2 Corinthians 4:15

2 Corinthians 4:15

I. The text teaches this glorious fact, that "all things are yours" or "for your sakes." Every process of godly advancement is all to our advantage. Christ is heir of all things. Then if Christ is yours all things are yours. Let us understand and do justice to that expression ''all things are yours" as to this, not only the present wealth and possession, but the power we have in connection with that wealth for present enjoyment and usefulness. It is in proportion as I feel "all things are mine" that I feel joy unspeakable and full of glory. Exactly in proportion as we have faith to grasp these mighty truths do they carry us through all our difficulties. Lay hold of these truths now; they will give you a joy, strength, and power no tongue can tell.

II. The text turns our attention off from self to others. "All things are yours." There is the value of the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. Whether we see what He is doing or not, whether we can understand its bearing or not, whether we can realise its benefit or not, the fundamental truth in regard to practical and experimental Christianity is "The Lord reigneth." With His Son He has promised, pledged, and secured to me eternal happiness and glory. Then what follows? Everything that occurs to me must be subordinate to that. All things must of moral necessity work together for my good. Trials serve to bring me nearer to God, to make me more meet for the everlasting inheritance, and finally to be the means which will bring me before my God perfect as He is perfect, holy as He is holy. The text goes on to say "that the abundant grace may through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God "; that is, that God's people may be increased in number, and that those who are so, in their increased grace, devotedness, usefulness, and all else which results from a higher order of spiritual experience, may in the whole of their character and conversation redound to the glory of God.

C. Molyneux, Penny Pulpit,new series, No. 365.

References: 2 Corinthians 4:15. H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xiv., p. 331. 2 Corinthians 4:16. Homilist,vol. v., p. 55; H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xii., p. 362; J. Leckie, Sermons at Ibrox,p. 161. 2 Corinthians 4:16. J. H. Thom, Laws of Life after the Mind of Christ,p. 389; F. W. Robertson, Lectures on Corinthians,p. 309; J. Duncan, The Pulpit and Communion Table,p. 261. 2 Corinthians 4:17. G. Brooks, Five Hundred Outlines,p. 54. 2 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 4:18. R. W. Church, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxii., p. 344; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. iv., p. 88; G. Matheson, Moments on the Mount,p. 62.