The Evangelist Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave… Soul-work is at once the most difficult, the most important, and the most urgent. I. OF THE THINGS WHICH YOUR HANDS SHOULD FIND TO DO. 1. The first thing that should engage our attention, because it is the most momentous of all, is the salvation of our souls. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," is a Divine command. There is indeed something for you to do, to secure the salvation of your soul from misery and ruin. 2. The next consideration relates to the covenant of redemption. Have you paid close and serious attention to this? Do you know what it expresses and conveys of the Divine mercy to sinful men who repent and believe? What it reveals of the Divine will for our salvation? 3. Observe, you have much to do for the glory of God, for the advancement, of your Saviour's honour, and for the good of your fellow-men. You must not live to yourselves, but unto Him who died for you and rose again. You must strive to become examples unto others, patterns of purity and goodness. II. LET ME NOW EXPLAIN AND APPLY THE EXHORTATION TO DO THESE THINGS WITH YOUR MIGHT. 1. Do them cordially. Put your heart into them. 2. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it promptly. Why should you delay? There is no promise of Divine assistance, no certainty of success, unless you begin at once to act with decision and earnestness. III. CONSIDER THE SOLEMN AND IRRESISTIBLE ARGUMENT BY WHICH THE ADMONITION OF THE TEXT IS ENFORCED — "for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou geese." If in the day of life you will not do your proper work for your salvation, then night cometh — the dark night, when no man can work. (The Evangelist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. |
    |