1 COR. ix. 7. “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?”
I. WE have here an inspiriting metaphor.
It is wise to begin the battle of life early.
If we are ever to be conquerors at last, we must fight
with the world, the flesh, and the devil.
But if we thus fight we may hope to conquer, for others
have done so before us.
But let us remember that some have been defeated.
II. There will be charges in this life battle. It is not to
be won without pain and cost. Let us glance at some of
these charges.
If any man get to heaven, what a demand for courage
he will have to meet.
If a man get to heaven, what a charge of patience he
will be at.
If any man will get to heaven, what an amount of per-
severance he will require to hold on and to hold out.
What watchfulness, strength, wisdom are all needed.
III. Let us look at our text as a gracious reminder.
Does any man at any time go a warfare on his own
charge? I trow not.
You may reckon upon God’s watchful providence. You
shall have the Lord Jesus Christ to help you. A soldier
of the Cross shall have the Divine power of God—the
blessed Spirit.
Let me urge upon those beginning the battle of life two
or three cautions and counsels.
Behold the wisdom of faith.
Be thoroughly alive to the importance of prayer.
Consider, too, the necessity of holiness.
C. H.