Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor… I. WHAT IS THERE IN THE SCALE THAT IS FAVOURABLE TO YOU? 1. There are many of the qualities of youth which are favourable to religion, and as such Christ regards them. Courage, warm affections, retentive memory. These favourable to piety. 2. There are words in Scripture that are peculiarly favourable to you, and should inspire your hope, "They that seek Me early shall find Me." 3. So the works of God — His works of grace — confirm those things that are said, so earnestly, to encourage you. Perhaps not one in forty is convinced after the age of forty. II. WHAT IS THERE IN THE SCALE THAT IS AGAINST YOU? "One thing thou lackest," etc. 1. All that is merely amiable and hopeful in nature is not grace, nor is it at all really valuable in God's sight. It is not holiness. 2. All those things that may appear amiable and lovely, if they are not sanctified by religion, will become hostile. The readiness of mind that receives a report may render your mind the storehouse of all impurity. 3. That if the grace of God prevent not, all the promises of youth may perish in everlasting despair.Now let me entreat you to take the following counsels. 1. Never think you are too young to be converted, and forgiven, and saved. 2. Never take up with anything short of true religion. 3. Never be satisfied with having religion — seek to abound in it. 4. Let me remind you that for this purpose you should study your own easily besetting sin, especially the sins of your youth. 5. For this purpose form a rule, lay down a plan for life, laying out every day as it ought to be spent, and as you will wish you had spent it when you come to die; for this purpose read daily the Holy Scriptures — consult aged and experienced Christians, and ask them how they would advise you to conduct yourself before God. 6. Lastly, seek to live not for yourselves, but to live usefully as well as safely. (J. Bennett, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. |
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