1936 Bible Studies - page 198

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BIBLE STUDIES.

also characterise His disciples, who are His pupils, for we read " that

a servant is not greater than his Lord, neither is he that is sent, greater

than he that sent him " (see John 13. 13, 14).

From this we have the lesson, that humility is to be shown by disciples towards one another and to be as their Master, " who being in the form of God counted it not a prize to be grasped at, to be on equality with God, but emptied (or humbled) Himself, taking the form of a servant, and being found in fashion as a Man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross "

(Philippians 2. 6-8).

Fred Harvey.

From Greenock. -- At the very commencement of His public ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ presented his credentials (please read Luke 4*. 16-30).  He proved by act and word that He had come from God and that He had received His teaching from God (see John 3 1-2, 4. 34, 5. 36, 8. 28, etc.). And what was the essence of His teaching ?

Need we point out that it was Love -- to God and to man ; strong, deathless love, not a tearful sentimentality ?  Note that it was at the

close of this earthly association that He gave the commandment to His disciples that they should love one another, after He had consistently set them the example both by word and deed.  It was as though He

had been schooling them and training them during His time with them and now they were ready to receive it.

If then, love is the root of His teaching it should characterise His disciples, and this is exactly what he points out to them.  " By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to the other."

How wonderfully love and true discipleship are linked in 1 Corinthians 13 !  In verse 4 we have long-suffering and humility ;

verse 5, seemly behaviour ; verse 6, rejoicing with the truth.  It is also worthy of note how closely discipline and love are related (see John 14. 15 and 21 ; 15. 14). % This discipline results in freedom (John 8. 31, 32).

The heights to which the faithful disciple may rise are amazing.

Please read Philippians 3. 14-19, and ponder the meaning of the words " filled unto all the fulness of God."  See also chapter 4. 13 and com-pare Matthew 10. 25--" It is enough that a disciple be as his master."

How near the Apostle came to this standard may be judged from his words, " Be ye imitators of me even as I also am of Christ " (1 Corin-thians 11. 1).  " I have finished the course " (2 Timothy 4. 7, 8).

"And considering the issue of their life, let us imitate their faith " (Hebrews 13. 7).

S. Johnston.