---

The value of any testimony is determined by the character of the person who gives it. To be spoken of for our knowledge by a fool is of idle account; whilst a word from the wise, how good is it! To be spoken of for our valour by a coward is a vain matter; whilst the commendation of the hero is of great moment. Now in this way the greatest and best of all testimonies are those to the soul of the believer by the Spirit of God.

I. THE AUTHOR OF THE BELIEVER'S TESTIMONY — the Spirit! The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit.

1. Secretly in the sense which He conveys of our personal interest in the great scheme of Christ's atonement, by the gift of faith.

2. Openly before the eyes of the world, that the world may take knowledge of His work.

II. THE SUBSTANCE OF THE TESTIMONY — "that we are the children of God." In what way does this testimony discover itself? There will be a filial —

1. Love to God's person through Christ.

2. A trust and dependence upon His supplies.

3. Lowliness.

4. Fear.

5. Confidence in His wisdom.

6. Resignation to His will.

7. Obedience.

8. Likeness.

9. Delight in His presence.

III. THE DEDUCTION FROM THIS TESTIMONY — "if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ."

1. Not one in a family, but all heirs — not heirs who may lose their inheritance by premature death, or be defrauded of it, or have it wasted away by the delays and chicaneries of law, but an heirdom where the possession is certain as universal, and full as certain.

2. The heir of God! To the heir of a king what glorious expectancies are there! — of a throne, a crown, a treasury, a nation! But how poor are these to the objects before the heir of God! The heir of God! — of all things temporal, spiritual, and eternal, of all which God can devise and bestow for our good.

IV. THE CONDITION OF THOSE WHO RECEIVE THE TESTIMONY. It is a suffering condition — "if so be that we suffer with Him." The disciple is not above his Lord, nor the servant his master.

V. THE EXALTATION OF THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE TESTIMONY — "that we may also be glorified together."

(T. J. Judkin.)

---

---

KJV: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

WEB: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;