1 Chronicles 29:5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers… I. THE NATURE OF THE SERVICE REQUIRED. The service of God is a phrase which amounts to much the same thing as the worship of God. 1. Servitude sometimes arises from — (1) Subjugation or conquest. (2) Hereditary succession. Some men are born servants or slaves. The servitude which God requires is a servitude which makes the servant free. 2. The service which God requires involves — (1) Divine illumination. (2) Pure and ardent love. (3) Continued and unceasing obedience. II. WHAT ARE THE OBLIGATIONS UNDER WHICH WE ARE ALL PLACED TO RENDER SUCH SERVICE TO THE ALMIGHTY? 1. It is the duty of man to obey and serve Him. 2. Such service is very profitable and beneficial to man. 3. It is a refuge to its subject in the day of trouble. 4. It is an antidote to the fear of death. III. THAT THE SERVICE OF GOD IS INDISPENSABLE. 1. Because it is the commandment of God. 2. The grand design of human life is the service of God. 3. The service of God is the only means of salvation. IV. I COME NOW TO PROPOSE THE INQUIRY, "Who then is willing? " etc. 1. The service of God is a willing service. 2. I address myself (1) To the aged. (2) To those in the prime and activity of life. (3) More especially to the young. Lock — (a) At the magnitude of the work. (b) The difficulty with which it may afterwards be accomplished. (c) The shortness and uncertainty of life. (d) The consequences that will follow from this early devotement of yourselves unto God. Objections: 1. Time enough yet. 2. I shall lose my friends if I embrace in my youth the religion of Jesus Christ. It was once said by an ancient philosopher, "Caesar is my friend — I have nothing to fear"; and a greater than Caesar is here. Jesus is "a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." 3. To embrace religion in youth will expose to obloquy and shame. Was it not said by one of the ancients that where God is there can be no exile — no banishment from His presence? 4. God is merciful, and we may get religion when we please. You may reckon on mercy until you are taken out of the world without it; and there is no mercy beyond the gates of death. (W. Tease.) Parallel Verses KJV: The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? |
    |