John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work. Note — I. THAT TO EVERY MAN A WORK IS GIVEN. What is it? 1. Negatively: Not — (1) business; (2) pleasure; (3) learning — however important these may be relatively. 2. Positively: to "work out our own salvation," etc. This as a work — (1) Of repentance; (2) of faith; (3) of obedience. 3. Without Christ in this great work we can do nothing; but His grace is sufficient for us. II. THAT A PERIOD OF TIME IN WHICH THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS WORK MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED IS ASSIGNED TO EVERY MAN. Within the day of life there are days specially favourable. 1. The day of youth. 2. The day of health. 3. The day of religious opportunity. 4. The day of spiritual influence. III. THAT AT THE EXPIRATION OF THE ALLOTTED SEASON THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS WORK IS IMPOSSIBLE. "The night cometh" — 1. Of affliction. 2. Of religious abandonment. 3. Of death — "when no man can work." (J. Bowers.) Parallel Verses KJV: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. |
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