Ephesians 3:13 Why I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 1. We are prone, when ministers of the gospel are troubled, to forsake them and their gospel (Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:56). (1) By nature there is in us an immoderate declining of that which is grievous to sense. We turn our back upon the storm, and will not go so far as to put our finger in the fire at any band. (2) From childhood there grows up in us an immoderate love of a pleasant condition. Like swallows, we would always have it to be summer. (3) We are very inconstant, and inclined to change; ready to crown Christ today, and to crucify Him tomorrow. 2. We must be ready to suffer in the afflictions of the gospel with the ministers thereof. (1) The Cross and profession of Christ are almost undivided companions, by God's appointment. (2) We must not take offence at this, because our blessedness stands in it. (3) This not falling away in times of persecution is a testimony to us of sound hearts. (4) This is a gainful, thing (Hebrews 11:26; Mark 10:30). (Paul Bayne.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.WEB: Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory. |
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