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I. THE GREAT OBJECT AT WHICH THE APOSTLE AIMED — the profit, the salvation, of many. The term "profit" may apply, in general, to anything which improves either the man or his condition. So "wisdom is profitable," etc. (Ecclesiastes 10:10); and Paul profited in Jewish learning, etc. (Galatians 1:14). But as happiness is man's summum bonum, his highest good, whatever promotes this evidently deserves to be so characterised. In this view salvation appears to be eminently profitable.

1. Deliverance from the shackles of superstition — of a superstition erroneous in sentiment — extravagant in its hopes, fears, etc. — painful in its services.

2. Deliverance from the guilt of sin, and from that danger which always, and from those fearful anticipations which frequently, attend it.

3. Deliverance from the slavery of sin (Romans 6:12-14).

4. It is an abiding profit.

II. THE MEANS BY WHICH THE APOSTLE ENDEAVOURED TO ATTAIN HIS OBJECT.

1. Observe his disinterestedness. "Not seeking mine own profit." How different from the man who, when any subject is proposed to him, immediately inquires, "What shall I gain by it?"

2. Mark the apostle's benevolence. Aiming at "the profit of many."

3. Consider the apostle's labours. "Seeking the profit of many"; in devising plans to promote their prosperity (2 Corinthians 11:28).

4. Consider also the sacrifices he made.

(Sketches of Sermons.)

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KJV: Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

WEB: Give no occasions for stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the assembly of God;