[December 3d, 1856.]
God himself is set before us as an example in the Scriptures. But Christ as possessing our nature, subject to our infirmities, temptations, and sufferings, brings before us not merely divine, but human perfection as a model for our imitation. We are therefore commanded to be followers or imitators of Christ.
We should thus imitate him,
I. In his piety or devotion to God, in the constant reference to God’s glory;—constant confidence in his promise; constant obedience to his commands; constant submission to his will; and in the frequency, fervor and attendance on the other means of grace, for he fulfilled all righteousness.
II. In his benevolence, his disinterested devotion to the good of others.—He sought not his own. He went about doing good. Neither his own honor nor advantage was the end which he pursued. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Let the governing principle of your life, the end for which you live, be what his was.
III. In his manner of resisting temptation.
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He never placed himself in danger. He refused to tempt God.
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He resisted the first suggestions of evil.
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He appealed to the authority of the Scriptures, or used them as the sword of the Spirit.
IV. In his endurance of injuries.—Never was such ingratitude, disrespect, indifference, malice, contempt and scorn, heaped on any other head; and that head encircled with the radiance of divine perfection, and the crown of universal dominion. Yet, 1. There was no resentfulness. He did not call down fire from heaven on his enemies. He did not return evil for evil. He did good for evil and prayed for those who shed his blood. 2. He did not threaten. In this there is a strong contrast between him and many of the martyrs.
V. His faithful rebuking of sinners.—1. Here it was sin he rebuked, and his censures were the expression of his hatred of sin. 2. It was fearless and impartial. 3. It was with authority.
VI. Christ as a teacher.—1. Adapted his instruction to the state of his hearers. 2. He seized every occasion and gave his lesson a character of being especially applicable. 3. He spake as a witness.
VII. Christ as a sufferer.—1. He did not manifest stoical indifference. 2. He was meek and resigned. 3. He looked to the end, the glory that should follow.
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