1 Corinthians 3:4-8 For while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?… That, according to a man's labour and working for God, he is sure to have a proportionable reward. To clear this, consider — First, that there are no persons, be they never so mean, so poor, so. contemptible, but they are in a way and calling to do God's work. Secondly, there is a twofold doing of God's work — either the work of His providence as passive instruments, or the work of His commands as active instruments. In the next place, therefore, let us consider what is the acceptable doing of God's work which will be rewarded? First, that only is God's work which is commanded and willed by Him. We are often commanded to understand the good and acceptable will of God. Many think they are doing God's work when it is the devil's, because they look not for warrant of it in Scripture. Secondly, it is acceptable labouring when it is done in such a manner. 1. It is profitable working when the persons are first made the Lord's, when they are justified and sanctified. Make the tree good, and then the fruit will be good. 2. A reward is due to that work only which is done for God's sake, out of love to Him. 3. That work only will have a reward which is done with that measure and degree of love and fervency that it ought to be. 4. The work to be rewarded is that which is constantly done with perseverance, holding out to the end (Matthew 24:13). 5. The work to be rewarded is that which is done fully and plenarily. Will a good work thus circumstantiated be sure to be rewarded?Then take heed of two contraries to this work of the Lord. (1) Of idleness, unprofitableness, and unfruitfulness. (2) Take heed of the other contrary, upon which the greater wrath of God will fall, and that is, to do the devil's work. Our Saviour told the Pharisees, They are of the devil, and his works they did (John 8:44). Having considered what the work is, now let us consider and admire at the reward; and before we come to show what reward is, take notice of a distinction or two. First, there is an essential reward, and that is, the enjoyment of God in full assurance and delight. This all that work for God are sure to have. Secondly, there is an accidental reward, and that is, some degrees of glory, because of greater labour and sufferings for Christ one may partake of more glory than another. Thirdly, it is lawful to encourage a man's self in working for God by this, that there is a reward. There is a lawful self-seeking, viz., of immortality, and honour and glory (Romans 2:7). Let us consider wherein lieth this reward of working for God, either in this life, or in the life to come. And truly, in this life, if there were no heaven, no happiness, no enjoyment of God, there is enough to put us on it. First, there is a great deal of peace and comfort of conscience in doing what is good. Secondly, when we do God's work, He further rewards with more spiritual strength, and enlargeth our abilities, so that the more we work for God the more we may. Thus in the parable, he that had five, he gained ten (Luke 19:16). Lastly, they are sure to have God's protection and presence to support them in their labour. In the next place, consider what is the eternal reward, and how eye hath not seen, nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive.First, it is God Himself communicating His goodness and comfort to him that hath done His work. Secondly, this reward lieth in the full glorification of the soul in all the faculties thereof, and body in all the parts thereof. Thirdly, the eternity of this happiness. Fourthly, the fulness of this happiness — an aggregation of all things that may make happy, either within or without. Fifthly, consider the vast disproportion of this to those works thou dost for God. 1. The one is infinite, and thou art a finite, limited creature. 2. What work thou doest for God, God He first works it in thee, so that thou labourest for Him of His own, and yet He rewards it. 3. What thou doest for Him, it is accompanied with much evil and many imperfections. 4. Thou hast formerly been a servant to Satan, done his work, so that God might damn thee upon the old score, though thou wert now able to do all things perfectly. 5. Whatsoever thou hast done is but thy duty; God need not reward thee, or might have bestowed a less reward. 6. What work thou doest, it is a due; besides, God doth not need it. It addeth nothing. 7. All that thou doest is for a little time; the reward is for ever. (A. Burgess.) Parallel Verses KJV: For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?WEB: For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly? |
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