1 Corinthians 7:29-31 But this I say, brothers, the time is short: it remains, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;… I. "THE TIME IS SHORT." All things tell us so. 1. The year tells it in its rapid flight. The seasons, how they come and go! 2. Life tells it. Look back, you who can remember many years! What seem they now? As a dream when one awaketh. 3. The grave tells it, opening for one after another of our friends. 4. Sickness and weakness, the body's gradual decay, tell it. 5. Every day, stealing by us so quickly and imperceptibly, giving us warning. We go forth in the morning; and in a few brief hours our work is done, and we lie down again to rest. II. WHAT GIVES TO THIS TRUTH ITS VAST IMPORTANCE? 1. Because time is the entrance to eternity. If we were formed for this world only, we might as well join with those who say, Let us have a short time and merry one. But this life has dread responsibilities, when viewed in relation to a life which is to come. To every one of us is committed the solemn trust, to have this immortal being prepared for its appearance before God. 2. And how may this be done? The way is revealed to us in the gospel. III. WHAT PRACTICAL LESSONS DOES IT ENFORCE? 1. Use this world as not abusing it. (1) To live in sin is an abuse of this life. Sin is a horrible disorder, brought into the world which God made good. (2) All who care only for the body, are abusing this life; who work, and eat, and drink, and sleep, and do no more. Why! the horse and the ass are as good as they — nay, better; for the brutes fulfil the purpose of God. (3) If we set our affections on the things of this world, we are abusing them. 2. Be not weary in well doing: for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not. 3. Whatever good "thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." (E. Blencowe, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; |
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