1 Thessalonians 1:3-4 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ… I. WHAT IT IS TO ACT AS EVER IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. To maintain a supreme and habitual regard for God in the relations He sustains towards us. 1. Some act with a perpetual self-consciousness. They care for no one's esteem or condemnation. Their one object is to please self — a poor master when best pleased. 2. To act with a perpetual consciousness of others: ever fearful to offend, and offending from very fearfulness; ever over-anxious to please, and failing through very over-anxiousness. 3. The Christian is ever conscious of, "Thou God seest me." (1) As a Being of infinite perfection. (2) As Lawgiver and Sovereign. (3) As Creator, Preserver, Benefactor. (4) As Redeemer and Sanctifier. (5) As Judge and Rewarder. (6) As Father. II. THE ADVANTAGE OF ACTING AS EVER IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. 1. It would make the whole of life a continued act of religion. Apply this to business, politics, domestic duties. 2. It would give us the comfort of knowing that some one whose appreciation is worth having is cognizant of little acts upon which men set no value. Who regards the widow's mite or the cup of cold water? God is also observant of those little trials in the warehouse or home, the aggregate of which constitute a great trial. He is looking down with sympathy — be brave; He is looking down with justice — beware. 3. It would strengthen against temptation. There is enough in that omniscient Being to gratify every longing. Why, then, try to fill your belly with the husks that the swine do eat? 4. It would make us stedfast in all holy obedience. We should be prepared for all the duties of devotion. The sense of God with us amid all the cares and bustle of the world would help to maintain all the graces in lively exercise. 5. It would prepare for death and eternity. (N. W. Taylor, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; |
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