The Sphere of Instrumentality

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John 11:39

Jesus said, Take you away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said to him, Lord, by this time he stinks…

(text and ver. 44): — Although God alone is the Quickener there are many things which we can do for others.

I. BEFORE CONVERSION.

1. We can call in the Master, as the sisters did. We must earnestly pray for souls and get them in contact with the Saviour

2. We can believe as they did, that whatsoever Christ asks of God will be granted; that He is able and willing to raise the spiritually dead.

3. We can roll away the stone of —

(1) Ignorance. Let not the people die for lack of knowledge.

(2) Error — that they will be saved by their good works, etc.

(3) Prejudice.

(a)  That religion is gloomy, by being happy.

(b)  That religion is effeminate, by being men.

(c)  That religion is mere sentiment, by experimentally demonstrating its reality.

(d)  That religion is not for "such as us," i.e., the working classes, by showing that Jesus is the people's Man.

(4) Solitariness. Let men feel that Christianity is social and fraternal.

(5) Degradation. Help men out of the mire of sin.

(6) Despair. Infuse hope into the most hopeless.

II. AFTER CONVERSION. Lazarus is alive, but he is encumbered with grave clothes; it is the business of his friends to loose him and let him go. New converts want loosing for the sake of their own: —

1. Comfort. Remove their doubts and fears.

2. Freedom. Gently lead them out of those habits which still bind the new man.

3. Fellowship. Just as Lazarus could not enjoy his sisters' society till his swathing bands were off, so real Christians are kept back from fellowship by a sense of unfitness, etc. Encourage them: compel them to come in.

4. Testimony. Lazarus was unable to bear witness while the napkin was about his head, so young converts are deterred by nervousness, etc.

5. Service. Take them by the hand and teach them how to use their hands and feet for God.

6. Communion with Christ. After Lazarus was unbound he sat at the table with Jesus. Don't leave the new convert until he enjoys full fellowship with Christ.

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