Theological Sketch-book Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children… I. OUR PRIVILEGE as the followers of Christ. 1. What is meant by the Holy Spirit. 2. The Holy Ghost is enjoyed by all real Christians. 3. For what purposes He is received by them. (1) As a Spirit of penitence and prayer. (2) As a Spirit of power. (3) As a Spirit of comfort. (4) As a Spirit of purity. (5) As a Spirit of wisdom. (6) As a Spirit of fruitfulness. II. OUR DUTY. To ask as God requires. 1. Sincerely. 2. Evangelically. 3. Importunately. 4. Believingly. III. These words also ENCOURAGE OUR HOPE. Application: 1. Recollect your privilege with suitable acts of piety. Such as — self-examination. Do you enjoy this gift as a Spirit of penitence, &c. (2 Corinthians 12:5). Humiliation: on account of your enjoying no more of it (James 4:2, 8-10). Holy care: to cherish and improve what Divine influence you enjoy. By obeying Christ (Revelation 3:2); and imitating St. Paul (Philippians 3:13, 14). 2. Recollect your duty with perseverance in it (Colossians 4:2). 3. Recollect your encouragement with steadfast hope — of receiving the Holy Spirit in all His influences; as a Spirit of prayer, penitence, power, &c. (Theological Sketch-book.) Parallel Verses KJV: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? |
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