Malachi 3:14 You have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance… Those who were the immediate objects of the prophet's ministry had departed from the service of God. The priests having broken their covenant, the people were ruined by their vile example, and went back from God by a perpetual backsliding. I. THE NATURE OF THAT SERVICE WHICH GOD DEMANDS. 1. Our service to God must be sincere. All true religion ceases when the heart is not right with God. 2. Our Christian service must be scriptural. 3. This service must be uniform. There is, in matters of true religion, a balance power — always keeping its possessor in happy and perfect equality. 4. In this service you must be diligent. 5. In this service you must be employed until you die. Having once put your hand to the plough, you are not to look back. II. THE ADVANTAGES OF THAT SERVICE. 1. It gives, m return, the richest blessings. The Christian service gives us liberty, and liberty of the highest kind; for, if the Son make you free, then are you free indeed. So rich are the blessings this service bestows, that we cannot speak their worth; and so numerous, that to tell their vast amount our efforts are all vain. 2. Another advantage is elevation and honour. 3. This service brings contentment. 4. This service takes away the fear of death. 5. This service will be rewarded in heaven. Apply to four descriptions of persons. (1) You who are not engaged in this service. (2) Those who have just entered on this service. (3) Those who were once engaged in this service; but have left it. (4) You who are old servants in this good cause. (R. Croxton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? |
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