Romans 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. I. THE OBJECT OF MISSIONARY ZEAL. To speak of Christ, and to make Christ known. If a heathen could say, "I am a man, and nothing human is foreign to me," how much more should our hearts burn, when we are told that the knowledge of Christ is at present limited to one-third of the human race! Surely this is an object sufficient to justify missionary efforts. II. THE CHARACTER OF MISSIONARY LABOURS. To go forth and to preach the gospel of Christ. Leaving it to Mahomet to draw the sword and enforce obedience, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, our appeal is not to secular authority, for the religion of Christ made its way against that authority. III. THE PROMISES OF MISSIONARY SUCCESS. We can appeal to "It is written," and I should like to know what nineteen centuries have done to invalidate Paul's testimony. IV. THE EXTENT OF MISSIONARY CLAIMS. If Jesus looked beyond His conflicts and trials, and saw of the travail of His soul, can we be indifferent to that on which His heart was set now He is in heaven? If He anticipated much as the reward of His labours, can we be satisfied that He should receive but little? Did He say, "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me"? Shall not we aim to lift Him up by the preaching of the gospel, and say to perishing men, "Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world"? (R. C. Dillon, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. |
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