2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor… There is an eloquence of promise in many men. In the commercial world they excel in promissory notes. In the social world they are the generous distributors of vague invitations guiltless of date. Men stop as pilgrims at the inn of Good Intent, and their position is that of "almost Christians." Notice promises — I. IN RELATION TO THE KINGDOM OF EVIL. Men do not like to lose sight of the City of God. There is a purpose to be true to Christ some day. They mean well. Mean well! What slave of vice does not do that? But let the soul be brought face to face with the necessity of endeavour, and then De Quincey, when an opium eater, is not more powerless. There is no hope in, "I'll think about it," in a convenient season, in the promise, "when I change my neighbourhood." Now, perform the resolution like a man, for "Now is the accepted time." II. IN RELATION TO RESPONSIBILITIES. 1. Of gift. "I would give if I were rich." No; if you do not yield God a fair measure of your income now you would not then. It is as easy to be miserly with a hundred a-year as it is with a thousand. God performs. He promised that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head, and we see the triumph over evil in the Cross. Christ has promised a prepared place, and our departed ones are now confessing that it was all true. 2. Of service. Service is of many kinds, but there is always a "now" about it. Moreover, performance once honestly commenced tempts out more and more of loyal effort. It is compensative, too, and brings surely its own blest reward. Never mind the initial difficulties. All great men have found them and have mastered them. Begin. III. IN RELATION TO THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST (ver. 9). In His incarnation He "performed the promise made to our forefathers." His life was one long performance. He performs still. Be ye imitators of Him. IV. IN RELATION TO THE BOUNTIFULNESS OF GOD. Meditating on our redemption we sing, "Love so amazing," etc. Perform, then, the doing of it. V. IN RELATION TO INFLUENCES. Actions speak louder than words. (W. M. Statham.) Parallel Verses KJV: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. |
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