Essex Remembrancer Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. I. INQUIRE INTO THE REASONS WHY THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE CALLED "A FLOCK," AND WHY "A LITTLE FLOCK." They are called a flock to show the peculiar regard which the Saviour has to them. They are a " little" flock, as compared with the multitude of the ungodly. Three reasons why it remains "little." 1. Because the method of admission into this flock is contrary to the enmity of the human heart. 2. The laws of this flock are too holy and self-denying for the generality of mankind. This therefore tends to keep it small. 3. Another reason why the flock of Christ is small, is the opposition and persecution it meets with from a sinful world. II. POINT OUT THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FEAR TO THIS, AT PRESENT, LITTLE FLOCK. They are not exempt from the common calamities of life; yea, in many respects, and for wise reasons, they are more exposed to them than other people: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous." III. ENDEAVOUR, UNDER THE INFLUENCES OF THE SPIRIT, TO REMOVE ALL NEEDLESS FEARS FROM THE FLOCK OF CHRIST, BY REMINDING THEM OF THE PROPERTIES OF THAT KINGDOM WHICH CHRIST HAS PROMISED. 1. A peaceful kingdom. 2. A holy kingdom. 3. An eternal kingdom. (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.WEB: Don't be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. |
    |