John 6:60-65 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?… I. EXPLAIN THE PASSAGE. When it is said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth" — 1. It is not to be understood of the Holy Spirit exclusively, for the same work is ascribed to the Father and the Son. 2. The spirit does not quicken universally. "The wind bloweth where it listeth;" we read of those who were "full of the Holy Ghost," and of others which were "sensual, not having the Spirit." 3. Yet the Holy Spirit quickens all who are quickened (Ezekiel 37:7; Romans 8:12). 4. He quickens men in their several stations: ministers to preach with clearness and fervour; private Christians to hear, receive, and do. 5. Though the Spirit can do this immediately, yet He generally does it by the use of means, and principally by the Word. II. THE SUBJECTS OF HIS INFLUENCE He quickens — 1. Our attention, as in the case of Lydia. 2. Our judgment (Isaiah 4:4). He leads us to distinguish between good and evil, to discern the reality of grace. 3. The will, to choose, embrace and cleave to that which is good. 4. The conscience, stirring it up to the faithful and vigorous discharge of duty. 5. The memory, to receive and retain Divine truths, to recollect God's dealings with us and our conduct towards Him. 6. The gifts of ministers and private Christians, that they may be ready in prayer, preaching, and conference, and also those graces which He has implanted — fear, love, faith, zeal, etc. 7. The dead bodies of the saints (Romans 8:11). III. THE ENDS FOR WHICH HE QUICKENS. 1. To consideration, without which we should be utterly thoughtless about our spiritual concerns (Jeremiah 23:20). 2. To useful inquiries. 3. To fervent and importunate prayer. 4. To holiness of heart and newness of life. 5. To all acts of evangelical obedience. IV. IMPROVEMENT. 1. Learn the proper Deity of the Spirit. He that doeth the works of Deity must have the perfections of Deity. 2. See why God's words and ordinances have no greater efficacy. The most persuasive address is not sufficient without the influence of the Spirit. 3. Let us earnestly pray for His quickenings. 4. Let us join in the use of means. 5. Grieve not the Spirit. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? |
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