J.A. Matteson
Characteristic of sin is its intense, and at times violent, inclination to self-preservation. "When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, the priests and the prophets and all the people seized him, saying, 'You must die!'" (Jer. 26:8). There is one judge and lawgiver, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not the Christians place to pass judgement, leave that to God. It is enough to faithfully proclaim His excellent word preserved in Scripture. In it the Holy Spirit applies to individual hearts what is needed. Resist your inclination to presume what people need, your judgement will generally be in error, for all you can do is draw conclusions from outward appearances, it is the LORD who examines the heart. Scripture us a gift of the LORD to His people while a tool of condemnation to those who do not believe. It is sufficient to prepare God's people for every good work. As it is taught and preached some will hear it and embrace it. Others will seem unphased by it. Still others will be outwardly incensed by it, angered that the inward condition of their heart has been exposed. It is not your place to obsess over how Scripture is received; it is your duty to proclaim it faithfully and boldly with conviction and love. Commit the message of the LORD and your welfare into His hands as a good and faithful servant. And in all your preaching and teaching keep a watchful eye on the blessed hope of His immanent return.
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