayer.
2. The "So" of Purpose. "So I came" (2:11). He did not sit idly at home
when the Lord's work called away.
3. The "So" of Plod. "So we built" (4:6, 10, 18, 21). Difficulties, enemies,
rubbish, and discouragements did not hinder.
4. The "So" of Perseverance. "So that I cannot come down" (6:3). The cure
for mischief-makers is to keep on with the Lord's work.
5. The "So" of Perfection. "So the wall was finished" (6:15). Thus prayer
fed purpose, and purpose helped plod, and plod was crowned with perfection.
6. The "So" of Personality. "So did I" (5:15). The man of God does not
walk in sin's ways, nor according to his own wishes.
7. The "So" of Power. "So the Levites stilled all the people" (8:11).
According to the law they acted, and so influenced others to be still.
 781. Sorrowful Ones
1. A Sorrowful Sinner. "The king was sorry" (Matt. 14:9).
2. A Sorrowful Savior. "He began to be sorrowful" (Matt. 26:37).
3. A Sorrowful Seeker. "He went away sorrowful" (Matt. 19:22).
4. A Sorrowful Servant. "Peter was grieved" (John 21:17).
5. A Sorrowful Spirit. "Grieve not the Holy Spirit" (Eph. 4:30).
6. A Sorrowful Saint. "If thy brother be grieved," etc. (Rom. 14:15).
7. A Sorrowful Set. "They were exceeding sorrowful" (Matt. 17:23; 26:22).
 782. Sonship
1. Constitution of Sonship—Life. "Begotten of God" (John 1:13, R.V.).
2. Right of Sonship—Grace. "To them gave He the right (margin) to become
the sons of God" (John 1:12).
3. Assurance of Sonship—The Spirit. "The Spirit Himself beareth witness
with our spirit that we are the children of God" (Rom. 8:16, R.V.).
4. Outcome of Sonship—Heirship. "If children, then heirs" (Rom. 8:17).
5. Trait of Sonship—Love. "As dear children, walk in love" (Eph. 5:1, 2).
6. Proof of Sonship—Holiness. "Walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:8).
7. Power of Sonship—Blamelessness. "Blameless and harmless, the sons of
God, without rebuke" (Phil. 2:15).
8. Evidence of Sonship—Obedience. "As obedient children," etc. (1 Peter
1:14).
9. Calling of Sonship—Assurance. "Called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1).
10. Manifestation of Sonship—Godliness. "In this the children of God are
manifest" (1 John 3:10).
 783. Soulish Life
The soul is the seat of feeling, and that which is associated with the present
order of things and self.
1. Self is the centre of the soulish life—John 12:24-27.
2. Present things and gain is the occupation of the soulish life"—Luke
12:47.
3. A soulish life is concerned with the necessities of this life and anxious
about them—Matt. 6:25.
4. A soulish life is dominated by its senses—Jude 19.
5. A soulish life is influenced by the flesh—James 3:15.
6. A soulish life is dominated by the mind of envy. The word "minds" in
Acts 14:2 is the same as rendered "souls" in other places.
7. A soulish life is a life which is influenced by its own thought—Acts
15:24.
 784. Sound Things
1. A Sound Heart. "Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes" (Psa. 119:80;
Prov. 14:30).
2. A Sound Mind. "The spirit of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7).
3. A Sound Speech. "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned" (Titus 2:8).
4. A Sound Doctrine. "Things which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1).
5. A Sound Believer. "Sound in faith, in love, in patience" (Titus 2:2).
6. Sound in the Faith. "That they may be sound in the faith" (Titus 1:13).
7. A Sound Wisdom. Keep sound wisdom and discretion" (Prov. 3:21).
 785. "Spent"
1. A Sorry Confession. "I have spent my strength for nought" (Isa. 49:4).
2. A Useless Quest. "Spent all she had, and was nothing bettered" (Mark
5:26).
3. A Wasted Life. "Spent all" (Luke 15:14).
4. An Aimless Occupation. "Spent their time in nothing else" (Acts 17:21).
5. A Sure Consequence. "Your strength shall be spent in vain" (Lev. 26:20).
6. A Noble Example. "Gladly spend and be spent for you" (2 Cor. 12:15).
7. An Inspiring Fact. "The night is far spent and the day is at hand" (Rom.
13:12).
 786. "Spent All"
1. When the woman had spent all, she came to Jesus—Mark 5:26, 27.
2. When the prodigal had spent all, he came to his father—Luke 15:14-20.
3. When the Egyptians had spent all, they came to Joseph—Gen. 47:18.
4. When the two debtors had nothing to pay, the creditor forgave them both
—Luke 7:42.
 787. Specified Need
We must name the kind of mercy we need if we would experience the
ministry of mercy. Answered prayer is the meeting of specified need, hence
—
1. David cried for pardon—Psa. 51:9.
2. Peter for salvation—Matt. 14:30.
3. Leper for cleansing—Mark 1:40.
4. Dying thief for remembrance—Luke 23:42.
5. Publican for mercy—Luke 18:13.
6. The Syrophenician woman for help—Matt. 15:25.
7. The blind man for sight—Mark 10:51.
We must know what we want if we would know the Lord who can meet it.
 788. Spiritism
"The Doctrine of Demons" 1 Tim. 4:1, R.V.
We are warned against the doctrine or teaching of having to do with the dead.
The departed do not come back, but demons may impersonate them.
1. Command. Leviticus 19:31, where we have a distinct command not to
turn to those who have familiar spirits: "Turn ye not unto them which have
familiar spirits."
2. Cut Off. In Leviticus 20:6, Jehovah declares that those who resort to the
dead can have no fellowship with Him, for He says: "I will even set My face
against" them.
3. Prohibition. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, the Lord prohibits having to do
with those who inquire of the dead, for the meaning of a "necromancer" is
one who inquires of the dead.
4. Separation. From the experience of King Saul, we know that those who
resort to the dead are forsaken by God—1 Sam. 28:6-13; Isa. 19:3, R.V.;
29:4.
5. Abomination. Those who are associated with the dead are said to be
"evil," and are an abomination unto the Lord—Deut. 18:14; 2 Kings 21:6.
6. Condemnation. A special judgment from God comes upon those who
have to do with the dead—2 Chron. 33:6; 1 Chron. 10:13, 14.
7. Darkness. Those who have to do with the dead are in the darkness of
heathenism, and have no light of morning as to the future—Isa. 8:19, 20, R.V.
8. Deception. Those who consort with the dead are deceived by demons who
impersonate the departed, for that is what is meant by the "doctrine of
demons" (1 Tim. 4:1, R.V.).
 789. Spiritual Blessings
In Ephesians 1
1. Chosen in His Love—v. 5.
2. Predestined in His Purpose—v. 5.
3. Accepted in His Beloved—v. 6.
4. Redeemed by His Blood—v. 7.
5. Sealed by His Spirit—v. 13.
6. Illuminated by His Wisdom—v. 17.
7. Quickened by His Power—v. 19, 20.
 790. Spiritual Grace From God
In Ephesians
1. Supply of Grace—1:2.
2. Standing in Grace—1:6.
3. Salvation by Grace—2:5, 8.
4. Splendor through Grace—2:7.
5. Service with Grace—3:2, 7, 8; 4:7.
6. Speaking like Grace—4:29.
7. Supplicating for Grace—6:24
 791. Standing in the Will of God
"Stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (Col. 4:12). The wind was
blowing the rain across the field, and drenching everything in its onward
rush. A wise old horse in the field had gone under a sheltering tree, and had
turned its back on the wind, and thus, standing with it, did not feel the blast of
the storm as it would have done had it faced the elements. The horse's
shrewdness set the writer pondering, and it said to him, "Stand with the will
of God under the shelter of the Cross, and you will find things will not be as
bad as if you were opposing it." The will of God is:
1. The deliverance from this present evil world—Gal. 1:4.
2. To serve the Lord in the daily avocation—Eph. 6:6.
3. To work out our salvation by His willing and working—Phil. 2:12, 13.
4. To thank God for everything—1 Thess. 5:18.
5. To be transformed to prove His will is perfect, good and acceptable—
Rom. 12:2.
6. To put to silence by "well doing" the ignorance of men—1 Peter 2:15.
7. To endure for ever by not loving the world—1 John 2:17.
 792. Standard for Workers
"According To"
1. The Worker's Authority. "According to the Scriptures"
2. The Worker's Message. Christ died and rose again "according to the
Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3, 4).
3. The Worker's Supply. "According to the riches of His glory" (Phil. 4:19).
4. The Worker's Power. "According to His glorious power" and "working"
(Col. 1:11, 29).
5. The Worker's Responsibility. To walk "after" (according to) "the Spirit"
(Rom. 8:4).
6. The Worker's Prayer. "According to His will" (1 John 5:14).
7. The Worker's Reward. "I will give... according to your works" (Rev.
2:23).
 793. Standing in God's Presence
1. The Place of Confession. "We are before Thee in our trespasses" (Ezra
9:15).
2. The Place of Worship. "To stand before the Lord to minister unto Him
and to bless His Name" (Deut. 10:8; 2 Chron. 29:11).
3. The Place of Service. "To stand to minister in the Name of Jehovah"
(Deut. 18:5, 7).
4. The Place of Judgment. "The men... shall stand before the Lord" (Deut.
19:17).
5. The Place of Fellowship. "As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom
I stand" (1 Kings 17:1).
6. The Place of Empowerment. "As the Lord of Hosts liveth, before Whom
I stand" (1 Kings 18:15).
7. The Place of Independence. "As the Lord liveth before whom I stand, I
will receive none" (2 Kings 5:16).
 794. Stars
"He Made the Stars Also" Gen. 1:16
The stars are associated with—
1. The promise of His purpose—Gen. 15:5; 22:17.
2. The omniscience of His power—Psa. 147:4.
3. The reward of His grace—Dan. 12:3.
4. The succor of His help—Amos 5:8, 9.
5. The diversity of His glorified ones—1 Cor. 15:41.
6. The coming of His judgment—Isa. 13:10.
7. The glory of the Coming Christ—Num. 24:17; Rev. 22:16.
 795. Stephen
A Study in Acts 6 and 7
He was a man—
1. "Full of Faith" (6:5). "Faith is the subtle chain which binds us to the
infinite," so writes one. Faith has three main traits: it is the act of the will in
receiving Christ—John 1:12; it is accent of the life in obedience to God—
Acts 5:29, 32, and it is the consent of the heart in leaving things in His hands
—2 Cor. 4:13, 14. To be "full of faith" means there is no room for doubt, nor
fear in the heart, even as there is no room for anything else in a full vessel.
2. "Full of Grace" (R.V. 6:8). Grace means more than favor; it is favor on
God's side, and signifies receiving everything for nothing when we do not
deserve anything. It shows itself in various ways: it is strength to equip us—2
Cor. 12:9, salt to preserve us—Col. 4:6, beauty to beautify us—Acts 11:23,
fragrance to perfume us—Acts 4:33, life to ennoble us—2 Tim. 2:1, power to
use us—1 Cor. 15:10, and liberality to bless us—1 Cor. 8:7-9. When the tree
is full of sap, it will be abundant in fruit.
3. "Full of Power" (6:8). Power is the ability to do things. We have often
seen a notice outside a warehouse to let, "To be let with power," so that when
a tenant goes into possession he finds there is an electric plant to move
things. The Lord never asks us to do anything without giving us the power to
do it. With every precept there is a promise. We need to be empty in order
that He may fill us, then He will fill us.
4. Full of Light—6:15. The light within caused Stephen's face to be radiant
without, was the Holy Spirit within. His face was like the face of an angel.
Sin makes us ugly, but the grace of God makes us beautiful.
5. Full of Scripture—7. If chapter seven is read through or recounted, it will
be found that Stephen related the history of God's dealings with the nation of
Israel from the call of Abraham to the rejection of Christ.
6. Full of Courage—7:51. The face and fear of man did not affect Stephen.
He did not hesitate to charge those who were opposing the work of the Lord
with being "stiff-necked and uncircumcised," also of resisting the Holy Spirit,
with not keeping God's law, and with murdering the Lord Jesus—vv. 51-53.
His conviction and courage had their after result in the conversion of Paul,
for, as Augustine has said, "But for Stephen's prayers and testimony, the
Church would not have had the Apostle Paul."
7. Full of Love—7:60. The stones which the persecutors hurled at Stephen
might break his head, but they could not break his heart of love. His lips
might be drenched with the blood of persecution, but they could not stay the
pouring forth of his love's intercession. When the grace of God in its love fills
the heart and mind, it will enable the servant of Christ to suffer any death.
The great lesson to be gathered from the life and testimony of Stephen is,
there is no condition in life, there is no office we are called to fill, there is no
testimony we may have to bear, and there is no death we may have to face,
but Christ is sufficient to carry us through.
 796. Stephen's Characteristics
Acts 6:3, 5, 8, 10
Stephen was full of grace (R.V.), faith, power, wisdom, and of the Holy
Spirit.
1. "Grace" is the blessing from God, and proves itself in graciousness.
2. "Faith" is reliance on God, and evidences itself in obedience to His Word.
3. "Power" is the ability of God, and reveals itself in accomplishments.
4. "Wisdom" is acting like God, and unfolds itself in knowing how to do
things like Him.
5. "Full of the Holy Spirit" is living in communion with God. As a sculptor
produces the beautiful image from the stone by the mallet and chisel of his
ability, so the Holy Spirit reproduces the grace of Christ, and His faith, and
His power, and His wisdom.
 797. Stephen's Shining Face
Acts 6:15
He was doubtless unconscious of the shining of his face, but others saw it.
Ask the question: "What is the shining face of an angel like?" A shining face
will be—
1. Beautiful in expression—Sol. 2:14.
2. Colored with spiritual health—1 Sam. 16:12; 17:42.
3. Clear from the pimples of sin—Dan. 1:4.
4. Free from the "crow's feet" of care—1 Peter 5:7.
5. Indicative of a pure heart within—Matt. 5:8.
6. Tender in its eyes of sympathy—Luke 10:33.
7. Firm in its mouth of testimony—Acts 10:43.
 798. Steps in Consecration
Illustrated in Elijah's Action On Carmel—1 Kings 18
1. Invitation. "Come near unto Me" (v. 30).
2. Reparation. "He repaired the altar" (v. 30).
3. Construction. "He built an altar" (v. 32-34).
4. Supplication. "Hear me, O Lord," etc. (v. 36, 37).
5. Expiation. "Time of the evening sacrifice" (v. 36).
6. Consecration. "The fire of the Lord consumed" (v. 38).
7. Adoration. "Fell on their faces," etc. (v. 39).
8. Extermination. "Let not one escape" (v. 40).
 799. Steps in the Christian Life
1. The Christian life begins by receiving Christ—John 1:12.
2. Then follows confession of Him—Rom. 10:10.
3. Abiding in Him—John 15:4.
4. Following after Him—Luke 9:23.
5. Fidelity to Him—Rev. 3:10.
6. Service for Him— Rom. 12:11.
7. Fellowship with Him—Phil. 3:10.
 800. Steps Into the Deeper Life
John 12:21-33
1. Seeing Jesus the induction to life—v. 21.
2. Dying with Him the prelude to fruitfulness—v. 24.
3. Hating the self-life the way to life that is eternal—v. 25.
4. Serving the Lord the privilege of the life that lives—v. 26.
5. Following Christ the way to "serve"—v. 26.
6. Serving Christ the way to honor and position—v. 26.
7. Victory over the world and Satan secured by Christ for us—v. 31.
 801. Straight Things
"They Went Every One Straight Forward" Ezek. 1:12
The late Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, on his deathbed, said to an old
friend: "If people should say of me that I tried always to go straight, there is
perhaps no credit to me in that. It may have been mere indolence. The straight
road always seemed to me the easiest."
To be straight, and go straight, is the soul and essence of a righteous life. We
do well to see we have—
1. Straight feet in the walk of life, like the Cherubim—Ezek. 1:9, 12, 23.
2. Straight action in dealing with others, for this proves, that we are taught by
grace—Titus 2:12.
3. Straight conduct in life, like Job the perfect—Job 1:8.
4. Straight dealing with others when tempted to do wrong like Joseph—Gen.
39:8, 9.
5. Straight life in business, like Daniel the faultless—Dan. 6:2-4.
6. Straight witness in testimony, like Elijah, in dealing with Ahab—1 Kings
18:18.
7. Straight work in the Lord's service, like Nehemiah—Neh. 4:6.
 802. "Straight"
1. A Prayer. "Make Thy way straight before my face" (Psa. 5:8).
2. A Command. "Make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isa.
40:4).
3. A Prophecy. "The crooked shall be made straight" (Isa. 40:4).
4. A Promise. "I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight"
(Isa. 45:2).
5. An Illustration. "The kine took the straight way" (1 Sam. 6:12).
6. A Direction. "Let thine eyelids look straight before thee" (Prov. 4:25).
7. An Example. "Straight feet" and "straight wings" (Ezek. 1:7, 23).
 803. "Stripped"
1. The Devil's Work. "Which stripped Him" (Luke 10:30).
2. The World's Mockery. "They stripped Him" (Matt. 27:28).
3. The People's Humiliation. "Children of Israel stripped themselves"
(Exod. 33:6).
4. The Friend's Action. "Jonathan stripped himself of the robe," etc. (1 Sam.
18:4).
5. The Enemy's Defeat, "And stripped off his armour" (1 Samuel 31:9).
6. The Saint's Humbling. "He hath stripped me of my glory" (Job. 19:9).
7. The Lord's Warning. "Lest I strip her," etc. (Hosea 2:3).
 804. "Strong"
"The Lord Is Strong and Mighty" (Psa. 24:8)
What the Lord is to His people as the Strong One.
1. "A Strong Rock" for defense to save (Psa. 31:2, 3).
2. "A Strong Tower" to protect from "the enemy" (Psa. 61:3).
3. "A Strong Habitation" to home for comfort and protection (Psa. 71:3).
4. "A Strong Refuge" to preserve from all ills (Psa. 71:7).
5. "A Strong Lord" in the might of His ability to shield all about us (Psa.
89:8).
6. "A Strong Hand" to gain the victory over every opposing force (Psa.
136:12).
7. "A Strong Tower" is found in the Name of Jehovah to meet every
emergency (Prov. 18:10).
 805. "Strong" Things
1. Abraham was "strong in faith," because he believed what Jehovah said
(Rom. 4:20).
2. Christ in the extremity of His need poured out His soul in prayer in
"strong crying and tears" (Heb. 5:7).
3. The "strong meat" of God's Word is not for babes, but for those who are
fully grown in grace and faith (Heb. 5:12, 14).
4. "Strong consolation" is found by those who rest in God's faithful Word
and oath (Heb. 6:18).
5. Those who are weak in themselves find they are "strong" in God's grace
(2 Cor. 12:10).
6. Those who are "strong in the Lord" have the ability to put on the whole
armor of God (Eph. 6:10).
7. To be "made strong" through the ability of the Lord is to find ourselves
capable in His power (Acts 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:1).
 806. "Such"
The distinctiveness of designated ones and things.
1. "Such a voice" of appreciation was heard on the Mount of Transfiguration
when the Father commended the Son (2 Peter 1:17).
2. "Such a High Priest" we have as described as being "holy, harmless, and
undefiled" (Heb. 7:25, 26).
3. "Such power" was made manifest in Christ, that the people were bound to
acknowledge it (Matt. 9:8).
4. "Such things" as are produced by wicked men are "worthy of death"
(Rom. 1:32).
5. "Such as have need of milk" are those who are undeveloped in the
spiritual life (Heb. 5:12).
6. "Such sacrifices" as doing good to others are evidences of grace, and
bring glory to God (Heb. 13:16).
7. "Such things as we have," when enjoyed with contentment are always a
means of grace (Heb. 13:5).
 807. "Suddenly"
God is never before time, nor after, but He oftentimes acts suddenly.
1. A Sudden Revival. Cleansing and consecration characterized the revival in
the time of Hezekiah, and of that revival it is said, "The thing was done
suddenly" (2 Chron. 29:36).
2. A Sudden Arrival. When Christ was born in Bethlehem, and the angel
announced the event, "suddenly a multitude of the heavenly host" was seen
with the angel "praising God" (Luke 2:13).
3. A Sudden Conversion. When Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus,
"suddenly" there "shined round about him, a light from Heaven" (Acts 9:3,
4).
4. A Sudden Release. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi,
"suddenly there was a great earthquake, and every one's bands were loosed"
(Acts 16:25, 26).
5. A Sudden Blessing. "And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven... and
they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:2, 4).
6. A Sudden Return. Our Lord's command is to watch for His Coming, "lest
coming suddenly He find us sleeping" (Mark 13:35, 36).
7. A Solemn Warning. The sinner who is often "reproved and hardeneth his
neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy" (Prov. 29:1).
 808. Suppositions
"They Supposed" Acts 21:29
Nine-tenths of surmisings about others are born of suppositions, and the other
tenth comes from prejudice.
1. The disciples supposed Christ was a ghost, but it was Himself—Mark
6:49.
2. Christ was supposed to be the son of Joseph—Luke 3:23.
3. Christ's parents supposed He was with them—Luke 2:44.
4. Mary supposed Christ was the gardener—John 20:15.
5. The jailer supposed the prisoners had fled—Acts 16:27. But they were all
wrong.
 809. "Sure Things"
1. A Sure Revelation in God's Word. "The sure word of prophecy" (2 Peter
1:19).
2. A Sure Promise to Faith. "Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by
grace; to the end that the promise might be sure to all" (Rom. 4:16).
3. A Sure Election and Calling by adding to faith what the Lord enjoins.
"Make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10).
4. A Sure Confidence. "Our confidence stedfast unto the end" (Heb. 3:14).
The word "steadfast" is the same as "sure" in the above Scriptures.
5. A Sure Anchor of Hope. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul,
both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19).
6. A Sure Hold. "Hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm
unto the end" (Heb. 3:6).
7. A Sure Trust. "Our hope (trust) of you is steadfast" (2 Cor. 1:7).
The words in italics are one and the same in the original.
 810. Surprises
Of Certain Persons
1. Balaam was surprised to hear the ass speak—Num. 22:28.
2. Jonah was surprised to find lodgings in the belly of the sea monster—
Jonah 1:17.
3. Nathanael was surprised to hear that the Lord had seen him under the fig
tree—John 1:48.
4. Zacchaeus nearly tumbled off his perch when the Lord told him to come
down from the sycamore tree—Luke 19:5.
5. Ahab exclaimed, when Elijah confronted him: "Hast thou found me, O
mine enemy?" (1 Kings 21:20).
6. Gehazi was surprised to find Elisha knew the covetousness of his heart—2
Kings 5:20-27.
7. Hazael was surprised when the prophet revealed to him the wickedness of
his purpose to oust his master as king—2 Kings 8:7-15.
 811. Swallowed Up!
The word katapino means to swallow up, rendered "Drowned" and "Devour"
under points 5 and 6.
1. An Over Nice Critic. "Swallow a camel" (Matt. 23:24).
2. A Defunct Enemy. "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor. 15:54).
3. A Discouraged Believer. "Swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" (2 Cor.
2:7).
4. A Mortal Immortalized. "Swallowed up of life" (2 Cor. 5:4).
5. A Defeated Foe. "Assaying to do were drowned" (Heb. 11:29).
6. A Purposeful Adversary. "Seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
7. An Inanimate Helper. "Swallowed up the flood" (Rev. 12:16).
 812. "Take Heed to the Sure Word of Prophecy"
1. Because of what it is. Jehovah says it is "My Word" (Isa. 55:11). It is His
Word because He is its Author, because it reveals Himself through it, and it is
His message to us.
2. Because of what it promises. "I will hasten My Word to perform it" (Jer.
1:12; 29:10). His promises are checks payable to bearer, cashed by faith, and
enjoyed in communion with Himself.
3. Because of what it does. "Is not My Word like as a fire?" (Jer. 23:28, 29).
As fire burns and warms, so the Lord's Word warms the heart of the saint to
his blessing, and scorches the sinner to his undoing.
4. Because of what it commands. "Walk in My statutes, execute My
judgments, and keep all My commandments" (1 Kings 6:11, 12). Mark the
"If" of command, coupled with the promise, "I will perform My Word."
Precepts obeyed secure pledges given.
5. Because of what it reveals. "He that heareth My Word" (John 5:24). This
great verse reveals God's love in sending Christ; life is given to those who
believe on Christ, the believer is passed out of death into life, those who have
life "shall not come into condemnation," and are assured by Christ of their
personal safety.
6. Because of what it contains. Christ again and again speaks of the message
He brings as "My Word" (John 5:24; 8:31, 37, 43; Rev. 3:8, 10). This specific
covers all He said as "The Word."
7. Because of what His Words impart. Ponder the following passages where
Christ speaks of "My Words," and it will be found by means of them, He
gives reliability—Matt. 24:35; life—John 6:63; salvation—John 12:47, 48;
revelation—John 14:10; His presence—John 14:23; and promise of answered
prayer—John 15:7.

"Believe His words,

His words are life and beauty,
His words command thy duty,
Believe His words."
 813. Tears
1. The Tears of Faith. "Said with tears, Lord, I believe" (Mark 9:24).
2. The Tears of Humility. "Began to wash His feet with tears" (Luke 7:38).
3. The Tears of Service. "Serving the Lord with all humility and many tears"
(Acts 20:19).
4. The Tears of Admonition. "Cease not to admonish every one night and
day with tears" (Acts 20:31, R.V.).
5. The Tears of Concern. "Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I
wrote unto you with many tears" (2 Cor. 2:4).
6. The Tears of Sympathy. "Remembering thy tears" (2 Tim. 1:4, R.V.).
7. The Tears of Earnest Supplication. "Supplications with strong crying
and tears" (Heb. 5:7).
8. The Tears of Disappointment. "Though he sought it carefully with tears"
(Heb. 12:17).
 814. "Tell Me"
1. A Commissioner's Request. "Tell me, I pray thee?" (Gen. 24:23).
2. A Conquered One's Plea. "Tell me, I pray thee thy name?" (Gen. 32:29).
3. A Leader's Demand. "Tell me what thou hast done?" (Joshua 7:19).
4. A Temptress' Question. "Tell me, I pray thee?" (Judges 16:6, 10, 13).
5. A Prophet's Inquiry. "Tell me what thou hast in the house" (2 Kings 4:2).
6. A Master's Invitation. "Tell me what thy wages shall be?" (Gen. 29:15).
7. A Lover's Prayer. "Tell me, O Thou whom my soul lovest, where Thou
feedest?" (Cant. 1:7).
 815. "Temptation"
1. Falling through Temptation—Psa. 95:8; Heb. 3:8; Luke 8:13. God's
testings are for our tempering, and not for our tripping.
2. Praying against Temptation—Matt. 6:13; 26:41. God never leads us to
sin in His tryings, but He does test that we may triumph—James 1:13, 14.
3. Enduring in Temptation—Luke 4:13; James 1:12; Luke 22:28. To stand
the strain and the pain shows there is metal and material in us.
4. Delivered from Temptation—Rev. 3:10. He keeps out of the crucible
sometimes, and certainly keeps the temper under control.
5. Succor in Temptation—1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 2:18; 4:15. Satan may hedge
us in, but he cannot roof us in.
6. Taken out of Temptation—2 Peter 2:9. His eye is watching, His heart is
loving, and his hand is ready to rescue.
7. Christ our Example in Temptation—Luke 4:2, etc. Led by the Spirit,
and equipped by His Word and armor, we are, trusting in the Lord, victors.
 816. Ten Links in Genesis 1
Ten times in Genesis 1 the words "God said" occur.
1. Illumination. "God said, Let there be light" (v. 3).
2. Separation. "God said, Let there be a firmament" (v. 6).
3. Manifestation. "God said... Let the dry land appear" (v. 9).
4. Production. "God said, Let the earth bring forth grass" (v. 11).
5. Indication. "God said, Let there be lights... to divide the day from the
night" (v. 14).
6. Multiplication. "God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly" (v. 20).
7. Reproduction. "God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creatures
after his kind" (v. 24).
8. Identification. "God said, Let us make man in our image" (v. 26).
9. Benediction. "God blessed them, and God said... Be fruitful and multiply"
(v. 28).
10. Satisfaction. "God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing
seed... to you it shall be for meat" (v. 29).
 817. Tests
"He That Judgeth (Testeth) Me Is the Lord" 1 Cor. 4:4
There is in the Mint a marvelously delicate machine for assaying the weight
of gold. Sovereigns are made to pass through a tube, and when they come to
the end, the machine acts so that those which are overweight are thrown to
the right, and those under weight are thrown to the left. Only those of exact
weight are allowed to pass on.
There are several things which will be tested at the judgment-seat of Christ.
1. The "hidden things" of the inner life will be made to stand out in the light
(1 Cor. 4:5).
2. The "counsels," or the purposes of "the heart," will be manifest as they
were known (1 Cor. 4:5).
3. The "work" of the Christian worker will be revealed as to its "sort" (1
Cor. 3:3).
4. The character of the material used in the Lord's service will be revealed—
1 Cor. 13:11-13.
5. Any work that will not stand the test of the revealing fire will be "burnt
up" (1 Cor. 3:15).
6. Our motives will be examined and scrutinized as to their purity—2 Cor.
5:9, 10.
7. Reward will be given to those who have faithfully served their Lord—
Luke 19:16-19.
 818. Tests to Try Spirits
There are seven tests in 1 John 4, that are useful to test any impression, spirit,
or doctrine.
1. Does it confess the true humanity of Jesus Christ?—v. 2, 3.
2. Does it confess the true Divinity of Jesus Christ?—v. 9, 15.
3. Does it confess the vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ?—v. 10, 14.
4. Does it tend to worldliness, and to a love of the outward?—v. 4, 5.
5. Do the deeply spiritually-minded agree with it?—v. 6.
6. Does it witness to the spirit of Divine love?—v. 7, 8.
7. Does it accord with the teaching of God's Holy Spirit? —v. 13. The
teaching of the Holy Spirit is found in the hearts of believers and in the
Scriptures which He has inspired. The first of these has been mentioned
under test five. We ask, secondly: Does it accord with the Holy Scriptures?
Not with one text, but with the combined teaching of God's Word?
 819. "That Day" in Zechariah 14
The Day of the Millennium.
1. Arrival. "The day of the Lord cometh" (v. 1).
2. Advent. "His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives" (v. 4).
3. Phenomenon. "In that day the light shall not be clear nor dark" (v. 6, 7).
4. Living Waters. "In that day living waters shall go out from Jerusalem" (v.
8).
5. Autocracy. "In that day there shall be one Lord" (v. 9).
6. Conflict. "In that day, a great tumult" (v. 13-15).
7. Holiness. "In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, holiness
unto the Lord" (v. 20).
8. Separation. "In that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house
of the Lord" (v. 21).
 820. The Christ Mind
1. A Right Mind through Christ. "In his right mind" (Mark 5:15).
2. A Ready Mind to Believe in Christ. "Received the Word with all readiness
of mind" (Acts 17:11).
3. A United Mind in the Love of Christ. Joined together in the same mind—
1 Cor. 1:10.
4. A Lowly Mind in the Humble Christ. "Lowliness of mind... This mind"
(Phil. 2:3, 5).
5. A Steady Mind in the Word of Christ. "Be not soon shaken in mind" (2
Thess. 2:2).
6. A Girded Mind in the Truth of Christ. "Gird up the loins of your mind" (1
Peter 1:13).
7. A Sound Mind in the Spirit of Christ. "Spirit... of a sound mind" (2 Tim.
1:7).
 821. "The Church of the Future"
According to the teaching of the Holy Spirit, the professing Church (that is,
Christendom, not the spiritual body of Christ) will be a degenerate Church.
1. She will mix with the meal of God's Word the leaven of Rationalism—
Matt. 16:6, as described by Christ in the parable of the leaven—Matt. 13:33.
2. She will admit into her community the bad company of the evil one—
Matt. 13:4, 19, 32.
3. She will depart from the faith and simplicity of the Gospel—1 Tim. 4:1.
4. She will scoff at the truth of the Lord's return—2 Peter 3:2-4.
5. She will have a form of godliness, and know nothing of its power—2 Tim.
3:5.
6. She will be nauseous to the Lord, because of her lukewarm condition—
Rev. 3:15-17.
7. She will be supported by the world, as depicted by the woman sitting on
the scarlet beast—Rev. 17:3; and her end will be the lake of fire—Rev. 18:8.
 822. "The Eight Spots of God's Children"
The spots are:
1. Faith—Galatians 3:14.
2. Life—John 1:12, 13.
3. Assurance—Romans 8:16.
4. Leading—Romans 8:14.
5. Obedience—2 Corinthians 6:15-18.
6. Persecution—1 John 3:1.
7. Love—Ephesians 5:1, 2.
8. Victory—Revelation 21:7.
 823. The Faith
1. Miracle of Christ's Incarnation—Luke 1:35; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 2:9-14.
2. Majesty of His Deity—Heb. 1:3; Rom. 1.4; Luke 8:28; Matt. 27:54.
3. Music of His Life—Acts 10:38; John 20:30, 31; Acts 2:22.
4. Manifoldness of His Atonement—Matt. 20:28; 26:28; Rom. 3:24, 25.
5. Might of His Resurrection—Eph 1:19, 20; Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:20-25.
6. Meetness of His Priesthood—Heb. vii; 8:1-5; Rom. 8:27, 34.
7. Manifestation of His Glory—Col. 3:4; Phil. 3:20, 21; 1 John 3:2.
"The Faith" is the truth of the Gospel. It is important to distinguish between
"The Faith," and Faith. Faith is the act of believing, "The Faith" is what we
believe.
 824. "The Faith of Our Fathers"
"Contend for the Faith" Jude 3
At a Church Congress in Plymouth, the Mayor stated: "If we want to
maintain England and this great Empire in the future, we can only do so as
we bring up our children in the faith of our fathers."
"The Faith" is that upon which our fathers lived—namely, the truth of the
Word of God, which may be briefly summarized as follows:
1. God in the Livingness of His Personality—1 Tim. 4:10.
2. Christ in the Saviorhood of His Deity—Matt. 16:16.
3. The Atonement of our Lord in His Substitutionary Sacrifice—Matt. 20:28.
4. The Holy Spirit in the Power of His Sanctity—1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13.
5. The Example of Christ in the Steps of His Life—1 Peter 2:21.
6. The Devotion of Christ in the Work of His Ministry-Acts 10:38.
7. The Love of God in the Inspiration of His Influence—1 John 4:16.
8. The Word of God in the Principles of its Truth—Psa. 119:142, 151.
9. The Promises of Jehovah in the Sufficiency of their Grace—2 Cor. 1:20.
10. The Coming of Christ in the Magnetism of its Power—2 Peter 1:16.
Many other traits of the Faith of our fathers might be given, but the above
will suffice to indicate the magnificence and many-sidedness of its truth. The
Faith of the Bible is a mould to shape us, a magnet to attract us, a larder to
feed us, a cordial to strengthen us, a power to lift us, a charm to attract us, a
sword to protect us, a goad to stimulate us, a harbor to shelter us, and a
fortune to enrich us.
 825. The Good Samaritan
Illustrated in Christ's Friendship—Luke 10:33-35
If the parable of the Good Samaritan is recalled, there will be found in Christ
all the traits of real friendship.
1. The feet of friendship. "He came where he was."
2. The eyes of friendship. "He saw him." He did not look away, He saw his
need and met it.
3. The heart of friendship. "He had compassion on him." The heart of his
love moved the hand of His help.
4. The service of friendship. "He bound up his wounds." etc. He binds up the
wounds which sin has made, and pours into the heart the wine of His joy and
the oil of His grace.
5. The selflessness of friendship. "He put him on his own beast." Christ
takes our place in death, and gives us His place in glory.
6. The care of friendship. "Took care of him."
7. The spending of friendship. "I will repay thee." He thinks, and cares, and
provides. Cost proves His care.
 826. The Gospel
"The Power of God Unto Salvation" Rom. 1:16
The Gospel in its onward progress in the power of the Spirit—
1. Turned persecuting Saul into praying Paul—Acts 9:19.
2. Turned the idolatrous Thessalonians into servants of the Lord—1 Thess.
1:9, 10.
3. Turned the early Christians into consecrated believers—Acts 4:33-37.
4. Turned the demon-possessed sinners in Samaria into rejoicing believers—
Acts 8:5-8.
5. Turned a puzzled courtier into a devoted and rejoicing chancellor of the
exchequer—Acts 8:27-39.
6. Turned a cruel jailer into a kind minister—Acts 16:24, 34.
7. Turned the witch-craft people of Ephesus into confessing adherents of the
Lord—Acts 19:18.
 827. The Heart and Hand Psalm
Psalm 107
Key expression: "His lovingkindness and His wonderful works" (8, 15, 21,
31)—four times. In His heart, "lovingkindness." Once rendered "mercy" (v.
1); four times "lovingkindness" (8, 15, 21, 31, R.V.); and once
"lovingkindness" (43, R.V.). The latter is plural, reckoning as two,
"lovingkindness" is mentioned seven times.
There are many traits of Jehovah's lovingkindness, but the following are
found in the Psalms. Often the Hebrew word is rendered "mercy," as in Psalm
136, where it occurs twenty-six times, in the well-known sentence, "His
mercy (lovingkindness, R.V.) endureth for ever." His lovingkindness is—
1. "Marvelous" in its acts (Psa. 17:7; 31:21).
2. Constant in its attendance—Psa. 23:6, R.V.
3. Compassing in its protection—Psa. 32:10.
4. "Excellent" ("precious," R.V.) in its benediction (Psa. 36:7).
5. "Better than life" (Psa. 63:3).
6. Multitudinous in benefit—Psa. 69:13, R.V.
7. "Good" in nature (Psa. 69:16, R.V.).
8. "Plenteous" in resource (Psa. 86:15, R.V.).
9. "Great" in exercise (Psa. 86:13, R.V.).
10. Satisfying in giving—Psa. 90:14, R.V.
11. "Everlasting" in duration (Psa. 100:5, R.V.).
12. Crowning in bestowment—Psa. 103:4.
13. Quickening in its life—Psa. 119:88, 124, 149, 159.
The Hebrew word is translated "deal kindly," "kindness," "mercy," "pity,"
"favour," "goodness," "good deeds," and "lovingkindness;" and in the
following cases illustrations will be found of the "exercise" of God's
"lovingkindness" (Jer. 9:24): thus David pleaded with Jonathan to "deal
kindly" with him (1 Sam. 20:8), David showed "kindness" to Mephibosheth
(2 Sam. 9:1, 3, 7), Jehovah had "mercy" on David (1 Kings 3:6), Job's
expressed "pity" to a friend (Job 6:14), Ahasuerus gave "favor" to Esther
(Esther 2:17), the "goodness" of Hezekiah in his life (2 Chron. xxxii 32), and
the "good deeds" of Nehemiah for the house of God (Neh. 13:14).
We do well to recall and recount the lovingkindnesses of our God, for they
are recorded for our inspiration and our imitation.
The hand of Jehovah in His loving service is expressed in the repeated
sentence, "His wonderful works." His "works" are not merely acts, but
"wonderful" ones. The Hebrew word is rendered four times "wonderful
works," and once "wonders" in Psalm 107 (8, 15, 21, 24, 31), and it is also
translated "marvelous" (Psa. 118:23), "hidden" (Deut. 30:11), "accomplish"
(Lev. 22:21), and in the form of a question, "too hard" (Gen. 18:14).
His "wonderful works" in some of their achievements are described in the
Psalm before us.
1. Redemption. "Redeemed from the hand of the adversary" (v. 2).
2. Election. "Gathered out of the lands" (v. 3).
3. Emancipation. "Delivered them out of their distresses" (v. 6).
4. Direction. "He led them by a straight way" (v. 7, R.V.).
5. Satisfaction. "He satisfieth the longing soul, and the hungry soul He filleth
with good" (v. 9).
6. Salvation. "He saved them out of their distresses" (13-19).
7. Pacification. "He maketh the storm a calm" (23-32).
8. Transformation. "He turneth," etc. (33-37).
9. Benediction. "He blesseth," etc. (38-43).
 828. The Holy Spirit
1. The Spirit of Truth to sanctify. "The Spirit of Truth" (John 14:17).
2. The Spirit of Grace to beautify. "Full of the Holy Spirit... Grace" (Acts
6:5, 8, R.V.).
3. The Spirit of Love to intensify. "Love in the Spirit" (Col. 1:8).
4. The Spirit of Life to fructify. "Fruit of the Spirit is love" (Gal. 5:22).
5. The Spirit of Liberty to purify. "Walk in the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16).
6. The Spirit of Wisdom to qualify. "Spirit of Wisdom" (Exod. 28:3).
7. The Spirit of Power to testify. "Full of power by the Spirit" (Micah 3:8).
 829. The Ideal Church
The ideal Church as revealed in the New Testament, like the New Jerusalem,
has twelve gates to it.
1. The Christship of Jesus is the Foundation of the Church. "Thou art the
Christ... Upon this rock will I build My Church" (Matt. 16:18).
2. The Blood of Christ is the Atoning Price of the Church. "The Church...
which He purchased with His own Blood" (Acts 20:28).
3. The Holy Spirit is the Administrator of the Church, hence, He sets "in
the Church" His gifts, severally as He will (1 Cor. 12:28).
4. The ascended Lord is the Head of the Church, His mystical body—Eph.
1:23; 5:23.
5. Love is the Motive and Moving Power of the Church, hence, the
members are to love each other "as Christ loved the Church" (Eph. 5:2, 5,
25).
6. Prayer is the Life of the Church, the power that brings release, even as it
did to imprisoned Peter, when prayer was "made without ceasing of the
Church unto God" (Acts 12:5).
7. Worship of the Lord is the Privilege of the Church, and Christ is ever the
One who in the midst of the Church leads her in praise to God—Heb. 2:12;
and the Church is responsible, as well as privileged, to "come together" to
remember the Lord's death—1 Cor. 11:18-26.
8. Edification, or building each other up, is the Rule of the Church, hence,
the keynote of all ministry in the Church—1 Cor. 14:5, 12, 19.
9. Unity of action is the Responsibility of the Church, hence, there are to be
no schisms in the body, but each member is to tarry for one another, and hold
the Head by recognizing the members in mutual helps and assemblage—Eph.
2:18-22; 4:16.
10. The truth of God is in the Custody of the Church, hence, the Church of
God is the pillar and ground of the truth—1 Tim. 3:15.
11. God Himself is the Centre and Circumference of the Church, hence,
the titles by which it is called, and the place where it is found. It is called "the
Church of God," "the Church in God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ,"
"the Church of the Firstborn" (1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; Heb. 12:23).
12. The glory of God is the End of the Church, hence, it displays His
manifest wisdom and is to be to His manifested glory—Eph. 3:10, 21; 5:27.
 830. The Ignorance of the Unsaved
1. Without Light. "They know not the light" (Job 24:16).
2. Without Perception. "They know not, neither will they understand" (Psa.
82:5).
3. Without Peace. "The way of peace, they know not" (Isa. 59:8).
4. Without the Lord. "They know not Me, saith the Lord" (Jer. 9:3; Micah
4:12).
5. Without Right. "They know not to do right" (Amos 3:10).
6. Without Knowledge of Christ and His Mission. "They know not Him that
sent Me" (John 15:21). "They know not what they do" (Luke 23:34; 24:16).
7. Without Guidance. "Ye... err, because ye know not the Scriptures" (Mark
12:24).
 831. The Lord Before His People
Micah 2:13
1. Perpetual Protection. "The Lord went before them," etc. (Exod. 13:21).
When the Lord stands between us and any foe we are safe.
2. Perpetual Keeping. "Behold, I send an angel before thee to keep thee"
(Exod. 23:20). The keeping of the Lord is constant in its attention, comforting
in its love, and consecrating in its influence.
3. Perpetual Victory. "The Lord your God which goeth before you, He shall
fight for you" (Deut. 1:30; 9:3). No enemy can stand before the skill of His
might, nor defeat the purpose of His grace.
4. Perpetual Service. "Who went in the way before you" (Deut. 1:33). The
Lord had to continually adjust the going of Israel, leading them back into the
wilderness because of their unbelief, when they might have gone forward if
they had trusted Him.
5. Perpetual Presence. "The Lord... doth go before thee, He will be with
thee" (Deut. 31:8). The Lord's presence means gladness in sorrow, strength in
weakness, and progress in holiness.
6. Perpetual Rectification. "I will go before thee, and make the crooked
places straight" (Isa. 45:2). Difficulties become stepping-stones, and dangers
helps, when He goes before.
7. Perpetual Guidance. "His own sheep, He goeth before them" (John 10:4).
The pastures of His promises, and the placid stream of His peace, are not far
distant when He leads.
 832. The Light
1. Walking in the Light—1 John 1:7.
2. Worshipping in the Light—1 Peter 2:9.
3. Warring in the Light—Rom. 13:12.
4. Working in the Light—John 3:21.
5. Watching in the Light—John 11:9.
6. Witnessing in the Light—Phil. 2:15.
7. Waiting for Christ in the Light—2 Peter 1:19.
 833. The Lord's Walk
1. The Almighty Deliverer. "The Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy
camp" (Deut. 23:14).
2. The Arresting Reprover. "They heard the voice of the Lord walking"
(Genesis 3:8).
3. The Loving Sustainer. "I see four men loose walking in the fire" (Dan.
3:25).
4. The Opportune Succorer. "Jesus went unto them walking on the sea"
(Matt. 14:25).
5. The Minute Searcher. "Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden
candlesticks" (Rev. 2:1).
6. The Holy Example. "He walked" (1 John 2:6).
7. The Supreme Exceller. "Who walketh upon the wings of the wind" (Psa.
104:3).
 834. The Millennium
The Millennium is variously described in the Word.
1. As a "thousand years" (Rev. 20:4-6).
2. As "the Day of the Lord" (Zech. 14:1; Zeph. 1:7).
3. As "that Day" (Isa. 2:11, 17; 11:11; 20:6; 26:l, etc).
4. As "the Times of Restitution" (Acts 3:21).
5. As "the Regeneration" (Matt. 19:28).
6. As "the Liberty of the Glory" (Rom. 8:21, R.V.).
7. As "the Age to Come" (Eph. 1:21, R.V.; Heb. 6:5. The word "world" in
these verses is "aion," which means an age).
8. As "the World to Come" (Heb. 1:6; 2:5). The "world" in these verses is
oikoumene, and means the inhabited earth, or civilized world.—See Luke 2:1.
9. As "His Kingdom" (Dan. 7:14; Rev. 11:15).
10. As typified in the Feast of Tabernacles—Lev. 23:33-36.
 835. The Millennium
In Isaiah
What it will mean when the King comes, as stated through Isaiah.
1. A time when war will be no more—2:4.
2. The earth will be restored and beautified—55:13.
3. Human life will be prolonged, and death will be the exception—65:19-
22.
4. When Israel and Judah will be gathered to Palestine and Jehovah—
11:11, 12.
5. The animal creation will cease to prey upon each other—65:25.
6. When all flesh will worship the Lord—66:23.
7. When "all the people will be righteous" (60:21), that is, Jehovah's people
("Thy people.").
 836. The Lord Resting
In, On, and with His People
1. Resting in them as the Indweller—Psa. 132:8, 14.
2. Resting on them as the Equipper—Isa. 11:2.
3. Resting with them as the Conqueror—Isa. 25:10.
4. Resting in them as the Lover—Zeph. 3:17.
5. Resting on them as the Power—2 Cor. 12:9.
6. Resting on them as the Compensator—1 Peter 4:14.
7. Resting with them as the Leader—Num. 10:12, 36.
 837. The New Creation
2 Cor. 5:17, Margin
There are several new things named in the "New Testament" of God's grace
—Luke 22:20.
1. The New Testament brings the "new teaching" of the person and work of
Christ—Mark 1:27, R.V.; Acts 17:19, R.V.
2. Who infuses in the believer the Divine life of a "new creation" (2 Cor.
5:17, margin).
3. Which makes all believers to occupy the common position in Christ of the
"one new man" of the Church—Eph. 2:15.
4. Which calls all its members to "walk in the newness of the life" of the
Spirit (Rom. 6:4).
5. Which again obligates each member to "serve in newness of spirit," and
not after the letter of the law of Moses—Rom. 7:6.
6. Which also commands us to keep the eleventh and "new commandment"
of loving each other as Christ has loved us (John 13:34).
7. Which in addition privileges us to put on "the new man" of Christly
consecration (Eph. 4:24).
8. While the "new tongue" of the Spirit's endowment (Mark 16:17).
9. Makes us sing the "new song" of redemption (Rev. 5:9).
10. And all these "new things" (2 Cor. 5. 17) beget in our hearts the ambition
to have the "new stone" of the overcomer's reward (Rev. 2:17).
11. And make us long for the "New Jerusalem" (Rev. 21:2), in the "new
Heavens and the new earth" (Rev. 21:1).
 838. "Them That Love Him"
1 Cor. 2:9
Those who love God have certain traits. They are—
1. Obedient to His Word—John 14:15.
2. Fired with an ambition to please Him—2 Cor. 5:9.
3. Rely on His faithfulness—John 14:28.
4. Joyful in His will—Psa. 40:8.
5. Do things for His love's sake—3 John 7.
6. Look for the appearing of Christ—2 Tim. 4:8.
7. Love others by helping them—1 John 3:16-18.
 839. The Personal Element
"He Gave Himself for Me" Gal. 2:20
1. The Substitute for Me. "He loved me" (Gal. 2:20).
2. The Shepherd with Me. "I shall not want" (Psa. 23:l).
3. The Strength within Me. "I can do all things" (Phil. 4:13).
4. The Salvation Meeting Me. "God is my salvation" (Isa. 12:2).
5. The Satisfier Supplying Me. "My soul shall be satisfied" (Psa. 63:5).
6. The Shelter over Me. "I sat down under His shadow" (Sol. 2:3).
7. The Spirit Empowering Me. "I am full of power" (Micah 3:8).
 840. The Personnel of Psalm 63
1. Relationship. "My God."
2. Desire. "My soul thirsteth for Thee."
3. Praise. "My lips shall praise Thee."
4. Confidence. "I will lift up my hands in Thy Name."
5. Satisfaction. "My soul shall be satisfied."
6. Joy. "My mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips."
7. Remembrance. "When I remember Thee upon my bed."
8. Help. "Thou hast been my help."
9. Following. "My soul followeth hard after Thee." Ponder not only the
"My's," but the "I's" and the "Me's," and also note the Psalm describes the
experiences of David when in the wilderness.
 841. The Power of His Name
1. Promise. "Call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).
2. Pardon. "Baptized... in the Name of Jesus Christ unto (R.V.) remission of
sins" (Acts 2:38).
3. Power. "In the Name... Rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6).
4. Perfection. "His Name... perfect soundness" (Acts 3:16).
5. Proclamation. "Be it known... by the Name of Jesus Christ," etc. (Acts
4:10).
6. Provision. "Salvation in none other name" (Acts 4:12).
7. Prayer. "By the Name of Thy Holy Servant" (Acts 4:30, R.V.).
 842. The Prayer of Prayers
"Teach Me Thy Will" (Psa. 143:10)
There are other places in the Psalms where this prayer, "Teach me," occurs,
but with a different ending—Psa. 25:4; 27:11; 86:11; 119:12, 33, 64, 66, 68,
108, 124, 135.
There are seven things to fulfill in order to fill to the full this prayer of
prayers.
"Teach me to do Thy will:"
1. Instantly, without question—1 Thess. 5:18-24.
2. Implicitly, without doubt—Phil. 2:12-14.
3. Continually, without halting—Col. 1:9-11.
4. Consecratingly, without sin—Heb. 13:20, 21.
5. Scripturally, without self—Heb. 10:7.
6. Trustfully, without worry—Col. 4:12.
7. Fully, without reserve—Luke 22:42.
 843. The Prayer of Daniel
Daniel 6:10, 11
The safety valve of Daniel's persecution was prayer to the Lord. There are
five things we note about Daniel's praying.
1. It was reverent, for like a humble courtier in the presence of his king, "he
kneeled."
2. His prayer was constant, for like the regular chiming of a good clock, so
he had the regular periods of "three times a day" for prayer.
3. His prayer was mingled with gratitude, for as the hen lifts up her head in
drinking, so Daniel lifted up his heart in thanksgiving while praying.
4. His prayer was believing, for as the child will expect his father to keep to
his promise, so Daniel prayed towards the temple of God's atoning love,
forgiving grace, and revealed will—1 Kings 8:29, 30.
5. Daniel's prayer was known, for as the scent in the handkerchief will betray
itself, so prayer brings the aroma of grace and the fragrance of holiness, and
these ever speak out their worth.
 844. "Therefore"
Phil. 4:1
The importance of the "therefore" is seen again and again in the Word.
Perhaps not more so than in Philippians 4:1, for the reason of conduct is
founded on the truth of the Lord's Coming. Because He is Coming, we are
urged to be alert to keep the following seven commands.
1. The "so stand fast" of fidelity (4:1). Stand fast as a soldier with
resolution, as a watchman with alertness, as a steward with faithfulness, as a
friend with steadfastness, as a mother with affection, and as a shepherd with
concern.
2. The "same mind" of unity (4:2). The mind stands for the soul, the will,
and the understanding. The two sisters who were at variance are exhorted to
make up their minds to have a fellow feeling, and a clear understanding with
each other.
3. The "help" of ability (4:3). To help those who help is to be helped. The
help of the heart of love to cheer, the help of the hand of power to lift, the
help of the word of comfort to comfort, and the help of the look of solicitude
to gladden.
4. The "rejoice" of gladness (4:4). Joy is a flower that blooms in the soil of
devotion to the Lord. When the Lord is the aim of our life, His joy is the heart
of our gladness.
5. The "moderation" of consideration (4:5). The Revised Version reading
is "forbearance," or "gentleness." To forbear with others with the gentleness
of love, is to evidence and think of their feelings. When the Lord is "at hand,"
that is, at our side, that makes us consider Him in thinking of others.
 845. The Seven R's of Christ's Return
1. Revelation of Christ—John 14:3; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 1:7; Rev. 22:7, 12, 20.
2. Resurrection of Sleeping Believers—1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
3. Redemption of the Body—Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; Phil. 3:20, 21.
4. Regeneration of Israel—Hosea 6:2; Ezek. xxxvii; Amos 9:11-15; Acts
15:16.
5. Restoration of Creation—Rom. 8:19-22, R.V.; Acts 3:21, R.V.
6. Renovation of the Earth—Isa. 55:13; Psa. 67:6; Isa. 65:17-25.
7. Reign of Christ—Psa. 72; Luke 1:33; Isa. 32:1; 1 Cor. 15:25; 2 Tim. 4:1;
Rev. 22:5.
 846. The Sinner's Walk
1. In Vanity. "Walketh in a vain show" (Psa. 39:6).
2. In Pride. "A wicked man walketh with a froward mouth" (Prov. 6:12).
3. In Darkness. "The fool walketh in darkness" (Eccles. 2:14).
4. In Stubbornness. "Walketh in the stubbornness of his own heart" (Jer.
23:17, R.V.).
5. In Abomination. "Walketh after the heart of their detestable things and
their abominations" (Ezek. 11:21).
6. In Ignorance. "He that walketh in darkness knoweth not" (John 12:35).
7. In Bondage. "He is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon
the toils" (Job. 18:8, R.V.).
 847. "The Spirit"
1 Corinthians 2
1. The Effective Power. "Demonstration of the Spirit and power" (v. 4).
2. The Effective Revealer. "But God hath revealed them unto us by His
Spirit" (v. 10).
3. The Effective Searcher. "The Spirit searcheth all things" (v. 10).
4. The Effective Knower. "The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit
of God" (v. 11).
5. The Effective Communicator. "We have the Spirit... that we might know"
(v. 12).
6. The Effective Teacher. "The Holy Ghost Teacheth" (v. 13).
7. The Effective Discerner. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the
Spirit of God... they are spiritually discerned (discerned by the Spirit)... We
have the mind of Christ" (v. 14-16).
 848. The World
1. Self is its Centre. "You... walking according to this world" (Eph. 2:2).
2. Pleasure is its Pursuit. "Having loved this present world" (2 Tim. 4:10).
3. Lust is its Food. "Corruption that is in the world" (2 Pet. 1:4).
4. Applause is its Aim. "The world wondered after the beast" (Rev. 13:3).
5. Money is its God. "Them that are rich in this world" (1 Tim. 6:17).
6. Satan is its God. "The God of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4).
7. Reason is its Authority. "Wisdom of this world" (1 Cor. 2:6-8).
8. Present Life is its Sphere. "This present evil world" (Gal. 1:4).
9. Seeing is its Faith. "Shewed Him all the kingdoms of the world" (Matt.
4:8).
10. Judgment is its End "Judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:31).
 849. "The World, the Flesh, and the Devil"
1. Demas fell, through the world—2 Tim. 4:10.
2. David fell, through the flesh—2 Sam. 11:2-4.
3. Peter fell, through the Devil—Matt. 16:23,
 850. "They Went"
1. Obedience rewarded—Matt. 28:9.
2. Testimony sealed—Mark 16:20.
3. Faith blessed—Luke 17:14.
4. Diligence encouraged—Luke 22:13.
5. Service recognized—3 John 7.
6. Fellowship illustrated—2 Kings 2:2.
7. Spirit guided—Ezek. 1:12.
 851. Things God Expects From His Children
1. Exhibition. "Shew forth His praises" (1 Peter 2:9).
2. Fructification. "Beareth fruit, and bringeth forth" (Matt. 13:23).
3. Separation. "Let us go forth therefore unto Him" (Heb. 13:13).
4. Determination. "Reaching forth unto those things before" (Phil. 3:13).
5. Illumination. "Holding forth the Word of Life" (Phil. 2:16).
6. Appreciation. "For His Name's sake they went forth" (3 John 7).
7. Direction. "Go thy way forth" (Song of Sol. 1:8).
The word "forth" in each of the above passages represents five different
words. No. 1 means to publish, to celebrate; No. 2, 3, and 6, to proceed, to
spread abroad; No. 4, to stretch forward, to concentrate one's energies upon a
given object; No. 5, to pay attention, to give earnest heed; No. 7, to go, and
not to delay.
 852. Things in Common
1. A common interest in Christ—Jude 3.
2. A common love to Him—Col. 1:8.
3. A common place in His body—1 Cor. 12:13.
4. A common desire to glorify His Name—2 Thess. 1:12.
5. A common love for His Word—Acts 2:42-44.
6. A common endeavor in His Work—Phil. 1:27.
7. A common aim for His glory—2 Cor. 5:9, R.V.
 853. Things in Which God's People Should Delight
1. The Lord Himself. "Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord" (Isa.
58:14). Note the "then" of the soul's condition in the previous verse, which
makes the delighting in the Lord possible.
2. The Lord's Will. "I delight to do Thy will, 0 my God" (Psa. 40:8). Christ is
our Example, for imitation, and our Empowerer for inspiration in doing God's
will.
3. The Lord's Word. "Thy testimonies also are my delight" (Psa. 119:24, 35).
To delight in God's Word is a sign of healthy spiritual life—Psa. 1:2.
4. The Lord's Abundance. "The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight
themselves in the abundance of peace" (Psa. 37:11). The Lord not only favors
us with His pardon, but He also feasts us with His promises.
5. The Lord's Protection. "I sat down under His shadow with great delight"
(Cant. 2:3). The shadow of Christ's atonement is the protection which shields
from God's wrath.
6. The Lord's Acquaintance. "Then shalt thou have thy delight in the
Almighty." The good of blessing all comes through being acquainted with
Him—Job. 22:21-30.
 854. Things of Christ in Ephesians
1. "The Blood of Christ" (2:13). The Blood is the securer of all blessing, the
cause of all victory, and the sanctifier to all devotion.
2. "The Mystery of Christ" (3:4). "Mystery" means "secret," and the "secret"
is that all believers are one in Him.
3. "The Unsearchable Riches of Christ" (3:8). There is a mine of wealth in
Him, which is sufficient to meet all claims and needs.
4. "The Love of Christ" (3:19). Christ's love is a lake we cannot contain, and
it is a fountain which utterly satisfies.
5. "The Body of Christ" (4:12). The mystical body of Christ is composed of
Christ as the Head, and members as a whole and in particular—see 1 Cor. 12.
6. "The Fullness of Christ" (4:13). All fullness dwells in Him, so we can
never lack anything if we abide in Him.
7. "The Kingdom of Christ" (5:5). The Kingdom of His grace—Col. 1:13;
and the Kingdom of His administration—Rev. 11:15.
 855. Things of Christ
1. A Wonderful Blessing. "The love of Christ" (2 Cor. 5:14).
2. A Wonderful Gift. "The Blood of Christ" (Heb. 9:14).
3. A Wonderful Power. "The power of Christ" (2 Cor. 12:9).
4. A Wonderful Revelation. "The Word of Christ" (Col. 3:16).
5. A Wonderful Faith. "The faith of the Son of God" (Gal. 2:20).
6. A Wonderful Hope. "The Coming of the Lord" (James 5:7).
7. A Wonderful Message. "The Gospel of Christ" (Rom. 1:16).
 856. Things of God
In 1 Corinthians 1
1. The Will of God—1. God's will is revealed in God's Word, and we know
it experimentally as we walk in His ways.
2. The Church of God—2. Some affirm, "It is the Church which makes
Christians," but God's truth declares, "It is the Christians (Christ's own)
which make the Church."
3. The Grace of God—4. Grace stands for favor, strength, and beauty—
God's favor towards us, Christ's strength in us, and the Spirit's beauty upon
us.
4. The Power of God—18. God's power comes in several ways. The Blood
has power to cleanse, the Word has power to assure, His love has power to
constrain, His peace has power to keep, His joy has power to gladden, His
grace has power to enable, and the Spirit is the power of all power.
5. The Wisdom of God—21. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge.
The Lord knows how to apply His blessings to us. He tempers His blessings
to each temperament, and displays His wisdom especially in the Cross of His
Son.
6. The Foolishness of God—25. God could not be foolish in a positive
sense, but comparatively it is so, for what seems foolish in the eyes of foolish
men turns out to be the greatest and profoundest wisdom.
7. The Weakness of God—25. There is more strength in God's little finger
than in all the combined hands of men.
 857. Things "of God"
2 Timothy 1
1. "The Will of God" (1:1).
2. "The Gift of God" (1:6).
3. "The Power of God" (1:8).
4. "The Word of God" (2:9).
5. "The Foundation of God" (2:19).
6. "Lovers of God" (3:4).
7. "Inspiration of God" (3:16).
8. "The Man of God" (3:17).
 858. Things of God
1 Corinthians 2
"Deep things of God" 10, 11
1. "The Testimony of God" (v. 1). Our testimony is of account and counts
when it is what the Lord says.
2. "Demonstration of the Spirit" (v. 4). The only effective worker is the
Spirit, but if we are usable He will use us.
3. "Power of God" (v. 5). When God's power works, things are gripped and
governed.
4. "Wisdom of God" (v. 7). The wisdom is displayed in the works of His
hand, in the heart of His love, and in the grace of His salvation.
5. Spirit of God—v. 11, 12, 14, is the source of Truth, its Revealer, and its
Communicator.
6. "The Mind of the Lord" (v. 16). When we know the Lord we know His
mind.
7. "The Mind of Christ" (v. 16). "Christ" is the One who thinks of us, thinks
in us, and thinks through us.
 859. Things to Do
1. Think on our ways practically—Psa. 119:59.
2. Trust in the Lord wholly—Prov. 3:5.
3. Tread the path of life carefully—Eph. 5:15.
4. Teach the Word of the Lord helpfully—Deut. 11:19.
5. Take the Lord's supplies gratefully—Psa. 116:13.
6. Triumph over sin continually—Rom. 6:14.
7. Testify to the Lord faithfully—Rev. 2:10, 13.
Then, looking out on the future, we shall rest continually in the Lord's love,
and expect the fulfillment of His promise to receive us to Himself.
 860. Things That Are Near
1. The Conscious Sufferer. "The Master saith, My time is at hand" (Matt.
26:18).
2. The Approaching Deliverer. "Drawing nigh unto the ship" (John 6:19).
3. The City's Vicinity. "The place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the
city" (John 19:20).
4. A Saving Gospel. "The Word is nigh thee," etc. (Rom. 10:8).
5. A Securing Price. "Made nigh by the Blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:13).
6. A Living Presence. "The Lord is at hand" (Phil. 4:5).
7. A Portentous Time. "The time is at hand" (Rev. 1:3; 22:10).
The words in the above Scriptures rendered "at hand" and "nigh" are one and
the same in the Greek.
 861. Things Which Abide
1. The Abiding Christ. "Christ abideth for ever" (John 12:34).
2. The Abiding Spirit. "Comforter, that He may abide with you" (John
14:16).
3. The Abiding Word. "The Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever"
(1 Peter 1:23).
4. The Abiding Fruit. "Your fruit should abide" (John 15:16, R.V.).
5. The Abiding Work. "If any man's work abide which he hath built upon, he
shall receive a reward" (1 Cor. 3:14).
6. The Abiding Graces. "Now abideth faith, hope, and love" (1 Cor. 13:13,
R.V.).
7. The Abiding Saints. "He that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (1
John 2:17).
 862. "Thou"
1. "To whom belongest thou?" (1 Sam. 30:13).
2. "What meanest thou?" (Jonah 1:6).
3. "What doest thou?" (1 Kings 19:9).
4. "What wilt thou?" (Mark 10:51).
5. "Whom seekest thou?" (John 20:15).
6. "Where dwellest thou?" (John 1:38).
7. "Whither goest thou?" (Zech. 2:2).
 863. Things Which the World Cannot Do
1. The world could not touch the life of Christ. "No man taketh it from Me"
(John 10:18).
2. The world cannot pluck the believer out of the hands of Grace. "No man
is able to pluck them out" (John 10:28, 29).
3. The world cannot rob the believer of his joy. "Your joy no man taketh
from you" (John 16:22).
4. The world cannot come to God apart from Christ. "No man cometh unto
the Father, but by Me" (John 14:6).
5. The world cannot come to God of itself. "No man can come to Me, except
the Father which hath sent Me draw him" (John 6:44).
6. The world cannot understand the things of God. "The things of God
knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" (1 Cor. 2:11).
7. The world cannot serve God and itself. "No man can serve two masters"
(Matt. 6:24).
 864. "This."—Exclamations
Have you noticed the exclamations as recorded in the Gospels about Christ?
Let me give but a few in connection with the word "this."
1. When the people saw the palsied man healed by Christ, as he was walking
away with his bed, they said: "We never saw it on this fashion" (Mark 2:12).
2. When Christ stilled the tempest, the disciples exclaimed, "What manner of
Man is this?" (Mark 4:41).
3. When the soldiers were sent to arrest Christ, all they could say to their
instructors was, "Never man spake like this Man" (John 7:46).
4. After Pilate had examined Christ, he confessed, "I find no fault in this
Man" (Luke 23:4).
5. The dying thief confessed that he and his fellow were suffering justly, but
as to Christ, he said to his fellow malefactor, "This Man hath done nothing
amiss" (Luke 23:41).
6. When the centurion saw all the wonders at the Cross, he could not help
exclaiming, "Certainly this was a righteous Man" (Luke 23:47).
7. When Christ forgave the sins of the woman in the house of Simon the
Pharisee, the people present exclaimed, "Who is this, that forgiveth sins
also?" (Luke 7:49). Who, indeed, if He is not the Son of God.
 865. Thirsting
1. An Unsatisfied Thirst. "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst
again" (John 4:13).
2. An Unfathomable Cry. "Jesus... saith, I thirst" (John 19:28).
3. An Unspeakable Gift. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give
him shall never thirst" (John 4:14).
4. An Unlimited Supply. "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and
drink" (John 7:37; Rev. 22:17).
5. An Unchanging Blessing. "He that believeth on Me shall never thirst"
(John 6:35).
6. An Unquestionable Promise. "Blessed are they which do hunger and
thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matt. 5:6).
7. A Unique Experience. "Hunger no more, neither thirst any more" (Rev.
7:16).
 866. "This"—Christ's Personality
The Spirit of God points the index finger to Christ, calling attention to Him,
in the distinctiveness of His personality.
1. His Peerlessness. "This is My beloved Son" (Matt. 3:17). The Father
knows the Son best, and is the One best able to tell forth His worth.
2. His Powerfulness. When Christ stilled the tempest, it caused the disciples
to exclaim, "What manner of Man is this?" (Luke 8:25).
3. His Persuasiveness. "Never man spake like this Man" (John 7:46). The
charm of His personality, the character of His message, and the
persuasiveness of His manner, made Him different to all others.
4. His Philanthropy. "This Man receiveth sinners" (Luke 15:2). Children
and sinners know their Friend, and Christ is the Friend of sinners and
children.
5. His Portentousness. "This is the King of the Jews" (Matt. 27:37). His
Cross of shame secured for Him the conquest of sovereignty. The shamed
Sovereign in His death, the superscription over His head, were portentous of
His coming reign.
6. His Proclamation. "This same Jesus... shall come" (Acts 1:11). He who
went away will come back to stay. Look out for Him, and watch for His
return.
7. His Pre-eminence. "This is the true God and Eternal Life" (1 John 5:20).
He stands alone in Deity and humanity. He has what none other hath, because
He is unlike any other.
 867. "This"—Distinctive Messages
The distinctive message of the Gospel as found in association with Christ in
John's Gospel in connection with the word "this." He is the—
1. Eternal Son. "This is the Son of God" (1:34).
2. Sent Christ. "This is the Christ" (4:42).
3. Predicted Prophet. "This is the Prophet" (6:14).
4. True Bread. "This is the Bread" (6:50).
5. Exceptional Man. "This Man" (7:46).
6. Eternal Life. "This is Life Eternal" (17:3).
7. Coming King. "To this End was I Born" (18:37).
8. Burdened Substitute. "This Hour" (12:27).
9. Completing Worker. "After this" (19:28).
10. Equipping Lord. "When He had said this" (20:22).
11. Risen Savior. "On this wise He shewed Himself" (21:1).
12. Inspired Record. "Written in this Book" (20:30).
 868. "This" in Romans
1. "This Cause." "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections"
(1:26). Sin the cause of judgment.
2. "This Time." "To declare at this time, His righteousness" (3:26). Now is
the season of grace to those who believe in Christ.
3. "This Blessedness." "Cometh this blessedness," etc. (4:9). Grace is the
ground of justification, and is no respecter of persons.
4. "This Grace," "Access by faith into this grace" (5:2). The grace which
saves, gives the right to stand and commune.
5. "This Death" (7:24). Spiritual death is the worst of deaths.
6. "This Mystery" (11:25). God's secrets revealed to God's own.
7. "This Saying" (13:9). God's summaries are terse and telling.
8. "This End" (14:9). Christ's death was definite in purpose and practical in
result.
 869. "This Wise"
"This wise" means, after the manner signified.
1. Incarnation. "The birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise" (Matt. 1:18). He,
who was eternally God, became a man in time, that He might accomplish on
the earth a redemption that would bless the universe.
2. Resurrection. "On this wise shewed He Himself" (John 21:1). In many
ways He showed Himself as the Risen One, but in all His manifestations He
was the Son of God with power.
3. Revelation. "God spake on this wise" (Acts 7:6). God's revelation about
the seed of Abraham was a forecast of His plan with them.
4. Confirmation. "He said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of
David" (Acts 13:34). God's Word is sure about His "mercies," and they are
ensured in Christ's resurrection, for that event ensures things—Acts 17:31.
5. Justification. "The righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise,"
etc. (Rom. 10:6). God reckons to faith in Christ, what Christ is.
 870. "This Man"
We often find pivotal expressions in Holy Writ. One such is the phrase, "This
Man." Our thought is arrested and our minds interested when such a phrase is
pondered in its associations, and at once suggests what manner of Man Christ
is.
1. Divine Man. When the centurion saw the phenomenon of the Cross, and
listened to His cry, he confessed, "Truly this Man was the Son of God" (Mark
15:39). When Christ is seen and studied, every honest man must
acknowledge His Deity.
2. Faultless Man. Pilate questioned and examined Christ in the light of the
accusations against Him, and said, "I find no fault in this Man" (Luke 23:4,
14, 22). Christ's character was like the gold of the Tabernacle—"pure." He
did no sin, He knew no sin, and in Him was no sin. He was holy in nature,
harmless in action, undefiled in life, and without sin.
3. Powerful Man. When Christ stilled the raging of the sea, His act begat
within the disciples the question, "What manner of Man is this?" (Matt. 8:27).
They recognized that nature must obey its Creator, and therefore they were in
the presence of the Lord of Nature.
4. Loving Man. "This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them" (Luke
15:2). This statement of scorn embodies the truth of salvation. These words
from darkened minds have brought the dawn of hope and faith into many a
soul. The word "receiveth" is rendered "waiteth" and "looketh" in other
places. He waits in patient grace, and looks out in longing love for sinners,
and receives them to Himself when they come, and, further, fellowships with
them.
5. Wonderful Man. There was a charm and winsomeness about Christ which
made everything about Him peculiar and attractive. The soldiers who were
sent to arrest Him were so arrested by the matter of His utterances and the
manner of His testimony that they exclaimed, "Never man spake like this
Man" (John 7:46).
6. Completing Man. "This Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins,
for ever sat down on the right hand of God" (Heb. 10:12). We have purposely
punctuated the words as above. As Newberry gives it, "to perpetuity He has
sat down." He will never rise up to open the question of sin, for that has "for
ever" been settled by the one Offering for it. A Perfect Offerer has given a
perfect offering, which brings in a perfect redemption.
7. Unchanging Man. "This Man, because He continueth for ever, hath an
unchanging priesthood," and He abideth because He lives in the "power of an
indissoluble life" (Heb. 7:17, 24). His priesthood is not transferable, as
Aaron's was; and it is unalterable in character, because He cannot die; and it
is unchanging, because He "abideth for ever."
 871. "Thither"
1. The Place of Refuge. "That the slayer may flee thither" (Deut. 4:42).
2. The Place of Gathering. "Thither shalt thou come" (Deut. 12:5).
3. The Place of Offering. "Thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings" (Deut.
12:6).
4. The Place of Obedience. "Thither shall ye bring all I command you"
(Deut. 12:11).
5. The Place of Marshalling. "Resort ye thither" (Neh. 4:20).
6. The Place of Work. "Thither unto the work" (Neh. 5:16).
7. The Place of Prayer. "Resorted thither" (John 18:2; Acts 16:13).
8. The Place of Testimony. "Ran thither to him" (Acts 8:30).
 872. "This Woman"
Attention is called to certain women in connection with the words, "This
woman."
1. A Memorial Act. "That this woman hath done, shall be told for a
memorial of her" (Matt. 26:13). Love's offering leaves a perpetual fragrance
behind it.
2. A Meritorious Act. "This poor widow hath cast more in" (Mark 12:43).
The worth of a gift is not estimated by amount, but by the heart that moves
the hand.
3. A Meanful Act. Christ spoke of "this woman" who washed His feet and
wiped them with her hair, and saw beneath her acts her burning heart of love.
When love feeds the hearth of the heart, how brightly the fire doth burn—
Luke 7:44-46.
4. A Miserable Act. "This woman was taken in adultery, in the very act"
(John 8:4). If every sinner was discovered in sinning, what revelations there
would be!
5. A Memorable Act. "This woman was full of good works" (Acts 9:36).
The summary of her life's ministry is a beautiful testimony to the work of
Dorcas.
6. A Musical Act. "She," or "This woman (Phebe) hath been a succorer of
many, and of myself also" (Rom. 16:2). The music of Phebe's service caused
a note of praise to be struck in Paul's commendation.
7. A Ministering Act. "She," or "This woman gave thanks unto God" (Luke
2:38). Anna was singular in her perception and praise, hence her adoration
and worship.
 873. Three Baptisms
1. The Baptism of Suffering—Luke 12:40.
The Baptizer,.... The Father. The Baptized,.... Christ. The Baptism,.... Christ's
Death.
2. The Baptism of Union—1 Cor. 12:12, 13. The Baptizer,.... The Spirit. The
Baptized,.... All Believers. The Baptism,.... Union with Christ.
3. The Baptism of Power—Acts 1:5, 8. The Baptizer,.... Christ. The
Baptized,.... Waiting Believers. The Baptism,.... Power.
 874. "Threefold Cords"
"A Threefold Cord Is Not Quickly Broken" (Eccles. 4:12)
A friend visiting a Manchester cotton merchant's office says: "I noticed an
instrument to test the strength of threads, yarn, etc. I asked my friend the
merchant if he would undo a length of three-ply yarn. He did so. He tested
the breaking point of the single, and the double, and finally the three-ply, and
we found, as I surmised, that the three-ply was far more than three times the
strength of a single strand." God's truths are all threefold.
1. A Threefold Salvation. Saved from the penalty of sin by grace—Eph. 2:8;
saved in the life of Christ by power—Rom. 5:10; and saved from the
presence of sin by Christ's might—Phil. 3:20. 21.
2. A Threefold Life. Eternal life a gift—Rom. 6:23; an experience—1 Tim.
6:19; and a manifestation—Col. 3:4.
3. A Threefold Justification. Justified by God as to cause—Rom. 8:33;
justified by faith as to instrument—Rom. 5:1; and justified by works as to
proof—James 2:21.
4. A Threefold Choice. Chosen by God—Eph. 1:4; chosen in Christ—John
15:16; and proving our election by adding to our faith—2 Peter 1:10.
 875. Three "I Knows" of Paul
1. Consciousness of Sin. "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no
good thing" (Rom. 7:18). The first step towards being right is to know that
we are wrong; not merely that we have done wrong, but that the cause of
wrongdoing is in the nature, which is altogether wrong. The fruit of the tree is
bad because the tree itself is bad. The stream of the life is polluted because
the source of the life—the heart—is defiled—Matt. 15:19. To know that we
are lost is the initiative to seeking that we may be saved. To see that we are
under the curse will urge us to crave the blessings of the Gospel of Christ. Do
we know, in the Biblical sense of knowing, that we are sinful, that is, do we
not merely know it in the head, but is it a thing we have realized in our heart,
so that it has made us cry out, "O wretched man that I am?"
2. Confidence in the Savior. "I know Him whom I have believed, and I am
persuaded that He is able to guard that which I have committed unto Him
against that day" (2 Tim. 1:12, R.V.) There are many who know about Christ,
but who do not know Him.
To know Christ as the Savior, is to trust Him for salvation, and to deposit
ourselves in His safe keeping, as the apostle says he had done. To know
Christ as our High Priest is to be continually saved from sinning, as we come
to Him in faith and prayer—Heb. 7:25. To know Christ as our Prophet is to
be instructed by Him and to sit at His feet, even as Mary did—Luke 10:39.
To know Christ as our Lord is to recognize that we are His property, and to
submit ourselves wholly to His rule—John 13:13-17. To know Him as the
Christ is to receive Him to live and reign in us—Gal. 2:20.
3. Conscience Void of Offence. "I know nothing against myself" (1 Cor. 4:4.
R.V.). The apostle did not mean to say that he had no faults or failings. As
Trapp well says: "Paul a chosen vessel, but yet an earthen vessel, knew well
that he had his cracks and his flaws, which God could easily find out." What
the apostle said was that, as far as his conscience went, he knew nothing
against himself. To be able to honestly say this there must be (v. 1) implicit
obedience to the Word of God, (v. 2) initiation in the ways of God, (v. 3)
instruction in the will of God, and (v. 4) intimate fellowship with God alone.
 876. Three Separated Men
Every believer should have three "S's" in his life—Saved, separated, satisfied
—Deut. 33:29, 16, 23.
1. Nehemiah. Nehemiah found that a magnificent room had been given to
Tobiah, but he threw out all the furniture. In the same chapter we find
Nehemiah saying, "I chased him from me" (Nehemiah 13:8-28).
2. Caleb. He followed the leading of the Holy Ghost fully, and faithfully.
"My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed
Me fully, him will I bring into the land" (Num. 14:24).
3. Abraham. When brought into the land of the separation, he took up the
practice of separation, and said, "I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the
Most High God, that I will not take from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and
that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made
Abram rich" (Gen. 14:22, 23).
Nehemiah illustrates separation from known evil by expelling it. Caleb
illustrates separation to the Lord by believing His Word; and Abraham
illustrates separation from the world in refusing to have the help of the
ungodly.
 877. Three Looks
1. Inward Look of Examination. "Look to yourselves" (2 John 8).
2. Upward Look of Expectancy. "I will direct my prayer unto Thee, and will
look up" (Psa. 5:3).
3. Outward Look of Exercise. "Look on the fields" (John 4:35).
 878. Three "so Great" Things
1. Condemnation. "So great a death" (2 Cor. 1:10).
2. Consolation. "So great salvation" (Heb. 2:3).
3. Compensation. "So great faith" (Matt. 8:10).
 879. Three "Whereby's"
1. Salvation. "None other name... whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
2. Possession. "Ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15).
3. Identification. "The Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the
day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30).
 880. "Time" and "Times"
Kronos, rendered "time" (Matt. 2:7), "while" (John 12:35), "space" (Rev.
2:21), "seasons" (Acts 20:18), means a set time, a limited or designated
period.
1. "Times of restitution" (Acts 3:21), or restoration, are coming to Israel.
2. "The time past of our life," speaks of our sin and folly (1 Peter 4:3).
3. "When the fullness of time" had come, Christ appeared to accomplish His
redeeming work—Gal. 4:4; 1 Peter 1:20.
4. "The rest of our time" we should live as becomes believers in Christ (1
Peter 1:17; 4:2).
5. "In the last time" we are warned that "mockers" shall arise (Jude 18).
6. In His grace the Lord gives those who have need to "repent" a certain
"space" (time) in which to do it—Rev. 2:21.
7. There is a "time" when the Lord will come to reckon with His servants—
Matt. 25:19.
 881. "Thyself"
Paul's weighty injunctions to Timothy are pertinent and powerful in 1
Timothy.
1. Behavior. "How thou oughtest behave thyself" (3:15). If we were as
careful with our character and our conduct as we are with our clothes and
homes, we would be saints indeed.
2. Exercise. "Exercise thyself unto godliness" (4:7). This is the best kind of
exercise. It neither exhausts nor enervates, but strengthens and stimulates.
3. Diligence. "Be diligent in these things, give thyself wholly to them" (4:15,
R.V.). To cultivate the spiritual life with diligence ana whole-heartedness is to
be fruitful in grace.
4. Personality. "Take heed unto thyself" (4:16). To look after others and not
ourselves is the height of folly, but to develop our own resources is essential
and wise and helpful.
5. Salvation. "Both save thyself and them that hear thee" (4:16). We save
ourselves from failure and fruitlessness when we are diligent in duty.
6. Purity. "Keep thyself pure" (5:22). The inner life kept pure, the outward
life will be powerful.
7. Separation. "From such withdraw thyself" (6:5). When brethren are in
error or evil we are responsible to withdraw ourselves from them.
 882. Times of Prophecy
1. Christ died at the appointed time—Rom. 5:6.
2. The present time is the season for the believer to be awake —Rom. 13:11.
3. The time when the Lord will judge things—1 Cor. 4:5.
4. Jerusalem will be "trodden down" until the "times of the Gentiles be
fulfilled" (Luke 21:24).
5. The antichrist will be "revealed in his own time" (2 Thess. 2:6).
6. In the "fullness of times" God will gather all in Christ (Eph. 1:10).
7. "The time is at hand" when Christ will return and prophecy will be
fulfilled (Rev. 22:10).
 883. "Today"
The presentness of God's things need to be kept in mind.
1. Christ. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and for ever" (Heb. 13:8).
He is the same without any sameness. In the Cross of His passion, in the
communion of His presence, and in the for ever of His glory.
2. Conversion. "Today I must abide at thy house." "This day is salvation
come" (Luke 19:5, 9). Christ's presence is salvation and power.
3. Consecration. "Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord" (Exod. 32:29).
Separation to the Lord and dedication to Him are the soul of consecration.
4. Concentration. "Today if ye will hear His voice" (Psa. 95:7; Heb. 3:7, 13,
15; 4:7). To hear His voice is to obey His Word.
5. Command. "My son, go work today in my vineyard" (Matt. 21:28). There
is work to do, we are commanded to do it, and to do it today.
6. Communication. "Hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which Thy
servant prayeth before Thee today" (1 Kings 8:28). To communicate to the
Lord in prayer we need to keep the communicating way open.
7. Communion. "Today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). To
be with Christ is Heaven.
 884. "Together"
1. Walk. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3).
2. Worship. "Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together"
(Psa. 34:3).
3. Work. "Together will build unto the Lord" (Ezra 4:3).
4. Joy. "He calleth together his friends and neighbors," etc. (Luke 15:6).
5. Effort. "Striving together for the faith of the Gospel" (Phil. 1:27).
6. Love. "Being knit together in love" (Col. 2:2).
7. Example. "Be followers together of Me" (Phil. 3:17).
 885. "To Himself"
1. A Divine Reconciler. "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto
Himself" (2 Cor. 5:19).
2. A Necessary Mediator. "Reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ" (2
Cor. 5:18).
3. A Positive End. "Purify unto Himself a peculiar people" (Titus 2:14).
4. A Gracious Choice. "The Lord hath chosen thee to be a people to
Himself" (Deut. 7:6).
5. A Separated People. "Separated you to bring you near to Himself" (Num.
16:9).
6. A Holy Presentation. "Present it to Himself a glorious Church" (Eph.
5:27).
7. An Ultimate Goal. "Reconcile all things to Himself" (Col. 1:20).
 886. Tongues
1. It was the Devil's insinuating tongue that caused our first parents to sin—
Gen. 3:4.
2. It was the lying tongues of Joseph's brethren which gave Jacob so much
grief—Gen. 37:32.
3. It was the deceitful tongue of Jacob that robbed Esau of his blessing—
Gen. 27:18, 23.
4. It was the obstinate tongue of Pharaoh that caused the plagues to be sent—
Exod. 10:28.
5. It was the jealous tongue of Miriam that caused her to be smitten with
leprosy—Num. 12:1, 10.
6. It was the proud tongue of Korah and his followers that brought such swift
judgment upon them—Num. 16:3, 32.
7. It was the fault-finding tongues of Job's friends that ministered such
trouble to him—Job. 32:10-18.
8. It was the covetous tongue of Judas which caused Christ to be betrayed to
His death—Matt. 26:15.
9. It was the boasting tongue of Peter which made him deny his Lord—Matt.
26:70.
10. It was the unholy tongue of Ananias that made him lie to the Holy Spirit
—Acts 5:3.
11. It was the sectarian tongue of the Corinthians that caused the divisions
among them—1 Cor. 1:12.
12. It was the prating tongue of Diotrephes which caused so much trouble in
the Church—3 John 9, 10.
 887. Tongues
Good Ones
1. A Choice Tongue—Prov. 10:20. The "just" (righteous) have such a
tongue.
2. A Wise Tongue—Prov. 15:2. He knows what to say and how to say it.
3. A Wholesome Tongue—Prov. 15:4. Such a tongue is a minister of life.
4. A Kind Tongue—Prov. 31:26. Kindness of tongue comes from heart
kindness.
5. A Confessing Tongue—Phil. 2:11; Rom. 14:11. To own Christ is to find
One worth talking about, for He alone is worthy.
6. A Scriptural Tongue. "My tongue shall speak of Thy Word" (Psa.
119:172).
7. A Taught Tongue—Isa. 1. 4, R.V. To be taught by God is to be able to
teach others to their profit.
 888. Tongues
Bad Ones
The tongue if under control can be a blessing, but if it is not it will be a bane.
1. A Deceitful Tongue—Rom. 3:13. A deceitful tongue is a lying one.
2. An Empty Tongue—1 John 3:18. Talk is not help.
3. An Unbridled Tongue—James 1:26. Uncontrolled, the tongue is a curse.
4. A Froward Tongue—Prov. 10:31. Boasting is the essence of pride.
5. A Lying Tongue—Prov. 6:17; 12:19; 21:6; 26:28. A liar is in league with
the Devil, and will be shut out of Heaven.
6. A Flattering Tongue—Prov. 28:23. Flattery injects conceit and leads
astray.
7. A Backbiting Tongue—Prov. 25:23. A backbiter not only bites others, but
in the end he bites himself.
 889. "Took"
1. Sin's Mistake. "She took of the fruit of the tree" (Gen. 3:6).
2. God's Up-take. "God took him" (Gen. 5:24).
3. Love's In-take. "Isaac... took Rebekah, and she became his wife" (Gen.
24:67).
4. Grace's Out-take. "He took him from the sheep-folds" (Psa. 78:70).
5. Achan's Wrong-take. "Took of the accursed (devoted) thing" (Joshua 7:1).
6. Joshua's All-take. "Took all the land" (Joshua 11:23).
7. Virgins' No-take. "Took no oil" (Matt. 25:3).
 890. "To," or "Unto Me"
1. A Sad Case. "Ye will not come to Me" (John 5:40).
2. A Satisfying Cause. "He that cometh to Me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).
3. A Safe Coming. "Him that cometh to Me shall in no wise be cast out"
(John 6:37).
4. A Sanctifying Conclusion. "Let him come unto Me and drink," etc. (John
7:37).
5. A Secret Centre. His death the power, "to draw all men unto Me" (John
12:32).
6. A Saving Call. "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).
7. A Separating Condition. "If any man come to Me, and hate not his
father... he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26).
 891. Traits of a Wicked Sinner
He has—
1. The Covetousness of Balaam—2 Peter 2:15.
2. The Double Dealing of King Saul—1 Sam. 15:20-23.
3. The Worldliness of Demas—2 Tim. 4:10.
4. The Cunning of Absalom—2 Sam. 15:1-6.
5. The Keenness of Gehazi—2 Kings 5:20.
6. The Greed of Achan—Joshua 7:21.
7. The Grab of Judas—John 12:6.
 892. Touches
The Following Are Some of the Consequences in Touching Things
1. The Touch of Sin. Eve not only touched, she took—Gen. 3:3.
2. The Touch of Salvation. The live coal of sacrifice saved—Isa. 6:7.
3. The Touch of Sanctification. Whatever touched the altar became like it,
"holy"—Exod. 29:37.
4. The Touch of Strength. Daniel was touched and set up—Dan. 10:10, 16,
18.
5. The Touch of Sufficiency. Jeremiah was qualified for service by the Lord
—Jer. 1:9.
6. The Touch of Submission. Jacob was subdued by the Lord's touch—Gen.
32:25, 32.
7. The Touch of Success. When God touches the heart there is a following—
1 Sam. 10:26.
 893. Touch of Christ
"Jesus Put Forth His Hand and Touched Him" (Matt. 8:3)
What a touch there is in the touch of Christ, and how often we read He
touched people, and His touches were always benedictions.
Mark the effects of His touches.
1. His cleansing touch, when He healed the leper—Mark 1:41.
2. His cooling touch, when He restored Peter's wife's mother—Matt. 8:15.
3. His compelling touch, when He banished the blindness from the blind man
—Matt. 9:29; 20:34.
4. His comforting touch, when He told His disciples, "Be not afraid" (Matt.
17:7).
5. His causeful touch, when He unloosed the dumb man's tongue—Mark
7:33.
6. His compassionate touch, when He raised the widow's son—Luke 7:14.
7. His counteracting touch, when He repaired the damage Peter had done—
Luke 22:51.
 894. "To Walk"
1. Command. "To walk in His ways" (Deut. 8:6; 10:12; 11:22; 13:5; 19:9;
26:17; 30:16).
2. Sphere. "Take heed... to walk before Me" (1 Kings 2:4).
3. Covenant. "Josiah made a covenant to walk after the Lord" (2 Kings 23:3).
4. Power. "I will cause them to walk... in a straight way" (Jer. 31:9).
5. The Good. "To walk humbly with thy God" (Micah 6:8).
6. Faith. "He will make me to walk upon mine high places" (Hab. 3:19).
7. Example. "Ought... to walk, even as He walked" (1 John 2:6).
 895. Towers
1. A Self-conceived Tower. The Tower of Babel—Gen. 11:4. Built by sin.
2. The "High Tower" of Safety—2 Sam. 22:3. See the six "my's" in the verse
as illustrating what the Lord is to His people.
3. The Exalted Tower for Security. "He is the tower of salvation" (2 Sam.
22:51).
4. The Strong Tower for Protection. "A strong tower from the enemy" (Psa.
61:3; Prov. 18:10).
5. The Watch Tower for Observation. "Set me upon my tower" (Hab. 2:1).
6. A Judged Tower. "Every high tower" shall be brought low (Isa. 2:13-15).
7. The Intended Tower in Consideration. "Intending to build a tower" (Luke
14:28).
 896. Traits of God's Word
"He authenticates Himself," says one, in speaking of Christ; so say we of
God's Word, it authenticates itself.
1. Firm and Unalterable, for it is "settled in Heaven" (Psa. 119:89).
2. True and Reliable, for it is "true from the beginning" (Psa. 119:160).
3. Enlightening and Guiding, for it is a "lamp" and a "light" (Psa. 119:105).
4. Expansive and Searching, for it is "exceeding broad" (Psa. 119:96).
5. Pure and Sanctifying, for it is "pure" and "tried" (Psa. 119:140, margin).
6. Sweet and Satisfying, for it is "sweeter than honey" (Psa. 119:103).
7. Divine and Wonderful, for "Thy testimonies are wonderful" (Psa.
119:129).
 897. "Transgression"
1. The Cause of Captivity. "Carried away... for their transgression" (1 Chron.
9:1).
2. The Cause of Christ's Death. "For the transgression of My people was He
stricken" (Isa. 53:5, 8).
3. The Character of Sin. "Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4).
4. The Cause of Punishment. "I will visit their transgression with the rod"
(Psa. 89:32).
5. The Cause of Confession. "I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord"
(Psa. 32:5; 39:8; 51:1, 3).
6. The Charge of God. "They have transgressed against Me" (Hosea 7:13).
7. The Condition of the Forgiven. "Blessed is he whose transgression is
forgiven" (Psa. 32:1).
 898. "Transgressors"
1. Transgressors grieve the godly. "I beheld the transgressors and was
grieved" (Psa. 119:158).
2. Transgressors meet with hardness. "The way of transgressors is hard"
(Prov. 13:15).
3. Transgressors caused Christ to suffer. "Numbered with transgressors"
(Isa. 53:12; Luke 22:37).
4. Transgressors may be arrested by a right condition of heart by the Lord's
people. "Then shall I teach transgressors Thy ways" (Psa. 51:13).
5. Transgressors were prayed for by Christ. "Made intercession for the
transgressors" (Isa. 53:12).
6. Transgressors found out by the ways of the Lord. "Transgressors shall fall
therein" (Hosea 14:9).
7. Transgressors will meet their doom. "Transgressors shall be destroyed"
(Psa. 37:38).
 899. "Treasuring Up"
1. Depositing in an Unbreakable Bank. "Lay up for yourselves treasures in
Heaven" (Matt. 6:20).
2. Keeping the Lord's Portion for Him. "Let every one lay by in store" (1
Cor. 16:2; literally, "treasure up").
3. A Parent's Duty. "Children ought not to lay up for the parents," etc. (2
Cor. 12:14).
4. The Rich Man's Mistake. "Ye have laid up your treasure in the last days"
(James 5:3, R.V.).
5. The Fool's Blunder. "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself" (Luke
12:21).
6. The Sinner's Legacy. "Treasurest up unto thyself wrath" (Rom. 2:5).
7. The Heaven's and the Earth's Future. "Have been stored up (treasured
up) for fire" (2 Peter 3:7, R.V.).
 900. Trees
1. A Forbidden Tree. "Tree of knowledge of good and evil" (Gen. 2:17).
2. A Healing Tree. "The Lord shewed him a tree" (Exod. 15:25).
3. A Juniper Tree. "Sat down under a juniper tree" (1 Kings 19:4).
4. A Flourishing Tree. "Shall be like a tree... bringeth forth fruit" (Psa. 1:3;
92:12).
5. A Corrupt Tree. "A corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit "(Matt. 7:17).
6. A Good Tree. "A good tree bringeth forth good fruit" (Matt. 7:17).
7. A Christ Honoured Tree. "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree"
(Gal. 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24).
 901. Trembling People
1. A Haunted Patriarch. "Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made
all my bones to shake" (Job. 4:14).
2. An Anxious Sinner. "Jailer came trembling... and said... What must I do to
be saved?" (Acts 16:29, 30, etc.).
3. A Humble Suppliant. "Saul trembling... said, Lord, what wilt Thou have
me to do?" (Acts 9:6).
4. A Conscious Believer. "The woman fearing and trembling," etc. (Mark
5:33).
5. A Working Saint. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"
(Phil. 2:12).
6. A Weak Servant. "I was with you in... fear, and much trembling" (1 Cor.
2:3).
7. An Awed Believer. "I will look to him that trembleth at My Word" (Isa.
66:2).
 902. "Trespass"
1. Sin. "Trespass against the Lord" (Num. 5:6).
2. Sacrifice. "Trespass offering" (Lev. 5:6, 15, 16, 18, 19; 6:6).
3. Sacrilege. "Committed a trespass" (Josh. 7:1; 22:20).
4. Grace. "Not imputing their trespasses unto them" (2 Cor. 5:19).
5. Dead. "Dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1).
6. Forgiveness. "Forgiving you all trespasses" (Col. 2:13).
7. Example. "Forgive... that your Father... may forgive you your trespasses"
(Mark 11:25).
 903. Tribulation: The Great One
Before the Lord comes with His saints.
1. The time of "Jacob's trouble" must take place (Jer. 30:7).
2. The like of which has never happened before in the history of the world
—Daniel 12:1; Matt. 24:21.
3. When a covenant will be made with the Antichrist —Dan. 11:26-28.
4. When two-thirds of the inhabitants of the land will be "cut off" (Zech.
13:8).
5. But it is just at that time the Lord will appear in Person and deliver His
earthly people—Zech. 14.
6. And the Jewish nation will own Jesus of Nazareth, the pierced One of
Calvary, to be their Promised Messiah—Zech. 12:10.
 904. "Tried"
1. A Tried Testimony. "The Word of the Lord is tried" (2 Sam. 22:31; Psa.
18:30).
2. A Tried Stone. "A tried stone" (Isa. 28:16).
3. A Tried Believer. Abraham. "He was tried" (Heb. 11:17).
4. A Tried Servant. "The Word of the Lord tried him" (Psa. 105:19).
5. A Tried Host. "Many shall be purified, made white, and tried" (Dan.
12:10).
6. A Tempted One. "When he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life"
(James 1:12).
7. A Suffering Saint. "Tried with fire" (Zech. 13:9; 1 Peter 1:7).
 905. Trouble
Trouble Comes From Many Quarters
1. Generally from sin, as Ahab shows—1 Kings 18:18.
2. Specifically from self, as Joseph's brethren demonstrate—Gen. 45:3.
3. Testingly from God, as David confesses—Psa. 71:20.
4. Circumstantially from our surroundings, as Eliphaz says—Job 5:6, 7.
5. Wickedly from our enemies, as the Psalmist explains—Psa. 22:11.
6. Incidentally from our testimony, as Paul declares—2 Cor. 1:8.
7. Influentially from our brethren, as Achan illustrates—Joshua 7:25.
 906. True Delight
Seven times the Psalmist speaks of delighting in God's Word in Psalm. 119.
1. Resolution. "I will delight myself in Thy statutes" (v. 16). When we make
up our mind to any given thing, let us mind the thing to which we have
consented.
2. Concentration. "Thy testimonies also are my delight" (v. 24).
Concentration on God's Word in the midst of opposition—see verse 23, ever
leads to benediction—Jer. 15:16.
3. Compulsion. "Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments, for
therein do I delight" (v. 35). Love easily counsels when the heart is willing to
be compelled.
4. Affection. "I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have
loved" (v. 47). The only fuel which will feed the fire of love is God's Word,
and when that is fed the sacrifice of pleasure in God's will is ever the
outcome.
5. Opposition. "Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in Thy law" (v.
70). Fatty sinners are ever against flourishing saints. The doings of ungodly
men should make us the more determined to do God's Word.
6. Supplication. "Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live, for
thy law is my delight" (v. 77). Prayer for "mercies," and faith to believe they
are "tender," are sure to come to those whose hearts are right with the Lord
by delighting in His Word.
7. Salvation. "I have longed for Thy salvation, for Thy law is my delight" (v.
174). The reason why he longed for God's salvation is because he had a heart
and a life to obey God's law.
 907. Troubled Ones
1. A Striking Simile. "The wicked are like the troubled sea" (Isa. 57:20). Sin
is the rest-destroyer and the soul-annoyer.
2. An Agonized Savior. "Now is My soul troubled" (John 12:27). The hour
of His woe was caused by the guilt of our wickedness.
3. A Defeated Company. "Why hast thou troubled us?" (Joshua 7:25). An
Achan in the midst will cause defeat in the war.
4. A Distressed Saint. "Thou didst hide Thy face, and I was troubled" (Psa.
30:7). The Lord's hidings are for the believer's testings.
5. A Cumbered Servant. "Martha... thou art careful and troubled about
many things" (Luke 10:41). To serve the Lord is good, but to be cumbered
with serving is bad.
6. A Convicted Brotherhood. "They were troubled at his presence" (Gen.
45:3). A bad conscience will prick the heart to its possessor's confusion.
7. A Routed Foe. "Troubled the host of the Egyptians" (Exod. 14:24). "The
troublers of God's people are sure to be troubled by the Lord" (2 Thess. 1:7).
 908. Truths Associated with Singing
1. Consecration. "Offered the burnt offering... with singing" (2 Chron.
23:18).
2. Dedication. "Dedication of the wall... with singing" (Neh. 12:27).
3. Emancipation. "Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue
with singing" (Psa. 126:2).
4. Satisfaction. "Rest in His love, shall joy over thee with singing" (Zeph.
3:17).
5. Compensation. "Weeping may endure for a night, but singing (margin)
cometh in the morning" (Psa. 30:5; 126:5, margin).
6. Adoration. "Come before His presence with singing" (Psa. 100:2; 107:22,
margin).
7. Redemption. "Brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen with
singing" (Psa. cv, 43, margin).
 909. Two Natures
The two natures—John 3:6. Naturally we are the children of wrath—Eph.
2:3; but through faith in Christ we are made partakers of the Divine nature—
2 Peter 1:4, R.V., margin, "a Divine nature."
I. The natural man is a sinner in a threefold sense.
1. By his connection with Adam—Rom. 5:13.
2. Because he has Adam's nature—Gen. 5:3; Rom. 3:10.
3. Because he has committed sins—Rom. 8:5.
II. Those who are believers in Christ are saints in a threefold sense.
1. Because we are identified with Christ—1 Cor. 1:2.
2. Because we have the nature of God—John 1:12, 13.
3. Because as saints we live saintly lives—Eph. 5:3.
 910. Unbelief—Its Powers
1. Destroys the capacity to see—John 3:36.
2. Disturbs the soul—Acts 14:2.
3. Hardens the sensibilities—Acts 19:9.
4. Questions the authority of God's Word—Rom. 10:21.
5. Causes the feet to stumble—1 Peter 2:3.
6. Shuts up the disobedient in prison—1 Peter 3:20.
7. Robs of blessing—Heb. 3:18; 4:2.
 911. Unbelief—What It Does
1. Hardens the heart—Acts 19:9.
2. Disregards God's entreaty—Rom. 10:21.
3. Stumbles at God's Word—1 Peter 2:8.
4. Severs from the Lord—Rom. 11:20.
5. The incentive to envy and persecution—Acts 14:2; 17:5.
6. Synonymous with disobedience—1 Pet 4:17.
7. Forerunner of destruction—Rom. 2:8; John 3:36.
 912. Unseen
1. The unseen is the seen to faith—Heb. 11:1, 13.
2. For it has confidence in the Unseen—2 Cor. 4:18; 5:1-9.
3. Love to the Unseen—Heb. 11:27.
4. Joy from the Unseen—1 Peter 1:8.
 913. Unbelief
John's Gospel
1. Unbelief dulls the faculty of faith—3:12.
2. Unbelief shuts up in condemnation—3:18.
3. Unbelief keeps out the blessing of eternal life—3:16.
4. Unbelief sees not the purpose of Christ's mission—6:36.
5. Unbelief thinks more of material things than eternal ones—6:64.
6. Unbelief keeps away from the only One who can deliver from sin—8:24.
7. Unbelief turns a deaf ear to the Word of Christ—8:45, 46.
8. Unbelief accepts not the testimony of Christ—10:25, 26, 37, 38.
9. Unbelief will not own the working of Christ—12:37, 39.
10. Unbelief is influenced by the material alone—20:25.
 914. "Unto the End"
We are continually exhorted to keep on "unto the end."
1. Those who "endure unto the end" shall be saved (Mark 13:13).
2. We are to "hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm
unto the end" (Heb. 3:6).
3. "We are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our
confidence steadfast unto the end" (Heb. 3:14).
4. We are to keep the "full assurance of hope unto the end" (Heb. 6:11).
5. We are to "hope to the end for the grace" that is yet to come (1 Peter.
1:13).
6. We are to keep Christ's "works unto the end" (Rev. 2:26).
7. Then we shall find, as in every case in Scripture, the word of His promise
runs parallel with the word of His command, for He promises to "confirm us
unto the end," that we "may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus
Christ" (1 Cor. 1:8).
 915. "Unto the Lord"
1. Conversion is "Turning to God" 1 Thess. 1:9
2. Christ's substitution was to "Bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18).
3. Consecration is to "Live unto the Lord" (Rom. 6:10, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21;
12:1).
4. Communion with God is to let all service be done "unto Christ" (Eph.
6:5).
5. Worship is "making melody in the heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19).
6. The rule to regulate our conduct to each other is do everything "unto the
Lord" (Rom. 14:6-8).
7. What is the end God has in view in all things? "To reconcile all things
unto Himself" (Col. 1:20).
 916. "Unto You"
Pregnant and personal sentences are full of pertinent blessing. "Unto you" is
one of them.
1. Value. "Unto you therefore which believe He is precious" (1 Peter 2:7).
Who can value the Value of Christ? Believers have the Value of all values in
possessing Christ, and they too are valuable. The Revised Version gives this
thought.
2. Vision. "It is given unto you to know the mysteries (secrets) of the
Kingdom" (Matt. 13:11). The initiated are instructed in the Revelation of the
Word by the inner illumination of the Spirit.
3. Life. "Verily, verily I say unto you," etc. (John 5:24, 25). Eternal life is the
positive blessing of the Gospel, and those who are identified with the Living
Christ receive the life He is, and are made alive.
4. Power. "For the Promise is unto you," etc. (Acts 2:39). The power of the
Spirit has been procured by the propitiation of the Savior. Passover and
Pentecost are the twin blessings of the Gospel.
5. Knowledge. "Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that
through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins" (Acts 13:38).
To be personally acquainted with Christ is the sum of all knowledge.
6. Grace and Peace. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you" (2 Peter 1:2).
Grace here means strength, and peace is quietness. Power to supply and
peace to calm.
7. Healing. "Unto you that fear My Name shall the Sun of Righteousness
arise with healing in His wings" (Mal. 4:2). To fear Him with holy obedience
and humble grace, is to find the healing of His love and the warmth of His
power.
 917. "Unworthy"—"Worthy"
1. Confession of the Sinner. "I am not worthy" (Gen. 32:10).
2. Character of the Savior. "Thou art worthy" (Rev. 4:11; 5:2, 4, 9, 12).
3. Calling of the Saint. "Walk worthy of the vocation" (Eph. 4:1).
 918. Upper-Room Meeting
(John 20:19-23.)
1. Presence of the Risen Christ. "He stood in the midst."
2. Peace from the Crucified Lord. "Peace be unto you."
3. Power from the Breathing Lord. "He breathed upon them."
4. Sent Forth by Christ. "As My Father sent Me, even so send I you."
5. Revelation of Christ. "He shewed unto them His hands and side."
6. Authority from Christ. "Whose sins ye remit, they are remitted."
7. Gladness through Christ. "Then were the disciples glad when they saw the
Lord."
 919. "Upon a Rock"
1. The Place of Revelation. "Thou shalt stand upon a rock... and... see"
(Exod. 33:21-23).
2. The Place of Sacrifice. "Offered it upon a rock" (Judges 13:19).
3. The Place of Safety. "He shall set me upon a rock" (Psa. 27:5).
4. The Place of Security. "Built his house upon a rock" (Matt. 7:24).
5. The Place of Vision. "From the top of the rocks I see" (Num. 23:9).
6. The Place of Stability. "Upon this rock I will build" (Matt. 16:18).
7. The Place of Watching. "Spread it for her upon the rock" (2 Sam. 21:10).
 920. Upright
There are many blessings which come to the "upright."
1. Salvation. "Saveth the upright in heart" (Psa. 7:10).
2. Dominion. "The upright shall have dominion" (Psa. 49:14).
3. Gladness. "Gladness for the upright in heart" (Psa. 97:11).
4. Benediction. "The generation of the upright shall be blessed" (Psa. 112:2).
5. "Light." "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness" (Psa. 112:4).
6. Privilege. "The upright shall dwell in Thy presence" (Psa. 140:13).
7. Pleasure. "The prayer of the upright is His delight" (Prov. 15:8).
 921. Upward Life
1. Treasure laid up—Matt. 6:20. Christ our Treasure.
2. Faith looking up—Psa. 5:3. Christ the Object of Faith.
3. Love building up—Jude 20. Christ our Lover.
4. Life springing up—John 4:14. Christ our Indweller.
5. Power lifting up—Acts 3:7-9. Christ the Power.
6. Believer mounting up—Isa. 40:31. Christ our Attraction.
7. Caught up to meet Christ—1 Thess. 4:17. Christ our Hope.
 922. Vain Things
1. Vain "repetitions" in prayer—Matt. 6:7.
2. Vain "imaginations" in thought—Rom. 1:21; Psa. 119:113.
3. Vain "wisdom" in carnal reason—1 Cor. 3:20.
4. Vain "words" in speech—Eph. 5:6.
5. Vain "deceit" in action—Col. 2:8.
6. Vain "jangling" in discussion—1 Tim. 1:6.
7. Vain "babblings" in talk—1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 2:16.
8. Vain "talkers" in the Church—Titus 1:10.
9. Vain "questions" in debate—Titus 3:9.
10. Vain "religion" in profession—James 1:26.
11. Vain "help" in man—Psa. 60:11; 108:12.
12. Vain "oblations" in worship—Isa. 1:13. "Redeemed from." The remedy
—1 Peter 1:18.
 923. "Verily, Verily, I Say Unto You"
Christ was continually using this pregnant sentence. Take seven of the
sayings as found in John's Gospel.
1. The Necessity of the New Birth. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a
man be born from above (margin), he cannot enter the Kingdom of God"
(3:3, 5).
2. Eternal Life. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word and
believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life" (5:24).
3. Eternal Existence. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was I
am" (8:58).
4. The Entrance of Blessing. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the Door
of the sheep" (10:7).
5. Dying to Live. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall
into the ground and die," etc. (12:24).
6. Added Works. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth Me, the
works I do shall he do, and greater" (14:12).
7. Answered Prayer. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask
the Father in My Name, that will I do" (16:23).
 924. "Vexed"
1. A people vexed by oppression. "The Egyptians vexed us" (Num. 20:15).
2. A vexed Holy Spirit by disobedience. "Vexed His Holy Spirit" (Isa.
63:10).
3. A daughter vexed with a devil. "Grievously vexed with a devil" (Matt.
15:22).
4. A righteous man vexed with sin. "Vexed his righteous soul" (2 Peter 2:7,
8).
5. A vexed company healed. "He healed them that were vexed with unclean
spirits" (Luke 6:18).
6. A vexed one praying. "My soul is also sore vexed" (Psa. 6:2, 3).
7. An afflicted saint. "The Almighty, who hath vexed my soul" (Job 27:2).
 925. Vicariousness
"Who gave Himself a ransom (antilutron) for all" (1 Tim. 2:6). How
frequently the Holy Spirit reminds us of the fact, "Christ died."
1. "He died unto sin once" (Rom. 6:10). The sufficiency of His death.
2. "He died for the ungodly and sinners" (Rom. 5:6, 8). The subjects for
whom He died.
3. "Christ died... risen" (Rom. 8:34). The necessary accompaniment.
4. "Christ died for our sins" (1 Cor. 15:3). The thing for which He died.
5. "One died for all" (2 Cor. 5:14). Hence, all believers died with Him.
6. "He died for all" (2 Cor. 5:15). That believers might live to Him.
7. "Jesus died and rose again" (1 Thess. 4:14). And that is the guarantee that
the sleeping and living ones shall be glorified—1 Thess. 5:10.
 926. Victory
Judges 6 and 7
1. Prayer, The forerunner of victory—6:7.
2. Presence, The secret of victory—6:12, 16.
3. Promise, The assurer of victory—6:14; 7:7, 9.
4. Practice, The soul of victory—6:25-27.
5. Power, The securer of victory—6:34.
6. Peace, The feeder of victory—6:23, 24.
7. Posture, The accompaniment of victory—7:5, 7.
 927. Victory
1. Crucifixion with Christ is the secret of victory over self—Gal. 2:20.
2. Equipment in the Lord is the secret of victory over Satan—Eph. 6:10, 11.
3. Separation to the Father is the secret of victory over the world—2 Cor.
6:14-18; 1 John 2:14-17.
4. Walking in the Spirit is the secret of victory over the flesh—Gal. 5:16-21.
5. Speech seasoned with the salt of grace is the secret of victory over the
tongue—Col. 4:6.
6. "Well doing" is the secret of victory over the talk of ignorance and foolish
men—1 Peter 2:15.
7. Christ living in us is the secret of victory over failure in the Christian life
—Eph. 3:16, 17.
 928. Voices Heard Around the Cross
1. The Voice of Unholy Taunt. "If Thou be the Son of God, come down
from the Cross" (Matt. 27:39, 40).
2. The Voice of Unconscious Gospel. "He saved others, Himself He cannot
save" (Matt. 27:41-43).
3. The Voice of Unbelieving Repetition. "The thieves... cast the same in His
teeth" (Matt. 27:44).
4. The Voice of Mistaken Application. "This Man calleth for Elias" (Matt.
27:47).
5. The Voice of Idle Curiosity. "Let be, let us see whether Elias will come
and save Him" (Matt. 27:49).
6. The Voice of Earnest Appeal. "Lord, remember me" (Luke 23:42).
7. The Voice of Compelled Confession. "Truly this was the Son of God"
(Matt. 27:54).
 929. Waiting Upon the Lord
Psa. 62:5
The Hebrew word rendered "wait" in the above verse is translated "rest" in
Psalm 37:7, "cease" in Lamentations 2:18, "forbear" in Ezekiel 24:17, "tarry"
in 1 Sam. 14:9, "be still" in Isaiah 23:2, "quieted" in Psalm 131:2. Reading
the words into the text, we may say waiting upon the Lord means—
1. Resting in the Lord's will.
2. Ceasing from self effort.
3. Forbearing to answer back.
4. Tarrying to be empowered.
5. To be still in humble submission.
6. Quieted in the peace of God.
7. Waiting for the Lord's direction.
 930. Waiting On the Lord
"Wait On the Lord" Psa. 27:14
"I will do what you want me to do," said one friend to another; "but you must
wait, while I do it." And the one who was told to wait, replied: "I suppose I
shall get what I want, if I wait long enough." In reading through the Psalms,
we find continuous reference to waiting upon Him, and then we find how we
are to do it, in the attitude expressed in different Scriptures.
1. Wait Continually. "On Thee do I wait all the day" (Psa. 25:5). Patience
will surely be rewarded, therefore wait patiently.
2. Wait Courageously. "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage" (Psa. 27:14).
Expect to receive from the Lord, and the expectation will surely be met.
3. Wait Consistently. "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way" (Psa. 37:34).
We cannot expect to receive from the Lord, unless we are walking in His
ways.
4. Wait Confidently. "Thou hast done it, and I will wait on Thy Name" (Psa.
52:9). Past blessings create present confidences.
5. Wait Calmly. "Because of His strength, I will wait upon Thee, for God is
my defense" (Psa. 59:9). We need not be disturbed by anything, since God
protects us by His presence.
6. Wait Concentratingly. "My soul, wait thou upon God" (Psa. 62:5). The
soul of consecration to the Lord is concentration in Him.
7. Wait Communicatingly. "As the eyes of a maiden wait upon the hand of
her mistress, so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God" (Psa. 123:2). The
mistress communicates her desire by the indication of her hand to the
watching maiden, who thus knows what to do. So we know the mind of the
Lord when we look to Him.
 931. "Walketh"
The present tense of the believer's walk, and the blessedness and power of his
walk as he fulfils the Lord's conditions is indicated below.
1. Dwelling. "He that walketh uprightly... shall dwell in Thy holy hill" (Psa.
15:1, 2).
2. Service. "He that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve Me" (Psa.
101:6).
3. Blessedness. "Blessed is every one that walketh in His ways" (Psa. 128:1).
4. Answering. "He that walketh in uprightness feareth the Lord" (Prov. 14:2).
5. Exaltation. "He that walketh righteously... shall dwell on high" (Isa.
33:15, 16).
6. Consolation. "My words do good to him that walketh uprightly" (Micah
2:7).
7. Wisdom. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise" (Prov. 13:20).
 932. "Walk In"
"Walk" indicates progress in the Christian life as the result of life given; and
"in" denotes the sphere "in" which we are to walk.
1. "Walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). The new life shows itself in walking
in the new way.
2. "Walk in the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16). The sphere in which believers live.
3. "Walk in love" (Eph. 5:2) means to live in sympathy, sacrifice, and help.
4. "Walk in wisdom" (Col. 4:5) is to evidence we know how to apply the
knowledge we possess.
5. "Walk in the light" (1 John 1:7), and thus we are not moving in the realm
of sin, unbelief, and ignorance.
6. "Walking in truth" (3 John 4) shows we know the truth and are living in it.
7. "Walk in Him" (Col. 2:6) is to demonstrate we have received Christ.
 933. Walk in the Spirit
Gal. 5:25
What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? It means at least the following seven
things:
1. "In the love of God" (Jude 21) is the sphere of the believer's affection.
2. "In the truth" is the atmosphere of the saint's sanctification (John
17:17).
3. "In the Lord" is the sphere of the Christian's joy (Phil. 4:4).
4. "In the Vine" is the element of the branch's fruitfulness (John 15:5).
5. "In the light" is the place of the child's fellowship (1 John 1:7).
6. "In the grace" of God is the environment of the servant's fitness (2 Tim.
2:1).
7. "In the Spirit" is the supply of the saved one's need (Eph. 5:18, R.V.,
margin).
 934. Wanting and Not Wanting
1. A Want Supplier. "Let all thy wants be upon Me" (Judges 19:20).
2. A Necessary Condition. "There is no want to them that fear Him" (Psa.
34:9).
3. A Sorry Case. "He began to be in want" (Luke 15:14).
4. An Impossible Sum. "That which is wanting cannot be numbered"
(Eccles. 1:15).
5. A Happy Quest. "They that seek the Lord shall not want" (Psa. 34:10).
6. A Certain Witness. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" (Psa.
23:1).
7. A Sad Lack. "Fools die for want of wisdom" (Prov. 10:21).
 935. "Washed Out"
"Wash Away Thy Sins" Acts 22:16
Walking down Kingsway, I noticed a pavement artist, who was assiduously
applying his art. Against the scene that he was sketching he had chalked,
"Five hours' work washed out by the rain." In the earlier part of that afternoon
there had been a tremendous downpour of rain, accompanying a terrific
storm, and as the poor man indicated, it had completely obliterated all the
result of his toil. The words, "Washed out" arrested me, and it made me think
of what the Bible says about washing. Both sides are presented to us—what
God has done for us for the sake of Christ, and what He would have us do for
our own sakes, as well as for His.
1. A Searching Command. "Wash you, make you clean" (Isa. 1:16). Till we
are willing to be cleansed, and cleanse, the Lord cannot bless us.
2. A Personal Prayer. "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psa.
51:7). There is no one so clean as the one who has been cleansed in the Blood
of Christ.
3. An Earnest Desire. "Wash me thoroughly of mine iniquity" (Psa. 51:2).
The Lord's work is always thorough. When He washes, He washes right
through.
4. A Qualified Host. Those who stand before the throne of God in the glory
are those who have "washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of
the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14).
5. An Assuring Statement. In reminding the believers at Corinth what they
were, and what they are, the Apostle says, "But ye are washed" (1 Cor. 6:11).
6. An Essential Qualification. In drawing near to God in worship, it is
necessary to have "our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb. 10:22).
7. A Grateful Doxology. "Unto Him that has loved us, and washed us from
our sins in His own Blood... be glory and dominion for ever" (Rev. 1:5, 6).
 936. Washing
1. Separation. Washed heart. "Wash thine heart from wickedness" (Jer.
4:14).
2. Service. Washed feet. "Wash one another's feet" (John 13:14).
3. Sanctification. Washed clothes. "Let them wash their clothes" (Exod.
19:10).
4. Fasting. Washed face. "When thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy
face" (Matt. 6:17).
5. Seeing. Washed eyes. "I washed and do see" (John 9:15).
6. Sympathy. Washed Stripes. "Washed their stripes" (Acts 16:33).
7. Cleansing. A washed Church. "Washing of water by the Word" (Eph.
5:26).
 937. Watching Workers
Nehemiah 4
Mark the use of the word "work," which occurs seven times.
1. Their Purpose. "They had a mind to work" (v. 6).
2. Their Persecution. "Cause the work to cease" (v. 11).
3. Their Personality. "Every one unto his work" (v. 15).
4. Their Perseverance. "Wrought in the work" (v. 16).
5. Their Protection. "With one of his hands wrought in the work, and with
the other held a weapon" (v. 17).
6. Their Prospect. "The work is great and large" (v. 19).
7. Their Plan. "So we labored in the work" (v. 21).
All we do in life's task can be done to and for the Lord. The maid in her
service, the scholar in his lessons, the employer in his business, the workman
in his task, the mother in the home, the lad in his errand, and the laborer in
the field.
 938. Weeping Ones
1. A Weeping Backslider—Matt. 26:75.
2. A Weeping Mother—Luke 7:13.
3. A Weeping Sinner—Luke 7:38.
4. A Weeping Savior—Luke 19:41.
5. A Weeping Mourner—John 11:31-33.
6. A Weeping Sympathizer—John 11:35.
7. A Weeping Apostle—Phil. 3:18.
 939. "We Have"
1. Scripture as our Authority. "We have a more sure word of prophecy" (2
Peter 1:19).
2. Redemption as our Blessing. "In whom we have redemption" (Eph. 1:7).
3. Eternal Life as our Possession. "Ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
4. Peace as our Comfort. "We have peace with God" (Rom. 5:1).
5. Access as our Privilege. "We have access into this grace" (Rom. 5:2).
6. Union with Christ as our Security. "We have been planted together"
(Rom. 6:5).
7. Christ's Advocacy as our Care. "We have an Advocate with the Father" (1
John 2:1).
 940. "We Live"
1. Sphere of our life. "In Him we live" (Acts 17:28).
2. Set of our life. "We live unto the Lord" (Rom. 14:8).
3. Surroundings of our life. "As dying and behold we live" (2 Cor. 6:9).
4. Source of our life. "By the Spirit we live" (Gal. 5:25, R.V.).
5. Savior of our life. "We might live through (by means of) Him" (1 John
4:9).
6. Staple of our life. "Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord" (1 Thess.
3:8).
7. Second Coming of Christ the Hope of our life. "We shall live together
with Him" (1 Thess. 5:9, 10).
 941. Wells
A Study in Genesis 26
Primarily a well is a pit in the ground into which a water-spring wells up. In a
metaphorical sense a well is used in many ways, such as a well of learning,
and a well of everlasting life.
I. Well of Promise—1-6, 24. When the Lord appeared to Isaac He forbade
him, on the one hand, to go down to Egypt, and also told him to sojourn in
the land in which he was found. It was a time of famine in the land, and his
natural inclination was to go to Egypt for help, as his father Abraham had
done—Gen. 12:10. And then the Lord follows up His prohibition by giving
Isaac a series of "I wills" of promise. These promises may be read in the light
of the larger blessing of the New Testament.
1. The "I will" of presence. "I will be with thee" (Matt. 28:20).
2. The "I will" of blessing. "And will bless thee" (John 14:18).
3. The "I will" of gift. "I will give" (John 14:27).
4. The "I will" of performance. "I will perform" (John 14:13).
5. The "I will" of multiplication. "I will make thy seed to multiply" (John
15:5).
6. The "I will" of continuance. "Will give unto thy seed" (Acts 2:39).
7. The, "I will" of reason. "Will bless thee... for My servant Abraham's sake"
(John 14:14).
All these promises were given to Isaac for Abraham's sake; ours are given to
us for Jesus' sake.
II. Well of Prosperity—12-16. The Lord's blessing is seen in that the tilled
land of Isaac brought forth a "hundredfold," in that he "waxed great," in that
he "went forward," in that he "grew until he became very great," in that he
possessed flocks and herds, in that he had a "great store of servants," in that
his prosperity was "envied," and in that Abimelech recognized he was
"mightier than" the Philistines. When we serve the Lord by our obedience we
always command His blessing.
III. Wells of Recovery—17, 18. The wells that Abraham made were choked
by the wanton act of the Philistines; Isaac repaired them. This action may be
taken to illustrate that when it is possible to recover what has been fouled by
sinners we should do so. Sinners will often foul the wells of thought by
contaminating literature. Happy are we if we shall restore our minds by the
well-springs of God's Word.
IV. Well of Contention—19, 20. Isaac's servants found a "well of living
water" (19, margin). This provoked opposition from "the herdsmen of Gerar,"
hence the well was named Esek, which means contention—20, margin. We
shall often find that when by our patient labor we obtain something, others
will be jealous of our obtainment. A strong character will not dispute about
his rights, he will give them up rather than contend for them.
V. Well of Hatred—21, 22. Isaac's men "digged another well." This
provoked opposition again, and Isaac called the name of it Sitnah (margin,
hatred). Opposition pursued develops into hatred, but Isaac, in the calm of his
surrendered rights, moved on and digged another well. When we are removed
from the sphere of those who hate us it is impossible for them to find us.
VI. Well of Rehoboth—22. Rehoboth means room (margin). Contention
now ceases, and Isaac recognizes "the Lord hath made room for us." We shall
always find that anything we give up for the Lord always leads to
compensation from Him.
VII. Well of Communion—25, 32, 33. Isaac had moved on to Beersheba.
Beersheba means the well of the oath—33, margin; and the reason why it is
so called is evident from verse 24, where the Lord assures Isaac He will bless
him for Abraham's sake. Believers now are assured by God's Word and oath
that He will surely bless us in Christ, who is our great High Priest—Heb.
6:13-20.
An old man, in speaking to his sons on his deathbed, said to them: "I am
leaving you a fortune, but you will have to dig for it." Practically, he left his
sons no fortune, but the good advice that if they wanted to succeed in life
they would have to dig by constant perseverance into the earth of their
surroundings and acquire things by diligent labor which would prove a source
of sustenance in the after days. The great lesson of the lesson is, press on in
the quest of life and do not be discouraged by opposition.
 942. Wells of Salvation
Isaiah 12
The wells of God's supplies are constant in their supply and fullness.
1. His Life is perennial in its supply—John 4:14.
2. His Love is expressive of His nature—1 John 4:8, 16.
3. His Word is wonderful in its promises—2 Peter 1:3, 4.
4. His Joy is unspeakable in its thrill—1 Peter 1:8.
5. His Riches are unsearchable in their wealth—Eph. 3:8.
6. His Peace is beyond human understanding in its quiet—Phil. 4:7.
7. His Power is irresistible in its strength—Isa. 40:25-31.
8. His Ways are undiscoverable in their mystery—Rom. 11:33.
9. His Grace is unlimited in its sufficiency—2 Cor. 9:8; 12:9.
10. His Truth is holy in its influence—John 17:17.
11. His Holiness is glorious in its sanctity—Exod. 15:11.
12. His Name is Divine in its contents—Isa. 9:6.
 943. "Well Doing"
1 Peter
1. A Commended Citizen. "Praise of them that do well" (2:14).
2. A Godly Silencer. "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may
put to silence," etc. (2:15).
3. A Patient Sufferer. "When ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it
patiently, this is acceptable with God" (2:20).
4. A Royal Seed. "Whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well" (3:6).
5. An Approved Sufferer. "Better... ye suffer for well doing than for evil
doing" (3:17).
6. A Committed Believer. "Commit the keeping of their souls in well doing"
(4:19).
 944. "Went Forth"
Christ is often said to be One who "went forth" and "went out."
1. The "Sower went forth to sow" (Matt. 13:3). Christ's ministry.
2. "Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude" (Matt. 14:14). His
compassion.
3. "He went forth again... and taught them" (Mark 2:13). His teaching.
4. "He went forth and saw a publican... and said, Follow Me" (Luke 5:27).
His calling.
5. "He went out, and abode in the Mount of Olives" (Luke 21:37). His
isolation.
6. "He went forth with His disciples" (John 18:1). His sufferings.
7. "He went forth into... Golgotha" (John 19:17). His sacrifice.
 945. "Went Out"
1. A multitude went out to see—Matt. 11:7-9.
2. A householder went out to hire—Matt. 20:1-8.
3. A backslider went out to repent—Matt. 26:75.
4. A righteous man went out to leave—Luke 17:29.
5. A prisoner went out to liberty—Acts 12:9, 10.
6. A believer went out to blessing—Heb. 11:8.
7. A company went out to pray—Acts 16:13.
 946. "Went's"
1. A Consecrated Saint. Abraham "went out" at the Lord's bidding, and thus
found the Lord's blessing—Heb. 11:8.
2. A Compassionate Savior. "He went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). The
love of His heart moved His hands to labor.
3. A Converted Sinner. "He went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Being
saved by the Lord makes us glad in Him.
4. A Concentrated Company. "They went up into an upper room...
continued with one accord in prayer" (Acts 1:13, 14). The unity of their
fervent prayer brought them the fusing of the Spirit's power.
5. A Conservative Party. "They went to their own company" (Acts 4:23).
Being centralized in Christ, they loved to be with Christ's.
6. A Living Testimony. "Went forth before them all" (Mark 2:12). Christ's
work proves the Christ who works.
7. A Needed Rest. "Went aside privately into a desert place" (Luke 9:10;
compare with Mark 6:31). The bustle of service must be balanced by
communion.
 947. What a Christian Is Said to Be
In 1 Thessalonians 1
1. An Active Believer. "Your work of faith" (v. 3).
2. A Diligent Worker. "Labor of love" (v. 3).
3. An Enduring Looker. "Patience of hope" (v. 3).
4. A Chosen Beloved. "Beloved your election of God" (v. 4).
5. A Consistent Follower. "Followers of us" (v. 6).
6. A Good Example. "Ensamples" (v. 7).
7. A Powerful Herald. "From you sounded out the Word of the Lord" (v. 8).
8. A God-honoring Witness. "Your faith to God-ward is spread abroad" (v.
8).
9. An Unmistakable Convert. "Ye turned to God" (v. 9).
10. A Royal Servant. "To serve the living God" (v. 9).
11. An Expectant Saint. "To wait for His Son from Heaven" (v. 10).
12. A Saved Soul. "Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come" (v. 10).
 948. "What" and "Like Manner"
1. Personality. "What manner of man is this?" (Matt. 8:27). Who can
describe His kind, His worth, His greatness? Ponder the holiness of His
nature, the wealth of His worth, the love of His heart, the weight of His
words, the beauty of His life, the value of His death, the might of His
resurrection, the glory of His ascension, the promises of His Word, and the
achievements of His power.
2. Love. "Behold what manner of love," etc. (1 John 3:1). He loves like a
Father, providingly; like a mother, tenderly; like a sister, thoughtfully; like a
friend, faithfully; like a brother, helpfully; like a king, richly; like Himself,
eternally.
3. Holiness. "What manner of persons ought ye to be?" (2 Peter 3:11).
Privileges incur responsibilities. Obligations demand returns. God expects
more from His children than He does from the world. He has unfolded to us
His plans of the future that we might live like Him in the present. Destiny
should determine our actions.
4. Examples. "Ye know what manner of men we were among you for your
sake, and ye became followers of us" (1 Thess. 1:5, 6). Unless preachers are
patterns they will become pests. Good samples will command attention.
5. Reception. "What manner of entering in we had unto you" (1 Thess. 1:9).
It was effective, for they turned to God; it was triumphant in what "sounded
out" (1:8); it was practical in the "ensamples" seen (1:7); it was demonstrated
in the graces evident (1:4); it was in that it was "not in vain" (2:1); and it was
unmistakable in their reception of God's Word (2:13).
6. Life. The Apostle Paul could appeal to the testimony of his life as to its
sincerity—Acts 26:4; as to the humility of the manner of his service—Acts
20:18; and to its manner in the many-sidedness of its reality, as evidenced in
his "purpose, faith, endurance, love, and patience."
7. Advent. "This same Jesus shall so come in like manner as ye have seen
Him go" (Acts 1:11). Who saw Him go? Believers only—Acts 10:41. How
did He go? In the act of blessing—Luke 24:50. He will first come for His
own—1 Thess. 4:13-18, and then with His own—Zech. 14:1-4.
 949. What Are the Waves Saying?
1. Restlessness. "The wicked are like the troubled sea" (Isa. 57:20).
2. Vastness. "The love of God is like, and greater, than ail oceans" (Psa.
96:11).
3. Loss. The happiest loss that anyone can have is to have his sins lost in the
depths of the sea—Micah 7:19.
4. Riches. Who can tell the treasures of the deep?—Deut. 33:19.
5. Power. The power of the sea, who can estimate?—Psa. 93:4. Yea, He who
holds the believer, holds it in the hollow of His hand—Isa. 40:12.
6. Knowledge. Man can see no path in the sea, but the Lord does—Isa.
43:16.
7. Separation. The sea is a symbol of separation, but there is a time coming
when there shall be "no more sea" (Rev. 21:1).
 950. What Believers Are in John's Gospel
1. Sons as to relationship—1:12.
2. Worshippers as to privilege—2:23, 24.
3. Disciples as to responsibility—8:31; 13:15-17.
4. Servants as to work—12:26.
5. Friends as to fellowship—15:14.
6. Brethren as to love—20:17.
7. Slaves as to ownership—13:16; 15:20.
 951. What Believers Are "Made"
The Greek word rendered "made" and "become" means to bring into
existence, to become, or for anything to come to pass.
1. Relationship. "Power to become the children of God" (John 1:12, R.V.).
2. Righteousness. "Made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21).
3. Nearness. "Made nigh by the Blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:13).
4. Service. "Made a minister" (Eph. 3:7).
5. Union. "Made partakers of Christ" (Heb. 3:14).
6. Partnership. "By these ye might be (made) partakers," etc. (2 Peter 1:4).
7. Outlook. "All things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).
The same word is rendered "is done" in Revelation 21:6. All the above are
"done."
 952. What Christ Was Made
1. As to His humanity, He was "made of a woman" (Gal. 4:4).
2. As to His genealogy, He was "made of the seed of David" (Rom. 1:3).
3. As to His identity, He was "made like unto His brethren" (Heb. 2:17).
4. As to His humility, He "made Himself of no reputation" (Phil. 2:7).
5. As to His ignominy, He was "made a curse" (Gal. 3:13).
6. As to His responsibility, He was "made under the law" (Gal. 4:4).
7. As to His substitutionary work, He was "made... sin for us" (2 Cor. 5:21).
 953. What God Will Do in Answer to Prayer
As we look to the Lord in prayer—Psa. 5:3, He will give us—
1. Enlightenment in perplexity—Psa. 34:5.
2. Compensation in faithfulness—Gen. 15:5.
3. Satisfaction in abandonment—Isa. 17:7.
4. Salvation in need—Isa. 45:22.
5. Confidence in desertion—Micah 7:7.
6. Peace in persecution—Acts 7:55.
7. Power in bestowment—Mark 7:34; Luke 9:16.
 954. "What has Jesus Done?"
"Once in the end of the world (ages) hath He appeared to put away sin by the
sacrifice of Himself" (Heb. 9:26).
"Jesus' example is no man's salvation. Rather Jesus' example is every man's
condemnation. Christ did not come from Heaven to earth to show men how
to live, but to give men life. He gave men life, not by making Himself their
Example, but. by making Himself their Substitute, taking their sins upon
Himself, receiving in Himself the death-penalty of their sins, and dying in
their stead. God raised Him from the dead, He returned to Heaven, and now
the Holy Spirit through the Word of God and through the testimony of
believers is calling upon men everywhere to accept what Christ did for them
and be saved. The first and greatest question, therefore, that confronts men
today is not, 'What would Jesus do?' but 'What has Jesus done?' Only when
we accept what He has done can we do what He would do, and what He
would have us do."
Christ has "done" in order that we might do. Follow God's order, and we
obtain His benefits.
1. Christ has died for our sins, that we should die to them—1 Peter 2:24.
2. God has saved us, that we should work our salvation—Phil. 2:12.
3. God has elected us—Eph. 1:4, that we should make our calling and
election sure—2 Peter 1:10.
4. God has made us "meet" for the inheritance of the saints in light, that we
should be made meet for His use—Col. 1:12; 2 Tim. 2:21.
5. God has cleansed us in the Blood of Christ—Rev. 1:5, that we should
cleanse ourselves from filthiness of the flesh and spirit—2 Cor. 7:1.
6. God has brought us to Himself—1 Peter 3:18, that we should be for
Himself—Titus 2:14, R.V.
7. God has loved us, that we may love each other—John 3:16; 1 John 3:16.
 955. What Is Before Us?
The Lord ever says, "I will go before you" (Mark 14:28).
1. He goes before His sheep to provide for them—John 10:4.
2. He sets a hope before us—Heb. 6:18.
3. He has begotten us to an inheritance ready to be revealed—1 Peter 1:3-5.
4. He assures us we shall be like Him when we see Him—1 John 3:2.
5. He pledges Himself to come and receive us to Himself—John 14:3.
6. He promises we shall be revealed with Him in His glory—Col. 3:4.
7. He will present us to Himself faultless, and with exceeding joy—Eph.
5:27; Jude 24.
 956. What Is Christ to Us?
Christ is one of two things to all.
1. He is either the Stone on which we are broken to penitence and salvation,
or He is the Stone to grind in pieces to punishment and condemnation—Luke
20:18.
2. The pillar of cloud was light to Israel and darkness to the Egyptians—
Exod. 14:20.
3. The ways of the Lord are to walk in for our blessing, or ways to stumble
in to our hurt—Hosea 14:9.
4. "God is a Consuming Fire" to purify His people—Mal. 3:3, and a
Burning Fire to scorch His enemies—Mal. 4:1-6.
5. Christ is life to those who receive Him—John 3:36; while He is wrath to
those who reject Him—Rev. 6:16.
6. Christ is the Chief Corner Stone to those who rest on Him in faith for
salvation—1 Peter 2:6; while He is a Stone of Stumbling to those who will
not have Him—1 Pet. 2:8.
7. Christ is precious to those who believe—1 Peter 2:7, while He is despised
by those who neglect Him—Isa. 53:3.
8. When Christ comes He brings eternal rest for His people, but He gives
eternal destruction to those who have not obeyed the Gospel—2 Thess. 1:6-
8.
 957. What Is Heaven?
1. Love without passion, for we shall be "like Him" (1 John 3:2).
2. Service without weariness, for "His servants shall serve Him" (Rev. 22:3).
3. Holiness without alloy, for "His Name shall be on our foreheads" (Rev.
22:4).
4. Blessing without curse, for there shall be "no more curse" (Rev. 22:3).
5. Life without death, for there shall be "no more death" (Rev. 21:4).
6. Joy without sorrow, for all tears will be "wiped away" (Rev. 21:3).
7. Light without darkness, for there shall be "no night there" (Rev. 22:5).
8. Glory without suffering, for there shall be "no more pain" (Rev. 21:4).
9. Singing without crying, for there shall be "no more crying" (Rev. 21:4).
10. Satisfaction without want, for "hunger and thirst" shall cease (Rev. 7:16).
11. Rule without end, for we "shall reign for ever" (Rev. 22:5).
12. Beauty without infirmity, for we shall be "without wrinkle" (Eph. 5:27).
13. Living without sin, for we shall be "faultless" (Jude 24).
14. Company without absence, for we shall be "for ever with the Lord" (1
Thess. 4:17).
 958. What Is Man?
Psalm 8:4
1. As Created. God's masterpiece—Gen. 1:27.
2. As a Sinner—The Devil's puppet—Eph. 2:2.
3. As a Saved One. A trophy of grace—1 Tim. 1:16.
4. As a Saint. Christ's reproduction—Gal. 2:20.
5. As a Temple. God's dwelling—1 Cor. 3:16.
6. As a Servant. A channel of blessing—John 7:38.
7. As a Glorified One. Facsimile of the Savior—1 John 3:2.
 959. What Is Sin?
"Sin" Rom. 6:See references to sin
1. Sin is "transgression," a going beyond the bounds of God's law (1 John
3:4).
2. Sin is "coming short" of God's requirement, a missing of the mark of the
Divine standard (Rom. 3:23).
3. Sin is a trespass, an offence against God's will—Eph. 2:1, 5.
4. Sin is iniquity, a falling aside from Divine rectitude—Acts 8:23.
5. Sin is rebellion against God, an affront to Him—Job 34:37.
6. Sin is a betrayal, a dealing treacherously with the Lord—Hosea 6:7, R.V.
7. Sin is a debt, a failure in duty—Matt. 6:12.
 960. What Men Have Done, and Will Do with the Scriptures
We are told what men have done in the past with the Scriptures, and what
they will do in the last days.
1. "Depart from the Faith" (1 Tim. 4:1; R.V., "fall away"). The word for
"depart" is rendered "fall away" (Luke 8:13), "refrain" (Acts 5:38),
"withdraw" (1 Tim. 6:5). It means a deliberate act, a falling away from a
previous position, hence, a departure from the truth of God.
2. Erring is a Straying away from the Scriptures. Christ charged some
with being ignorant of the Scriptures; hence, He said, "Ye do err." To "err"
signifies to roam from safety, to go astray; hence, to be under a delusion. The
word "err" is rendered "be deceived" (Luke 21:8), "out of the way" (Heb.
5:2), "wandered" (Heb. 11:38), "gone astray" (2 Peter 2:15), and "seduce" (1
John 2:26).
3. "Missed the mark, concerning the faith" (1 Tim. 6:21, R.V., margin). The
word "err" is given "missed the mark," and means to deviate from the truth,
by swerving on one side, and thus to miss it. The word is given "swerved" in
1 Timothy 1:6, in calling attention to those who have "missed the mark"
(margin R.V.) of holiness of heart and life, as products of the doctrine of
grace.
4. Corrupting the Word of God. The Apostle speaks of those who "corrupt
the Word of God" (2 Cor. 2:17). To "corrupt" as the margin gives, means,
"To deal deceitfully with," or, as the margin of the Revised Version, "To
make merchandise of the Word of God." The reference is to retailers of
goods, who were notorious for adultering their merchandise, and thus
handling their commodities in such a way as to deceive the purchaser.
5. "Handling the Word of God Deceitfully." To handle the Word after such
a fashion is to falsify it, and make it to be what it is not, as a conjurer, by
sleight, deceives an audience, or, as an angler baits the hook by a bait, and
thus ensnares—2 Cor.4:2.
6. Wresting the Scriptures. Peter speaks of those who "wrest the Scriptures"
(2 Peter 3:16). "Wrest" comes from a word which means to twist, that is, to
reverse and turn right round; hence, to torture, to wrench, and by this means
to pervert and make the word to mean the opposite to what was intended.
7. Some "make shipwreck of the faith" (1 Tim. 1:19, R.V.), that is, allow
themselves to run aground on the rocks with "the faith" of God's truth, for the
word means, "to suffer shipwreck," and implies it might have been prevented.
 961. What the Lord Hath Given
1. His Son. "A Son is given" (Isa. 9:6).
2. His Spirit. "The Holy Spirit which is given unto you" (Rom. 5:5).
3. His Life. "Given Himself for us" (Eph. 5:2).
4. His Bread. "The bread which the Lord hath given you" (Exod. 16:15).
5. His Testimony. "The record that God hath given" (1 John 5:11).
6. His Grace. "The grace that is given to me of God" (Rom. 15:15).
7. His Secrets. "It is given unto you to know the mysteries" (Matt. 13:11).
 962. What Makes a Christian?
1. The Holy Spirit makes a Christian—John 3:3, 5.
2. Faith in Christ unites a Christian to the Father—John 1:12.
3. Holiness of life proves a Christian—1 Peter 3:16, R.V.
4. Trial confirms a Christian—1 Peter 1:7.
5. Service for Christ helps a Christian—Eph. 4:16.
6. Prayer to Christ strengthens a Christian—John 14:13.
7. Glory with Christ crowns a Christian—Col. 3:4.
 963. What's of Weight
In Ephesians
1. "What is the hope of His calling" (1:18). What He is looking for.
2. "What are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (1:18).
What the Lord has in His people.
3. "What is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe"
(1:19). Displayed in Christ's resurrection.
4. "What is the fellowship of His mystery" (3:9). The oneness of all
believers in Christ.
5. "What is the breadth" (3:18) of the Christship of Jesus.
6. "What is the acceptable will of God" (5:10), which we prove by obeying
Him.
7. "What the will of The Lord is" (5:17), through the perception of
obedience to the Spirit.
 964. What the Lord Will Do
If Micah 7 is read it will be seen what the prophet expected the Lord to do,
and what He would do for Him. He will give—
1. Light in Darkness. "The Lord shall be a light unto me" (v. 8).
2. Liberty from Bondage. "He shall bring me forth" (v. 9).
3. Compassion for Need. "He will have compassion upon us" (v. 19).
4. Victory in Conflict. "He will subdue our enemies" (v. 19).
5. Mercy for Sinners. "He delighteth in mercy" (v. 18).
6. Promise to Posterity. "Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob and the mercy
to Abraham" (v. 20).
7. Wonder for Beholders. "I will shew thee marvelous things" (v. 15).
 965. What the Lord Wishes Us to Do
We generally see in others what is found in ourselves.

"What paineth thee

In others, in thyself may be."

1. If we live consistently—1 Peter 1:22.

2. Walk humbly—Micah 6:8.
3. Act individually—Rom 12:5.
4. Love heartily—1 John 3:23.
5. Work personally—Col. 4:12.
6. Help spiritually—Gal. 6:1, 2.
7. Forgive Christly—Eph. 4:32, we shall fulfill what the Lord wishes us to
do towards each other.
 966. What the Lord Knoweth
1. The Secrets of the Heart. "He knoweth the secrets of the heart" (Psa.
44:21; Luke 16:15; Acts 15:8).
2. The Way of the Righteous. "The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous"
(Psa. 1:6; Job 23:10).
3. Those who Trust in Him. "The Lord is good... He knoweth them that trust
in Him" (Nahum 1:7).
4. The Frailty of the Body. "He knoweth our frame" (Psa. 103:14).
5. Those who are His Own. "The Lord knoweth them that are His" (2 Tim.
2:19).
6. How to Deliver the Godly. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly
out of temptation" (2 Peter. 2:9).
7. How to Supply the Need. "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need
of" (Matt. 6:8).
 967. "What Think Ye of Christ?"
An Alphabet of Blessings
When a friend was walking with Tennyson in his garden, he challenged the
poet: "What do you think of Christ?" After a reverent pause, he said, "Look,
here is a flower. What the sun is to this flower, Christ is to me."
What is Christ to the believer?
Advocate to plead...... 1 John 2:1.
Beauty to adorn...... Psa. 90:17.
Comeliness to perfect.... Ezek. 16:14.
Deliverer to save..... Psa. 116:8.
Emancipator to free.... John 8:36.
Fullness to satisfy ….Col. 2:9, 10, R.V.
Grace to strengthen ….2 Cor. 12:9.
Hand to use ….Acts 11:21.
Indweller to sanctify …. Gal. 2. 20.
Joy to fill and thrill …. John 15:11.
Kindness to bless…. Titus 3:4.
Lover to inspire …. 2 Cor. 5:14.
Maker to mould …. Isa. 43:7; 44:2.
Name to charm …. Isa. 9:6.
Overcomer to cheer …. John 16:33.
Power to keep …. 1 John 5:18, R.V.
Quietness to calm …. 1 Chron. 22:9.
Redeemer to ransom …. Eph. 1:7.
Sovereign to rule …. 1 Peter 3:15, R.V.
Truth to sanctify …. John 17:17.
Upholder to sustain …. Isa. 41:10.
Vine to fructify …. John 15:1-5.
Wall to protect …. Zech. 2:5.
'Xellence to attract …. Song of Sol. 5:10-16.
Yoke to unite …. Matt. 11:29.
Zeal to enflame …. Psa. 69:9.
 968. What Will Take Place When Christ Comes with His People?
There are many things that will take place when our Lord returns in manifest
splendour to the world with His people.
1. He will rule the nations with a rod of iron, and cause them to bow to His
Lordly scepter—Rev. 2:27.
2. He will scatter all the workers of unrighteousness, and make all keep to
the principles of right and truth—Isa. 2:12-21.
3. He will exercise His power over the animal world, and cause nature to
cease from being "red in tooth and claw" (Rom. 8:21,22).
4. He will lift the curse from inanimate creation, so that instead of the thorn
shall come up the myrtle tree, and the desert shall blossom and bud like the
rose—Isa. 35:1,2; 55:13.
5. War shall be made to cease, and men then instead of converting
implements of agriculture into armaments—Joel 3:10, shall beat the
instruments of war into implements of husbandry—Micah 4:3.
6. The oppressed and the needy and the downtrodden shall find deliverance,
emancipation and blessing of every kind when God's King is exercising His
authority—Psa. 72.
7. Nations will give to Christ glad homage and service, and their
representatives will go to worship Jehovah in Jerusalem—Micah 4:2; Zech.
14:16.
 969. What Will Take Place When Christ Returns
1. The Prophetic Word will be fulfilled—2 Peter 1:19.
2. The promise of Christ will be redeemed—John 14:3.
3. The presence of Christ will be visible—Acts 1:11.
4. The "dead in Christ" will be raised—1 Thess. 4:16.
5. The saints will be "caught up" to meet Christ—1 Thess: 4:17.
6. The believer's salvation will be completed—Phil. 3:20, 21.
7. The worker's conduct, motives, and work will be reviewed —2 Cor. 5:9,
10.
8. The Jews and Israel will be saved and restored—Rom. 11:26.
9. The antichrist and false prophet will be destroyed—2 Thess. 2:8.
10. The Devil will be consigned to the abyss—Rev. 20:1-3.
11. The rebuilt City of Babylon will be consumed—Rev. 18:1, 2.
12. The harlot of a corrupt Christendom will be overthrown —Rev. 17:14-
16.
13. The times of the Gentiles will be consummated—Dan. 2:34, 35; 7:14;
Luke 21:24.
14. The details of Zechariah 14 will take place.
15. The nations will be judged and ruled—Acts 17:31.
16. The Millennium will be inaugurated—Rev. 20:6.
17. The world's present conditions will be rectified—Isa. 2:4.
18. Jerusalem will be a praise in the earth—Isa. 62:7.
19. The Prophetic Vision will be realized—Hab. 2:1-3, 14.
20. The wicked dead will be judged—Rev. 20:11, 15.
21. The golden age will dawn—1 Cor. 15:24-28.
 970. "When"
A Point of Time Associated with Christ's Coming
1. Signs Appearing. "When ye see these things coming to pass" (Matt.
24:33).
2. A Blessed Servant. "Blessed is that servant... when He cometh, shall find
so doing" (Matt. 24:46).
3. Judgment of the Nations. "When the Son of Man shall come" (Matt.
25:31).
4. Christ's Appearing. "When Christ, who is our Life, shall appear" (Col.
3:4).
5. Believers Vindicated and Admired. "When Christ comes to be glorified in
His saints" (2 Thess. 1:10).
6. Sufferers Rewarded and Gladdened. "When His glory shall be revealed"
(1 Peter 4:13).
7. Faithful Pastors will Receive "a Crown of Glory." "When the Chief
Shepherd shall appear" (1 Peter 5:4).
8. The Saints will be Glorified and be "like Christ." "When He shall appear"
(1 John 3:2).
9. Abiding in Christ. We who are His will not be ashamed. "When He shall
appear" (1 John 2:28).
 971. "Where Art Thou?"
Genesis 3:9
This question has been often applied to the unconverted, hiding behind the
trees of iniquity and self-confidence, but let us apply it to the believer in
Christ. Many answers may be given to the question: Where Art Thou
Positionally? "In Christ" (Eph. 1:1).
Where Art Thou Practically?
1. As to walk, we should be in the company of the Lord, like Enoch—Gen.
5:22.
2. As to worship, we should be in the holy place of separation, like Moses—
Exod. 33. 11.
3. As to work, we should be doing it faithfully, like Nehemiah, who worked
on amid taunt and opposition—Neh. 6:3.
4. As to witnessing, we should be like Paul, and not shun to declare the
whole counsel of God—Acts 20:27.
5. As to prayer, we should be lifting up holy hands—1 Tim. 2:8, like Daniel,
who was ever found at the throne of grace—Dan. 6:10, 11.
6. As to consecration, we should be wholehearted, like Levi, who feared not
to fear God, and therefore feared no one else—Mal. 2:3-6.
7. As to power, we should be in the current of the Spirit's might, like Stephen;
then we shall have the shining face, the flashing testimony, and the fearless
courage of inwrought conviction—Acts 6:15.
 972. "Wherefore's" and "Therefore's" of the Christian Life
1. Injunction. "Therefore watch," etc. (Acts 20:31).
2. Ambition. "Wherefore we labor" ("make it our aim," R.V.) (2 Cor. 5:9).
3. Separation. "Wherefore come out from among them," etc. (2 Cor. 6:17).
4. Application. "Wherefore... make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter
1:10).
5. Concentration. "Wherefore we receiving... let us have grace," etc. (Heb.
12:28).
6. Attention. "Wherefore... be diligent," etc. (2 Peter 3:14).
7. Expectation. "Wherefore gird up... and hope," etc. (1 Peter 1:13).
 973. "Wherefore's" and "Therefore's" of Gospel Truth
1. Incarnation. "Therefore... that holy thing... shall be called the Son of God"
(Luke 1:35).
2. Inspiration. "Wherefore He saith also in another Psalm," etc. (Acts 13:35).
3. Justification. "Therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness" (Rom.
4:22).
4. Ascension. "Wherefore He saith, When He ascendeth up on high," etc.
(Eph. 4:8).
5. Exaltation. "Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him," etc. (Phil. 2:9).
6. Expiation. "Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith,... Lo, I
come to do Thy will, O God... by the which will we are sanctified through the
offering," etc. (Heb. 10:5-10).
7. Sanctification. "Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people,"
etc. (Heb. 13:12).
 974. Wholeness
"Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?" (John 5:6)
1. Wholeness means the spirit made alive—Eph. 2:1.
2. The soul governed—Col. 3:1.
3. The mind illuminated—Eph. 1:18.
4. The heart occupied—Eph. 3:17.
5. The life beautified—Psa. 149:4.
6. The character molded—Rom. 8:29.
7. The body benefited—Rom. 12:1.
 975. Wholeness
When the Lord has made us whole, and He keeps us in His risen life, we
know, experimentally, that that is the secret of—
1. The "single eye" in the Christian life (Matt. 6:22).
2. The "pure heart" for vision (Matt. 5:8).
3. The "right spirit" for God (Psa. 51:10).
4. The "straight paths" for walk (Heb. 12:13).
5. The "willing heart" for service (Exod. 35:5, 21, 22, 29).
6. The "true heart" in worship (Heb. 10:22).
7. The "faithful" hand in work (Matt. 25:21, 23).
 976. "Wings" of the Lord
The wings of the Lord proclaim the tenderness of His care, the constancy of
His service, the strength of His might, and protectiveness of His presence.
The wings of the Lord are—
1. Saving in their Spread. "I spread My skirt over thee" (Ezek. 16:8), said
the Lord in saving Israel. (The word "skirt" is same as "wings" in other
places.)
2. Restful in their Repose. "Under whose wings thou art come to trust"
(Ruth 2:12). (The word "wings" same as "skirt" in Ruth 3:9).
3. Supporting in their Strength. "I bare you on eagle's wings" (Exod. 19:4;
Deut. 32:11, 12).
4. Safe in their Keeping. "Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings" (Psa.
17:8).
5. Precious in their Worth. "How precious (margin) is Thy lovingkindness,
O God; therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy
wings" (Psa. 36:7).
6. Protective in their Refuge. "In the shadow of Thy wings will I make my
refuge" (Psa. 57:1).
7. Sheltering in their Cover. "I will trust in the covert of Thy wings" (Psa.
61:4).
8. Gladdening in their Comfort. "Because Thou hast been my help,
therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice" (Psa. 63:7).
9. Almighty in their Sufficiency. "He shall cover thee with His feathers (the
Almighty, verse 1), and under His wings shalt thou trust" (Psa. 91:4).
10. Extensive in their Spread. The words "ends" in Job 37:3, and "uttermost
part" in Isaiah 24:16 are the same as rendered "wings" in the other Scriptures.
11. Healing in their Influence. "Healing in His wings" (Mal. 4:2).
 977. Why Did Christ Die?
1. To make an atonement for sin—Heb. 1:3; 2:17, R.V.; 1 John 2:2.
2. To put away the hindrance of sin—Heb. 9:26.
3. To take away the guilt of sin—Rom. 4:25.
4. To cleanse from the pollution of sin—Rev. 1:5.
5. To make us dead to sins—1 Peter 2:24.
6. To constitute us righteous—Rom. 5:19, R.V.; 2 Cor. 5:21.
7. To deliver us from the world—Gal. 1:4.
8. To separate us from self—2 Cor. 5:14, 15.
9. To bring us to God—1 Peter 3:18.
 978. Widows
There are five widows mentioned in Luke's Gospel.
1. Anna, the Prophetess, who "looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (2:36-
38).
2. Widow of Sarepta, who entertained Elijah in the time of famine—4:25,
26; 1 Kings 17:9.
3. Widow of Nain, who was sorrowed because of the death of her son, and
was made glad by his restoration to life—7:12.
4. Widow of the parable, who was importunate in prayer—18:3-5.
5. Widow of the two mites, who was commended by Christ—21:2, 3.
 979. "With God"
1. "With God" all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). There are no limitations
with the Limitless One.
2. "Favor with God" (Luke 1:30). To find favor with God is to have the best
of all favors.
3. "With God" there is no respecter of persons. He is impartial in His
dealings, and is willing to bless all (Rom. 2:11).
4. "With God" there is no unrighteousness (Rom. 9:14). Sovereign rights are
His, therefore He is always right and does the right thing.
5. "With God" the absolute wise man's wisdom must be foolishness (1 Cor.
3:19).
6. "With God" to abide in whatever calling we may be found is to be in the
safest place (1 Cor. 7:24).
7. "With God" to suffer wrongfully when we are right, is to be well-pleasing
to Him (1 Peter 2:20).
 980. "Wilt Thou?"
1. Question of Love—Gen. 24:58.
2. Question of Sin—Gen. 38:17.
3. Question of Blessing—Judges 1:14.
4. Question of Comradeship—2 Kings 3:7.
5. Question of Appreciation—Exod. 4:13.
6. Question of Test—Matt. 20:21.
7. Question of Knowledge—Acts 1:6.
 981. Wise People
"Wise in Christ" 1 Cor. 4:10
Who are the wise people? The Spirit of God answers the question in His
Word.
1. They are wise who find Christ, like the Magi of the East—Matt. 2:1.
2. They are wise who build on Christ, like the man who built his house on
the rock—Matt. 7:24.
3. Those who are faithful to Christ, like the wise and faithful steward—
Matt. 24:45.
4. Those who build truly for Christ, like the wise master builder—1 Cor.
3:10.
5. Those who administer for Christ—1 Cor. 6:5.
6. Those who seize the present opportunity to labor with Christ—Eph. 5:15.
7. Those who live like Christ—James 3:13
 982. Woman of Samaria
1. Her intense thirst—John 4:15.
2. Her intuitive perception—John 4:19.
3. Her argumentive faculties—John 4:20, 24.
4. Her personal knowledge—John 4:25.
5. Her marvelous spectators—John 4:27.
6. Her ardent purpose—John 4:28.
7. Her pertinent question—John 4:26-29.
8. Her attractive testimony—John 4:30.
 983. Word of God
There are many things said and implied about the character of Holy Scripture,
and among them are the following: It is—
1. Supernatural in its origin—2 Tim. 3:15-17.
2. Complete in its structure—Psa. 19:7-10.
3. United in its testimony—Luke 24:27, 44.
4. Accurate in its prophecies—1 Peter 1:10-12.
5. Unique in its details—John 19:24, 28, 36, 37.
6. Distinct in its claim—1 Thess. 2:13.
7. Inerrant in its contents—Psa. 119:89, 140.
8. Authoritative in its utterance—Psa. 119:11.
9. Plenary in its revelation—Heb. 1:1-3.
10. Divine in its spirit—2 Peter 1:19, 20.
11. Peculiar in its adaptation—Psa. 119:133, 154.
12. Reliable in its promises—2 Cor. 1:20.
13. Living in its nature—1 Peter 1:23, 25.
14. Faith-begetting in its ministry—Rom. 10:17.
15. Beneficent in its working—Acts 19:19, 20.
16. Safeguarding in its warnings—Psa. 19:11.
17. Searching in its discernment—Heb. 4:12.
18. Assuring in its message—John 5:24; 20:31.
19. Reproductive in its molding—Rom. 6:17, margin.
20. Christ-revealing in its witness—John 5:39.
21. God-magnified in its approbation—Psa. 138:2.
 984. Word of God
Seven things are said, or implied, of the Word of God in Hebrews 4:12.
1. Divine in its source, hence, it is called "the Word of God."
2. Living in its nature, for it is "quick," or living.
3. Powerful in its working, hence, it is said to be "powerful."
4. Keen in its operation, hence, it is "sharper than any two-edged sword.
5. Minute in its dividing, hence, it is said to be able to divide between soul
and spirit, etc.
6. Critical in its analysis, hence, it is a "discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart."
7. Double in its make, hence, it is called a "two-edged sword."
 985. Word of God: Its Authority and Adaptability
The authority and adaptability of the Word of God as the—
1. Preacher's Message—Mark 16:16-20; 1 Cor. 1:23; Acts 5:20. The true
preacher has no fads to air, no fancies to unfold, no fallacies to express, but
the facts of the Gospel to proclaim.
2. Believer's Foundation—Rom. 10:17; Matt. 7:24-29; Psa. 119:40. Faith
has no being nor well-being only as it is founded on, and fashioned by, "as
the truth is in Jesus."
3. Saint's Element—John 17:17, R.V.; Psa. 119:133; James 1:25. As we live
in the air and the air moves the lungs of the body, so the truth is the saint's
environment and equipment for all life's doings and duties.
4. Christian's Rule—Phil. 2:16; 2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11. The Living Word
is the Root upon which we grow, and the Written Word is the Rule by which
we square. The straight-edge of the Word will always make the walk
straightforward in the conduct.
5. Pilgrim's Guide—Heb. 11:10, 13; Psa. 73:24; John 15:3. The pilgrim
finds the Word a staff to aid him, a cordial to strengthen him, a compass to
guide him, a bank to supply him, and a star to cheer him.
6. Soldier's Weapon—Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; 1 Tim. 6:12, R.V.; Eph. 6:17. No
enemy can defeat us if we obey God's Word fully, believe its promises, and
wield it in the power of the Holy Spirit.
7. Worker's Study—2 Tim. 2:15; Psa. 119:162; 1 Peter 1:11. We need to
study the Word wholly, to be correct; to search it diligently, to be capable; to
ponder it prayerfully, to be devout; and to practice it fully, to be assured.
8. Husbandman's Food—2 Tim. 2:6; Jer. 15:16; John 6:53, 63. To feed
upon the Word is to become like the Word upon which we feed. For brawn
and brain we need the right food. Novels and novelties will never make us
stalwarts in the Christian life, but the truth will.
 986. Words
1. Words "against" Christ are forgiven upon repentance—Matt. 12:32.
Words "against" Him hurt Him, as Saul's words did—Acts 9:4.
2. "Idle" words are accountable to the Lord, and will be judged by Him—
Matt. 12:36.
3. Words are "established" on the evidence of others, and Church discipline
carried out on their accuracy—Matt. 18:16.
4. Mere words in the worship of the Lord are wearisome to Him—Mal. 2:17.
5. Words are the witness which will condemn or justify us—Matt. 12:37.
6. Words of man's wisdom are not enough, we need the Word of the Living
God—1 Cor. 2:4, 13.
7. Words of Eternal Life are found only with Christ—John 6:68.
 987. Words
Words are variously described as indicating their character.
1. The "Words of Truth" (Acts 26:25).
2. "Unspeakable Words" (2 Cor. 12:4).
3. "Vain Words" (Eph. 5:6).
4. "Enticing Words" (Col. 2:4).
5. "Flattering Words" (1 Thess. 2:5).
6. "Wholesome Words" (1 Tim. 6:3).
7. "Sound Words" (2 Tim. 1:13).
 988. Words of Christ
1. Lasting Words, for they "shall not pass away" (Matt. 24:35).
2. Arresting Words, for the disciples were astonished at them" (Mark 10:24).
3. "Gracious Words," for they contained wondrous truths (Luke 4:22).
4. Living Words, for they contain the Holy Spirit and life—John 6:63, 68.
5. Inspiring Words, for they lead us to pray aright—John 15:7.
6. The Father's Words, for He passed them on—John 17:8.
7. Repeated Words, for He said of them, "These are the words which I
spake" (Luke 24:44).
 989. Work
"Repaired Every One Over Against His House" (Neh. 3:28)
Christian workers will find in Nehemiah 4 how service for the Lord should be
carried out.
1. The Soul of Work is the resolute mind of determination—5:6.
2. The Worth of Work is evidenced when our enemies try to hinder us in it
—5:11.
3. The Support of Work is God Himself, which is illustrated in the
individual sense of responsibility—5:15.
4. The Fellowship of Work is recognized when we work with others as well
as doing our own work—5:16.
5. The Proportion of Work is illustrated in the three things which
characterized the builders under Nehemiah—namely, the trowel of labor, the
sword of defense, and the trumpet of alarm—vv. 17, 18. See how these are
brought out in Ephesians 6, verses 8, 17, 18.
6. The Dependence of Work. The workers being separated from each other
by reason of their several tasks, when danger was near they gathered
together, and knew God would fight for them—vv. 19, 20.
7. The Perseverance of Work. Nehemiah and his labourers did not consult
their own ease, but stolidly and continuously worked till the task was
completed—vv. 21, 23.
 990. "Worthy"
1. An Acknowledgment. "The Lord who is worthy to be praised" (2 Sam.
22:4).
2. A Confession. "I am no more worthy" (Luke 15:19, 21).
3. A Message. "Worthy of all acceptation" (1 Tim. 1:15).
4. A Walk. "Walk worthy of the Lord" (1 Thess. 2:12; Col. 1:10).
5. A Galling. "Count you worthy of this calling" (2 Thess. 1:11).
6. A Reward. "Laborer is worthy of his reward" (1 Tim. 5:18).
7. A Kingdom. "Counted worthy of the Kingdom" (2 Thess. 1:5).
 991. Workers' Equipment
If we keep along God's lines, we shall obtain His power.
1. One Authority. The Authority for the worker is the Word of God. The
Spirit's mandate is "Preach the Word" (2 Tim. 4:2), then we are sure of the
Spirit's application—Acts 10:44.
2. One Resource. The Spirit is our Source and Supply. When we are "endued
with power from on high" (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:4), then we are effective,
because He is—1 Peter 1:12.
3. One Inspiration. "Love of Christ constraineth" (2 Cor. 5:14). When we
are melted and moved by this love, we move and melt others.
4. One Aim. To be "well-pleasing unto the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:9, R.V.). When
the attitude of our heart is right with the Lord, we shall aim to please Him.
5. One Principle. "Serving the Lord" (Rom. 12:11); and acting "in" Him,
then service can never be "in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58).
6. One Condition. "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt.
4:19). Follow to fish, and be made to catch.
7. One End. "The glory of God." "All in Christ, by the Holy Spirit, for the
glory of God, all else is nothing."
 992. Worthy Things and Men
1. A Worthy Repentance. "Fruits worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:8).
2. A Worthy Saying. "Worthy of all acceptation" (1 Tim. 1:15; 4:9).
3. A Worthy Walk. "Walk worthy of the vocation"... "of the Lord"... "of
God" (Eph. 4:l; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12).
4. A Worthy Citizen. "He was worthy" (Luke 7:4).
5. A Worthy Workman. "Workman is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:7; 1 Tim.
6:1).
6. A Worthy Escape. "That ye may be accounted worthy to escape" (Luke
21:36).
7. A Worthy Possessor. "That ye may be accounted worthy of the Kingdom"
(2 Thess. 1:5).
 993. Wrath of God
1. Coming in future—Matt. 3:7.
2. Divine in action—Rom. 9:22.
3. Lasting in effect—John 3:36.
4. Revealing in nature—Rom. 1:18.
5. Fierce in separation—Rev. 6:16, 17; 11:18; 14:10; 16:19; 19:15.
6. Created by sin—Rom. 1:18; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6.
7. All deserve it—Eph. 2:3.
 994. "Your"
Paul frequently refers to what belongs to the saints. In his second letter to the
Church at Corinth he uses the word "your" repeatedly.
1. Consolation. "Your consolation and salvation" (1:6).
2. Joy. "Your rejoicing" (1:14).
3. Faith. "Your faith" (1:24).
4. Love. "Your love" (8:7).
5. Zeal. "Your zeal" (9:2).
6. Generosity. "Your bounty" (9:5).
7. Righteousness. "Your righteousness" (9:10).
8. Obedience. "Your obedience" (10:6).
9. Edification. "Your edifying" (12:19).
10. Perfection. "Your perfection" (13:9).
 995. "Your Eyes"
1. Blessed Eyes. "Blessed are your eyes, for they see" (Matt. 13:16).
2. Seeing Eyes. "The Lord your God... did for you in Egypt before your eyes"
(Deut. 1:30; 4:3, 34; 11:7; Joshua 24:7).
3. Guided Eyes. "Shall be as frontlets between your eyes" (Deut. 11:18).
4. Expectant Eyes. "Stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do
before your eyes" (1 Sam. 12:16).
5. Lifted Eyes. "Lift up your eyes on high" (Isa. 40:26; Jer. 13:20).
6. Pricked Eyes. "Pricks in your eyes" (Num. 33:55; Joshua 23:13).
7. Closed Eyes. "The Lord hath closed your eyes" (Isa. 29:10).
 996. Your Faith
1. Basis of Faith. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God"
(Rom. 10:17).
2. Object of Faith. "I believe God" (Acts 27:25).
3. Secret of Faith. "I live by the faith of the Son of God" (Gal. 2:20).
4. Trial of Faith. "The trial of your faith" (1 Peter 1:7).
5. Power of Faith. "Fruit of the Spirit... faith" (Gal. 5:22).
6. Prayer of Faith. "The prayer of faith shall save the sick" (James 5:15).
7. Victory of Faith. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our
faith" (1 John 5:4).
 997. "Your" Versus "Ours"
"Is that your bun, brother?" asked one Christian of another, as they sat at the
dinner table. The friend who was questioned took the knife and cut the bun in
two, and replied, "Take away the 'y,' brother," as he handed the questioner
half of the bun. What a difference it would make if believers would only see
that oneness with each other in their oneness with Christ. Let us look at a few
of the "our's" in 2 Corinthians 1, as illustrating the mutual feeling we should
have with each other.
1. Mutual Relationship. "Our Father" (2 Cor. 1:2). Believers in Christ have
a common ground of relationship to the Lord, and He holds a common
relationship to us.
2. Mutual Responsibility. "Our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 1:3). Purchased
by His Blood, we are not our own. He has the right to claim our love and
obedience.
3. Mutual Regard. "Our tribulation... our consolation" (2 Cor. 1:4, 5). The
Lord allows His children to have trial and persecution, that they may know
how to comfort others in a like case.
 998. "Yourselves"
The Spirit's commands are concise in expression, and consecrating as they
are obeyed.
1. Dead to sin in the death of Christ. "Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed
unto sin," etc. (Rom. 6:11).
2. Definite in consecration. "Yield yourselves unto God" (Rom. 6:13, 16).
3. Distinct in discernment. "Examine yourselves" and prove whether in the
faith (2 Cor. 13:5).
4. Desire to take a second place. "Submitting yourselves one to another"
(Eph. 5:21).
5. Direct your praise to the Lord, by "speaking to yourselves in psalms and
hymns, and spiritual songs," and in all making melody to the Lord (Eph.
5:19).
6. Divine, from whence true comfort comes. "Wherefore comfort ye
yourselves together" (1 Thess. 5:11).
7. Disturb not the Divine word of "Be at peace among yourselves" (1 Thess.
5:13).
 999. "Yourselves"
Wise and wholesome injunctions are found in the following commands from
our Lord.
1. "Have salt in yourselves" (Mark 9:50). The salt of grace will keep us
sweet and pungent.
2. "Take heed to yourselves" (Mark 13:9). Personal application to the Lord's
direction will bring untold blessing.
3. "Come ye yourselves apart" (Mark 6:31). Separation to the Lord for rest
and prayer we constantly need.
4. "Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven" (Matt. 6:20). To have riches
only on earth is to be bankrupt regarding the lasting treasures.
5. "Ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord" (Luke 12:36).
Waiting for Christ is to be rewarded by Him.
6. "Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of
unrighteousness" (Luke 16:9, R.V.). Do good by what you have, and you will
have good in the days to come.
7. "Murmur not among yourselves" (John 6:43). To murmur is a useless
complaint, that benefits no one.
 1000. Zealous People
The Greek word for zeal, and kindred ones, are found in the following
Scriptures.
1. A Zealous Savior. "The zeal of thine house hath eaten Me up" (John
2:17).
2. A Zealous Spirit. "Fervent in spirit" (Rom. 12:11).
3. A Zealous Sinner. "Concerning zeal, persecuting the Church" (Phil. 3:6).
4. A Zealous Service. "Zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
5. A Zealous Saint. "Being fervent in the spirit" (Acts 18:25).
6. A Zealous Servant. "He hath a great zeal for you" (Col. 4:12, 13).
7. A Zealous Shepherd. "I am jealous over you with godly jealousy" (2 Cor.
11:2).