+I. The believer is conformed to the death of Christ.+--1. The nature of this crucifixion. It is figurative, not literal; yet real, and not chimerical. It not only signifies suffering and dying to sin, but also to effect this by the efficacy of Christ's cross. 2. The objects to which the Christian is crucified, and the principles which thereby expire: (1) The law considered as a means of justification. (2) The world--its applause, treasures, gratification. (3) Self. 3. The sufferings which accompany this crucifixion. Severe conviction and mortification. The complete surrender of heart is attended with many pangs. The continuance of the struggle is grievous. +II. The believer participates in the life of Christ.+--1. The principle of the life--Christ living in the soul. 2. The evidences of this life--holy tempers, spiritual conversation, benevolent actions. 3. The instrument by which this life is introduced and maintained in the soul--faith. +Lessons.+--1. _This subject furnishes a test to try the reality of our religion and the measure of our attainments._ 2. _Exposes the delusion of Pharisees, hypocrites, and antinomians._ 3. _Exhibits the dignity, felicity, and exalted hopes of the real believer.--Delta._ _The Religious Life of the Apostle_-- +I. Was characterised from the beginning by promptitude of action.+ +II. Was marked by a constant solicitude for his own personal salvation.+ +III. Was eminent for its spirit of devotion.+ +IV. Was one of high fellowship with the Divine.+ +V. Had its foundation and power in a living faith in Christ.+ _Truths to live on._--Some one has said, "Give me a great truth that I may live on it." And the preacher may well say, "Give me a great truth that I may preach it." There are many great truths in this verse. And yet how simply are they put! The first great truth taught in this verse is the _oneness_ between Christ and those who believe in Him. What St. Paul means is this, that having died with Christ on the cross, he has in Christ paid the penalty of sin, and it is no longer his old self that lives and rules, but Christ lives in him. And is not this the Christ I want? Not only a Christ to copy, not a Christ outside me, but a Christ living and reigning within. The believer lives by faith, and faith lives on the promises, for faith is a loving trust. The presence or absence of faith rules the whole destiny of every man. The man who believes will live one way. The unbeliever will live in another way. If you have this simple trust in Christ, you may appropriate the last clause of the verse, "He loved me, and gave Himself for me." When did that love begin? Never. When will that love end? Never. "Every human tie may perish, Friend to friend ungrateful prove, Mothers cease their own to cherish, Heaven and earth at last remove; But no changes Can attend the Saviour's love."