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Simplicity.

From: The New Topical Textbook By: Reuben Archer Torrey

• 1 min. read • grade level: 12

Is opposed to fleshly wisdom. 2 Cor. 1:12¹²For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (2 Corinthians 1:12).

Necessity for. Matt. 18:2, 3²And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, ³And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2‑3).

SHOULD BE EXHIBITED

In preaching the gospel. 1 Thess. 2:3-7³For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: ⁴But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. ⁵For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: ⁶Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. ⁷But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: (1 Thessalonians 2:3‑7).

In acts of benevolence. Rom. 12:8⁸Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:8).

In all our conduct. 2 Cor. 1:12¹²For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (2 Corinthians 1:12).

Concerning our own wisdom. 1 Cor. 3:18¹⁸Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18).

Concerning evil. Rom. 16:19¹⁹For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. (Romans 16:19).

Concerning malice. 1 Cor. 14:20²⁰Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Corinthians 14:20).

Exhortation to. Rom. 16:19¹⁹For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. (Romans 16:19). 1 Pet. 2:2²As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2).

THEY WHO HAVE THE GRACE OF,

Are made wise by God. Matt. 11:25²⁵At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (Matthew 11:25).

Are made wise by the word of God. Psa. 19:7⁷The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7). Psa. 119:130¹³⁰The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130).

Are preserved by God. Psa. 116:6⁶The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. (Psalm 116:6).

Made circumspect by instruction. Prov. 1:4⁴To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. (Proverbs 1:4).

Profit by the correction of others. Prov. 19:25²⁵Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. (Proverbs 19:25). Prov. 21:11¹¹When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. (Proverbs 21:11).

Beware of being corrupted from that, which is in Christ. 2 Cor. 11:3³But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Illustrated. Matt. 6:22²²The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (Matthew 6:22).

Exemplified. David, Psa. 131:1, 2¹<<A Song of degrees of David.>> Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. ²Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. (Psalm 131:1‑2). Jeremiah, Jer. 1:6⁶Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. (Jeremiah 1:6). Primitive Christians, Acts 2:46⁴⁶And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (Acts 2:46). Acts 4:32³²And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (Acts 4:32). Paul, 2 Cor. 1:12¹²For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (2 Corinthians 1:12).

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The New Topical Textbook

• Scorning and Mocking.

• Scorpion, the.

• Scriptures, the.

• Sealing of the Holy Ghost.

• Second Coming of Christ, the.

• Seeking God.

• Self-Delusion.

• Self-Denial.

• Self-Examination.

• Self-Righteousness.

• Self-Will and Stubbornness.

• Selfishness.

• Sidonians, the.

• Simeon, the Tribe of.

• Simplicity.