1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels… I. THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST PREACHERS OF THE GOSPEL WILL APPEAR MYSTERIOUS WHEN WE CONSIDER THE THEMES WHICH THEY PROCLAIMED. II. THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST PREACHERS OF THE GOSPEL APPEARS GREATLY MYSTERIOUS WHEN WE CONSIDER THE HUMAN AGENCY BY WHICH IT WAS SECURED: an agency, humanly speaking, the most inadequate to such success, and the most unlikely to realize it. III. THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST PREACHERS OF THE GOSPEL APPEARS MYSTERIOUS WHEN WE CONSIDER THE NUMEROUS AND FORMIDABLE OBSTACLES ARRAYED AGAINST THEM, AND WHICH THEY HAD TO SURMOUNT. IV. THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST PREACHERS OF THE GOSPEL APPEARS GREATLY MYSTERIOUS WHEN WE CONSIDER THE MODE IN WHICH IT WAS ACHIEVED. V. THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST PREACHERS OF THE GOSPEL APPEARS GREATLY MYSTERIOUS WHEN WE CONSIDER ITS RAPIDITY AND EXTENT. 1. We thus learn by whom all the past success of the gospel has been achieved. That success most clearly and distinctly announces the exertion of the power of God. 2. Hence we also learn from whom we are to expect all success in future. "God giveth the increase." "Our sufficiency is of God." "It is the Spirit that quickeneth." God must be entirely depended upon, and must have all the glory. 3. We further learn, that no matter how weak the instruments are, if they are only called of God, and humbly depend upon Him, and plainly declare the truth as it is in Jesus, success will crown their efforts. But, we must ask, Have you believed in Christ? (S. Lucas.) Parallel Verses KJV: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. |
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