1 Samuel 14:45 And the people said to Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD lives… He hath wrought with God this day. Apart from the power of God man can do nothing. In opposition to it he is defeated and crushed. Only in cooperation with it can he accomplish anything great or good. As in the material, so in the moral and spiritual world it is our wisdom, strength, and dignity to be "labourers together with God" (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1). Notice - I. THE AIM of this cooperation. 1. To overcome sin and misery amongst men. 2. To promote righteousness and happiness in ourselves and others. 3. To extend the kingdom and glory of God. II. THE MEANS. 1. Studying the laws or modes of God's working (Ecclesiastes 3:14) and the manifold intimations of his will. 2. Trusting in him, firmly resting on his promises, and patiently waiting their fulfilment. Oftentimes "our strength is to sit still." 3. Using with diligence the strength he gives, still depending on him "who worketh all in all" (1 Corinthians 12:6; Philippians 2:13; Isaiah 26:12). III. THE RESULT. 1. Conscious approbation of God. 2. Effectual aid. 3. Certain achievement. "In due season we shall reap if we faint not." - D. Parallel Verses KJV: And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. |
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