Homilist Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you… I. IS IDENTICAL WITH THAT OF THE GREAT GOD. "The Spirit of God" and "the Spirit of Christ" are identical. "I and My Father are one." Christ's temper was — 1. Essentially benevolent. "He came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them." His severest reproofs were but the bass notes in the harmonies of His loving nature. The blows He struck at the stoner were but to break his chains and set him free. 2. Forgivingly benevolent. Examples are numerous: the woman in Simon's house; the paralytic; His prayer for His enemies. 3. Earnestly benevolent. His benevolence was a burning passion. "Come unto Me all ye that labour," etc., "O Jerusalem," etc. Now all this is identical with the moral temper. Do you want to know how God feels towards you as a sinner? The biography of Christ will answer. II. IS COMMUNICABLE TO MAN. For — 1. Man is preeminently adapted to receive it. He is not formed to receive evil; it is repugnant to his conscience. The soul is made to live in love as its vital atmosphere. 2. Man is preeminently in want of this. It is the only Spirit that can expel the demon passions of evil that reign within, that can light up his soul with truth and blessedness. 3. Man has preeminent helps to this. The Scripture, the life of Christ, the ministry, etc. III. DETERMINES THE CONDITION OF MAN. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." 1. None of His loyal subjects. All who have this disposition delight in His law. All others are miserable vassals. They serve Him, but against their will. 2. None of His docile disciples. Love is essential to Christian knowledge. Without it men may be speculators, cavillers, dogmatists, but not teachable disciples. 3. None of His loving friends. The want of this is enmity to Christ. 4. None of His co-heirs. From this subject we learn that Christianity is — (1) A life, not a creed or form. (2) A Divine life. The true Christian is one with the Infinite. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. |
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