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This Month's Subject: Christian Example Illustrated by Lives of Bible Saints (#88803)
This Month's Subject: Christian Example Illustrated by Lives of Bible Saints
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From:
Bible Student: Volume 2, 1882
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This Month's Subject: Christian Example Illustrated by Lives of Bible Saints
From:
Monthly Subjects
• 11 min. read • grade level: 10
The subject worked out for this month is—
Christian Example illustrated by the lives of Bible saints, and especially by that of the apostle Paul.
The subject has not been treated in this instance exhaustively, as that would be well nigh impossible, but for the first part of this subject, twelve leading graces have been chosen, and the twelve best examples selected of each; for the second, a somewhat full list has been given of the life of Paul as an example of Christian practice.
Part 1. —Examples for Saints Generally of:
1.—Compassion and Sympathy:—
Moses—on account of the oppression of his people,
Exodus 2:11
11
And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. (Exodus 2:11)
.
David—for Mephibosheth, 2 Samuel 9
Jonathan—for David,
1 Samuel 20:41
41
And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. (1 Samuel 20:41)
.
Boaz—for Ruth,
Ruth 2:15, 16
15
And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
16
And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. (Ruth 2:15‑16)
.
Job—with those in sorrow,
Job 30:25
25
Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor? (Job 30:25)
.
Ebedmelech—for Jeremiah,
Jeremiah 38:7
7
Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin; (Jeremiah 38:7)
.
Daniel—for God’s people, Daniel 9
Jailor—for Paul and Silas,
Acts 16:33
33
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:33)
.
Mary—with Christ about His death,
Mark 14:8
8
She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. (Mark 14:8)
.
Hebrews—to Paul,
Hebrews 10:34
34
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. (Hebrews 10:34)
.
Onesiphorus—to Paul,
2 Timothy 1:16
16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: (2 Timothy 1:16)
.
2. —Faith for Spiritual Blessings:
Patriarchs—for the heavenly city,
Hebrews 11:14
14
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. (Hebrews 11:14)
.
Jacob—for God’s blessing,
Genesis 32:28
28
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. (Genesis 32:28)
.
David—when in trouble, Psalms 23, &c.
Simeon—to see Christ,
Luke 2:25,34
25
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (Luke 2:25)
34
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Luke 2:34)
.
Peter—for an incorruptible inheritance,
1 Peter 1:3
3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3)
.
A woman which was a sinner—for forgiveness, Luke 7
Elisha—for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit,
2 Kings 2:9
9
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. (2 Kings 2:9)
.
Moses—for spiritual reward,
Hebrews 11:26
26
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. (Hebrews 11:26)
.
Jailor—for eternal life,
Acts 16:32
32
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. (Acts 16:32)
.
Cornelius—for further light, Acts 10
Dying thief—for admittance into the kingdom, Luke 23
Blind man—to receive Christ,
John 9:38
38
And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. (John 9:38)
.
3. —Faith for Temporal Mercies:—
Abraham—for the land,
Genesis 15:6
6
And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)
.
Abraham’s servant—for a wife for Isaac, Genesis 24
Rahab—for bodily safety,
Joshua 2:21
21
And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window. (Joshua 2:21)
.
Ezra—for bodily safety,
Ezra 8:22
22
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. (Ezra 8:22)
.
Hannah—for a son,
1 Samuel 1:18
18
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. (1 Samuel 1:18)
.
Two blind men—for their sight,
Matthew 9:29
29
Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. (Matthew 9:29)
.
Diseased woman—for healing,
Mark 5:34
34
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (Mark 5:34)
. Jairus—for his daughter’s healing,
Mark 5:24
24
And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. (Mark 5:24)
.
Bartimaeus—for his sight,
Mark 10:52
52
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. (Mark 10:52)
.
Centurion—for his servant, Luke 7
Nobleman—for his son,
John 4:50
50
Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. (John 4:50)
.
Widow at Sarepta—for food,
1 Kings 17:8
8
And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, (1 Kings 17:8)
.
(We have no proof that all these were children of God.)
4. —Humility:—
Abraham—in giving way to Lot,
Genesis 18:27
27
And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: (Genesis 18:27)
.
Jacob—before God,
Genesis 32:10
10
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. (Genesis 32:10)
.
Moses—according to God’s testimony,
Numbers 12:3
3
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) (Numbers 12:3)
.
Hannah—in meekness when accused of drunkenness,
1 Samuel 1:16
16
Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. (1 Samuel 1:16)
.
David—before God,
2 Samuel 7:18
18
Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? (2 Samuel 7:18)
.
Solomon—before God,
1 Kings 3:7
7
And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. (1 Kings 3:7)
.
Daniel—in ascribing all wisdom to God,
Daniel 2:30
30
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart. (Daniel 2:30)
.
Jeremiah—before God,
Jeremiah 1:6
6
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. (Jeremiah 1:6)
.
John the Baptist—in taking a low place,
Mark 1:7
7
And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. (Mark 1:7)
.
Syrophoenician woman—in taking a dog’s place,
Matthew 15:25
25
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. (Matthew 15:25)
.
Centurion—in not being worthy to receive Christ,
Matthew 8:8, 9
8
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. (Matthew 8:8‑9)
.
Publican—before God,
Luke 18:13
13
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 18:13)
.
5. —Joy in God:—
Miriam—for His great deliverance, Exodus 15
Hannah—for answer to prayer,
1 Samuel 2:1
1
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. (1 Samuel 2:1)
.
David—for help and refuge,
Psalms 63:7
7
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (Psalm 63:7)
, &c.
Nehemiah—to keep the feast of tabernacles,
Nehemiah 8:10
10
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
.
Children of Israel—when giving for His service,
1 Chronicles 29:9
9
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. (1 Chronicles 29:9)
.
Isaiah—for salvation,
Isaiah 61:10
10
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)
.
Habakkuk—in spite of the loss of all,
Hebrews 3:18
18
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? (Hebrews 3:18)
.
Jeremiah—on account of God’s word,
Jeremiah 15:16
16
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16)
.
Mary—for the birth of Christ,
Luke 1:46
46
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, (Luke 1:46)
.
Zacharias—for the birth of John,
Luke 1:68
68
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, (Luke 1:68)
.
Apostles—for suffering for Christ,
Acts 5:41
41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (Acts 5:41)
.
Silas—in prison,
Acts 16:25
25
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. (Acts 16:25)
.
6. —Liberality:—
Abraham—to three strangers,
Genesis 18:3-8
3
And said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
4
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
5
And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
6
And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
7
And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
8
And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. (Genesis 18:3‑8)
.
Joseph—to his brethren,
Genesis 43:32
32
And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians. (Genesis 43:32)
.
Abigail—to David in his rejection,
1 Samuel 25:18
18
Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. (1 Samuel 25:18)
.
Queen of Sheba—to Solomon in his glory,
1 Kings 10:10
10
And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. (1 Kings 10:10)
.
Nehemiah—in entertaining others,
Nehemiah 5:17, 18
17
Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
18
Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. (Nehemiah 5:17‑18)
.
Shunamite woman—in entertaining Elisha.
2 Kings 4:18
18
And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. (2 Kings 4:18)
.
Obadiah—in feeding 100 prophets,
1 Kings 18:13
13
Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord, how I hid an hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? (1 Kings 18:13)
.
Gaius—in receiving strangers,
Romans 16:23
23
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. (Romans 16:23)
.
3 John 5, 6
5
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6
Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: (3 John 5‑6)
.
Macedonian Christians—in helping Paul,
2 Corinthians 8:1-4
1
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4
Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. (2 Corinthians 8:1‑4)
.
Dorcas—in working for the poor,
Acts 9:36
36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (Acts 9:36)
.
Mary—towards Christ,
Mark 14:3
3
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. (Mark 14:3)
.
Widow—in giving all her living,
Mark 12:42
42
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. (Mark 12:42)
.
Joseph—to his brethren,
Genesis 45:1-4
1
Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
2
And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
3
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
4
And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. (Genesis 45:1‑4)
.
Moses—to God’s people,
Exodus 2:11
11
And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. (Exodus 2:11)
.
Ruth—for God’s people,
Ruth 1:16
16
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: (Ruth 1:16)
.
Jonathan—for David,
1 Samuel 18:14
14
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him. (1 Samuel 18:14)
.
Mephibosheth—for David,
2 Samuel 19:30
30
And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house. (2 Samuel 19:30)
.
Nehemiah—for Jerusalem, Nehemiah 1
Sinful woman—for Christ, Luke 7
Mary—for Christ,
John 12:3
3
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. (John 12:3)
.
Mary Magdalene—for Christ,
John 20:11, 13
11
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, (John 20:11)
13
And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. (John 20:13)
.
John—for Christ,
John 13:23
23
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23)
.
Philippians—for Paul,
Philippians 4:15
15
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. (Philippians 4:15)
.
Epaphroditus—for Colossians,
Colossians 4:12
12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)
.
8. —Obedience to God:—
Noah—to direct command, Genesis 6:14-32.
Abraham—to direct command,
Hebrews 11:8
8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Hebrews 11:8)
.
Moses—concerning Divine worship,
Exodus 40:16
16
Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him, so did he. (Exodus 40:16)
.
Gideon—as to God’s way of working,
Judges 7:4, 5
4
And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.
5
So he brought down the people unto the water: and the Lord said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. (Judges 7:4‑5)
.
Elijah—to go to Jordan,
1 Kings 17:5
5
So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. (1 Kings 17:5)
.
Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego—to God’s word, Daniel 3
The Wise men—in a dream, Matthew 2
Peter, James, and John—to Christ’s word,
Luke 5:5
5
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5)
.
Joseph—to take Mary, etc.,
Matthew 1:24;2
24
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (Matthew 1:24)
1
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, (Matthew 3:1)
. 21.
The disciples—to leave all, for Christ.
Matthew 4:18
18
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Matthew 4:18)
.
Peter and other apostles—to Divine commission,
Acts 5:29
29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
.
Peter—in receiving Gentiles, Acts 10
9. —Patience:—
Abraham—in bearing with Lot,
Genesis 13:8
8
And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. (Genesis 13:8)
.
Jacob—in long service for Rachel,
Genesis 29:20
20
And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. (Genesis 29:20)
.
Joseph—with his brethren,
Genesis 45:5
5
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. (Genesis 45:5)
.
Moses—in bearing with the people,
Exodus 33:13
13
Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. (Exodus 33:13)
.
Joshua—in compassing Jericho seven times, Joshua 6
David—under Goliath’s taunts,
1 Samuel 16:13
13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:13)
.
Nehemiah—in all his work at Jerusalem, Nehemiah
Jeremiah and the prophets—in various ways,
James 5:10
10
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. (James 5:10)
.
Job—in his afflictions,
Job 2:10
10
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2:10)
;
James 5:11
11
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:11)
.
Stephen—as a martyr, Acts 3:54-60.
Simeon—in waiting for Christ’s first coming,
Luke 2:25
25
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (Luke 2:25)
.
Thessalonians—in waiting for Christ’s second coming,
1 Thessalonians 1:3
3
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
.
10. —Prayerfulness:—
Abraham’s servant—when fetching Rebekah, Genesis 24
Jabez—for himself,
1 Chronicles 4:10
10
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10)
.
Hannah—for a child,
1 Samuel 1:10
10
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. (1 Samuel 1:10)
.
Samuel—for deliverance,
1 Samuel 7:9
9
And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him. (1 Samuel 7:9)
.
Hezekiah—for deliverance,
2 Kings 19:15-20
15
And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.
16
Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.
17
Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,
18
And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
19
Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only.
20
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. (2 Kings 19:15‑20)
.
Daniel—for God’s people, Daniel 9
Nehemiah—for guidance,
Nehemiah 1:11
11
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer. (Nehemiah 1:11)
.
David—about God’s house,
2 Samuel 7:18-29
18
Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
19
And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord God; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord God?
20
And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord God, knowest thy servant.
21
For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them.
22
Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
23
And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?
24
For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, Lord, art become their God.
25
And now, O Lord God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said.
26
And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The Lord of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.
27
For thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
28
And now, O Lord God, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:
29
Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. (2 Samuel 7:18‑29)
.
Jeremiah—for God’s people,
Jeremiah 27:16
16
Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the Lord's house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you. (Jeremiah 27:16)
.
Peter—for a miracle,
Acts 9:40
40
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (Acts 9:40)
.
Cornelius—continually,
Acts 10:2
2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. (Acts 10:2)
.
The Church—without ceasing,
Acts 12:5
5
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:5)
.
11. —Repentance:—
Job—after sore affliction,
Job 40:3
3
Then Job answered the Lord, and said, (Job 40:3)
.
David—for great sin,
2 Samuel 12:13
13
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. (2 Samuel 12:13)
.
Children of Israel—for sins,
Judges 10:15
15
And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. (Judges 10:15)
,
Nineveh—at Jonah’s preaching, Jonah 3; Matthew 12
Dying thief—from railing at Christ,
Luke 23:40, 41
40
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. (Luke 23:40‑41)
.
Those baptized by John—for their sins,
Matthew 3:6
6
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:6)
.
Jailor—for his sins and treatment of Paul,
Acts 16:30-33
30
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:30‑33)
.
Sinful woman—for her sins, Luke 7
Zacchaeus—for defrauding,
Luke 19:8
8
And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. (Luke 19:8)
.
Peter—for denying Christ,
Matthew 26:75
75
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75)
.
Joseph’s brethren—for their sin,
Genesis 44:16
16
And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. (Genesis 44:16)
.
Darius—for what he had done,
Daniel 6:14
14
Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. (Daniel 6:14)
.
(These were not all children of God.)
12. —Truthfulness:—
Samuel—to Eli,
1 Samuel 3:18
18
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good. (1 Samuel 3:18)
.
Hushai—to Absalom,
2 Samuel 16:18
18
And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the Lord, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide. (2 Samuel 16:18)
.
David—in confession,
2 Samuel 24:17
17
And David spake unto the Lord when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house. (2 Samuel 24:17)
.
Micaiah—in speaking God s word only,
1 Kings 22:14
14
And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. (1 Kings 22:14)
.
Daniel—in action,
Daniel 6:10
10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. (Daniel 6:10)
.
John Baptist—in saying who he was,
John 1:20
20
And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. (John 1:20)
.
Diseased woman—in saying who cured her,
Mark 5:33
33
But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. (Mark 5:33)
.
Dying thief—in owning his just condemnation,
Luke 23:41
41
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. (Luke 23:41)
.
Peter—in preaching,
Acts 4:13
13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
.
Peter and John—before the rulers,
Acts 4:20
20
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)
.
Peter—in narrating events, Acts 11
Officers—in stating their convictions,
John 7:40
40
Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. (John 7:40)
.
Part 2—Example Of Paul The Apostle.
Public acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of God,
Acts 9:20
20
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20)
.
Meekness in bearing suspicion from believers.
Acts 9:23, 27
23
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: (Acts 9:23)
27
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27)
.
Boldness in the confession of Christ.
Acts 9:29; 14:3; 19:8
29
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. (Acts 9:29)
3
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3)
8
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8)
.
Following the leading of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:4; 16:6-10
4
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:4)
6
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
8
And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
9
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10
And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:6‑10)
.
Proving all things by the word of God.
Acts 13:16-41; 17:2
16
Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
17
The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
18
And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
19
And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
20
And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
21
And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
22
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
23
Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
24
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25
And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
26
Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
27
For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
28
And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
29
And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
30
But God raised him from the dead:
31
And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
32
And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
33
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
34
And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
35
Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
36
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
37
But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
38
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
40
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
41
Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. (Acts 13:16‑41)
2
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, (Acts 17:2)
.
Honoring the Jews as the beloved nation. Acts 5:46; 14:1.
Obedience to the commands of Jesus (
Mark 6:11
11
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. (Mark 6:11)
;
Matthew 10:23
23
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. (Matthew 10:23)
)
Acts 13.51. Refusing honor due to God only.
Acts 14:14, 15
14
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
15
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: (Acts 14:14‑15)
.
Suffering for Christ—
(1) Reproach and contradiction.
Acts 13:8, 45
8
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. (Acts 13:8)
45
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. (Acts 13:45)
.
(2) Pain and shame.
Acts 14:5-19; 16:23, 24
5
And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
6
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7
And there they preached the gospel.
8
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10
Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
11
And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
12
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
13
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
15
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18
And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
19
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. (Acts 14:5‑19)
23
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24
Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. (Acts 16:23‑24)
.
(3) False accusation.
Acts 16:20, 21; 17:7
20
And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21
And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. (Acts 16:20‑21)
7
Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. (Acts 17:7)
.
Resisting false doctrine.
Acts 15:2
2
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. (Acts 15:2)
; Ephesians to Galatians throughout.
Care for the spiritual welfare of saints.
Acts 14:21-23; 15:36
21
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:21‑23)
36
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. (Acts 15:36)
.
Care for the bodily necessities of saints.
Romans 15:25-28
25
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
26
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
27
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
28
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. (Romans 15:25‑28)
;
1 Corinthians 16:1-4
1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
4
And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. (1 Corinthians 16:1‑4)
.
Preaching not in human wisdom, but by Divine power.
1 Corinthians 2:9
9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
.
Independence of man’s judgment.
1 Corinthians 4:3
3
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. (1 Corinthians 4:3)
.
Carefulness as regards the conscience of the weak.
1 Corinthians 8:13
13
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. (1 Corinthians 8:13)
.
Relinquishing rights and claims, lest the gospel be hindered. 1 Corinthians 9.12.
Free from all men, yet a servant to all.
1 Corinthians 9:19
19
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. (1 Corinthians 9:19)
.
Beeping under the body.
1 Corinthians 9:27
27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
.
Pleasing all men in all things, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:33
33
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:33)
.
Preaching the simple Gospel,—the
facts
relating to Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:.3, 4
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
1 Corinthians 16:3
3
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. (1 Corinthians 16:3)
.
Comforting those who are in trouble.
2 Corinthians 1:4
4
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:4)
.
Trusting not in self, but in God.
2 Corinthians 1:9
9
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: (2 Corinthians 1:9)
.
Simplicity and godly sincerity.
2 Corinthians 1:12
12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
.
Grief for the sin of the churchapter
2 Corinthians 2:4
4
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. (2 Corinthians 2:4)
.
Continual triumph in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:14
14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
.
Not corrupting the word of God.
2 Corinthians 2:17
17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
.
Being the vessel for the treasure of God.
2 Corinthians 4:7
7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
.
Occupied not with the things seen, but unseen,
2 Corinthians 4:18
18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
.
Willing to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:18
18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (2 Corinthians 5:18)
.
Being a worker together with God.
2 Corinthians 6:1
1
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (2 Corinthians 6:1)
.
Giving no offense in anything, lest the ministry be blamed.
2 Corinthians 6:3
3
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: (2 Corinthians 6:3)
.
Sorrowful yet alway rejoicing.
2 Corinthians 6:10
10
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:10)
.
Poor, yet making many richapter
2 Corinthians 6:10
10
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:10)
.
Having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
2 Corinthians 6:10
10
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:10)
.
Neither wronging, corrupting, nor defrauding any man.
2 Corinthians 7:2
2
Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. (2 Corinthians 7:2)
.
Giving
proof
of care for the souls of saints.
2 Corinthians 7:12
12
Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. (2 Corinthians 7:12)
.
Rejoicing with those that rejoice.
2 Corinthians 7:13
13
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. (2 Corinthians 7:13)
.
Not warring after the flesh, and discarding carnal weapons.
2 Corinthians 10:3, 4
3
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (2 Corinthians 10:3‑4)
.
Jealous lest the saints should be untrue to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2)
.
Preaching the gospel fully without reward.
2 Corinthians 11:7-9
7
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
8
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
9
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. (2 Corinthians 11:7‑9)
.
Not only feeling, but expressing love.
2 Corinthians 11:11
11
Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. (2 Corinthians 11:11)
.
Sympathy with the weak and the offended.
2 Corinthians 11:29
29
Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? (2 Corinthians 11:29)
.
Glorying in infirmities, because they display the power of Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:9
9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
.
Taking pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake.
2 Corinthians 12:10
10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
.
Gladly spending, and being spent for the saints.
2 Corinthians 12:15
15
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. (2 Corinthians 12:15)
.
Loving without return of love, and when love is withdrawn.
2 Corinthians 12:15
15
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. (2 Corinthians 12:15)
.
Doing all for edification.
2 Corinthians 12:19
19
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. (2 Corinthians 12:19)
.
Faithfulness in rebuking sin.
2 Corinthians 13:2
2
I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: (2 Corinthians 13:2)
.
Not seeking to please men, but God.
Galatians 1:10
10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
;
1 Thessalonians 2:4
4
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
.
Not conferring with flesh and blood.
Galatians 1:16
16
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (Galatians 1:16)
.
Not giving place by subjection to false teachers.
Galatians 2:5
5
To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. (Galatians 2:5)
.
Remembering the poor.
Galatians 2:10
10
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. (Galatians 2:10)
.
Telling the truth even if it provokes enmity.
Galatians 4:16
16
Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16)
.
Not shrinking from the offense of the cross.
Galatians 5:11
11
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. (Galatians 5:11)
.
Glorying in nothing save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 6:14
14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14)
.
Crucified to the world, the world to him.
Galatians 6:14
14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14)
.
Prayer for the Saints.
Ephesians 1:16; 3:14
16
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; (Ephesians 1:16)
14
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Ephesians 3:14)
.
Philippians 1:4
4
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, (Philippians 1:4)
;
1 Thessalonians 3:10
10
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:10)
.
Humility as to spiritual attainments.
Ephesians 3:8
8
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (Ephesians 3:8)
.
Trusting in the loving interest of the saints.
Ephesians 6:21
21
But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: (Ephesians 6:21)
.
Longing after the saints.
Philippians 1:8
8
For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:8)
.
Rejoicing that Christ is preached, if even for unworthy reasons.
Philippians 1:18
18
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:18)
.
Confidence that in nothing I shall be ashamed.
Philippians 1:20
20
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (Philippians 1:20)
.
“ To me to live is Christ, to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21
21
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
.
Desiring to depart and to be with Christ, yet willing to remain in the flesh for the sake of the Churchapter
Philippians 1:23,24
23
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24
Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:23‑24)
.
Rejoicing in the unity of the Spirit as kept by the saints.
Philippians 2:2
2
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2)
.
Rejoicing in the proclamation of the word by the saints.
Philippians 2:16
16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (Philippians 2:16)
.
Rejoicing in being offered up for the saints.
Philippians 2:17
17
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. (Philippians 2:17)
.
Caring to know the state of the saints.
Philippians 2:19
19
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. (Philippians 2:19)
.
Willingly sparing Epaphroditus “ who ministered to my wants,” in order that he and the Philippians might have the comfort of seeing one another.
Philippians 2:25
25
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. (Philippians 2:25)
.
Counting all loss for Christ.
Philippians 3:7
7
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (Philippians 3:7)
.
Not trusting in his own righteousness.
Philippians 3:9
9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Philippians 3:9)
Desire to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.
Philippians 3:10
10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:10)
.
Not satisfied with present attainments, but following after.
Philippians 3:12
12
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12)
.
Doing one thing, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, pressing toward the mark for the prize for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14
13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13‑14)
. Being a peacemaker.
Philippians 4:2
2
I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2)
.
Having learned in all states to be content.
Philippians 4:11, 12
11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Philippians 4:11‑12)
,
Doing all things through Christ which strengthened him.
Philippians 4:13
13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)
.
Not desiring a gift except for the gain to him who gives.
Philippians 4:17
17
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. (Philippians 4:17)
.
Perfect satisfaction.
Philippians 4:18
18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)
.
Warning every man in all wisdom by the preaching of Christ.
Colossians 1:28
28
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Colossians 1:28)
.
Laboring and striving, according to the working of God.
Colossians 1:29
29
Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (Colossians 1:29)
.
Caring earnestly even for saints unknown in the flesh.
Colossians 2:1
1
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (Colossians 2:1)
.
Rejoicing in the order, and in the faith of the saints.
Colossians 2:5
5
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:5)
.
Bestowing praise where due.
Philippians 2:29, 30
29
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. (Philippians 2:29‑30)
.
Colossians 4:12, 13
12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13
For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. (Colossians 4:12‑13)
.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
9
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (1 Thessalonians 4:9)
.
Carefulness to set an example in all things.
1 Thessalonians 1:5
5
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
.
Free from deceit, uncleanness or guile.
1 Thessalonians 2:3
3
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (1 Thessalonians 2:3)
.
Not using flattering words. 1 Thessalonians 2.5.
Nor a cloak of covetousness.
1 Thessalonians 2:5
5
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (1 Thessalonians 2:5)
.
Not seeking glory of men.
1 Thessalonians 2:6
6
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:6)
.
Gentle, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.
1 Thessalonians 2:7
7
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: (1 Thessalonians 2:7)
.
Laboring night and day, not to be chargeable to any.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
9
For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:9)
.
Living holily, justly, and unblameably.
1 Thessalonians 2:10
10
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: (1 Thessalonians 2:10)
.
Exhorting, and comforting, and charging others, as a father doth his children.
1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12
11
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11‑12)
.
Love not weakened by absence.
1 Thessalonians 2:17
17
But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. (1 Thessalonians 2:17)
.
Diligence to make known the things to come—(Paul was but 3 weeks at. Thessalonica, and found no believers there when he arrived).
2 Thessalonians 2:5
5
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (2 Thessalonians 2:5)
.
Deep sense of sinfulness.
1 Timothy 1:15, 16
15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:15‑16)
.
Trust in the living God.
1 Timothy 4:10
10
For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)
.
Conscientious service.
2 Timothy 1:3
3
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; (2 Timothy 1:3)
;
Acts 24:16
16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. (Acts 24:16)
.
Full trust in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:12
12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)
.
Gratitude for love and kindness, and affectionate remembrance of service rendered.
2 Timothy 1:16-18
16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
17
But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
18
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. (2 Timothy 1:16‑18)
.
Enduring all things for the elect’s sake.
2 Timothy 2:10
10
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:10)
.
Fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2 Timothy 4:7)
.
Love for the Lord’s appearing.
2 Timothy 4:8
8
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)
.
Personal and individual remembrance of the saints, and love for them. Last Chapters of Romans, of 1 Corinthians, of 2 Timothy, &c.
Care for little matters relating to the personal wants of the saints.
Titus 3:13
13
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. (Titus 3:13)
.
Rather desirous to beseech, than to command or enjoin.
Philemon 1:8, 9
8
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
9
Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. (Philemon 8‑9)
.
Anxiety to give the opportunity for willing, rather than constrained service.
Philemon 1:13, 14
13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. (Philemon 13‑14)
.
Carefulness in money matters, to do all honestly, as regards the creditor, and generously, in taking the place of the debtor.
Philemon 1:18, 19
18
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
19
I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. (Philemon 18‑19)
.
In all things being willing to live honestly.
Hebrews 13:11
11
For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. (Hebrews 13:11)
.
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