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‘The simplicity that is in Christ.’
2Co_11:3
I. Simplicity in doctrine.—Man, alarmed about eternity and ignorant of the way to be delivered from his fears, asks, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ The answer to this question ought to be plain because of its tremendous and awful importance—and because it needs to be understood by men of every age and condition. The question was asked by a crowd of many thousands from different countries in Jerusalem when Peter had preached to them; it was asked by the jailer at Philippi in the midst of the terrors of a midnight earthquake; and it was asked by Saul of Tarsus when struck to the ground at midday by a glorious vision from heaven. To all these the reply given was in spirit and meaning the same: ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ Acknowledge thy misery and danger; confess thy sin and corruption; look to Jesus Christ, Who died in thy behalf, for pardon—seek to be reconciled with thy heavenly Father through Him—and in Him thou wilt find forgiveness and peace. Here is the doctrine, and ‘he may run that readeth it.’
II. Simplicity in motive.—It is confessedly a great advantage gained when a large body of men can be swayed by some one powerful motive common to them all. Hence it is that so much has been achieved at times by the spirit of patriotism and loyalty. When foreign agression has united all the inhabitants of a land in one body, forgetting their differences, and yielding to the common impulse of love for their country—at such times wonderful results have been achieved. So in that memorable instance when the signal was given, ‘England expects every man to do his duty’—the simplicity of the motive appealed to constituted its power. So it is with the Church of Christ. One powerful constraining motive at once actuates every man who receives into his heart the free salvation of Jesus Christ. That motive is the love of Christ. It is a natural one, a powerful one, it is one adapted for every age and condition in life, for every time and for every place. You see an Apostle going through the most laborious and perilous work, from year to year, in Europe and Asia, among Jews and Gentiles, and you ask him his motive, and he tells you. ‘The love of Christ constrains us.’
III. Simplicity in practice.—How is this to be carried out? Various duties are pressed in this way. Romans 12, ‘He that giveth let him do it with simplicity’; not from any combination of various reasonings and motives, not from any foolish wish to gain the praise of men and at the same time please God, but with the simple feeling that love to Christ calls for benevolence in His name. So St. Paul to the Corinthians, after pressing claims of distressed brethren, says, ‘Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.’ So in another place, ‘Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.’ Once more the Apostle, in directing to discharge of daily duty, says, ‘In singleness of your heart as unto Christ.’ And our Saviour thus puts the matter before us in the well-known passage, St. Mat_6:22, ‘The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.’ If a man sees objects in a false light, if he does not rightly judge of their size, distance, position, he will walk in a confused, irregular manner, will use much exertion to little purpose, and will often rather wander from the way than advance in it. So is it in religion.
IV. Simplicity of hope.—Perhaps there is no affection of the mind which more requires definite, solid ground for its exercise than hope. If hope is to work strongly it must work definitely; it must have some firm ground for its expectation—some clear warrant for its aspirations. When hope comes to bring a message of comfort to the heart in sorrow, the question will arise, What is your authority for that announcement? The message is good and cheering, but where are its credentials? And if hope cannot give them in a satisfactory manner, then the rays of light and comfort become dim and expire. Such is not the Christian’s hope. In the sorrows and dangers, the toils and difficulties of life, hope says to him, ‘In every sorrow and danger, strength will be given you according to your need. With the temptation a way will also be made to escape.’ And when you come to die you will find with you the presence of your Saviour, and beyond the grave ‘a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens’; where there shall be no more sorrow, but fullness of joy and pleasure for evermore. This is a hope which from its very simplicity is suited for all men.
Bishop Ryan.
Illustration‘Oh, how unlike the complex works of man!
Heaven’s easy, artless, unencumbered plan;
It stands like the cerulean arch we see,
Majestic in its own simplicity,
Above the portal shining from afar,
Conspicuous with the brightness of a star;
Legible only by the light they give,
Stand the soul-quickening words—believe and live.
Too many shocked at what should charm them most
Despise the plain direction and are lost.’