Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. I. THAT MORAL IMPOTENCE IS NO EXCUSE FOR IRRELIGION. Examine the true character of their inability, and hence discover the equity of their condemnation. They were incompetent for the holy service of religion; they were in effect blind, deaf, insensible. 1. Their spiritual incompetency did not arise from the absence of sufficient information as to the nature and extent of their sacred obligations. The obligations of man are in proportion to the means he might possess for acquiring a knowledge of duty. The responsibilities of the Jews were great. In the gospel no plea is left for ignorance. 2. It could not be ascribed to any natural incapacity. They had eyes, though they saw not; not by the want, but abuse of these capacities. The Jews rejected Christ in spite of clear evidence. 3. The inability was moral. It was their own, in contempt of entreaty, from the bias of their own will. 4. The effective restoration is effected by moral influence. The true cause of man's inability to believe in Christ, is love of sin. How can the spirit wedded to the earth soar as on an eagle's wing to heaven? This view of moral impotence does not do away with responsibility; is no excuse for irreligion; not a misfortune, but rebellion; a depraved nature no excuse. The day will come when all excuses for moral impotence will fail. (A. Tidman.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. |
    |