2 Corinthians 6:3-5 Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:… To preach and to act so that none shall be offended would indeed be an impossible task; and that can never be our duty, which is wholly out of our power. The tastes of our hearers are so opposite and so changeable. The captious will censure our not doing what was either impossible or unfit to be done. Even truth and holiness give offence. But if men take umbrage at us for doing our duty, it becomes us to offend man rather than God. It is evident, therefore, the duty of giving no offence only means the giving no just cause of offence. I. OUR LIFE AND CONVERSATION SHOULD BE INOFFENSIVE. Many eyes are upon us; and the same allowances will not be made for our miscarriages as for those of others. When our practice is manifestly inconsistent with our doctrines, the finest accomplishments will not screen us from deserved reproach. We move in a more exalted sphere than others; and, if we would shine as lights of the world, we had need to avoid every appearance of evil. The world expects that we should do honour to our profession. Many things, abstractly considered, may be lawful, which yet are not expedient. II. WE SHOULD GIVE NO OFFENCE BY CHOOSING INJUDICIOUSLY THE SUBJECTS OF OUR SERMONS. III. WE GIVE OFFENCE IF WE DO NOT INSIST ON SUBJECTS SUITED TO THE SPIRITUAL STATE OF OUR FLOCKS, AND TO THE DISPENSATIONS OF PROVIDENCE TOWARDS THEM. A well-timed discourse bids fairest to strike and edify. In many cases we will instruct and admonish in vain, if we stay not till men's minds are in proper temper to give us a fair hearing. IV. WE MAY GIVE OFFENCE BY A NEGLECT OR UNDUE PERFORMANCE OF THE OTHER PUBLIC OFFICES OF OUR STATION. In leading the devotions of the Church, we give offence when either the matter, expression, or manner, is unsuitable. As to the discipline of the Church, we give offence if we exercise it with respect of persons; and, through a mistaken tenderness for any, or a fear of incurring their displeasure, allow them to live without due censure, who live inconsistently. V. WE GIVE OFFENCE BY THE NEGLECT OR UNDUE PERFORMANCE OF THE MORE PRIVATE DUTIES OF OUR CALLING. (J. Erskine, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:WEB: We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed, |
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