Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. I. TRUTHS INVOLVED IN THIS SAYING. 1. Life is valuable and ought to be preserved. Man is to live; nothing can be compared with life — wealth, honour, reputation, dignity, position, rank — what is all that compared with life? Life is an invaluable boon; it is the day of grace, the day of opportunity, the day of responsibility. 2. Life is sustained by the use of appointed means. We are not to expect life to be sustained by miracle. 3. Life is dependent upon the great power of God. He is the great Author of everything, and Arbiter of the destinies of all. 4. God has a variety of means by which He can support life. When He sees fit, He can and does support life by miraculous agency. II. ERRORS CORRECTED BY THIS SAYING. 1. It censures the loose opinions of those who hope to live upon pleasure. Christ says, Men are to live upon bread. There is a very serious character about life. To expect any one to liv upon pleasure is like asking a hungry man to a painted banquet; there is the form of food, but it cannot minister to his support. 2. It condemns the conduct of those who toil only for bread. Another world has claims, as well as this. 3. It corrects the doubts and unbelief of many concerning Divine Providence. 4. It suggests the means of life for the higher nature of man. (George Smith.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. |
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