The Baffle of Life

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1 Corinthians 9:7-14

Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock…

We have here —

I. AN INSPIRITING METAPHOR. When life is represented as a warfare, some peaceful minds may feel a little alarmed, yet there are others who feel their blood pulsing the stronger at the thought that life is to be one continued contest. It were ill for us if our love of peace, as a nation, should degenerate into a fear of danger or an indifference to exploits. For me the battle-field has no charms; but I buckle on my armour at the very thought that life is to be a conflict in which it behoves me to get the mastery.

1. It is wise to begin the battle of life early. We have all so little time to live, and our first years are so evidently the best, that it is a pity to waste them.

2. We have to fight with that trinity of enemies — the world, the flesh, and the devil.

3. This is not an engagement to be quickly terminated. Unlike the laconic despatch of the ancient Roman — "Veni, vidi, vici," this is a continuous fight. Like the old knights who slept in their armour, you must be prepared for reprisals — always watchful, and ready to resist.

4. You may hope to conquer, for others have done so before you (Revelation 3:21; Revelation 7:14).

5. You may be defeated. Make bankruptcy in your secular business, why, you can start again; but once make bankruptcy in soul affairs, and there is no second life in which to start afresh. If you are defeated in the battle of life you can never begin again, or turn the defeat into a victory. If you go down to your grave a captive of sin, the iron hands will be about you for ever.

II. A KINDLY HINT. There are charges in this life-battle. Let us just glance at some of them. If any man shall get up to heaven he will have to meet a demand for —

1. Courage. How many enemies he must face!

2. Patience. How he must bear and forbear!

3. Perseverance.

4. Watchfulness.

5. Zeal.

6. Strength.

7. Wisdom.The difficulties of an expedition may be intensely aggravated by a lack of knowledge as to the country to be invaded; and in the battle of life who knows what lies next before him? Hence I beseech you to consider the greatness of the charge of this warfare. Our British soldiers must press forward, though they are landed on a blazing beach, before steep mountains, dismal swamps, or savage tribes. But in our eventful battle of life the checks and bars to progress are more than I can describe. No marvel that Pliable should say, as he turned back, "You may have the brave country yourself for me," Apart from Divine strength Pliable was a wise man. There is no "royal road" to heaven, except that the King's highway leads there. There is no road skilfully levelled or scientifically macadamised. The labour is too exhaustive, the difficulties are too serious, unless God Himself come to our help. Who, then, can go this warfare at his own charges?

III. A GRACIOUS REMINDER. You cannot go this warfare in your own strength. Then do not try it. If you do you will rue it. But you may rely on God to help you. You may reckon on —

1. His watchful Providence. You little know how easy the Almighty can make a path which otherwise would have been difficult and dangerous. All things shall work together for good to them that love God.

2. The help of Christ. He will be always present to revive you with His precious blood, to sprinkle your hearts from an evil conscience, to wash your bodies with pure water.

3. The assistance of the Spirit. There is nothing too obdurate for the Spirit of the Lord to overcome.Conclusion: Let me urge upon those who are beginning this battle —

1. The wisdom of diffidence. "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

2. The dignity of reliance upon God.

3. The importance of prayer. If all our charges in the life-war are to be paid us by the Paymaster, let us go to the treasury.

4. The necessity of holiness.

5. The power of faith. The beginning of true spiritual life is here — trusting what Christ has wrought for us. The continuation of spiritual life is here — trusting still in what Christ has done and is doing. The consummation of spiritual life on earth is still the same — trusting still, trusting ever.

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