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I. REASONS WHY THE LOVE OF THIS WORLD IS A HINDRANCE TO SALVATION.

1. On account of its power over the heart.

(1) It is not attentive to the greatness of Divine grace.

(2) It disregards the means of this grace, through which the sinner must be brought to the fellowship of it.

(3) It hardens the heart against the repeated invitations of God.

(4) It does despite to the free grace of God, which has at once provided everything necessary for our salvation, and invites us to partake of it without any personal desert.

2. On account of its nature.

(1) It is directed to what is earthly, perishable.

(a)  To goods and pleasures.

(b)  To honour, influence, and consideration.

(c)  To ties and connections.

(2) It prefers that to what is heavenly and eternal.

(3) It lays claim, in doing so, to a right frame of mind (vers. 18, 19), considering itself to have a proper excuse, and thus manifests its ingratitude, levity, and obstinacy.

II. PROOF THAT THE LOVE OF THE WORLD IS SUCH A HINDRANCE.

1. From the consequences resulting to the despisers.

(1) They draw upon themselves the anger of God.

(2) They forfeit the offered salvation.

2. From the subsequent procedure of God, who still manifests His mercy and grace;

(1) In that He continues to invite men to the blessings of salvation;

(2) and even the most wretched of men;

(3) and all, without exception, in the most pressing manner.

(F. G. Lisco.)

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KJV: Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

WEB: But he said to him, "A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people.