III. The Gospel is efficacious in transforming character.—“Which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” As the planet receiving the light of the sun is transformed into an imitation sun, so the believing soul receiving the light of the Word is changed into the image of that Word. Whatever the Divine Word prescribes, that it works in us. Does it prescribe repentance?—it works repentance; faith?—it works faith; obedience?—it works obedience; knowledge?—it enlightens to know. Its transforming power, is continually demonstrated. It makes the niggardly generous, the profane holy, the drunkard sober, the profligate chaste. Faith is the vital force that connects the soul with this converting power.
IV. The correct estimate of Gospel truth is matter of ceaseless thanksgiving to the preacher.—“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing.” No disappointment is keener to the anxious preacher than that of unproductive labour. Some of the choicest ministers of God have to mourn over comparative failure. Think of the anguish of the sympathetic Jeremiah when the Word of the Lord which he declared was turned into daily reproach and derision; and to Ezekiel, when he wept over rebellious Israel! But the joy of success is irrepressible, and the full heart pours out its thanks to God. “They joy before Thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil” (Isa. ix. 3).
Lessons.—1. The word of man, while it may charm the understanding, is powerless to change the heart. 2. The correct estimate of Gospel truth is to regard it as the Word of God. 3. The Word of God is efficacious to the individual only as it is received believingly.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSE.
The Efficacy of the Word of God and the Way of receiving it.
I. The description given of the Word.—1. The Word not of men, but of God. 2. Known by its effects. (1) Producing conviction of sin. (2) Binding up the broken heart.
II. In what manner it should be received.—1. With attention and reverence. 2. With humility and teachableness. 3. As the instrument for conversion and edification.—E. Cooper.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF VERSE 14.
Suffering: the Test of Conversion.
It often happens that suffering reveals new features of individual character and awakens powers that were before dormant. It takes a great deal to thoroughly rouse some people. We are told that Agrippa had a dormouse that slumbered so profoundly that it would never wake till cast into a cauldron of boiling lead. So, there are some natures which put forth all their powers only when in suffering and extremity. The piety of God’s people has been most severely tested in the midst of persecution and affliction. The faith of thousands has failed in the hour of trial, while those who have borne the strain have gained an accession of moral nerve and bravery. The Thessalonians imitated the Churches in Judea in boldly facing the storm of malignant opposition, and standing under it with calm, unconquerable firmness.