Jottings From Bible Margins

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
The Perfection of Jesus.
CHRIST OUR MODEL.
1. For FAITH. Looking unto Jesus the Author and Completer (proper rendering) of faith.
2. For BROTHERLY LOVE. “Walk in love as Christ also loved us.” Ephesians 5:22And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor. (Ephesians 5:2).
3. For PURITY. “And every man that hath this hope in (God) purifieth himself even as he (Christ) is pure.” 1 John 3:33And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:3).
4. SUFFERING. 1 Peter 2:2121For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:21). “Because Christ suffered for us,” &c.
5. PATIENT ENDURANCE. Hebrews 12:33For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:3). ‘For consider him,” &c.
6. SELF-SACRIFICE. Philippians 2:5-85Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5‑8).
7. WHOLE CONVERSATION. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he (i.e., Christ) walked. 1 John 2:66He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1 John 2:6).
QUENCHING the Spirit. By despising prophesyings, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 2019Quench not the Spirit. 20Despise not prophesyings. (1 Thessalonians 5:19‑20) the Spirit speaking by others hindered by others from expression.
GROWTH IN GRACE.
1. “Least of the apostles.” Then 5 years later—
2. “Less than the least of all saints.” Just previous to death.
3. “Sinners of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:1818This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; (1 Timothy 1:18).
He (i.e., Christ) must increase, but I (i.e., self) decrease.” John 3:3030He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30).
J. L.