John 13:17

MISSIONARY SERVICE

‘If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.’

John 13:17

I. There is a test by which the reality of discipleship is proved.

II. It forms the substance of the teaching of the Lord after He rose from the dead.

III. It is contained in the one command, to evangelise the world.

IV. This command was obeyed at the beginning, and utterly neglected in the middle of this dispensation.

V. A return to the obedience of early disciples, and reality of their consecration, will mean renewed enthusiasm for missionary work.

VI. The power and the presence of the Holy Ghost are assured, will be given, and can effectually complete the work, through praying, obedient, and consecrated souls.

—Rev. Hubert Brooke.

Illustration

‘There was a time when the Moravian Church was 120,000 marks in debt; and special contributions were asked from all members. A humble shoemaker was called upon for help, and he gave this answer: “There are thirty thousand members of our church, and 120,000 marks of debt: that is 4 marks apiece. Here we are, myself, my wife, and five children; that is seven. Seven times four are twenty-eight; and here is my share, 28 marks.” Next year the debt had been diminished, but was not gone. The collector came again and reported still a debt of 90,000 marks. The simple cobbler never stayed to grumble at the slackness of other members, but answered again: “That is an average of 3 marks for each member. Thank God, wife and children are still here: so seven times three are twenty-one; and here is my share of 21 marks.” That is the true spirit in which to hear God’s call, and do His will.’

(SECOND OUTLINE)

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE

Humility is the posture of mind in which to look for Divine blessing; Christ, coming and finding His disciples lowly and free from self-confidence and pride, will bless, exalt, and save them. Our Saviour taught the much-needed and difficult lesson of humility in three ways: by precept, by symbol (when He washed the disciples’ feet), and by His own incomparable obedience and sacrifice. The principle of the text applies primarily to humility, yet also to all virtues.

I. Knowledge.—Christianity is a religion which exalts knowledge. Man was made to know, in which is implied both an intellectual nature, and truth adapted to satisfy that nature. The Lord Jesus came to reveal truth concerning God and man: His prayer was that we might know the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom God sent. That the soul be without knowledge is not good; but that the soul be without this knowledge is death.

II. Practice.—We have an active, as well as a cognative, nature. Much of our knowledge finds its true end and justification when it is reduced to practice. We may know God’s will; but that avails nothing unless we do it. We may understand and admire the virtues which are the ‘notes’ of true discipleship; but those virtues are to be embodied in our own conduct and disposition. Knowledge is to be translated into character and action. It is so with humility, and with all graces. If convinced that Christ is the Son of God, live by faith in Him! If assured that His law is the highest morality, practise it! If persuaded that fellowship with His Church is a duty and a privilege, neglect it not! If expecting judgment and eternity, prepare for them!

III. Happiness.—This is not the true aim of life, but it is a Divine addition and ornament, and an incentive to obedience. Knowledge alone is not sufficient for happiness, but knowledge reduced to practice is its appointed means. The intelligent and obedient Christian is happy; for his powers are exercised in conformity with the constitution the Creator has impressed upon him; there is no reproach of conscience, the approving smile of the Master is upon him, and he has the hope of a final welcome and an everlasting recompense. ‘Happy is the people that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.’