Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 054. 1Co 7:29-31. Time Considered and Improved
Subjects in this Topic:
1Co_7:29-31. Time Considered and Improved
"But this I say, brethren, the time is short it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none," &c.—1Co_7:29-31.
The preciousness of time is universally admitted. None think of denying the truth; yet how few act under the influences it is calculated to produce! Time is that of which life is composed; and so truly rare and valuable is it, that we only possess a single moment of it at once; and our possession of another is matter of the greatest uncertainty! Let us, then, not only subscribe to the truth of the text, but embody its design in our experience, and exhibit it in our practice.
In the text there is, I. A solemn and momentous Truth expressed; II. A Chain of practical Inferences deduced; and, III. An impressive and forcible Application made.
Observe,
I. A solemn and momentous Truth expressed.
"Brethren, the time is short."
There is a sense in which time, in its extended course from the creation to the present period, may be said to be short when viewed through the medium of the immutable mind of the Deity, with whom "a thousand years are but as one day; for when contrasted with the unmeasured and boundless eternity.
But the text evidently refers to the time of human life—the period of our existence upon earth That which is the limit on man's probation, and the only seed-time in which he can sow for a golden harvest of immortal blessedness.
That our time is short, will appear,
1. When contrasted with the lives of those in the antediluvian world.
During that period, there is no account of the death of any in childhood or youth. And many, whose lives are recorded, lived to a very extended age. Adam lived 930 years; Seth lived 912 years; and Methuselah 969 years. How greatly abridged is human existence now! Truly, brethren, the time is short. This truth is evident,
2. When viewed through the medium of Scriptural representation.
In order to render the descriptions of the divine word striking and impressive, the language of figure and metaphor is employed. Man's life is spoken of as "a day;" Job_14:6 : compared to the flight of an "eagle;" Job_9:26 : the "weaver's shuttle"—the "fading leaf"—the "withering grass"—and the "perishing flower;" Job_14:6. It is said to be a vapor. And, to present it in the shortest view possible, it is said to be "as nothing before God;" Psa_39:5.
3. Our time is short, considered abstractly in itself.
It has been computed, that a generation of human beings is limited to about thirty-four or thirty-five years. Suppose, however, we reckon on the data given by the Psa. ist, that is, threescore years and ten, or fourscore years. What is this, especially when the necessary deductions are made from it?
Childhood and youth will subtract ten years. Sleep about one-third, or twenty years more. And how much must we reckon, as being uselessly, nay, criminally spent, which if possible had better be blotted out?
It will be seen, that in this way, the man of seventy years, really and truly only lives about half that period.
Then observe, the truth of our time being short is especially evident, if you consider,
4. The great amount of business that has to be crowded within its narrow limits.
Here are the natural, relative, and civil duties of life, besides all the momentous concerns of religion and eternity
"A charge to keep we have,
A God to glorify;
And never-dying souls to save,
And fit them for the sky."
On the present fleeting moments are suspended all the great concerns of an unending state of existence
"A moment's time, an instant's space,
Removes us to the heavenly place,
Or shuts us up in hell!"
Let us notice,
II. The Chain of Practical Inferences the Apostle deduces from this Truth.
"It remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none," &c.
The inferences all relate to the necessity of moderation in our attachment to, and use of, the things of the present fleeting state. He infers,
1. As to the endearing ties of social life.
"They that have wives," &c. The inference is alike applicable to parents, children, friends, &c. These we are to love and do them all the good in our power. But we are not to idolize them; not reckon upon their continuance; we hold them by a very brittle and tender thread. Behold Abraham weeping over the remains of Sarah; Jacob over Rachel; Ezekiel bereft by a stroke, of the desire of his eyes &c.; Rachel refusing to be comforted &c.
He infers,
2. As to the sorrows of life.
"And they that weep as though they wept not." This world is truly a valley of tears! Many causes. But still, the Christian should not sorrow overmuch. He is not a permanent resident in it.
"Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We're marching through Immanuel's ground,
To fairer worlds on high."
But he infers, also,
3. As to the joys of time.
"They that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not." The Christian has his joys, as well as his griefs. It is both his duty and privilege to rejoice in the Lord. But these must be moderated. "Rejoice with trembling." Not to be too much elated on this side Canaan.
4. As to the business of this life.
"They that buy, as though they possessed not." Not to be too deeply immersed in worldly concerns. Not to be too anxious about the riches of time. Not to idolize created good. Not to be absorbed in our worldly possessions. If riches increase, not to set our hearts upon them. The rich fool. He infers,
5. As to the proper use of the world.
"They that use this world, as not abusing it." To use the world is, with thankfulness to receive God's creatures, and to apply them to their intended design with moderation and prayer. To abuse it, is to pervert it—to waste it—to apply it to worthless and criminal purposes. To use it, is to act with it, and lay it out as stewards who must give a full and solemn account for its possession. To use it as a traveller uses the inn, where he tarries for the night; or as the passenger, who accommodates himself to the vessel till he reaches the destined port. Use it as the pilgrim does his staff, from which he derives assistance, till he arrives at the city of his habitation. Then notice,
III. The impressive and forcible Application of this Truth.
"For the fashion of this world passeth away." All the gaudy scenery of this world is perpetually changing, and, like some pompous gorgeous procession, passes away. Its riches, honors, power, all pass away. Its cities and empires pass away. The same applies to beauty, health, strength, and life itself; for they all pass away. The world itself is groaning with age; and speedily shall lose its present fashion, and be burnt up.
Application
(1) Highly prize and value time. (2) Wisely expend it. (3) Daily improve it. (4) Live for eternity; by living in Christ,—and to Christ,—and for Christ. (5) Be looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.