SUBJ: Final thoughts begun with an
emphasis on unity with the glory of God as the common aim, with Christ
as the pattern.
AIM: That we might unite in seeking
to glorify God with the aim of loving as He loved.
INTR: Paul here begins to look to
the end of the epistle is that much here is in the form of a conclusion
to precepts taught and reasonings given. 1. He has obvious refence to
things that have been previously addressed but with the added desire
(his prayer) that they receive of the grace given them in Christ to
accomplish the end. 2. The evident plea here is for unity and he
makes the case for Jew and Gentile alike by showing the purpose of God
revealed in Scripture. 3. The focal point for unity is the glory of
God and the pattern is that found in Christ and His relationship to His
own.
THESIS: All that is given
us, by His grace in Christ Jesus our Lord, looks to the glory of God and
the aim of God to share that glory with those redeemed by the blood of
Christ.
I. Now – a special Name of God and its use (vv. 5-7)
1. Here He is called the God of patience and consolation and we are
reminded of 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience;
and experience, hope: Romans 5:3-4. And we would see this implied in But
the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by
Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,
stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10. 2. The reason of this
revelation about God is that Paul would address Him as such in view of
the need of these to whom he wrote, and we do well to identify with
them. 1) They are resources lacking in human nature and to be found
only in Him. 2) They are His to give and so, we acknowledge the need
of mercy to act 3. The aim is like-mindedness and patience with each
other as well as waiting upon the Lord. 1) It is to be after the
pattern of Christ – we learn that it exists and is demonstrated. 2)
Even as we would claim the mind of Christ: For who hath known the mind
of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1
Corinthians 2:16. 4. AS we mind the things of Christ, we mind the
things of God and His glory and identify with His aim: 4 I have
glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest
me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with
the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 17:4-5.
–glory accomplished!! 5. The divine purpose in salvation is from
eternity, entails reconciliation, and is for His glory and His joy:
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is
set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.
II. Now – all included in unity (vv. 8-12) 1. Jesus “came unto His
own” the Jews and ministered to them: 1) To show them who He was:
“The way, The Truth, and the Life.” 2) To confirm all that the
Scripture had said concerning Him – the promises: For all the promises
of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2
Corinthians 1:20. 2. He came that the Gentiles, who received the
promise in Abraham, would know their purpose: 1) That they may
glorify God for His mercy: Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O
LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Psalms 18:49.
2) That they, the Gentiles, may sing: All the earth shall worship thee,
and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Psalms
66:4 AND From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even
glory to the righteous… Isaiah 24:16a 3) It is repeated three times
that there be no doubt. 3. The manner of the Gentiles coming unto
Christ is no different in that it was said of them of old: And in that
day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of
the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be
glorious. Isaiah 11:10. Paul adds the explanation that in Him shall they
trust.
III. Now – Paul’s prayer for them (v. 13) 1. The things
desired and to which they were directed is for all without exception –
to be held as the “common salvation.” 2. There was a defined result
to be seen and experienced in them: Joy and peace in believing – the
fruit of the Spirit. 3. The writer of Proverbs both experienced and
foresaw a vibrant expression of a work accomplished: The words of a
man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a
flowing brook. Proverbs 18:4. And so, we notice: 1) But whosoever
drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the
water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up
into everlasting life. John 4:14. 2) He that believeth on me, as the
scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 7:38. 3) Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells
of salvation. Isaiah 12:3. 4. May it ever be that we in unity so
partake of Him and rejoice in that God in Christ is glorified as was His
aim in going to the cross.
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