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Explain the nature of fidelity.

I. Fidelity requires A KNOWLEDGE OF OUR OBLIGATIONS, and, therefore, those who wish to be faithful will endeavour to obtain clear and correct views of what they are bound to do.

II. It requires an enlightened view of the GROUNDS OF THOSE OBLIGATIONS. Without this there can be no rational desire or fixed purpose to discharge them.

III. It requires SUPERIORITY OVER ALL CONFLICTING TENDENCIES. A man may have a desire to do his duty, and he may have a general purpose to perform it, but then may be too weak to withstand temptation. Fidelity in the service of God requires, therefore:

1. A knowledge of what He would have us do, as men, in all our relations of life, as Christians or as ministers.

2. Such views of our relation to Christ, and our obligations to Him, as shall awaken in us the desire to do His will, and lead us to form the purpose that we will in all cases endeavour to perform it.

3. Such a strength of this desire and such firmness of this purpose as render them actually controlling over our whole inward and outward life.

IV. From this statement of THE DUTY IT IS PLAIN —

1. That it is a very simple one.

2. It is a very comprehensive duty. It, in fact, includes all others.

3. It is one of constant obligation.

4. It is obviously exceedingly difficult. It supposes the renunciation of ourselves and of the world.

(C. Hodge, D. D.)

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KJV: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

WEB: "For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them.