Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. I. LIVING UNTO THE LORD may be considered as including the following particulars — 1. That we make His will the rule, the only rule, of our conduct. 2. That we make His approbation our governing aim, and to study to please Him in all that we do. 3. That we make His glory our end in everything we do. 4. That we be wholly resigned to His disposal; blessing Him at all times, in adversity as well as in prosperity, making Him as welcome to take from us as to give unto us. 5. That we be so thoroughly devoted to Him as to account that we live not at all, but in so far as we serve Him and show forth His praise. II. Apply this description of genuine Christianity as A MEASURE OR STANDARD FOR HELPING US TO JUDGE OF OUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION. 1. Of what weight is the authority of God in your hearts ? 2. Whom do you seek to please, and whose approbation do you principally covet? 3. What regard do you feel for the honour of your Lord? 4. What is it that gives the highest value to everything in your esteem?Conclusion — 1. Unless we live unto the Lord we shall counteract the very design of that marvellous love He hath manifested towards us in giving Himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. 2. We are therefore obliged to live unto the Lord, as we regard the honour of our Master, and the credit of that saving religion which He taught. 3. We are bound to live in the manner I described by the strictest ties of justice and equity (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). (R. Walker.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. |
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