Verses 16-26 If it be our care to act under the guidance and power of the blessed Spirit, though we may not be freed from the stirrings and oppositions of the corrupt nature which remains in us, it shall not have dominion over us. If Christians, who should help one another, and rejoice one another, quarrel, what can be expected but that the God of love should deny his grace, that the Spirit of love should depart, and the evil spirit, who seeks their destruction, should prevail? Happy would it be, if Christians, instead of biting and devouring one another on account of different opinions, would set themselves against sin in themselves, and in the places where they live. The apostle urges that all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Verses 13-15 The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness, 1Ti. 6:3, and is so far from giving the least countenance to sin, that it lays us under the strongest obligation to avoid and subdue it. And assuredly those who persist in disturbing the church of Christ must bear their judgment. The first beginnings of such leaven should be opposed. If Paul and others would have admitted that the observance of the law of Moses was to be joined with faith in Christ, as necessary to salvation, then believers might have avoided many of the sufferings they underwent. The Jews were offended, because Christ was preached as the only salvation for sinners. And in reproving sin and error, we should always distinguish between the leaders and the led. It is dangerous for Christian churches to encourage those who follow, but especially who spread, destructive errors. The apostle leaves them to judge whence it must arise, but sufficiently shows that it could be owing to none but Satan. ( 8 ), was, no doubt, that of mixing the works of the law with faith in Christ in justification. It concerns those who begin to turn out of the way, or to tire in it, seriously to inquire what hinders them. Many who set out fairly in religion, are hindered in their progress, or turn out of the way. It is not enough that we profess Christianity, but we must run well, by living up to that profession. Verses 7-12 The life of a Christian is a race, wherein he must run, and hold on, if he would obtain the prize. But without faith working by love, all else is worthless, and compared with it other things are of small value. The danger of old was not in things of no consequence in themselves, as many forms and observances now are. May we be of the number of those who, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. True faith is a working grace it works by love to God, and to our brethren. No outward privileges or profession will avail to acceptance with God, without sincere faith in our Lord Jesus. The Jewish convert might observe the ceremonies or assert his liberty, the Gentile might disregard them or might attend to them, provided he did not depend upon them. All true Christians, being taught by the Holy Spirit, wait for eternal life, the reward of righteousness, and the object of their hope, as the gift of God by faith in Christ and not for the sake of their own works. Let us take heed to the warnings and persuasions of the apostle to stedfastness in the doctrine and liberty of the gospel. Verses 1-6 Christ will not be the Saviour of any who will not own and rely upon him as their only Saviour. (13-15) And to walk in the Spirit, and not to fulfil the lusts of the flesh: the works of both are described. (1-12) To take heed of indulging a sinful temper. An earnest exhortation to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel.
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