Part 8
Even our purposes to do right are made much of by our gracious and pitiful God: therefore let us not despise the desires of our hearts to please Him.
If we watch against pride; if we struggle and pray against it; if we are pained at its inward workings—then that which we feel to be only a struggle after humility, God accounts humility true and deep. He accepts us in His dear Son He accepts our offerings also; and the sighs of the contrite He calls incense.
The Believer's Testimony to Others
Let me not consider what I have as mine own; for I myself am not mine own. Whatever I have, therefore—talents, substance -- I am God's steward to use all at His bidding, for His glory.
The guilt of sin was not revealed to saints of Old Testament time as now to us. Christ, that was to come, was dimly seen by them: Christ, who has come, is fully revealed to us. Obligations are according to revelation.
This world is but a desert—a foreign land, where the children of God can find no rest: if, through unbelief, they seek it, they will only find disappointment.
We ought so to behave ourselves, that the ungodly may see the mind of Christ in all our ways; even look and voice should bear witness for Christ: "Ye are My witnesses" (Isa. 43:10).
One word spoken with a savour of Christ may sink into the soul of the hearer, and bring forth fruit unto eternal life.
There is something in the very countenance of those who walk with God, that gives authority to all they say.
Happiness, Joy, Comfort, and Peace
All our wounds are for Christ's binding up: our broken hearts become witnesses to His skill and loving kindness; for it is spoken by the prophet, "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." (Matt. 8:17.)
Special comfort and consolation may be given to any Christian; but it is the diligence of the soul in walking with God that brings settled comfort.
Consolation in Jesus will abound as our sorrow for sin is deep, and our desire for obedience sincere.
If our peace be marred amidst our upright desires to please the Lord, it is because of self-willed purposes mingled with those upright desires.
We speak of our comfort and peace being marred by the ways of others towards us, little considering that Self-will is the author of our vexation.
It is our duty to be always happy. True, we may be sorrowful; but if we be unhappy, it is because we have been drinking of some foul stream, and not of our fountain of joy—God Himself.
A happy, joyful spirit spreads joy everywhere; a fretful spirit is a trouble to ourselves, and to all around us.
Let us solemnly consider how much we may injure others when we are fretful and wilful, and how much we may help others when we are joyful in God.
If God impart to us peculiar joy in the Holy Ghost, filling us with Christ and His love, causing us to keep holy Sabbath in the soul by faith of Jesus, it is for this end—that we may come down from the mount to do the work of the Lord, ready to bear all things for Jesus' sake.
If any believer lack peace and joy, let him examine himself by the Word, and use diligence in cleansing heart and conscience by the blood of Jesus.
The joy of the Holy Ghost is a holy, solemn thing. It always humbles the soul, and keeps it low. Not so the joy of the flesh.
Begin every day with the Word of God and prayer, if you would enjoy settled blessedness. It is in the Word of God that the fulness of Christ is revealed, as the rich portion of every one who trusts in the blood of Christ.
The peace of the believer, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus, if the soul be flourishing, flows like a river; joy in believing is the same river overflowing its banks. Let watchfulness keep pace with joy.
Church Discipline
The discipline exercised by the church of God should be a picture of our heavenly Father's character.
A sober mind, a tender heart, a watchful spirit, should mark those who put away the evil doer.
All God's corrections and judgments are designed to bring to repentance. So likewise any censure pronounced by an assembly of saints, while manifestly righteous, should be as a medicine to restore, that the spirit may be saved in the day of Christ. (1 Cor. 5:5.)
Paul says not to the Corinthians, when he reproves their evil, "lest my God should humble you," but "lest my God should humble me among you;" not "lest I should be wrathful and cut off many," but lest I should "bewail many which have sinned" (2 Cor. 12:21).
My brother, defiling himself, is my own hand touching pitch. In this mind we are like Christ, who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and is able to succour the tempted.
In how many instances, alas! where sharp or bitter reproof is given, heavenly wisdom would deal in tender-hearted counsel and admonition.
Col. 4:10 is a testimony that Mark was restored and stablished after having forsaken Paul and Barnabas. We find him not with Barnabas, but with Paul, who had so gravely judged his fault. "Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee" (Prov. 9:8).
Let us imitate our Lord in His pity toward those who have erred from His way; thus we best discountenance their sins, and help them to make the confession that obtains forgiveness from God. Carnal severity hardens the heart which might be won by heavenly tenderness and compassion.
In the fellowship of saints' assemblies are many joys and many comforts. It is not, however, a bed of roses; for it is in the intercourse of that fellowship that the infirmities and faults of believers especially appear. In the church's best state there was always the flesh to be subdued, and Satan resisted. Hence "forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you, even also do ye" (Col. 3:13).
Judgments of offences should be such as to commend themselves to the common conscience. All are accountable to God for those judgments.
The love of Christ filling our hearts, we shall be keen-sighted to discern, whether in ourselves or others, whatsoever pleases not the Lord. This love, and this love only, will enable us to maintain the order and discipline of the house of God, so as to be approved by the Son of God, the Lord of His own house. We shall thereby, while observing the laws of Christ as to offending brethren, be raised above the fear of man that bringeth a snare; and, what is higher still, be free of false love, which spares the rod when God would have us smite. Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness (Ps. 141:5). "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Prov. 27:6).
The Servants of the Lord
Whatever carnal titles of honour men may give to professed ministers of the Gospel, the conscience of the unregenerate will not account them holy men of God unless they be such of a truth.
For those who are to exercise any office in the church—that of evangelist, pastor,—it is not knowledge and utterance only which are needed; but also, and above all, grace and an unblameable conversation. Whilst they be harmless as doves in regard to carnal policy, they should be wise as serpents in respect of spiritual wisdom and prudence, so as to "cut off occasion from them which desire occasion." (2 Cor. 11:12.)
It was a small thing with Paul to be judged by the saints at Corinth. Whatever their judgments, he is intent on doing them good, and holds on his course, glorifying God. He labours to restore them to a sound heart and mind. "We do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying: for I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would." (2 Cor. 12:19.20.)
The servant of the Lord Jesus must be instant in season and out of season, knowing that he is the Lord's messenger to every one with whom he has to do: ever learning of the Lord; for, seeing that he is to be continually ministering to others, he must be receiving fresh supplies from the God of all grace through all channels. Meditation of the Word and prayer should occupy the chief part of his time. In his public ministry and private conversation, he should aim at heart and conscience, seeking in every way to magnify Christ and abase the creature. In short, he should set the Lord always before him, and so walk in His steps as to represent Him to every eye.
If Paul had much joy in his spiritual children at Philippi, he had much profit, though little joy, by those at Corinth, who by their many evils gave him so great occasion to show the heart of Christ.
Those who walk with God hear His voice and He employs them.
A good workman gains skill by his mistakes.
The Lord Jesus always finds service for willing hearts and willing hands: let us desire only that service for which He has fitted us.
If each child of God, each member of Christ, had due conscience of his own accountability, we should soon see better things in the church of God. If we be careless in the Lord's service, He will surely require it of us.
Let the servants of Christ put toil and hardship by the side of the recompense, and look well to the state of their hearts, taking heed day by day that they please God: so will they be always rejoicing, though always sorrowful.
The joy and triumph of faith are only to be found in the way of unreserved consecration of ourselves to God, and of diligent service of Christ.
All who labour for Christ shall receive great wages for little toil.
It is our wisdom to account the pleasing God our great reward. If we leave it altogether to His will how and when to give us fruit of our labour, we shall obtain abundantly what, as our chief aim, we do not seek.
Martha would please the Lord in her own way; Mary in her Lord's way. There are many who would please the Lord; but in their own way, for lack of trying their works by the Scriptures: amid much labour they are unspiritual and barren.
From the charge of Paul to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12-16), we gather the true and proper character of the servant of God.
The work of a servant of the Lord demands entire self-denial. "Even Christ pleased not Himself" (Rom. 15:3). He must be the servant of all men for Jesus' sake, that he may be, under his Lord, a leader and a commander of the people: the foremost to suffer; the most laborious in all service; ever caring for others, ever forgetting himself.
Spiritual Warfare
The children of God in their spiritual warfare too much resemble the children of Israel after Joshua fell asleep. (Jud. 3:5-8.) They did not cast out the remnants of the Canaanites, but made a league with them: so, alas! we have allowed remnants of evil things to hold peaceable possession of corners of our hearts; and, through lack of diligence in weeding the soul's garden, God is but little with us. We have neglected to take the foxes, the little foxes, which spoil the vines. (S. Sol. 2:15.)
There were four things which made Israel fight well under Joshua: 1st, the necessity of fighting; 2nd, the certainty of victory; 3rd, God with them; and 4th, the rich spoil. How is it that God's people, with Christ for their Captain, are but sorry soldiers?
If Christ be with us, what is the city of strength, what are the walls of Jericho, but an occasion to faith? (Josh. 6)
The slothful believer may have trouble through the flesh; but he never knows the evil and power of the flesh as do those who fight against it and subdue it.
God's Deeper Dealings
Witness for Christ lies in self-condemnation according to the rule of the Word of God. Sinners are as many as the race of Adam; but a poor and needy sinner is a precious jewel in the sight of Christ.
We are not to gather from the angel's feeding Elijah that God approved of his going to Horeb. (1 Kings 19) If God gives us good things when we are out of the way, we ought to see keen reproof in His very kindness.
God will put His faithful servants into the furnace to prove them and fit them for honour. (Gen. 39) Joseph was steadfast in obedience to God, and true to Potiphar in all things; yet his service to Potiphar ended in bonds and dishonour. Joseph in prison seemed forgotten of God; but God was faithful, and raised His faithful servant to promised honour, after fitting him for that honour by humiliation and suffering.
The cross of Christ brought in a new order of faith, so that now the children of God, when walking in obedience and simplicity of heart before God, should expect trials of faith like those of Christ. Did they settle this in their hearts, they would not be surprised at God's giving them to drink of Christ's cup, and to share His baptism: they would suffer gladly, remembering that the curse of the law cannot touch them.
If we walk in self-will and unbelief, the holy rebukes of the still small voice of the Spirit will not be heard; but if our hearts are listening, God will be ever teaching us by ways innumerable, -- chiefly by the Holy Scriptures.
Pleasing the Lord
A wish of David's was a law to his three mighty men. (2 Sam. 23:15.16.) Should no then a wish of Christ's be a law to us? Shall Christ have one mind; and we, His flesh and bones, another? With this tender mind toward our Lord, we shall follow hard after Him, and pursue nothing that may bring shame upon us.
Oh, let us think of the tenderness of the heart of Christ! No apple of the eye so tender as that heart. Let us then be careful to do His will; chiefly lest we grieve Him; but also for our own comfort and joy.
A child of God ought to be ever committing himself into God's hand, that God may direct his way for him. The natural man deviseth his own way; but God would have His children hang upon Him for counsel and guidance in everything.
One of David's mighty men fought singlehanded with the Philistine host for a piece of ground full of lentiles: others might have thought it not worth fighting for, but it was parcel of king David's land; and to his faithful one that was enough. Let us in our spiritual warfare be like that good soldier. (2 Sam. 23:11.12.)
Be content, for He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This promise was first given to Jacob; then to Joshua: now it is spoken to all God's children. (Gen. 28:15; Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5.) Let me lay up this promise in my heart, and I am a rich man. How can I please God to-day? He will take care of to-morrow, will be my settled, blessed mind.
Providences
Never judge God by His providence, unless your will is wholly subject to His will. To judge Him before the issue of His dealings is to judge rashly and wrongly. The end of the Lord will justify all His ways. When Job rashly judged, he said, "Thou art become cruel to me;" but at last he justified God, saying, "Behold, I am vile." "I abhor myself." (Job 30:21; 40:4; 42:6)
Let us put all our matters into God's hands, and leave them there. Can they be better ordered than by Him? We never think that the sun, moon, and stars will go wrong, because man has nothing to do with the ordering of them.
Be familiar with this precious thought, that God decrees the little as well as the great things of His providence; and that all His decrees are those of love to His people.
Gratitude
Mercies reviewed and pondered are even sweeter than when first bestowed.
Amongst the perilous mercies pleasing to nature, is health of body. Sickness, although a mark of the curse, usually favours, more than health, communion with God.
True gratitude never says, I have done enough.
The best way to keep our mercies, is to be ready at all times to give them up at God's call.
A child of God, taking a cup of cold water with a thankful heart, may render a better service to God than one who gives thousands of gold and silver.
Ingratitude towards God for benefits received makes us distrustful of Him as to the future.
Praise
Praising God should be to us our chiefest, happiest employ. It is the "service of song" of the sanctuary. God preserve us from ingratitude, that abominable thing, that viper which creeps forth when the sun is up; for when signal mercies demand especial thankfulness, how often have we resembled Hezekiah, who rendered not again according to the benefit. (2 Chron. 32:25)
To hang my harp upon the willows is to say, "Christ is not ruling well."
So long as our hearts are cleaving to earthly things, we shall not be able to sing the pilgrim's song; but if we are thorough pilgrims, and apprehend our great High Priest ever living for us at the right hand of God, we shall be perpetually giving thanks.
Can I fail to praise God _always for all things_, if I have no interests but the interests of Christ, and no purposes but those of Christ? Let me, by faith, but see Christ at the right hand of God ordering all things by His wisdom as the head of the body the church (Eph. 1:22.23; 5:23), I shall then see Him prospering in all that He doeth, and with Him I shall ever rejoice.
To avoid an unthankful spirit, we must make thankfulness a business.
If we thank God for _wants_, we shall not distrust Him for _supplies_.
If, because of painful circumstances, we cannot praise the Lord, we ought to confess the sin. (Eph. 5:20)
I would especially urge it upon the people of God to maintain a _good conscience_ and a _thankful heart_.
Look back on the last seven days of your life how much of thanksgiving and praise has your heart rendered to God?
Communion with God, by hearkening to His voice in the Scriptures, and speaking with Him in praise and prayer by the Spirit of His Son, each member of Christ fulfilling his own office, is the proper end of every assembly of saints.
Oh that we were wise and tender-hearted, to cease from grieving that Holy Spirit of promise, our indwelling Paraclete! Then would the comfort of love, and fellowship of the Spirit, in every assembly, be earnest and foretaste of our perfect fellowship at the coming of the Lord.
"Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Rev. 22:12)
"If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love [that is, in the communion of My love]; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." (John 15:10)
"Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:14).
"Abide in Me, and I in you" (John 15:4)
"He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth [or abideth] in Me, and I in him" (John 6:56)