Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1916-11-23
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 26
A LIVING SACRIFICE.
son TExT-Romans l..

Rom. 12:1 r. ".
The first IL chapters of this let-
ter teach and illustrate the great
principles of the Christian life. Paul
calls it my Gospel" It's funda-
mental principle is that Justification
Fegenerates men, and nothing else.
The second section is the practical APP
pfcation of these truths
/. The Exhortation to Gratitude
wv. 1-2). Therefore" because of the
work of Christ on our behalf, we are
to present our bodies as living
sacE(fces unto God, to be used for
his &ory and service. (See chapter
6:13. 16, 19). Paul urges, he beseeches;
he Is winsome, though he might com
mand. To present" technically means,
''bring an offering to God" The body
Is the sum of all human faculties,
physical and spiritual 1t must not be
defiled by being yielded as an instru-
ment to sin, for it is the temple of
God. Il Cor. 3 :16, III. A Living Of
fering," (not as the bodies of slain
animals offered by Jews) is a conse-
y grafton Of the body, and not destruc-
y ton of life. The original means that
tnis-the offering of ourselves as
living sacrifice-is a reasonable, ra-
taonal service. God has the right of
ownership Of every member of our
body, and there never was a day when
there was greater need of insisting
upon a Christianity that affects the
bseiies of men than today. Hands, lips.
Us, eyes-every member should be
constantly presented to him who pur-
chased it by the blood of his own Son.
q Cor. $40; Pet 1:1S19) This
is a spiritual religious service be-
cause it is our spirit which presents
the Offering OF the body which he in
habits. Too many of US are fash
Toned according to this age"
II. The Expression of Gratitude
wv. 3-8). Or the right use Of the gifts
of God. "a Avoid "self-conceit" wv.
3-5). These verses. indicate how i'm
pOrtant this subject is. Conceit is en-
4 PERTAINING an exaggerated opinion of
Genes own ability. The church has
z many members, and they do not all
have the same office; there is a variety
in the unity of the body. So in the
church there are many members in
one body" each Of which is important /;
aY are essential. (2) Prophecy
". g., not necessarily foretelling, but
the revelation of spiritual truth and
experience according to the proper
ton of our faith Cps. 80 :3), the living,
spiritual experience of the presence of
God within us. 90 Ministry" ". y.
The business side of the church, col
lecting of its money and the distribu-
ton to the poor. Some can best at
tend to such business. Many churches
fail by not selecting wise leaders for
this work. (4) "He that teacheth"
The true pastor is a combined proph-
ct, pastor and teacher. We are all
teaching, whether we wish to or not.
It.iS a privilege as well as an obliga
{ m. Conduct Toward All Men wv.
9-21). The renewed soul needs guild
ance, encouragement and instruction.
~ "In love" ". 81. The hypocrite
wears mask Notice the close CON
nection of "abhor that which is evil"
with "cleave to that which is good"
<9he word for cleave means literally
to glue it, SO that nothing can separate
you from love which is the supreme
good In, honor preferring one an
other ". 10Y. Let others carry the
banner-few of us can stand this acid
test. 60 "Diligent in business ".
ny. Whatsoever your hands find to
do, Go it with your might, being fer
gent or boiling in spirit, the reverse of
khe previous exhortation, in that which
we are thus to serve the Lord. Few
need exhortation to be diligent in their
ewn business, but all of us need this
exhortation with regard to the kings
business" ~ rejoicing in hope ".
{ 12). Triumphing over trials and diff
\ eulties in the way Looking for that
blessed hope" (Titus 2:13). 90 Pa
thence and tribulation ". 12). The
Latin "tribulum'' was the threshipg In
strument or roller whereby the nus
bandman separated grain from the
husk. Sorrow, distress and adversely
ere the IledtlS lOE Sel}dI eltlIS ulSi1 Il Oib
q the chaff OF their lives. Sometimes
tsmall annoyances, long continued, be-
come great fluctuations. (See Joshua
1929 (e) Continuing in the school
of prayer ". 12). Steadfast, urgent,
pressing. persevering prayer Quke
12:D. 60 "Given to hospitality" ",
49, +; literally, pursued it.
The word "condescend" is not strong
enoGgl-it should be literally Borne
away from the living things along the
HE Of the things that are humble
ts) Living peaceably with all men
(y. 18); being ready for peace ana to
dc more than your share Of recon
cilint;op.
{a) Overcoming evil with good
{vv. 1920. The heaping of Goals upon
che enemy's head Is not the object but
IN result OF returning good for evil.
41se Proverbs Is :21-22.)