2 Peter 1:5-7 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;… We are now got to the roof of this spiritual house, charity. This is the highest round of the ladder: there be eight steps, this is the uppermost, as nearest to heaven. I. THE MOTIVES TO CHARITY. 1. The necessity of it — (1) In respect of God. He charges us with it, both in the law and in the gospel (Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34). (2) In respect of thyself. Things of greatest use should be of greatest estimation. Thou wouldst know if thou breathest, Christian; the sign of it is thy charity. This is the pulse of faith (James 2:18). 2. The dignity of it. It is a royal office; yea, a Divine practice. Mercy and charity is the sole work communicable to man with God. The Lord is content to acknowledge Himself the charitable man's debtor (Proverbs 19:17). 3. The commodity of it. It secureth all, increaseth all, blesseth all. 4. The danger of neglecting it (Matthew 25:41-43; Proverbs 21:13; James 2:13). II. THE MATERIALS WHEREIN THIS EXTERNAL AND PRACTICAL PART OF CHARITY CONSISTS. 1. Who must give charitably (1 Timothy 6:17; Luke 12:21; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Corinthians 8:12; Ephesians 4:28; Luke 3:11). 2. What must be given: not words, but deeds; a charitable heart hath a helpful hand. 3. To whom extends our charity: this munificent part of it to the poor (Luke 14:13, 14; Luke 6:33). 4. Whereof must we give: not evil-gotten things, but our own. When the oppressor hath built his almshouse, and hopes by his perfunctory devotions to be admitted to heaven, the curses of the undone wretches knock him down to hell. 5. How we must give — (1) Cheerfully. (2) Discreetly. (3) With a right intention; for God's glory, not thine. (4) Opportunely. The more delay in giving, the less honour in the gift. (5) Before giving thy goods to the poor, give thyself to God. (Thos. Adams.) Parallel Verses KJV: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; |
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