Galatians 5:13 For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. I. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN CHURCH? 1. Not a club, an association of persons belonging to the same rank in life, but a Divine society embracing all classes. 2. Not a republic where majorities rule, but a society where the will of the Divine Head is the governing power. 3. Two or three, met in Christ's name, and loyal to His will, are sufficient to constitute a Christian Church. II. WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF HAPPY CHURCH LIFE? 1. The root of all is obedience to the law. "Love one another." 2. Love gives rise to mutuality in everything. 3. Mutual feeling branches out in various ways. (1) Where help is wanted — "Bear ye one another's burdens," "Edify one another," "Admonish one another."(2) Where wounded feelings prevail — "Confess to one another," "Pray for one another," "Forbearing one another," "Forgiving one another." 4. From the whole proceeds the Christian law of courtesy and etiquette — "Be subject to one another," "In honour prefering one another," "In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than himself." (E. Johnson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. |
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