5 OCTOBER
Faithful in teaching others
‘For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgement; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.’ Genesis 18:19
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 6:1–25
[One] reason the Lord assigns to why he would not hide this thing from Abraham is much to the honour of Abraham, and in this we are called upon to imitate him: I know him, that he will teach. May he give like grace to all who have families, to be wise and faithful in teaching, warning and ruling their children and servants. All who know and fear the Lord, whether parents or children, masters or servants, have a talent committed to you—some opportunities of speaking to those whom you love or who love you, or with whom you are acquainted or connected, concerning the things of God. Entreat the Lord to give you a concern for souls, for the honour of his name, and to teach you to speak in meekness a word in season [Isaiah 50:4]. To him that hath shall be given [Mark 4:25]; in attempting to water others you shall be watered also yourself. And if you have little opportunity in other ways, be careful of your conduct and example. By this, through the blessing, you may be greatly useful to win upon others; if you let your light shine before men, it shall be to the glory of God and to your own comfort.
FOR MEDITATION: When I am in the pulpit, perhaps I am about to preach my last sermon; and it is almost certain that there are those present who come to hear me for the last time. Some of these are probably ignorant of God and themselves, standing upon the brink of the pit, and regardless of their danger. If I miss this opportunity of warning and rousing them, I shall not have another. I would therefore bend my whole strength to this point, and not drop a word to draw the attention to anything else. I endeavour to do the same in the parlour. If what I say has no tendency to impress eternal concerns upon my friends and acquaintances, I had better hold my tongue. Why should I encumber myself and them with many things, when I profess to believe that one thing is needful? It will be a poor plea for me, to say at last, While thy servant was busy here and there, the man was gone.
John Newton to John Ryland, 15 March 1794
SERMON SERIES: GENESIS, NO. 38 [4/4], GENESIS 18:17–19
Milo 