Sketches of Sermons 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. I. WHAT IS THE GREAT OBJECT OF A MINISTER'S DESIRE ON BEHALF OF HIS PEOPLE. 1. He longs to behold in them a holy consistency, a high state of heavenly affections, and a careful attention to the duties of morality. 2. In them he expects to find a steadiness that bids defiance to temptation, and cannot be diverted from its purpose, either by the allurements of sense or the terrors of persecution. 3. As a parent wishes to see in his children a gradual advancement towards maturity both in their bodily and intellectual faculties, so does a minister long for his people's progress towards perfection. II. WHENCE IT IS THAT THE ATTAINMENT OF THAT OBJECT FILLS HIM WITH SUCH EXALTED JOY. 1. Because it is by this only that the ends of their ministry are answered. 2. Because by this only can God be glorified. 3. Because without this they can have no hope of ever meeting their people in the realms of bliss. (Sketches of Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.WEB: I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth. |
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