Matthew 16:1-5 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven.… I. SOME OF THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Every age has its peculiar developments-signs. We live in an age that is replete with these moral indicators, and to sonic of them we call attention. 1. The almost universal diffusion of knowledge is one of the signs of the times. 2. The extent of its new discoveries and inventions. 3. The increasing power and commanding position of the Anglo-Saxon race. 4. The decay and approaching dissolution of heathen governments. II. WHAT DO THESE SIGNS INDICATE? These signs clearly indicate the rapid progress of Messiah's kingdom. III. WHAT IS OUR DUTY IN VIEW OF THESE SIGNS OF THE TIMES? 1. Rightly to discern them. 2. To seek an entrance into the kingdom of Christ without delay. 3. Labour and pray for its incoming in greater power and glory. (P. M. Brett, D. D.)Too many signs of the times surround us on every side to make it either right, or wise, or safe, or happy to pass them by unnoticed. I. LET US SEEK TO UNDERSTAND DISTINCTLY WHAT IS INTENDED BY A SIGN. May be miraculous or moral. II. WHAT PARTICULARLY WERE THOSE SIGNS WHICH OUR LORD REBUKED THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES FOR NOT HAVING OBSERVED? III. INQUIRE WHETHER THE ORDER OF THINGS IN PROPHECY COMPARED WITH THE ASPECT OF OUR OWN TIMES MAY NOT AFFORD US SOME INSTRUCTION. It is a Christian duty to discern the signs, to watch the moral aspect of the times in which we live. We shall thus learn more of the intentions and character of the Divine Being. (J. P. Dunn.) Parallel Verses KJV: The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.WEB: The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. |
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