Christians; for example, for the conviction of unbelievers, the confirmation
4 Sermon on Disputes
2. The lessons implied. Therefore we should judge ourselves and prove our own work. It is also a good reason why we should not judge one another or be severe in our censures of one another.
II. ALL BELIEVERS MUST GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR CONVERSATIONS AMONG THEMSELVES.
A. Christ Takes Note of Our Conversation.
For "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:36, 37).
B. Christ Takes Note of Our Edifying Conversation.
There is ota ¢ A rom a good
OU d shall be rewarded openly (Malachi 3:16).
C. Christ Takes Note of Our Corrupt Conversation. om: ceeds out of our mouths, Christ ased and we shall hear of it again.
III. ALL BELIEVERS WILL ESPECIALLY BE CALLED TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR DISPUTES.
A. An Explanation of Disputes.
1. The meaning. Disputing supposes some variance and strife, and a mutual contradiction and opposition arising from it.
2. The classification. (a) There are disputes that are of use among Christians; for example, for the conviction of unbelievers, the confirmation of those in danger of being led astray. (b) There are also disputes which cannot be vindicated and of which we are ashamed.
B. The Occasions of Disputes.
1. Differences of opinion. Disputes commonly arise from differences of opinion, either in religion and divine things; or in philosophy, politics, or other parts of learning; or in the conduct of human life.