John 13:1-19 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father… I. WE SHOULD STRIVE TO KNOW OUR DUTY. 1. What kind of knowledge? (1) Clear and distinct (1 Peter 3:15). (2) Scriptural (John 5:39; Isaiah 1:12). (3) Effectual. (4) Universal (Psalm 119:6). (5) Growing (2 Peter 3:18). 2. What duties? (1) Toward God. (a) Repentance (Matthew 4:17). (b) Faith (John 14:1). (c) Love (Matthew 22:37). (2) To man. (a) Love (Matthew 5:44). (b) Justice (Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:21). (c) Mercy (Luke 6:36). (d) Humility (John 13:4-8). 3. Why should we know our duty. (1) Because the law and gospel were both written for this end (John 20:31). (2) To know a duty is itself a duty commanded (1 Peter 3:18). (3) We can perform no duty without we first know it (Romans 10:1). 4. Labour then to know your duty, Consider — (1) Ignorance is the cause of all error (Matthew 22:29). (2) You have all means requisite for this knowledge in the Scriptures. (3) It is then your own fault if you know not how to serve God (Hosea 42:9). (4) Hence you will be inexcusable at the day of judgment, and have greater condemnation (John 3:19). II. WE SHOULD DO WHAT WE KNOW. 1. How should we perform all the commands of Christ? (1) From such principles as Christ commands. (a) Love (Galatians 5:6). (b) A desire to please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1). (2) In a right manner. (a) Understandingly (1 Corinthians 14:15). (b) Willingly (Psalm 110:8). (c) Cheerfully (Romans 12:8; Psalm 40:8). (d) Believingly (Romans 14:23; Hebrews 13:6). (e) With all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). (f) Humbly (James 4:6), so as never to think we can do enough (Luke 17:10), nor merit anything (Galatians 2:16), but that our best duties are full of infirmities (Isaiah 64:6). (3) To a right end — (a) Not for vain glory (Matthew 6:1) or temporal interest; but — (b) for God's glory (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31), and in order to our own salvation (1 Corinthians 9:27). 2. Why should we perform all the commands of Christ? (1) This was His end in commanding them. (2) The only way whereby to manifest ourselves to be His disciples (chap. John 14:15). (3) He deserves this after all He has done for us. (4) Our baptism and subsequent vows pledge us to this. III. THEY THAT DO GOD'S COMMANDS ARE HAPPY — 1. In this life. (1) We shall not fear the curses of the law (Malachi 2:2), nor the wrath of God (Psalm 7:11. (2) Our consciences will be clear (2 Corinthians 1:12). (3) Our souls will be kept in right order (Isaiah 57:20, 21). (4) We shall have the assistance and communion of the Holy Ghost (John 16:7). (5) God will be present with us (Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:2). (6) He will direct us (Proverbs 3:6; Psalm 25:12). (7) Make all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28). (8) Discover His special love to us and ours to Him (1 John 5:3), and that we are His children (John 1:12). (9) Have a title to everlasting life (Matthew 19:16, 17). 2. In the world to come. (1) In our freedom from pain (Revelation 21:4), and sin (Ephesians 5:27). (2) In our company — saints, angels, God. (3) In our employments — perfect service, perfect praise. (4) In our privileges — admission to God's presence, sight of His glory, fruition of desire. (5) In our enjoyments. (a) Perfection of soul and body (Philippians 3:21; Hebrews 12:23). (b) The infinite love and favour of God. (c) All the pleasures that our natures are capable of (Psalm 16:11; Psalm 17:15), forever (Matthew 25:46). (Bp. Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. |
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