On the Excellence and Utility of the Truths Contained in the Gospel
Ephesians 5:17
Why be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.


The will of God, which determines the whole extent of our obligations, is principally unfolded to us in the doctrines and moral precepts which are delivered in the sacred Scriptures. It is expedient, therefore, to explain to you, from the pulpit, these Divine oracles, by showing you, first, THEIR SUPERIOR EXCELLENCE TO ALL OTHER INSTRUCTIONS; secondly, THE INESTIMABLE ADVANTAGES WHICH THEY ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING in securing your peace and happiness.

I. As man was created to be eternally happy in the clear and perfect knowledge of the infinite perfections of the Divine Being, there is naturally inherent in the mind of each individual an insatiable thirst after knowledge. But, my beloved friends, if human wisdom be unquestionably a valuable and precious acquisition, certainly the knowledge of those truths to which religion invites our attention must be incomparably more estimable. Yet, inconceivable as it may appear, it is an undeniable truth that many amongst us, while they give themselves to the pursuit of inferior attainments with indefatigable application, will scarcely devote one moment, without reluctance, to the gaining of a proficiency in that sublime and noble science which the fountain of all knowledge pours out so liberally before them. What a lamentable degradation of our mental faculties!

II. The value, moreover, and the excellence of any science, is generally, and very justly, estimated by its utility, by its tendency to promote our interests and advantage. On this account the arts which are calculated to add to the convenience and increase the happiness of society, the arts which tend to cultivate and embellish human life, are held in peculiar esteem, and encouraged by every mark of public approbation. Considering, therefore, the doctrines of Christianity in this point of view, we discover, at the first glance, that they stand eminently superior to every other knowledge which can possibly be acquired. The information which they impart regards whatever is dear and interesting to us in time and eternity. They furnish us with arms for our defence against every enemy that seeks our destruction, and secure us against every danger which surrounds us.

(J. Archer.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

WEB: Therefore don't be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.




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