Man’s Responsibility
Romans 14:12
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Suppose a man owed me $100 and could find plenty of money for his own pleasures but none for me, yet pleaded that he was unable to pay me. What would I say? I would say that the only ability that was lacking was an honest heart. But would it not be an unfair construction of my words if a friend of my dishonest debtor should say I had stated that an honest heart was that which constituted the ability to pay the debt? No; I would reply: the ability of my debtor lies in the power of his hand to write me a check, and this he has, but what is lacking is an honest principle. It is his power to write me a check which makes him responsible to do so, and the fact that he lacks an honest heart does not destroy his accountability. Now, in like manner, the sinner while altogether lacking in moral and spiritual ability does, nevertheless, possess natural ability, and this it is which renders him accountable unto God. Men have the same natural faculties to love God with as they have to hate Him with, the same hearts to believe with which they disbelieve, and it is their failure to love and believe which constitutes their guilt.
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"In all their jollity in this world, the wicked are but as a book fairly bound, which when it is opened is full of nothing but tragedies. So when the book of their consciences shall be once opened, there is nothing to be read but lamentations and woes."
- Richard Sibbes
THE WISDOM THAT IS FROM ABOVE
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
You can be sure that when our attitudes and words create strife, confusion and division, it is not the wisdom of God. Where wise men and women worship, there is love, peace and unity.
The wisdom which is from God is PURE! When the heart entertains pure and good thoughts of others, the mouth speaks accordingly.
It is PEACEABLE. “If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, live peaceably with all men.” Men who desire peace speak peacefully.
It is GENTLE, mild, courteous and patient. To contend for truth is not to be harsh and cruel as some suppose. Gentleness is the fruit of the Spirit, an attribute of Christ and also of His servants.
It is EASY TO BE ENTREATED or willing to listen to any word of wisdom, reason and explanation; and it is quick to forgive. A forgiving heart is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom.
It is FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS. Wisdom knows that God makes men to differ. He makes rich and poor, strong and weak. So there is always the desire to share what God has given with those who have less.
It is WITHOUT PARTIALITY. Wisdom does not judge by outward appearance, skin color, or power to reimburse. It is no respecter of men’s persons, but reaches out to all.
It is WITHOUT HYPOCRISY. True spiritual wisdom in Christ is straightforward, open-faced and genuine. How can anyone be so foolish as to play the game of religion before God, Who searches and knows the heart?
“Keep thine heart, for out of it are the issues of life.”
- Henry T. Mahan
This MAN Receiveth Sinners
Our Lord Jesus came in the flesh.
This MAN receiveth sinners.
He came not to call the righteous
To repentance, but sinners.
God's love was commended to those
His sheep while yet in sin's grip.
The whole need not a physician.
Only those who are sin-sick.
Our Savior came to seek His sheep
That are lost in sin's dark night.
Light is sprung up in the darkness.
His sheep were shown that great Light.
Men love darkness rather than light,
Lest their deeds should be reproved.
But His own sheep come to that Light.
In His deeds they are approved.
How could a just God save sinners,
Since He cannot look on sin?
He sent His Son to redeem them:
With His blood forgives their sin.
He bore the wrath of God on sin;
Satisfied God's righteousness.
Rose again to justify them,
Those elect in Christ Jesus.
The GOD-MAN receiveth sinners,
Some from ev'ry tribe on earth.
One by Jacob's well our Lord sought.
He 'must needs' give her new birth.
One He saw under a fig tree.
The Lord found one up a tree.
Matters not where they have wandered,
Jesus Christ will find His sheep.
By Gary Spreacker
(Tune: Holy Manna Pg.15)
- A.W. Pink