POSSESSION —to have Christ, as 1 John 5:9.
PROFESSION —to live Christ, as Philippians 1:2; Galatians 2:20.
CONFESSION —to testify, as Romans 10:9; 1 John 4:14.
The Perfection of Jesus.
IN HIM was no sin. 1 John 3:5.
HE KNEW no sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
HE DID no sin. 1 Peter 2:22.
He was WITHOUT sin. Hebrews 4:15.
Yet He His own self bare our sins in His own body. 1 Peter 2:24.
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 5:2.
3. For PURITY. “And every man that hath this hope in (God) purifieth himself even as he (Christ) is pure.” 1 John 3:3.
4. SUFFERING. 1 Peter 2:21. “Because Christ suffered for us,” &c.
5. PATIENT ENDURANCE. Hebrews 12:3. ‘For consider him,” &c.
6. SELF-SACRIFICE. 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 2:6.
RESISTING the Spirit. Refusing to accept His testimony of Christ. Acts 7:51-53.
GRIEVING the Spirit. Yielding to things forbidden. Ephesians 4:29.
QUENCHING the Spirit. By despising 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 1:18.
He (i.e., Christ) must increase, but I (i.e., self) decrease.” John 3:30.
J. L.