1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels… I. HIS GLORY MAY BE CONSIDERED — 1. As He is man, He has (1) The imperfection of our nature. (2) Complete rest from all His labours. (3) A glory and reputation in His person. (4) His soul is satisfied with joys. (5) His body is independent on all supplies. Because it is a glorious body, it is received into an immortal life, and an eternal settlement. 2. He has the office of judge; but the greatest glory is — (1) The union of the human nature to the Divine. 3. As He is mediator, His glory appears in — (1) The stupendous union of the two natures. (2) His separation to the work of a Saviour. (3) His discharge of the trust. (4) His acquittance from the Father. (5) The union between the two natures is confirmed. (6) In this union He receives the praises of heaven. (7) He continues the mediation between God and man. 4. As He is God, He has the glories of the Deity. II. BEING RECEIVED INTO THIS GLORY MAY BE CONSIDERED WITH REFERENCE TO — 1. His human nature: A cloud received Him; angels attended Him; He abides in heaven; He has received the reward. 2. His mediatorial office in the union of natures: He is owned by the Father; recognized by saints and angels; declares His resolution to continue so; proceeds in this character through all His works, of nature, of grace, of providence; He rules the Church; He will judge the world. 3. His Divine nature; the glory of this appears in throwing off the veil that was upon it, and laying that aside for ever; a fresh exposing Himself to the worship of angels; speaking the language of a God in heaven, and thus revealing Himself on earth. 4. Therefore He will keep His glory, in His authority over the Church, in His full and proper Deity, and expects we should keep it. III. GREAT IS THE MYSTERY — God received into glory. 1. An account of mysteries in general, of this in particular. He who was destitute below has all fulness above. The object of God's wrath lives in His favour. He was deserted of men and angels, and is now their head. A suffering nature is united with an eternal. 2. A vindication of this mystery. IV. THIS IS A DOCTRINE OF GODLINESS. It promotes — 1. Faith, by which we rest on the bare word of God, we make an honest profession of Him, we live with duty to Him. 2. Hope, by owning .His Deity, we rest upon His righteousness, we trust Him for protection, we resign to Him at death. 3. Charity, the several senses of the word. A belief of Christ's divinity teaches forbearance of one another. Union in the faith the foundation of charity. (T. Bradbury.) Parallel Verses KJV: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. |
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