THE HONOUR OF GOD AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE CHURCH WAS WHAT WAS UPPER MOST IN PAUL'S MIND

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause, verse 13.

1. What a change grace had made in Paul. He had been mad against the very things he was now zealously for, Acts 26:11. He now counted as dung those things which were once precious to him, Philippians 3:8.

2. How closely allied the honour of God and the well-being of the church. Eph 1:11-12, Rom 8:28.

3. The love of Christ constrains us to seek both. Three strands, a. Hope of life, verse 1. b. Terror of judgment, verse 10-11. c. Love of Christ, verse 14.

4. Even though our actions for God's glory may be considered foolishness, we should continue. The mockery of men should not deter us.