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I. CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE. It consists in —

1. Faith.

(1) That which leads us to accept as true the testimony of the gospel concerning Christ.

(2) To depend upon Him for all the blessings promised by Him.

(3) To constantly apply to Him for all that He has revealed and accomplished.

(4) To lay hold of His friendship, and find Him in every respect a faithful, suitable, ever-present, all-sufficient friend.

2. Love, the constant attendant of faith, and by which faith works.

(1) It produces universal benevolence to all the world, and compassion for perishing sinners.

(2) It especially delights itself in the saints as related to and bearing the image of Him who is the supreme object of love.

(3) It will evidence itself in love to Christ's commands, ways, people.

3. Hope.

(1) Its object is heaven.

(2) As a grace it dwells in the heart, always in some measure accompanying faith and love.

(3) It is with the Christian even in his darkest moments.

II. CHRISTIAN COMMUNION consists in —

1. Joy and gratitude to God on behalf of those who give evidence of being partakers of His grace in truth. This is quite distinct from ordinary friendship.

(1) It is founded on personal attractions or intimate intercourse.

(2) It is oneness of soul which subsists in the absence of every other consideration, and notwithstanding unfavourable circumstances.

2. Fervent prayer for the establishment and perfection of those graces in the beginning of which we rejoice (vers. 9, 10).

3. Cheering and animating each other to perseverance, notwithstanding all the trials and difficulties we may meet (ver. 11).

4. Encouraging each other constantly to keep in mind our infinite obligations and glorious prospects (vers. 12, 13).

III. CHRISTIAN RESOURCES.

1. The word of the truth of the gospel (ver. 5). Till this came the Colossians were strangers to faith, love, and hope.

2. The instrumentality of ministers. Epaphras and Paul were dear fellow-servants and faithful ministers, one preaching to the Colossians, by which they believed, and both labouring for their establishment and edification.

3. Prayer for the supply of all those spiritual blessings which the saints have learned to appreciate and desire (vers. 3-9).

4. The operations of the Holy Spirit, which gives efficiency to all love (ver. 8) is especially said to be in the Spirit, who is indeed the agent of every grace.

IV. CHRISTIAN PRACTICE (ver. 6). Wherever the gospel is preached, and attended with Divine power and efficacy, it brings forth fruit.

1. In the conversion of sinners.

2. Where vital religion is possessed it is evidenced by exemplary deportment and diffusive benevolence. There is fruit that both the Church and the world can see. They cannot see our love to Christ or our hope of heaven, but they can see our conscientious dealings in the world, our charity, our unworldliness. These are fruits which give evidence of vitality and vigour in the root.

V. CHRISTIAN EXPECTATIONS. Christians have a hope that is laid up for them in heaven.

1. As to themselves, it is secret and out of sight. It is only faith that can realize it. They are yet in their minority in a world of discipline and education; heirs, indeed, but not of age. Supplies are sent them here, but their hope, their portion, is laid up in heaven.

2. It is treasured up in a place of perfect security, so that no enemy or thief can reach it.

3. It is laid up where none of the changes of time can affect it. If we carried it about with us, we might lose it. When we die we should drop it; but it is safe in heaven, out of the reach of disappointment.Conclusion:

1. If we desire spiritual prosperity, let us be much in prayer for ourselves and others. Nothing more enlarges our capacity for holy enjoyment.

2. If we possess a hope in heaven, let it be evidenced by superiority to the world and love to our fellow-heirs.

3. If these blessings are imparted to sinners through the instrumentality of the gospel, be concerned to spread the gospel.

(J. Hirst.)

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KJV: We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

WEB: We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,