382. 2CO 4:8. CHRISTIAN PERPLEXITIES

2Co_4:8. Christian Perplexities

"Perplexed, but not in despair."’972Co_4:8

This passage contains a twofold assertion.

I. A positive,

II. A negative Assertion

Observe then,

I. The positive Assertion.

"We are perplexed."

The term signifies embarrassment, difficulty, trouble, anxiety. The perplexity of the Christian arises from various causes. Sometimes from,

1. Darkness of mind.

No clear evidence of divine favor, weak enjoyments; gloomy prospects, &c.

2. Power of temptations.

Especially when duty and interest clash; world and character are at variance; or when, like a flood, temptations would seem calculated to bear away every spiritual support.

3. The prosperity of the wicked, and the frequent adversity of believers.

See Psa_73:2.

4. Mysterious dispensations of Divine Providence.

As in cases of loss of property, of reputation, wickedness of children’97Eli; distressing bereavements’97Jacob, Ezekiel; bodily afflictions’97Job; premature death’97Josiah.

5. The non-efficacy of prayer.

Paul besought God thrice, but the thorn in the flesh was not removed. How many have been earnestly praying for important blessings for years, and yet the answer is delayed! These are some of those things which perplex the pious mind. We shall now illustrate the second assertion in the text, viz.,

II. That there is no Reason for Despair

1. These perplexities are not tokens of the divine displeasure.

See Heb_12:6; Deu_8:5; Psa_94:14.

2. Every thing connected with your salvation remains the same.

The foundation; God’s love; Spirit’s influence; Saviour’s merits; the precious promises, &c.

3. These things are intended to produce the most salutary effects.

As medicine is given to relieve the body in pain and sickness, so these things are intended for the soul’s welfare. As fire purifies the gold, so these things shall purge away the dross of sin. And as the frosts of winter prove salutary to vegeta-ion, so all things shall work together for our good.

4. All our perplexing scenes are much easier than we deserve.

Much lighter are our straits and difficulties than many eminent Christians have endured.

5. The night of affliction shall soon terminate.

It may be nearly passed by some here,

"For every beating pulse we tell

Leaves but the number less."

6. In heaven you will be abundantly rewarded for all your sorrows.

Application

1. Let the Christian rejoice evermore, and in every thing give thanks; knowing that the same love that gives him his daily bread appoints his daily crosses.

2. Let the impatient and the murmuring be corrected. "Why should a living man complain; a man for the punishment of his sins?"

3. Let the fearful and timid Christian take encouragement, and trust in the Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength.

4. Let the sinner meditate upon his final and eternal doom, where there will not only be perplexity, but fixed and eternal despair

Autor: JABEZ BURNS