2 Chronicles 12:8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. I. THAT THERE ARE SOME WHO HAVE ALREADY CHOSEN THE SERVICE OF THE KINGDOMS OF THE COUNTRIES. Some have chosen — 1. To be the slaves of open sin. 2. To be the votaries of money-making. 3. To be lovers of fashion, lovers of society, admirers of the world. 4. To become the devotees of "culture." 5. To be the seekers of self-righteousness. II. SOME SEEM TO BE PINING TO GIVE UP THE SERVICE OF GOD, AND TO GO TO THE SERVICE OF THE KINGDOMS. Some want to change — 1. Out of sheer love of change. 2. Because of the outward aspect of the new thing. 3. Because of their loss of joy in the service of God. 4. Because of the flagging of others. 5. Because religion now has brought them to a point where it entails some extra self-sacrifice. III. THERE IS A GREAT CONTRAST BETWEEN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND ANY OTHER SERVICE. The service of God is delightful. Remember, young man, if you are about to engage in the service of God — 1. There is nothing demanded of you that will harm you. 2. There is nothing denied you, in the service of God, that would be a blessing to you. 3. That in the service of God strength will always be given according to your day. 4. That there is no threat made to hang upon it. 5. All the while that you are a servant of God, you have a sweet peace in reflecting upon what you have done. 6. There is, above all this, a hope of the eternal reward which is so soon to come. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. |
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