570. MAR 13:34. ALL CHRISTIANS SHOULD WORK FOR GOD

Mar_13:34. All Christians Should Work for God

"And to every man his work."’97Mar_13:34.

This portion of Divine truth is equally applicable to us with those to whom it was originally addressed. And it is of the first importance that we should recognize it, feel it, and live and act under its responsibility.

In religion there is much to learn: the great mystery of godliness is spread before us, and we should labor to increase daily in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul said, "Yea, doubtless," &c.

In religion there is much to enjoy. Its blessings are. rich and overflowing. Hitherto ye have asked nothing, &c. Ask and receive, &c.

In religion there is much to endure,’97afflictions, temptations, distresses, &c. Through much tribulation, &c.

In religion there is much to be done. It is eminently a practical thing. Obedience is the great evidence of true discipleship. "If ye know, &c., happy are ye if ye do them." Now this is the principle.

I. Every man has a work assigned him of God.

There is the work of repentance and faith.

There is the work of personal religion. "Work out your own salvation." Give diligence, &c. "Fervent in spirit," &c.

There is the work of relative piety,’97discharging those religious duties in our various stations. Parents,’97children,’97masters,’97servants. But in addition to these there is the work,

Of spiritual influence, or our generations’ work.

(1.) To some, the work of the ministry. To preach and teach Jesus Christ. To warn, &c. To build up the Church, &c. To make full proof of our ministry. A great, solemn, arduous, and momentous work.

(2.) To others, the work of the deaconship. To serve the tables in the Lord’s house. The minister’s table. The tables of the poor. The Lord’s table.

(3.) To all, works of Christian usefulness. How large the sphere. How various the modes of Christian activity. How numerous the claims. How affecting the appeals. What room for the devotion of talents’97wealth’97influence’97knowledge, &c.

II. It should be the earnest desire of the Christian to know his especial work. To every man his work. That to which he is qualified. That to which he is appointed. That for which he is responsible. This may be ascertained,

(1.) By reflection. As to the desires of the soul’97impressions, &c.

(2.) By seeking the counsel of friends.

(3.) By asking direction from the Lord. "If any man," &c. "Lord, what wouldst thou have?" &c. "Commit thy way," &c.

III. When the work is ascertained, we should enter on the discharge of its duties.

1. We should do this instantly. Not confer with flesh and blood. Not consult feelings, or the opinions of others. We should say, "Lord, here am I." "Speak, Lord," &c.

2. We should do it cheerfully. With a willing mind and ready spirit. Not grudgingly. Not by constraint, except the constraint of the Saviour’s love,’97counting it an honor and privilege.

3. We should do it earnestly. "Fervent in spirit," &c. With our might. With the heart. Should be our meat, &c. With the whole soul.

4. We should do it constantly. The Lord’s work is continuous. The work of all days, all seasons, all circumstances. Let us not be weary, &c.

5. We should do it humbly. Without self-exaltation. Doing all to God’s glory. Remembering the greatness and goodness of the Master. Remembering our obligations to him. Remembering the imperfection of our services.

G. We should do it, relying on the communications of Divine grace. God’s grace alone sufficient. This must be sought, and relied on, and honored. Without Christ we can do nothing.

III. For our spiritual work each must give an account to God. This accords with reason, with equity. With the express doctrines of Scripture. Matthew 25. This should be remembered. Should constantly influence us.

Application

1. Are we working for Christ? If so, in what way? To what extent?

2 In what spirit?

2. How fearful the doom, of the slothful! Matt. xxv. Not an enemy. Not a rebel, but a servant.

3. How great the rewards of the righteous! Including dignity, joy, and eternal blessedness.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS