Most of all, however, must we thank God, III. For those who are walking worthy of their high and heavenly calling —
To such our text more especially refers ; because the Apostle specifies, as the peculiar ground of his thanksgiving, that " their faith was spoken of through- out the whole world." Now for such we thank God,
1. Because of the glory which they bring to God —
[They live for God : they honour God : they commend his religion throughout the world. A man of low attainments causes but a dim light to shine around him: but a man who " runs well the race that is set before him," is seen of all, and approved of all, whose judgment in any respect accords with the mind of God. He is, in fact, " a light in the world :" and those who behold him are constrained to " glorify our Father which is in heaven" ]
2. Because of the good they do to mankind —
[Who are they that promote the knowledge of God in the world ? Who labour for the salvation of their fellow- men? I will not say that persons may not give the aid of their wealth and influence to a religious society from corrupt motives : but those who set on foot these societies, and exert themselves with most self-denying labour in them, are the persons of whom I am now speaking. In truth, but for them there would be little religious good done in the whole world. Works of humanity might go on without them: but works of religion would stagnate altogether. Nothing but apostolic zeal can do the work of an Apostle : but that work as far transcends every other, in real excellence and use, as the effulgence of the sun exceeds the twinkling of a star.]
3. Because of the blessings that await them in a better world —
[Who can contemplate the blessedness of a pious soul when admitted into the immediate presence of God, and not rejoice in its welfare? And can we see you, my brethren, pressing forward in your heavenly course, and labouring inces- santly to finish the work assigned you, and not thank our God in your behalf? Would not the very stones cry out against us, if we were so insensible, so altogether destitute of love either to God or man ? For those that are departed in the faith of Christ we cannot but rejoice : and for you, who are daily ripening for glory, we cannot but feel a measure of thankfulness proportioned to the attainments they make, and the prospects they enjoy.]
1 820.1 Paul's love to the church at rome. 5
Permit me now to address you " all,"
1. Individually —
[That which rendered the Christians at Rome so eminent, was " their faith." Let that grace, then, be cultivated by every one of you. That is the root from which every other grace proceeds. Abound in that ; and every other grace will be carried on and perfected within you.]
2. Collectively —
[Be careful, all of you, that we be not disappointed of our
hope respecting you Then shall we thank God also
for you in the eternal world, and have you as " our joy and crown of rejoicing" for ever and ever.]