Philippians 3:1-11 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.… That can never be too much taught which cannot be too well learned. By learning the same things often — I. DULL AND UNEXPERT UNDERSTANDINGS ARE MUCH HELPED. II. YOU ARE STIRRED UP INTO GREATER WARINESS THAN OTHERWISE YE WOULD. (H. Airay, D. D.)Dwelling on the same things is necessary even for the best Christians, because — I. TRUTH IS SUPERNATURAL, AND OUR MINDS ARE CARNAL. That therefore which is to keep our changeful minds must be assiduous, or else our minds will sink into their first estate. II. WE OFTEN DISREGARD THE TRUTH AT THE FIRST, SECOND, OR THIRD PRESENTATION (Job 33:14). III. THERE IS SUCH A BREADTH AND DEPTH IN THE WORD OF GOD, THAT ALTHOUGH WE OFTEN HEAR THE SAME THING WE NEVER COME TO UNDERSTAND THE FULL EXTENT. Our souls are narrow. Spiritual meat requires digestion, and therefore repetition. IV. CORRUPTIONS AND WORLDLY BUSINESS TEND TO THRUST OUT THE CONSIDERATION OF THE TRUTH. We cannot have two things in our mind at the same time in strength. Whence it comes to pass that the better being ever subject to be thrust out needs to be hammered in with often repetition. V. OUR MEMORIES ARE VERY WEAK TO RETAIN ANYTHING THAT IS GOOD. Good things sink through them as water through a sieve; there is need therefore of remembrances. After this manner God hath dealt with man in renewing the promises, and Christ in His parables (Matthew 13), although with variety, teaching ministers to avoid tediousness. Conclusion: 1. Let it not be grievous to ministers to do what is for the safety of God's children. Peter cast often and got nothing, yet at Christ's word he cast again. God, that blesseth not every cast, may bless the cast to the catching of many. 2. If we hear the same things often, let us hear them as an impression which may carry force and work upon our hearts more strongly than before. (R. Sibbes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. |
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