Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all… I. THE EXHORTATION. 1. It supposes those to whom it is directed to be already entered upon a religious course of life. 2. It requires the habitual exercise of all the graces of the Christian life; the constant performance of every commanded duty. 3. It requires that we make an open and honest profession of our adherence to the Lord. 4. It requires that we persevere in our adherence to the Lord to the end of our lives. We must hold on our way, and wax stronger and stronger as we proceed. II. SOME MOTIVES AND ARGUMENTS. 1. That the same reasons which at first determined you to choose the ways of God, are equally forcible for inciting you to persevere in them to the end. 2. That all the bribes which can be offered, in order to seduce you from your adherence to the Lord, are vain, precarious, and unsatisfying. 3. What obligations you lie under to this Lord to whom you are exhorted in the text, to "cleave with purpose of heart." 4. That this duty, although difficult, is by no means impracticable. All necessary aid is provided for you, and ready to be conveyed to you as often as you shall ask it. III. SOME DIRECTIONS. 1. Labour to have your minds as richly furnished as possible with true Christian knowledge. 2. Besides the speculative knowledge of Divine truths, you must also labour to acquire an inward experience and relish of them. 3. If you would cleave with steadfastness unto the Lord, attend constantly to the inward frame and temper of your hearts. Make conscience of watching over your most secret thoughts. 4. "Be not high-minded, but fear." Remember what our blessed Lord said to His disciples, "Without Me ye can do nothing." A holy diffidence of ourselves is the true temper of a Christian, and will both serve to keep us out of the way of temptation, and teach us to act with the caution of men who perceive their danger and are careful to shun it. 5. Avoid, as much as possible, the fellowship of wicked men. 6. Beware of neglecting the instrumental duties of religion. (R. Walker.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. |
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