2 Corinthians 4:5-6 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.… 1. A melting argument. Of all the arguments that address the emotional nature of man, none can have such force as that which addresses him by the love of God — "For Jesus' sake." 2. A winning argument. It does not repel the soul; it draws it. It does not compel it unwillingly; it is an argument of love that wins a willing mind. Are you a man or woman of taste? If you will own the truth, that Jesus is the author of all the beauties that salute your senses, not only as the Creator, "without whom was not anything made that was made," but as the Redeemer, without whose sacrifice the human race would not have any more blessings than the fallen angels had, then all the separate beauties of art and nature will be so many alluring voices to win you to Jesus. Are you a man or woman of intellectual acquirement? Go through the round of human studies. Revel in all the glories of the visible creation and of mind, and while you are doing it rise to the dignity of the fact that the master mind of your Creator — Redeemer — was the glorious model in which all these magnificent things were east, and how will you be allured to give yourself up to the worship and service of your blessed Master! 3. A commanding argument. Oh, there is that in the offices of our Redeemer, as governor of the nations and judge of the race, that invests the argument of our text with a commanding power which nothing can equal! 4. A comforting argument. "For Jesus' sake" has brought the sublimest joys that earth ever witnessed, even amid the deepest distresses that earth ever endured. 5. An ennobling argument. 6. An all-embracing argument. 7. A comprehensive argument. It appeals to us to forsake all sin. "For Jesus' sake" let us put away all sin. It appeals to us to perform all duty. (N. D. Williamson.) Parallel Verses KJV: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. |
    |