Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. I. REAL CHRISTIANS ARE THE LORD'S. 1. By election. 2. By redemption. 3. By sanctification. 4. By adoption. He has received them into His holy family, and entitled them to all the privileges and blessings of it. II. THEY ARE WILLING BOTH TO LIVE AND TO DIE TO THE LORD. There is no medium between men's living and dying to God, and their living and dying to themselves (ver. 7). They are willing — 1. To live to Him, by — (1) Self-dedication. (2) Submission to His government. (3) A cheerful and universal obedience to His commands. (4) Promoting the interests of His kingdom. 2. To die unto the Lord. (1) As to the time when they shall die. (2) As to the place of their dying. (3) As to all the other circumstances of their death, whether with disease or accident, etc.Conclusion: If Christians are willing to live and to die to the Lord, then — 1. The life of a real Christian is a life of self-denial. 2. They live much happier than those who live to themselves. 3. Their life is an exemplary life. 4. Their death, though a gain to them, is a loss to the world. 5. They are willing to bury their friends who die to the Lord, whenever they are called to the trial. (N. Emmons, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. |
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