008. 2CO 6:1. DANGER OF RECEIVING THE GOSPEL IN VAIN

2Co_6:1. Danger of Receiving the Gospel in Vain

"We then, as workers together with God, beseech you, also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."’972Co_6:1.

This subject presents to us,

I. A striking Description of the Ministers of the Gospel.

"Workers together with God."

1 Workers.

Not lords, not hirelings, not idlers’97but workers. All the statements and figurative descriptions of Scripture represent them as such. They are watchmen, Eze_33:7; fishers, Mat_4:19; sowers, Psa_126:6; shepherds, &c., Act_20:28 Their work is,

(1) Spiritual. They have to do with spirits, employ spiritual instruments and weapons. Design spiritual. 2Co_10:4.

(2) Arduous and difficult. Enemies &c., powerful, numerous, and too often successful. To be diligent, instant in season, &c.

(3) Solemn and responsible. Eternal interests of men at stake. Must give an account to God, &c.

2. Workers with God.

Under his direction’97in his service’97with the same end and object in view.

3. Workers together with God.

God the Great Cause’97they are his instruments. Treasure from God’97they are the earthen vessels through which it flows. They sow’97God blesses. They proclaim the gospel’97God makes it powerful to salvation. They prophesy’97God breathes upon the dry bones. Ministers are workers together with God We have,

II. An interesting Representation of the Gospel.

"Grace of God." See, also, Tit_2:11. It is so, as it is,

1. The production of grace.

Whole scheme originated in grace "Herein is love," &c.

2. It is a revelation of grace’97Of pardon, peace, and eternal life to rebels; without any merit or worthiness in them.

3. It is graciously bestowed.

Without money or price. Isa_55:1, Rev_22:17.

4. It effects a gracious change in the soul.

Darkness to light; sin to holiness, Satan to God. 1Co_6:11. We have,

III. An affectionate Entreaty addressed to the Recipients of the Gospel.

"We then, &c., beseech you, also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."

1. When is it received in vain?

When we do not understand it. When we feel no interest in it. When we are not saved by it.

2. What are the principal causes of men receiving it in vain?

Inconsideration; Deu_32:29; Isa_1:3. Love of the world; Mat_13:22. Unbelief; Heb_4:2.

3. What will be the result of receiving the grace of God in vain?

Ignorance of mind; disquietude of soul, hardness of heart; eternal death.

4. How necessary, then, that we beseech men that they do not receive it in vain!

By the preciousness of their souls’97blessedness of religion’97peace in dissolution’97and everlasting glory, we are to be seech. &c.

We must beseech plainly, earnestly, affectionately, constantly with many tears with much prayer, &c.

Application

Learn, 1. The invaluableness of the gospel. 2. The responsibility of the ministerial office. 3. The importance of a practical use of our privileges

Autor: JABEZ BURNS