Classic Sermon Outlines (continued)
CLASSIC SERMON OUTLINES — Matthew Henry good man said. By this is understood that (a) the whole man must be sanctified. The understanding must be enlightened, the will brought into obedience to the will of God, both to the will of His precepts to do them and to do — the will of His providences to submit to them. (b) The whole work of God must be regarded and respected (Psalm 119:6, 80, 128).
3. The necessity of progress in holiness. (a) The habits of grace must grow more confirmed and rooted, our resolutions against sin more settled and our resolutions for God and duty more steady. (b) The actings of grace must grow more vigorous and lively. (c) We must be more watchful and on our guard. (d) We must be actuated and animated by the fear of God resulting in faithfulness in family and private devotions, a reverent regard for the majesty and authority of God, and fear of God's wrath and displeasure.
CONCLUSION
Apply the promises to yourselves, live upon them, take them to be your heritage forever. Both you that are young and you that are old treasure up the promises. Apply the precepts to yourselves and live up to them and be holy in all manner of conduct. Keep a conscience always void of offence both toward God and toward man.
Matthew Fag
SERMON THIRTY
CHRISTIAN UNITY
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
—EPHESIANS 4:3
THE FORMER part of this epistle (chapters 1-3) consists of several important doctrinal truths. The latter part (chapters 4-6) contains the most weighty and serious exhortations that can be given. The former part informs the minds of men in the great doctrines of the Gospel and the latter is designed for the direction of their lives. The text exhorts to mutual unity and concord.
I. THE MEANS OF CHRISTIAN UNITY.
A. The Statement of the Means (Verse 2).
1, Lowliness and meekness. By lowliness we are to understand humility, and entertaining mean thoughts of ourselves, which is opposed to pride. By meekness is meant that excellent disposition of soul which offended with their infirmities. It is opposed to angry resentments and _peevishness.
2: Long-suffering and loving forbearance. Long-suffering implies a paOe nretnomemmmine