685. 2SA 24:24. THE COST AND SELF-SACRIFICE OF RELIGION

2Sa_24:24. The Cost and Self-Sacrifice of Religion

"And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."’972Sa_24:24.

The text is found connected with a variety of interesting circumstances. David had grieved God, by numbering the people. The divine wrath had been displayed,’97the plague had broken out. David was deeply afflicted, &c., on account of it; 2Sa_24:10. He prays; and the word of the Lord came early next morning; 2Sa_24:11. He had probably spent the night in distress of soul. Three things were proposed to the sinning monarch; 2Sa_24:12, &c. He resolves to fall into the hands of God, &c.: 2Sa_24:14.

The pestilence rages. An angel is the instrument:’9770,000 died, &c. God, in the midst of wrath, remembered mercy, &c.; 2Sa_24:18. Sacrifice was to be presented’97specific directions were given. David promptly obeyed; 2Sa_24:19. A generous scene of altercation takes place; 2Sa_24:21. David’s pious and self-sacrificing decision is expressed in the text. Our subject then is’97Acceptable religion is a religion of self-sacrifice’97a religion of cost; and the cost must be personally paid.

Now, in illustrating this idea, I invite you to contemplate the subject,

I. In reference to the spiritual expansion of the intellectual powers.

Theology, or the divine science of religion, is one of boundless extent. The greatness’97number’97variety, and importance of the subjects. God,’97his works’97his government’97his will. Man; his nature’97character’97condition’97peril’97salvation. The Lord Jesus Christ’97the gospel’97eternal life! Now, to understand these, there must be reading, study, reflection. A course of divine training. Religious education. We may be Christians without much knowledge, but it is our honor, glory, and felicity to abound in knowledge. The cost must be paid, in the attainment of all knowledge. The astronomer pays it. The man of literature. So the Christian. We,

II. Apply the subject to the spiritual cultivation of the moral nature.

The soul before conversion is like the barren heath, or desert, arid, &c. It must be cultivated’97ploughed’97sown’97tilled, &c. Much labor, &c., is necessary.

Evil habits to be abandoned.

Holy habits to be formed.

Virtues to be grafted in.

Graces to be cherished.

Hence, the duties, the toils, and spiritual efforts necessary. Hence, the exhortations:’97"Be diligent," &c. "Giving all diligence," &c. "Fervent in spirit," &c. "Work out your salvation," &c.

We apply the subject,

III. To the influence of self-denial, in adorning the Christian profession.

Self-denial is not the abandoning of sin, &c., but the surrendering even of what might be lawfully retained. Hence, the case of eating flesh, &c., as given by the apostle; Rom_14:1. Now our habits’97costume’97conversation’97spirit, &c., must all be sacrificed, if God’s glory, and the good of others, demand it. Our will sacrificed, that God’s may be done.

We apply the subject,

IV. To the importance of usefulness in the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ. Is not this one great end of conversion? "I will bless thee, and make thee a blessing," &c. First, the heart must be given to Christ: then life’97talents’97gifts’97influence’97time’97wealth. Now, if we will be useful, the cost must be paid’97the law of self-sacrifice must rule us, &c. Ease, sordidness, &c. must all be cast off. The Apostle Paul says’97"Brethren, I beseech you by the mercies of God," &c. Now these cases are illustrative of the subject.

I wish to add some additional thoughts:’97Not only must the cost be paid, but paid,

(1.) In the right spirit. Not in the spirit of ostentation for display; of self-righteousness, for merit; of backwardness and grudgingly; but in humble, cheerful, grateful love to Christ. Felt to be a privilege, as well a? duty. Need no force nor threatening. Not the whip, but the curb. As David in the text. "Freely we have received," &c. In the language of the poet,’97

"Had I a thousand hearts to give,

Lord, they should all be thine," &c.

(2.) Observe, this cost paid in the service of religion, is not equal to the demands of sin. Look at the sacrifice the worldly, the proud, the sensual make. What money! What time! What energies! What peace! The way of transgressors is hard, and the end ruin.

(3.) To pay this cost in the service of Christ, grace is both necessary and provided. It cannot be done, but with the help of divine grace. "Without me," &c. "My grace is sufficient," &c. Grace must inspire the desire, purpose, motive. Give the ability and elasticity.

Now the grace of God is provided abundantly. It was found so by Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Paul.

Our subject then should,

1. Lead to examination.

What has religion done for us? What have we done for it? What has it cost us? Have you the inward sense of God’s full favor? "Do you walk in the light?" &c. Have you the testimony that you please God?

2. It condemns two clashes of persons. Those who wish others to pay for their religion, and those who wish to have a costless religion. Not so David. Forget not,

3. That true religion is its own present reward.

Peace, and hope, and joy now, and then hereafter the glories of a blissful eternity. Let the spirit of the text ever dwell in you, &c.

4. Address the sinner.

Who is indifferent to religion altogether. "Godliness is profitable unto all things," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS