2 Corinthians 4:11

DISCOURSE: 2015
THE TRIALS OF CHRISTIANS THE MEANS OF MAGNIFYING THEIR LORD

2 Corinthians 4:11. We which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

THAT the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was the Creator of all things, is readily acknowledged: nor will the assertion, that “without him was not any thing made that was made,” be for a moment disputed by any one who believes the Scriptures: but when the same expressions are used in reference to the events of daily occurrence, they gain not the same easy access to our minds: yet it is true in reference to all the works both of providence and grace, that “without him is not any thing done that is done:” all the evil that is done, is done by his permission: and all the good, by his agency. To direct the attention of men to him as the Sovereign Disposer of all events, is the continual aim of the sacred writers, who teach us to regard him as “upholding all things by his own power,” and overruling them for his own glory. One reason for his committing the ministration of his Gospel to a few poor fishermen was, that the enriching of the world with its treasures might not be ascribed to human wisdom, but altogether to the Divine power [Note: ver. 7.]. For the same reason did he leave these “earthen vessels” to be treated in such a way as almost to preclude a hope of any long continuance of their ministrations: it was, to give the most decisive evidence to the world, that He reigned on high, and by his almighty power preserved them, till they had finished the work which he had given them to do.

St. Paul, maintaining the authority of his Apostleship against those who disputed it, shews, that, whilst the trials to which he was exposed appeared to render his divine mission questionable, the supports and consolations that were afforded him placed it beyond a doubt; yea, both the afflictions and consolations were sent on purpose that the almighty power and continual agency of the Lord Jesus Christ might be the more conspicuously seen, and more universally acknowledged. Twice is this declared in the short space of two verses [Note: ver. 10, 11.]; and it is a truth that demands from us the most attentive consideration. But that we may take the subject in the connexion in which it stands, we shall shew,

I. What was the state of the first Christians—

Perhaps the Apostle primarily refers to himself and his fellow Apostles—
Their trials were beyond all conception great. Whilst their Divine Master continued upon earth, they were screened from persecution [Note: John 7:7.]: but when he was removed, they stood in the fore-front of the battle. At the very commencement of their work, they were all imprisoned, and beaten for their Lord’s sake [Note: Acts 4:3; Acts 5:18; Acts 5:40.]: and from that time they were treated with all imaginable contempt and cruelty. St. Paul, in this very epistle, enumerates such a catalogue of sufferings as would have broken the spirit of any man who was not miraculously strengthened by Divine grace: “He was in labours more abundant than any other Apostle, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews, be five times received nine-and-thirty stripes; (forty being the utmost that the Jewish magistrates were authorized to inflict on any criminal;) thrice was he beaten with rods; once was he stoned; thrice he suffered shipwreck; a night and a day he was (on some piece of a wreck) in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by his own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness [Note: 2 Corinthians 11:23.].” Now though he had a greater measure of these trials than others, they were to a very great extent the common lot of all: for it is not of himself only, but of all, that he speaks in another place, saying, “I think that God hath set forth us the Apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place: we are made as the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things unto this day [Note: 1 Corinthians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 4:13.].” Every one of them might with truth make the same solemn assertion as St. Paul did, “I protest by my rejoicing, which I have in Christ Jesus my Lord, I die daily [Note: 1 Corinthians 15:31.].”]

But the whole Church were in fact exposed to the heaviest trials—
[Stephen, being distinguished by his gifts and graces, speedily fell a victim to the people’s rage: and his death was a signal for a general persecution against the whole Church: and so bitter was this persecution, “that the people were scattered abroad through all the regions of Judζa and Samaria, none daring to continue at Jerusalem, except the Apostles [Note: Acts 8:1.].” They had been taught from the beginning to expect this: they had been told, that, “if they would be Christ’s disciples, they must take up their cross daily,” and “forsake all,” and follow him. The saints of former days had been called to suffer like things [Note: Hebrews 11:35.]; and the same path was now prescribed to all the followers of Christ: “they must bear about in their body the dying of the Lord Jesus [Note: ver. 10.],” and “through much tribulation must enter into the kingdom of heaven.” By “bearing about in their body the dying of the Lord Jesus,” I understand the being subjected to the same trials as the Lord Jesus Christ himself endured when on earth: and this was, more or less, the appointed portion of all the early Christians: the same description of people who hated him, and persecuted him, hated and persecuted all who resembled him, and all who honoured him: “they had called the Master of the house Beelzebub;” and by the same ignominious name did they designate “those of his household.” In a word, so vehement and universal was the hatred against the very name of Christ, that the mere profession of faith in him was esteemed a sufficient ground for imprisonment and death: so that the prediction of David respecting them was fully verified, “For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter [Note: Psalms 44:22.].”]

How greatly we are interested in their history will appear, whilst we consider,

II.

The instruction to be derived from it—

The reflections which most powerfully suggest themselves to our minds, are,

1. How worthy the Lord Jesus Christ is to be loved and served—

[Every convert was taught beforehand what he was to expect: vet, in the face of all these dangers, millions embraced, and openly professed, the faith of Christ: and as fast as one set of Christians sealed the truth with their blood, others came forward to confess the same Lord, and “were baptized in the room of the dead [Note: 1 Corinthians 15:29.],” like soldiers instantly springing forward to occupy the ranks which the devouring sword had thinned. So far were they from being intimidated, they were rather emboldened, by all that they saw and heard: if they fled from the sword of persecution, they availed themselves of the opportunity which their flight afforded them, to preach the Gospel throughout all the Roman empire [Note: Acts 8:4.], and “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake.” The example of the Apostle Paul, though transcendently eminent in these respects, may serve to shew us what was the general feeling of the whole Church. Though his afflictions were so numerous and heavy, yet “none of these things moved him, neither counted he his life dear unto him, so that he might but finish his course with joy.” He was “willing not only to be bound, but also to die, at any time, and in any manner, for the Lord Jesus.”

Now in this way did the primitive saints shew their regard for Christ: when informed what sacrifices they should be called to make for him, they counted the cost; and considered the pearl cheaply purchased at the price of all that they possessed [Note: Matthew 13:46.].

And is this pearl sunk in value? Does not the Lord Jesus Christ deserve as much at our hands as he did at theirs? Yes; it is in this way that we must all receive him: we must “account all things but loss and dung, that we may win him:” and “if we hate not father and mother, and even our own lives also in comparison of him, we cannot be his disciples.” Inquire, brethren, whether you have ever come to Christ in this way? whether you have ever had such exalted views of his excellency, as to determine you to know nothing, and value nothing, but him? and whether you have felt such a deep sense of your obligations to him as to “glory in the cross for his sake,” and to make even the most cruel death for his sake a subject of congratulation and joy, rather than of sorrow and condolence [Note: Philippians 2:17.]? When such are our views of Christ, and such the dispositions of our minds towards him, then, and then only, have we any scriptural evidence that we truly know him, and really belong to him.]

2. What rich provision we have in Christ—

[If we are Christ’s, we must expect “fiery trials to try us;” for “all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” But “if our afflictions abound for his sake, he will make our consolations to abound also.” In this respect the Apostle’s experience shall be realized in us: like him, we may be greatly tried; but, “though troubled on every side, we shall not be so straitened,” as to have no way to escape: we may be so “perplexed,” as not to know what to do; but “we shall not be left to despair,” as though we had none at hand that was able to help or deliver. We may be “persecuted” by the whole human race; yet shall we “not be forsaken” by our God: we may be “cast down,” and apparently vanquished, for a season; but we shall “not ultimately be destroyed.” This is expressly promised to every member of the Church of Christ. “He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but will with the temptation make also a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it [Note: 1 Corinthians 10:13.]:” and in the full confidence of this we may exult as the Apostle did, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us [Note: Romans 8:35.].” Our extremities may be such as almost to destroy all hope: but they shall be the Seasons of his effectual interposition. “In the mount He shall be seen” by us, just as he was by Abraham [Note: Genesis 22:14.]: “when he sees that our power is gone, and that there is none shut up or left” to assist us, “then will he repent himself for us, and interpose for our relief [Note: Deuteronomy 32:36.]:” and “when we are cast down, then shall we say, There is lifting up: for God will save the humble person [Note: Job 22:29].”

Beloved brethren, know what provision there is for you in this adorable Saviour — — — and, whilst you reflect on “the help which is thus laid up for you on One that is mighty,” learn to confide in him, and to say, “If God be for me, who can be against me?” “If my God and Saviour be on my side, I will not fear what either men or devils can do against me.”]

3. How thankful we should be that we are permitted to serve the Lord Christ on such easy terms!

[Though we must all have some cross to bear, yet our trials are nothing in comparison of those that were endured by the primitive Church. The worst that we are called to sustain is, a sneer, an opprobrious name, or some trivial loss. How light would the first Christians have accounted such petty sufferings as these! Yet even by these are many amongst us so intimidated, that they dare not to confess Christ openly. What then would such persons do, if the sword of persecution were drawn against them now, as in former days, or as at the time of the Reformation in our own land, when so many were burnt alive for the Gospel’s sake? Well may we be thankful that such trials of our faith as these no longer exist: for, if such a sifting time were to arise, many, very many, amongst us, it is to be feared, would be found no better than chaff [Note: Amos 9:9.]: many who now look gay, “receiving the word with joy, would on the rising of temptation and persecution presently fall away [Note: Matthew 13:20.], and make shipwreck of their faith.” Let us all then be thankful for the rest we enjoy — — — and improve it for our more abundant edification in faith and love [Note: Acts 9:31.]; that, if God should see fit again to loose the chain by which our great adversary is bound, we may “be able to resist in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.”]

4. What under all circumstances should be our main concern—

[The end for which such grievous persecutions were permitted to harass the primitive Church was, that Christ’s power and grace might be visibly seen in those who were called to endure them: and this very consideration made St. Paul to “take pleasure in all his distresses,” because he knew, that the power of Christ would rest upon him, and “be perfected in his weakness [Note: 2 Corinthians 12:9.].” In like manner should we also rise superior to the concerns of time and sense, and be anxious only, “that Christ may be glorified in our body, whether by life or death [Note: Philippians 1:20.].” He is now seated at the right hand of God, and possesses “all power both in heaven and earth.” In him is treasured up all fulness for the use of his Church, that out of it all his members may receive according to their several necessities. He is their life [Note: Colossians 3:4.]; and “they live by him, exactly as he, when on earth, lived by his Father [Note: John 6:56.],” with whom he was altogether one [Note: John 10:30.]. In all his miracles the finger of God appeared, because they were wrought by God: so m all the exercises of our spiritual life Christ is seen: because it is only by strength communicated from him, that we can either do, or suffer, as we ought [Note: Philippians 4:13.]. Let this then be our endeavour, namely, so to live, as to carry conviction to all who see us, that we are under the guidance and care of an all-wise, almighty Being. Let our every act, as it were, shew, not only how Christ lived on earth, but that he now lives, and rules, in heaven; and that he is still as present with his people by his Spirit, as ever his own Father was present with him in the days of his flesh. This is an object worthy the ambition of the first archangel: yet is it attainable by all of us, if only we will “live by faith on Christ,” and “cleave unto him with full purpose of heart.”]