Lessons.—1. A blameless life is the product of the grace of God. 2. Is a rebuke to the wavering and inconsistent. 3. Evokes the congratulations of the good in both worlds.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.
Vers. 15, 16. Christians Example to the World.—1. Divisions and strife grieve the Spirit and darken those evidences of sonship which believers in a calm and peaceful temper of spirit used to see most clearly. 2. We stop the mouths of enemies when our conversation is such as may discover to others their failings, and point out that good way wherein they ought to walk. 3. Suitable practice joined with profession puts such a majesty and splendour on truth that every Christian is to profane men as the sun and moon are in the firmament. 4. The glory put on gracious souls at the day of judgment will add to the glory and joy of faithful ministers.—Fergusson.
Ver. 16. The Word of Life: a Living Ministry and a Living Church.
I. To apprehend the life of the Church we must apprehend the life of its Head.
II. A living ministry.—1. Requires confidence in the office and work itself. 2. Distinctness of purpose. 3. A quick and profound sense of the nature and dignity of the soul. 4. One that preaches more than moral decency: preaches piety, regeneration, and faith. 5. Must not be afraid to assert what passes its own reason.
III. A living Church.—1. A safeguard against dogmatism. 2. Formalism. 3. Partisanship. 4. Is a body whose life is the life of Christ in the soul.—F. D. Huntington, D.D.
Vers. 16–18. The Joy of Ministerial Success—
I. Sustained by the assurance of the final approval of his heavenly Master.—“That I may rejoice in the day of Christ” (ver. 16).
II. Cheerfully sacrifices life itself in the successful prosecution of his work.—”Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all” (ver. 17).