1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. I. THE LAWS OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION ARE REASONABLE IN THEMSELVES; that is, they are agreeable to the natural light of our minds and the answers of inward truth, whenever we put the question to it. It is true, there are some few positive commands in the gospel which do not directly arise from any principle of natural reason, but then they are such as cannot be urged to prove the difficulties of revealed religion; yet supposing the truth of the Christian revelation, God had wise reasons for their institution. II. THE PRACTICE OF RELIGION LAYS THE ONLY FOUNDATION OF INWARD PEACE AND SATISFACTION OF MIND. This indeed is a necessary consequence of our acting as becomes reasonable agents. And who would not be content to undergo some slight trouble and inconvenience, or to deny himself in many things, provided he may have all things calm and quiet within? 1. The practice of religion has a natural tendency to secure the peace and freedom of our minds, as it preserves them in an even and sedate temper; as it removes every occasion of the disorders which are apt to ruffle us, and keeps our appetites within their due bounds. 2. Upon a moral account, religion gives us the supports of a good conscience, the assurances of God's favour, and fills the mind with bright and pleasing ideas. 3. Christians, in a faithful discharge of their duty, have their hearts frequently filled with the delights of an overcoming and supernatural grace. III. WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO THE PRACTICE OF RELIGION BY THE ASSISTANCES OF A SUPERNATURAL POWER AND GRACE. IV. WE ARE FURTHER ENCOURAGED TO THE PRACTICE OF OUR CHRISTIAN DUTY BY THE PROPOSAL OF A GLORIOUS AND ETERNAL REWARD. Conclusion: 1. Are the laws of religion reasonable in themselves? Let us then either follow them, or renounce reason. 2. Does the practice of religion conduce to the inward peace and satisfaction of our minds? Why do we oppose our own happiness? How strange is the infatuation of sin! How fraught with contradiction! 3. Have we indeed a Divine principle to assist us in the performance of our duty? Let us then, in all our spiritual wants and conflicts, be fervent in our prayers to God for the assistances of His Holy Spirit, and faithfully comply with them. 4. Besides all these motives to religion, has the good God still encouraged us to the practice of it by proposing to us the great and glorious rewards of eternity? Let us live as if we really believe them. It is impossible that any difficulty should stand before a firm and steady belief in them. (R. Fiddes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.WEB: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous. |
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