Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father… I. FALSE TESTS ARE FOUND IN THE POSSESSION OF ADVANTAGES. "We have Abraham," &c. This may be regarded — 1. As a sentimental advantage: related to the past. Their Church not a thing of yesterday. 2. As an ecclesiastical advantage: they were related to a privileged past. 3. As a moral advantage: they were related to a worthy past — had a noble ancestry. II. THE TRUE TEST FOUND IN THE MANIFESTATION OF FRUITFULNESS. This — 1. The demand of Scripture. Insisted upon by — (1) prophets (Isaiah and Micah); (2) apostles; (3) the Lord. 2. The demand of society. In relation to — (1) secular questions; (2) religious questions. The test is applied everywhere. III. HOW MAY FRUITFULNESS BE GAINED? Only by union with Christ. "Abide in Me," &c. (John 15:4, 5). (W. Glyde Tarbolton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. |
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