[April 26th, 1867.]
Here are two duties, and the motive to obedience. The FIRST duty is steadfastness. The two words are used only for the sake of the climax.
I. Steadfast in the truth. This, Paul has specially in view. The Christians of his time were exposed to great temptations. (a.) From Judaism. (b.) From false philosophy. We also are so exposed, because we too are liable to be led away from the truth. How great this danger is, is shown by the history of the Church. In all ages the Church has been thus perverted, and it is now, in all countries, more or less turned aside.
Means of steadfastness. 1. A sense of danger. 2. Settled principles as to the source of truth. (a.) That it is not from reason, but by revelation. (b.) That it is revealed in the Scriptures. (c.) That the Scriptures are to be interpreted by ordinary rules. (d.) That the office of the theologian is simply to ascertain, arrange and vindicate the truth as taught in the word of God.
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Diligence in reaching clear and firm convictions.
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Dependence on the grace of God, and constant prayer to be preserved from error.
II. Steadfastness of purpose, as well as of faith.
(a.) Steadfast purpose to be a Christian. (b.) To be devoted to the work of the ministry, not to give it up for anything else. (c.) To be steadfast in that department of labor to which God may call us.
The SECOND duty is to abound in the work of the Lord. To abound is to be abundant in labors, opposed to negligence and selfishness. It is to be active and diligent, improving our time, talents and opportunities constantly.
The work of the Lord is the work in which the Lord is engaged, the work of instructing, correcting and saving men. It is not any secular or worldly work, in which we are engaged, but the work which the Lord came down from heaven to accomplish; which he is now carrying on by his providence, by the ministry of angels, by the Church, and which is to be consummated in the kingdom of heaven. We are coworkers with God, with Christ, and with the Spirit, It is a great and glorious work in comparison with which everything else is insignificant.
The motive is that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. This is the negative statement implying the positive.
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Our labor is not ineffectual. The work, though difficult, is not hopeless, but sure to succeed.
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The labor is not in vain as to ourselves. God giveth us the victory.
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