For they perceived that the work was wrought of our God.
The crown of Christian evidence
Christianity does not stand in any merely literary defence, although its literary defence is complete; it stands rather in its beneficent accomplishments, in its regenerated hearts, its elevated lives, its new spirit of consecration, its broad unselfishness, its generous sympathy--“Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see.” (J. Parker, D. D.)
The world’s acknowledgment of God
I.World’s past acknowledgment of God.
1. Biblical instances.
2. Later instances.
II. World’s present acknowledgment of God.
1. Unconscious acknowledgments. Think of the way in which Christianity penetrates the life of the modern world.
2. Unwilling acknowledgment.
3. Frank acknowledgment.
III. The world’s future acknowledgment.
1. Willing.
2. Enforced.
Application:
1. Make acknowledgment of God.
2. Now. (Homiletic Commentary.)
Nothing succeeds like success
It is amazing sometimes to find how many there are who heartily endorse a good work when it has arrived at or is approaching success, however much they may have frowned at it, or even opposed it, when it was struggling with difficulties. (W. P. Lockhart.)
God acknowledged in results
In the present day there is an impatient craving for immediate results which comes perilously near to mistrust of God. But verily there are results, and when such results are seen, then even enemies are constrained to admit that God’s hand is in the work. The faith of converts must always be evidenced by their works, otherwise theworldwill not, cannot, perceive that God is working with us. (W. P. Lockhart.)
