Homiletic Monthly 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.… The language is peculiar; as though the human standard were a step higher than the Divine; as though a Christian were in more danger of coming short of honesty before men than before God. St. Paul really means, however, that we are to keep both standards in view. I. THE HUMAN STANDARD OF DUTY. 1. It partly serves to interpret the Divine law, not fully, but in important measure. 2. It restrains us from reading the law according to our own interests, which is a constant danger. "Private interpretation" has danger in it. 3. It is a law over us that we are more or less stringently held to obey. Its penalty is visible; and so it educates us to obedience. II. THE DIVINE LAW. 1. It is stricter than man's law. We may well say to ourselves if men demand this, God demands more. 2. The Divine law considers our motives in all their extent, and holds us to account according to our intent, our power, and opportunity. 3. The Divine law demands our best; men will take less; God asks honesty and fidelity as we know them, not as men define them. (Homiletic Monthly.) Parallel Verses KJV: But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.WEB: But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. |
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