1 Corinthians 9:15-16 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done to me… From this verse we infer that the true preacher — I. PREACHES THE GOSPEL AS HIS GRAND MISSION. The essence of this good news is that God loves man, though a sinner, and that Christ is the demonstration and medium of this love. This is the heart of the gospel, and to preach this is the grand mission of the true preacher. 1. In contradistinction to natural religion. Natural religion does not reveal Divine love for sinners. The volume was written before sin existed. 2. In contradistinction to human theologies. Neither Calvinism, Arminianism, nor any other "ism," constitute the gospel. 3. In contradistinction to legal maledictions. A terrible condemnation, it is true, hangs over the sinner, but the terrors of the judgment, &c., are not gospel. II. DISCLAIMS ALL PRAISE IN THE DISCHARGE OF HIS MISSION. "Though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of." 1. There is everything in the nature of the subjects to prevent self-glory. It is — (1) Undiscoverable by human reason. (2) Declaratory of human degradation. (3) Demonstrative of infinite condescension. 2. There is everything in the nature of the work to prevent self-glory. Every true preacher must feel a consciousness — (1) Of unworthiness for such a high honour. "Unto me, who am least of all saints," &c. (2) Of incompetency for such a work. "Who is sufficient for these things?" &c. (3) Of utter inability to realise success. Whatever he does, however well he preaches, he cannot guarantee efficiency. "Paul plants, and Apollos waters," &c. 3. There is everything in the nature of his inspiration to prevent self-glory. What was the feeling that prompted him to undertake it? "The love of Christ that constrained" him. It was scarcely optional with him. He was drawn to it by this new and heavenly afflatus. Man cannot praise himself for loving. Does a mother take credit for loving her child? &c. III. IS IMPELLED BY AN INWARD NECESSITY IN THE PROSECUTION OF HIS MISSION. "Necessity is laid upon me," &c. This necessity was a force working from within, not a pressure from without. It was the force — 1. Of ingratitude. Christ had appeared to him, rescued his soul from hell, and given him a commission. Gratitude bound him to the service of such a deliverer. 2. Of justice. The gospel had been given to him in trust. He was a steward. It was given to him not to monopolise, but to communicate. "He was a debtor," &c. 3. Of compassion. He knew that souls were dying, and he had the panacea in the gospel. Such were the necessities that bound him to his work. He felt he could not but do it; felt a horrid woe over him if he dared neglect it. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. |
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