Luke 21:36 Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass… I. RIGID REQUIREMENTS OF HIS STANDARD. 1. Consecration. Implies self-surrender. The doctrine of the Cross lies at the threshold of Christian living. 2. Purity. Involves thought of the heart, speech, actions. 3. Non-resistance. " Overcome evil with good." This is the law of the New Testament, though not of nations or of the world. 4. Forgiveness of injury. Goes beyond passive indifference. Exacts positive affection. II. DUTY OF STANDING BEFORE HIM. Every time we hear the gospel, we "stand before the Son of Man." Every time we witness His ordinances, we are brought face to face with Him. How? Either condemned or justified. Christ is the great Refiner of men. It is our duty to stand before Him. 1. Because His is the only perfect standard. He makes no mistakes. 2. Because it is the only way to secure His favour. Once men put Him on trial; now the order is reversed. He demands that every man be put to the test, to show his quality. To refuse to submit to Christ's judgment, is to confess cowardice. 3. Because by this we reach our proper place. The scientific principle is here applied. It is a species of "natural selection" — "the survival of the fittest." Conclusion: To stand before the Son of Man implies — 1. Your life in harmony with His. 2. Watching and prayer. 3. His favour and divinest blessing. (H. S. Lobingier.) Parallel Verses KJV: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. |
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