Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathers not with me scatters. I. The DISGRACEFULNESS of being against Christ. In order to make this appear a little, you will observe — 1. Nothing shows men more than their attractions and aversions. Mark the objects of their choice and of their preference; see with whom they most readily and pleasingly associate; and then call to remembrance the adage, "Tell me a man's company, and I will tell you his character." Congeniality is the inducement and the bond of union. To be against some individuals would expose you to general indignation. Which of you would like to be opposed to a Thornton, a Reynolds, a Howard, a Leighton, a Fenelon: But here we have the brightness of God's glory, and the express image of His person. 2. Again: nothing is more unreasonable, vile, and shameful than to oppose a Benefactor and Friend, who has laid you under peculiar obligations, upon whom you had no claim, and who has yet spared no expense, no pains, in order to serve you. II. The DANGER of befog against Christ. 1. Can you overcome Him? 2. Can you endure Him? 3. Can you escape from Him? III. The POSSIBILITY of being against Him. 1. He has a people, and they that persecute them persecute Him. 2. He has a cause in this world: the gospel of our salvation. And how it has been opposed! It offends because it is the enemy of self and sin, and because of its sanctifying influence. 3. He has also a providential agency on earth; and the dispensations of His providence are designed to promote the purposes of His grace. Yet with some this is all in vain. They will have none of Him. IV. The evidence of being against Him. The question is, Are you with Him? Are you with Him in sentiment, in disposition, in action, in pursuit: Are you with Him as scholars are with their teacher, as servants are with their master, as soldiers are with their commander, as subjects are with their sovereign: Does He occupy the highest place in your regard? Does He dwell in your hearts by faith: Do you say, "Other lords besides Thee have had dominion over me, but henceforth will I make mention of Thy name"? And do you feel what is done against Him as done against yourselves: (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.WEB: "He that is not with me is against me. He who doesn't gather with me scatters. |
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