Matthew 5:47 And if you salute your brothers only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so? I. On what GROUND this superiority may be challenged. More is required of Christians because more is done for them, expected of them, can be accomplished by them, has been realized by them. II. The WORKS AND EVIDENCES that this superiority should assume. They will always have recourse to a higher standard and motives than others. By an unfeigned attachment to the cause of Christ. They must openly commit themselves to the cause and interest of the Church. As to the estimate they form of the world. In a strict observance of all religious ordinances. By engrafting in all their ordinary virtues those which are extraordinary. III. To what PRACTICAL PURPOSE the enforcement of the subject may be applied? It is often requisite to ask Christians what they do because a considerable odium attaches itself to evangelical doctrine. There is greater evil in hollow friendship than open hostility; they are prone to coldness and neglect. (Dr. R. W. Hamilton.) I. Explain why as Christians we ought to do more than others. Because we underlie special obligations — are endowed with supernatural strength, acknowledge a higher standard of duty — burdened with a heavier responsibility. II. Inquire whether we do more than others. For our own souls, our families, the Church, our race? (G. Brooks.) Parallel Verses KJV: And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? |
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