Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to treasure hid in a field; the which when a man has found, he hides… I. THE EXCELLENCY OF THE GOSPEL IS NOT GENERALLY UNDERSTOOD BY MEN. It is a hid treasure. Illustrate the fact: 1. In its nature. The reference under this metaphor is not designed to apply so much to the case of men to whom the gospel is not exhibited, as with the heathen. It applies to men who have the gospel; yet they will not estimate it. 2. In its source. The cause is the universal depravity of the heart. II. THE GOSPEL DOES INTRINSICALLY POSSESS VAST AND INESTIMABLE VALVE. It is a treasure. The value of the gospel will appear if you consider (1) The source in which it originates; (2) The blessings which it communicates; (3) The mediation upon which it rests; (4) The diffusiveness of which it is susceptible; (5) The permanence with which it is invested. III. THE DISCOVERY OF THE ACTUAL VALUE OF THE GOSPEL MUST EXERT A MASTER INFLUENCE UPON THE PRINCIPLES AND HABITS OF THOSE BY WHOM IT IS ACQUIRED. 1. The discovery of the value of the gospel must arise from the influence of the Divine Spirit. 2. Then men practically abandon all that may interfere with their enjoyment of the blessings which the gospel exhibits. 3. This abandonment will never fail of procuring the desired result. 4. The treasure is offered to all freely and fully. (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. |
    |