Mark 4:24-25

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PEW

‘And He said unto them, Take heed what ye hear.… For he that hath, to him shall he given: and he that hath not from him shall be taken even that which he hath.’

Mark 4:24

Not without purpose was this warning given.

I. Perils in hearing.—These are many.

(a) Losing the Word, before faith has made it fruitful.

(b) A merely temporary faith, not counting the cost.

(c) The absorbing power of other things choking the Word, even though it has been once heard.

II. Fruitful hearing.—The lot of the seed describes the lot of him who receives the Word. ‘To him that hath’—as the fruit of his using—this his own increase; ‘shall more be given’—this the Lord’s increase (cf. parable of talents). Every attainment of truth a condition of meetness to gain other and deeper truth. So in all study and acquisition.

III. Those who hear not.—‘Him that hath not’—hath nothing more than was first given to him. From him shall even that be taken. Any one can ‘have’ what is given; only the diligent have more.

(a) The condemnation assumes the form of a removal of truth. It is naturally forgotten by him who does not use his understanding upon it. Disregarded truth (and duty) becomes disliked truth.

(b) In carelessness he puts it away from him. His measure is small; so he metes it to himself.

(c) To hear is a duty; to neglect duty brings God’s condemnation.

(d) He who does not receive the Kingdom of Heaven is ipso facto in the kingdom of evil. Continued departures from truth and duty leave the man farther from God, truth, heaven.

Illustration

‘Archbishop Grindal’s letter to Queen Elizabeth contains a striking passage on preaching: “Public and continual preaching of God’s Word is the ordinary means and instrument of the salvation of mankind. St. Paul calleth it the ministry of reconciliation of man unto God. By preaching of God’s Word, the glory of God is enlarged, faith is nourished, and charity increased. By it the ignorant is instructed, the negligent exhorted and invited, the stubborn rebuked, the weak conscience comforted, and to all those that sin of malicious wickedness the wrath of God is threatened. By preaching, due obedience to Christian princes and magistrates is planted in the hearts of subjects: for obedience proceedeth of conscience, conscience is grounded upon the Word of God, the Word of God worketh his effect by preaching. So as generally when preaching wanteth obedience faileth.” If this be the true purpose of the pulpit, how great is the responsibility of the pew!’