2 Chronicles 29:11 My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that you should minister to him… I. While all God's children are called "to serve Him," there is A SPECIAL SENSE IN WHICH THE MINISTER OF GOD IS "CHOSEN TO SERVE HIM" 1. He is outwardly "chosen and called to this work by men who have public authority given unto them" in the church. 2. He is inwardly brought to it; for he declares that he "thinks in his heart that he is truly called." II. THE OBJECT OF THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE IS THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE SALVATION OF SINNERS. III. THE MEANS WHEREBY THIS RESULT IS TO BE EFFECTED ARE — 1. The preaching of the Gospel. (1) Faithfully. (2) Boldly. (3) Affectionately. 2. The right discharge of his regular official duties, baptism, marriage, etc. 3. Personal intercourse with his flock. 4. The minister's consistency of life. IV. THE ATTITUDE OF THE MINISTER IS ONE OF PECULIAR DIGNITY; it is to "stand before the Lord." Exhortation; "be not now negligent." 1. In Prayer. 2. In study, It is said of the Venerable , that "he never knew what it was to do nothing, and always found it sweet to be either learning, teaching, or writing." 3. In labour. 4. In conduct. (F. B. Ashley.) Parallel Verses KJV: My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense. |
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