The Evangelist 2 Corinthians 8:7-8 Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us… I. THE CLAIM OF CHRIST TO OUR LOVE. It is founded — 1. On His Divine excellence; and the relation of all that excellence to us in the character of our Saviour. 2. On His deeds of benevolence and mercy, His mediatorial work and office. 3. By the personal benefits we have derived and are daily deriving from Him. 4. It is discerned in the provision He has made for our everlasting happiness and perfection. II. THE NATURE OF THE LOVE HE CLAIM'S FROM US. 1. It must be supreme. 2. It must be constant. 3. It must be practical. "Let us not love in word only, but in deed and in truth." III. HOW CHRIST TRIES THE LOVE OF HIS PEOPLE. 1. By the doctrines and precepts of His Word. Proud reason finds it hard to bow to some truths. 2. By the circumstances of His cause in the world. 3. By the condition of some of His people. Many of them are in want and sickness and mental distress. 4. Our love to Christ is tried by the special circumstances of our own lot. IV. THE MARKS WHICH PROVE OUR LOVE FALSE AND INADEQUATE. We can have no true love to Christ — 1. If we have not committed our souls to Him. 2. If we are cherishing secret sin. 3. If our attachment to any earthly object causes us to violate His commands. 4. If we are unwilling to deny ourselves for His honour or the service of His cause. 5. If we are unwilling to depart from this life that we may be for ever with Him. (The Evangelist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. |
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