750. PHP 1:12. THE GOSPEL ACCELERATED

Php_1:12. The Gospel Accelerated

"The furtherance of the gospel."’97Php_1:12.

Paul, when he wrote this epistle, was a prisoner at Rome. A prisoner for preaching the glad tidings of salvation. Who does not feel regret, on two accounts, that Paul should be in bonds? On his own account; he was a holy man, his moral reputation was spotless. He was a good man, he loved his own countrymen, he loved the world. He was a useful man, wherever he went he was a distinguished blessing, he was the bearer of the best news mortals ever heard. But it was matter of regret on the gospel’s account, and those to whom it was sent, that a herald of mercy should be stayed on his course’97a messenger of life to condemned sinners, to be in bonds. Yet so it was, and Paul rejoiced even when a prisoner; because, said he, "I would ye should understand, brethren, that," &c. Three things we shall notice: The gospel, its furtherance, and our obligations to promote it.

I. The gospel.

Glad tidings of a Saviour to lost sinners. The angels sang on the plains of Bethlehem to the astonished shepherds, "We bring you good tidings of joy," &c.

Now there is,

1. The history of the gospel.

That is, the account of Christ and his work as presented by the four evangelists. Here we have the Son of God exhibited to our view. In his conception, birth, and life; in his offices and work; in his doctrines and miracles; in his love and mercy; in his sufferings and death, resurrection, and ascension to glory.

2. There is the system of the gospel.

That is, the comprehensive and harmonious doctrines and principles which are embodied in it. Now the gospel-system has Christ as its sun, its centre, and glory. The basis of this system is the twofold nature of Christ’s person, the God-man, and his sacrificial death as an atonement for sin. We have both these in one splendid passage in this epistle, chap. Php_2:6, &c., "Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation," &c. In that passage also, "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ," &c.

3. There is the dispensation of the gospel.

That is, the period designed for the gospel, meeting the purposes of God’s mercy. There was previously the legal dispensation which came by Moses, and this existed until the coming of the Messiah; then were introduced the grace and truth of the gospel. The gospel dispensation is called "the last days," "the last times," and "the day of Christ." It was prefaced by the life and death of Christ, but really began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Thus the gospel kingdom was really opened when Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. Before then the great facts of the gospel could not be proclaimed’97the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus Christ.

Notice,

II. The furtherance of the gospel.

1. The gospel is designed for universal diffusion.

Read Christ’s authoritative commission. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Glance at the statements and visions of prophecy and promise. His name, &c. "This gospel of the kingdom," &c. "And I saw another angel flying in the midst," &c. "The knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth," &c.

2. This gospel is powerfully opposed and variously impeded.

It is opposed by paganism, Mohammedanism, skepticism, and Judaism. By blasphemers and profligates. This opposition has been maintained from the beginning, is so now, and will be so till Christ conquers every foe. It is impeded as well as opposed;’97by uniting it to worldly associations, and investing it with human splendor. For ages this has been the curse of Christianity. It has suffered much more from this than from all its open adversaries.

3. Under all circumstances God will secure its furtherance.

(1.) Directly. By raising up men to proclaim it’97laborers for the vineyard. By raising up institutions as valuable auxiliaries. By blessing the means employed by the Church. By pouring down his Holy Spirit, &c.

(2.) Indirectly. By overruling all events to this end. Persecution scattered Christiana over all the then known world. The flames of the martyrs made their religion known everywhere, their dying sayings were wafted on the wings of the wind, and bore everywhere a strong recommendation of the gospel. Even the divisions, &c., of the early churches were overruled. Paul and Barnabas could not agree as to who should accompany them, Act_15:26.

4. In securing the furtherance of the gospel God employs the instrumentality of his Church.

Not only the pastors of the Church, and the officers of the Church, but also the members. Every one who has heard and received the gospel may, and ought, to tell his family and neighbors. He that hears is to say, "Come." God says to every Christian, "Go, work in my vineyard." Each must lay out his talent, each one pray, and strive for the extension of the gospel. Let us then notice,

III. Our obligations to promote it.

1. The obligation of duty.

God demands it’97enforces it. We are to publish, not conceal. Confess, not secrete, &c.

2. The obligation of gratitude.

Gratitude to those who brought the gospel to us, but especially gratitude to God. He requires that we exhibit our thankfulness by testifying of his grace, and making known to others his mercy and love. "Go home to thy friends, and show what great things," &c.

3. The obligation of love.

The love of Christ constraineth us to speak, and labor, and suffer, so that we may promote the furtherance of the gospel. This gives zeal to the spirit, energy to the character, swiftness to the feet, and liberality to the soul, so that the gospel may be extended. This will give steadfastness and perseverance to exertion.

Application

1. Are we anxious for the furtherance of the gospel? Is it in our heart? When in the closet, the family, the sanctuary, &c. Do we exhibit our anxiety, &c.

2. Let every unbeliever forward its furtherance by receiving it into his heart. And at this time. For now is the accepted time, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS