Homilist Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. I. THE NATURE OF TRUE LIFE WORK — the work of righteousness. What is righteous work? 1. Working by right law. God has established a law to regulate all action and motion throughout His empire. What is the law by which mind is to be regulated? The will of God, not expediency. Of expediency, we are no safe, no correct judges. (1) This will is revealed in nature. But the revelation is difficult to interpret. (2) It is revealed in Christ. There it can be clearly read and easily appreciated. He embodied the great moral code. 2. Working by a right law from a right motive. A mere conformity to the letter of the law, if it could be obtained, is not righteousness. We must keep the law not from the fear of hell, or the hope of heaven, but from a predominant affection for the Lawgiver. It is noteworthy that the work of righteousness is not a work to be limited to any department of action. Righteousness must run through all personal and social relationships. II. THE BLESSEDNESS OF TRUE LIFE WORK. "Peace." This is true. 1. Of individuals. 2. Of families. 3. Of churches. 4. Of nations.Conclusion — Learn the transcendent worth of the Gospel. The great object of Christ's mission was to promote righteousness. His life was a revelation of righteousness, His death a demonstration of righteousness, His whole history one great motive to righteousness. This is the supreme want of humanity. Legislation, philosophy, poets, priesthoods, civilisations, have tried to supply it and have failed. Christ alone can establish righteousness. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. |
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