Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. I. WHAT HIGH THINGS? 1. Negatively — not the highest or heavenly things (Colossians 3:1-2; Matthew 6:33). 2. Positively — of this world (Jeremiah 45:5). Great — (1) Riches (Timothy 6:19); (2) Honours; (3) Power and place (Acts 5:36); (4) Employments; (5) Pleasures. II. HOW NOT MIND THEM? Not so as — 1. To think of them (Psalm 1:2). 2. To desire them (Colossians 3:2; Psalm 73:25). 3. To hope for them. 4. To admire them (Luke 21:5, 6). 5. To labour after them (John 6:27; Matthew 6:33). III. WHY NOT MIND THEM? 1. They are below you. (1) As ye are rational creatures. (2) As believing Christians. 2. You have higher things to mind (Philippians 3:20). 3. Minding of earth and heaven both is inconsistent (Matthew 6:24; 1 John 2:15). Conclusion: Mind not high things.Consider they are — 1. Uncertain. 2. Inconstant (Proverbs 23:5). 3. Unsatisfying (Ecclesiastes 1:8; Ecclesiastes 4:8). 4. Dangerous (1 Timothy 6:10). 5. Momentary (Luke 12:20). (Bp. Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. |