Matthew 16:25 For whoever will save his life shall lose it: and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. I. THE THINGS OF THIS LIFE MEN MAY OBTAIN BY REJECTING THE RELIGION OF CHRIST. They may obtain a considerable portion of earthly riches; the sensual gratifications of life; the distinctions of worldly honour and praise. II. IN WHAT RESPECT THESE ADVANTAGES SHALL BE LOST TO THEM. They shall often be interrupted in their enjoyment of them. Sometimes they are overtaken with overwhelming calamities. They must all necessarily be forfeited at death. They produce the most appalling consequences in the eternal world. III. WHAT WE MAY BE CALLED TO SACRIFICE IN BECOMING THE DISCIPLES OF JESTS. Christ called His disciples to lose all will and choice with respect to this world's good. We may be called to lose the approbation of friends; to endure the frowns of the world; lose life itself. IV. IN WHAT RESPECTS WE SHALL FIND AGAIN THE THINGS WE SACRIFICE. In the midst of these sacrifices — we have what is better than life; we are attaining a greater assimilation to the life of Christ; all our sacrifices terminate at death; we shall be superabundantly rewarded at the last day. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. |
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