THE K I N G ' S BUS I NE S S
706
it depends upon the finished work of Christ instead of the self-effort of the individual. A crown may be lost through disobedience, slothfulness, or lack of watchfulness. There are mani fold incentives and inducements in Scripture to abounding fruitfulness and self-denying service. First and fore most among them is the honor and glory of God. We work for Him not in or der to be saved but because we are saved, not to win His favor but to ex press our gratitude and love. The best thing to do with a crown after win ning it is not to wear it but to cast it at His feet in adoring praise. SUNDAY, July 25. 2 Tim. 4:1-8. A Crown of Righteousness. There are seven crowns mentioned in Scripture, four for the Christian and three for Christ. For the believer there is the crown of incorruptibility as the reward of temperance, 1 Cor. 9.25, the crown of life, the reward of enduring temptation, Jas. 1:12, the crown of re joicing, the reward of winning souls, Phil. 4:1, and the crown of righteous ness, the reward of loving the second coming. 2 Tim. 4:8. The last may seem to be the most easily obtained but its implications are deeply-rooted and far-reaching. They touch every phase and feature of Christian life and serv ice. There are four possible attitudes that may be taken with reference to the second coming of the Lord. It may be regarded with hostility, with indiffer ence, with apprehension or with loving expectation. Hatred will not postpone it, indifference will not modify it, dis may will not abolish it but fervent love and faithful service will honor it and hasten it. 2 Pet. 3:12, margin. It is, not enough to admit the fact and accept the truth. It may be believed and neglected or believed and dreaded. Every believer should love it, pray for it and work for it, thus becoming a candidate for the crown of righteous ness. MONDAY, July 26. Num. 4:4-15. Reverence for Holy Things. The Kohathites were to carry the ves sels of the altar but they were not al lowed to handle them or cover them. Aaron and his sons were to arrange all for transportation. These articles were of wood, brass, silver and gold. They were nothing in themselves but they belonged to God and were used in His
passed out of existence with the death of Abner, the elders of Israel came to David and asked him to become their king. In the thirty-eighth year of his age, in the prime and vigor of his man hood, with all the experience which the trials of his early years had given him, David was seated on the throne of the united kingdom of Israel, amid the re joicings of the people and with every token of Divine favor. He chose Jeru salem for his capital and wrested it from the Jebusites by a brilliant and vigorous campaign. Taking the strong hold of Zion, he laid the foundation of that city which ever since has entered so largely into .the history of the world and wliich prophecy declares will play, such a prominent part in the future. David’s reign becomes a type of the kingdom of Christ for it was in con nection with the position of David that the Messiah is first spoken of in pro phecy as a king. FRIDAY, July 23. Matt. 25:14-20. True Success. The secret of David’s success is found in his faithfulness. There is no success without righteousness of character and purpose. To attain wrong ends is al ways disaster and defeat. Whether act ing as shepherd, courtier or captain. David was steadfast and faithful. The manner rather than the measure of service constitutes the basis of reward. Another quality in David was his dis cretion. “He behaved himself wisely.” 1 Sam. 18:15. Having committed every thing to God, he waited in patience un til God’s time came and therefore “ the Lord was with him” and all his vic tories were achieved in the name of the Lord. Someone has well and wisely said that the talent of success is only doing what you can do well and doing it without any thought of fame. If fame comes at all, it will come because it is deserved and not because it was sought after. SATURDAY, July 24. 1 Cor. 9:16-27. Winning a Croyvn. It is one thing to be saved. It is an other thing to be crowned. A crown is the symbol of reward. We are saved by faith. We •are rewarded on the basis of works. Salvation is a free gift appropriated by simple faith. A crown is a reward of merit won by hard work and steadfast fidelity. Eternal life is inalienable and non-forfeitable because
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker