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1. "Brethren" -

(1)  As begotten of the same spiritual Father.

(2)  As entitled to the same privileges.

(3)  As bearing the same spiritual features.

2. "Be strong."

I. The nature of the exhortation. Seen by describing a Christian soldier strong in the Lord, etc. As he has to do -

1. With the guilt of accumulated sin (Psalm 51:1, etc.).

2. With a body of indwelling sin (Romans 7:1, etc.).

3. With Satan's temptations (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

4. With great outward trials (Job 1:1, etc.; Acts 20:23, 24).

5. With death.

II. The way in which the Lord brings His people to be as He exhorts.

1. By showing them the importance of their situation. As made for eternity. As accountable to God. "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight," etc. (Hebrews 4:13). As called to glorify God.

2. By giving them to feel that they can do nothing.

3. By showing that in the Mediator is all they want.

4. By teaching them to pray for strength.

5. By giving them to know that He dwells in them.

6. By showing them what He has done before for them and for others.

(H. J. Foster.)

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KJV: With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

WEB: with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men;