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THE SCOPE AND TENDENCY OF THE GOSPEL
THE ministerial office is fitly compared to that of a steward, who divides to every one his proper portion [Note: 2Ti_2:15. Luk_12:42.]. The execution of it calls for much wisdom and discretion, because there must be a diversity both in the matter and manner of our addresses corresponding with the different states of the people to whom we minister. To some we must of necessity proclaim the terrors of God’s law, however painful such a discharge of our duty may be: but the great scope of our ministry is rather to comfort the Lord’s people, and to “guide their feet into the way of peace.” The commission here given to the servants of Jehovah, is very remarkable, being thrice repeated in one single verse. In this view of it I am led particularly to shew,
I. How earnestly God desires the comfort and happiness of his people—
There are a people, chosen by the Father, redeemed by Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit, who are eminently the Lord’s people [Note: Deu_7:6. 1Pe_2:9.]. And that God is peculiarly solicitous to promote their comfort, appears,
1. From the commission which he gave to his beloved Son—
[He sent his Son into the world to execute his eternal counsels. And our Lord himself, in his first public address to the people, declared, that the comfort of mourners was a principal object of his mission [Note: Isa_41:1-3. Luk_4:17-19.].]
2. From the end for which he sends his Spirit into the hearts of men—
[God sends his Spirit to testify of Christ [Note: Joh_15:26.], to witness our adoption into his family [Note: Rom_8:15.], and to seal us unto the day of redemption [Note: Eph_1:13-14.]. In performing these offices he comforts our souls. And he is, on that very account, distinguished by the name of “the Comforter [Note: Joh_16:7.].”]
3. From the titles which the Father himself assumes—
[He calls himself “The God of consolation [Note: Rom_15:5.],” and “the Comforter of all them that are “cast down [Note: 2Co_7:6.].” He compares his concern to that of a Father pitying his child [Note: Psa_103:13.], and to a mother comforting with tenderest assiduities her afflicted infant [Note: Isa_66:13.]. Yea, he assures us that his regards far exceed those of the most affectionate parent in the universe [Note: Isa_49:15.].]
4. From the solemn charge he gives to ministers—
[He sends his servants “to turn men from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God [Note: Act_26:18.].” And he especially charges them to “strengthen the weak hands, to confirm the feeble Knees, and to say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not; your God will come and save you [Note: Isa_35:3-4.].” Thrice is that injunction repeated in the text: and in the execution of this duty we are justly called, “The helpers of your joy [Note: 2Co_1:24.].”]
5. From the dispensations both of his providence and grace—
[When he suffered his beloved Son to be tempted in all things like unto us, it was with a view to comfort us under our temptations [Note: Heb_2:18.]. And when he comforted St. Paul under his multiplied afflictions, he still consulted the comfort of his Church and people [Note: 2Co_1:3-4.]: yea, however he diversified his dispensations, he had invariably the same gracious object in view [Note: 2Co_1:6.].]
As a further proof of his regard for our comfort, we may point out to you,
II. What abundant provision he has made for it in his word—
The message which we are commanded to deliver to his people, contains in it the richest sources of consolation—
1. To God’s ancient people—
[To them primarily was this proclamation made. And it was verified in part, when they were delivered from the Babylonish captivity and restored to the enjoyment of their former privileges in Jerusalem. But it was yet further fulfilled, when, by the sending of their Messiah, they were delivered from the yoke of the Mosaic law, which imposed a burthen which none of them were able to sustain. That, to those who received him as their Messiah, was a season of exceeding great joy; for they were translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s clear Son, and from a state of insupportable bondage “into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
It will not however be fully accomplished, till they shall, in their national capacity, return from their present dispersion, and be re-united, Israel with Judah, in their own land. Then will their warfare be as much accomplished as it can be in this life: then will the tokens of God’s displeasure be removed from them; and a state of prosperity be vouchsafed to them that shall far exceed all the sufferings they have ever endured, and all the privileges they have ever enjoyed. At no time have they ever been punished beyond their deserts; (their severest trials have been far less than their iniquities deserved:) but in that day shall their blessings infinitely exceed all that they can now either contemplate or conceive — — —]
2. To his believing people, in every age—
[It is the true Christian alone who can form any just idea of the import of my text. “His warfare is accomplished!” so far at least, as that he is in a state of victory over the world, and the flesh and the devil. He can say, “Thanks be to God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ.” “His sins too are blotted out as a morning cloud,” and “put away from him as far as the east is from the west.” God has mercifully “forgiven him all trespasses;” and he stands before God “without spot or blemish.” As for the blessings vouchsafed to him, no words can possibly express them: his “peace passeth all understanding;” and his “joy is unspeakable and full of glory.” “He has even now entered into rest [Note: Heb_4:3.],” according to that promise given him by our Lord, “Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy-laden; and I will give you rest” — — —]
See, then, Brethren,
1. What a wonderful difference exists between those who embrace, and those who disregard the Gospel—
[Can that be said of carnal and worldly men, which is here spoken of the Lord’s people? Are their chains broken? their sins forgiven? their comforts greater than any judgments that await them? No: they are yet in bondage to sin and Satan; their sins are all “sealed up in a bag” against the day of judgment; and the wrath of God is shortly coming upon them to the uttermost. Then it will appear how great a “difference there is between those who serve the Lord, and those who serve him not [Note: Mal_3:18.].” Let not this distinction then be made a subject of profane ridicule, but a motive to seek the Lord, that we may be numbered with his people, and be made partakers of his benefits.]
2. What inconceivable blessedness awaits the Lord’s people in a better world!
[Even in this life, as we have seen, their blessedness is exceeding great. But what will it be when once they shall lay down this mortal body, and enter into the joy of their Lord? Now conflicts remain even to their latest hour; and whatever victories they may gain, they must still remain girt for the combat. And, though “God has forgiven them all their trespasses,” so that he will never frown upon them in the eternal world, they still have occasion daily to implore mercy at his hands on account of their short-comings and defects. But in the day that they shall be taken into the immediate presence of their God, O! who can tell us what they shall “receive at his hands?” — — — Dear Brethren, do not think lightly of that joy; but be willing to sacrifice every thing for the attainment of it. Think in what estimation it is held by all who have entered into the eternal world. What would tempt those in heaven to part with it? or what would not they who are now in hell, give to be made partakers of it? Be assured, that it will be fully commensurate with all your labours, though they had been a thousand times greater than they have; and that one single hour of it will richly recompense all that it is possible for any finite creature either to do or suffer in the Saviour’s cause — — —]