John 1:43-44 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and finds Philip, and said to him, Follow me.… I. MAN'S MORAL CHARACTER DETERMINES HIS DESTINY. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" in his — 1. Experience, whether happy or miserable. 2. Prospects, whether terrific or inviting. 3. Influence, whether useful or pernicious. 4. Relations. (1) To God, whether approved or condemned. (2) To the universe, whether a blessing or a curse. II. MAN'S MORAL CHARACTER IS FORMED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF IMITATION. This is seen in children, and the Romans, recognizing this, placed in their vestibules the busts of great men, so that the young might be reminded of their virtues. The seed of a child's action is not teaching, but deeds. III. THE FORMATION OF A GOOD CHARACTER REQUIRES A PERFECT MODEL. Sir Joshua Reynolds found after years of study that he had been imitating, not Titian, whom he desired to make his model, but a forger. After this he resolved to make nature his model, and thus became a great master of his art. According to his model, so will a man be. One reason why human character is so depraved is because the perfect model is little known and less appreciated. IV. THE ONLY PERFECT MODEL IS JESUS CHRIST. Who is the most imitable character? 1. He who has the strongest power to command admiration. 2. He who is most transparent in character. 3. He who is most unchangeable in the spirit which animates him.Conclusion: Follow Me. 1. This is an epitome of the moral laws of God. 2. Herein is man's life and perfection. 3. Imitate Christ by inbreathing His moral spirit. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. |
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