296. GAL 6:10. ON DOING GOOD
Gal_6:10. On Doing Good
"As we have, therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."’97Gal_6:10
Christianity embraces three grand objects, God, ourselves, and our fellow-men. We are to seek the glory of God in all things, to give diligence to make our calling and election sure, and to the utmost of our power, "to do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Let us,
I. Illustrate the Duties of the Text.
And,
II. Enforce them.
I. Let us Illustrate the Duties of the Text.
The duty inculcated is goodness. "We are to do good."
Now this necessarily supposes that we are renewed in our minds. In our natural state we cannot do good. We must first be made partakers of divine goodness, before we can diffuse it abroad. The Christian may do good,
(1) By the exhibition of a pious example. Thus to be monitors to those around. "Let your light so shine," &c. As Enoch, Noah, Lot, &c. did.
(2) By imparting spiritual instruction. We must hold forth the word of life. Direct the ignorant, &c. All who have experienced Christ’s religion, should in some way or other try to teach it to others.
(3) By our prayers and supplications. See 1Ti_2:1. This we can always do.
(4) By imparting of our substance to the poor and necessitous. "Pure religion," &c. Jam_1:27; Jam_2:15, &c.; Heb_13:16.
Notice,
2. The extent of the goodness we are to exercise.
"To all men." Those near to us, and those that are afar off. Friends and foes. Color, state, character, condition, religion, are not to affect us. All men who need are to be the objects of our goodness.
Observe,
3. The seasonableness and constancy of our goodness.
"As we have opportunity." As we may possess ability. As God shall give us the power. And whenever objects of misery shall present themselves before us. We must not defer, when we can do it. We must not refuse, if we have ability. Our hearts are constantly to be disposed to imitate the blessed God, who is continually blessing both the wicked and the just.
Yet notice,
4. The preference appointed.
"Especially to those who are of the household of faith." These have a twofold claim upon us. That of humanity, in common with all men, and that arising from their union to Jesus, the elder brother, and their connection with all the fraternity of believers. These are the Lord’s favorites, our fellow-travellers, and are to be our companions forever. These must have the first and largest shares of our bounty, and these are to be the objects of our unfeigned love and complacent delight.
Let us,
II. Enforce the Duty in the Text.
1. The commands of God require it.
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," &c. A command insisted upon in every possible variety of way, in the oracles of truth. Psa_37:3. 1Ti_6:18.
2. Our resemblance to God requires it.
If we are his spiritual offspring, then we must be followers of God us dear children. God is good, and doeth good to all; and unless we possess his spirit, we are none of his.
3. The example of Christ requires it.
"He went about doing good." His whole life and mission were to do good. For this he left heaven, was born, and lived, and died. "And he hath left us as example." &c. 11 we are his true disciples we shall "follow him."
4. The Spirit of God within us requires it.
The fruit of the Spirit is "love, goodness," &c. Gal_5:22. It is the Spirit’s work to lead us into all goodness, &c.
5. Our own happiness requires it.
"It is more blessed to give than receive." Yes, there is the essence of bliss, the most ecstatic pleasure, enjoyed in doing good. It enlarges the mind, expands the heart, elevates to the most heavenly dignities and enjoyments.
6. Our acquittal at the last day requires it.
See Mat_25:34, to end.
Application
1. Does not the subject condemn most of the professed disciples of Christ? How few have their hearts set upon doing good! How few do all the good they can!
2. Let it lead us to a closer acquaintance with the Lord’s will, and provoke us to love and good works.
3. A religion without goodness is not of God, and shall not receive a reward at the bat day.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS