The Great Ambition of a True Christian
T. Manton, D. D. 2 Corinthians 5:9 Why we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. I. WE MUST NOT ONLY DO THINGS WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD FOR THE MATTER, BUT THIS MUST BE OUR FIXED END AND SCOPE. 1. We cannot be sincere unless this is the case. One main difference between the sincere and the hypocrite is in the end and scope. The one seeketh the approbation of men, and the other the approbation of God (2 Corinthians 1:12). 2. This makes us serious and watchful, and to keep close to our duty — the fitness of means is judged of by the end. Let a man fix upon a right end, and he will soon understand his way, and will address himself to such means as are fitted to that end, and make straight towards it without any wanderings. (1) Consider how many impertinencies are cut off if I be true to my end and great scope; e.g., when I remember that my business is to be accepted of God at the last, can I spend my time in ease and idleness, or carnal vanities and recreations? (Ecclesiastes 2:2.)(2) It will cut off all inconsistencies with our great end (Genesis 39:9). 3. This gives us comfort under the difficulties of obedience, and the hardships of our pilgrimage. The end sweetens the means. Now, what greater encouragement can there be than to think how God will welcome us with a "Well done"? (Matthew 25:21, 23.) II. THIS MUST BE OUR WORK AS WELL AS OUR SCOPE; and this design must be carried on with the greatest seriousness, as our great care and business. "We labour." There is a double notion of great use in the spiritual life: making religion our business, and making religion our recreation. It must be our business in opposition to slightness; it must be our recreation in opposition to wearisomeness. The word in the text hath a special signification. We should with no less earnestness endeavour to please God than they that contend for honour in the world; we should make it our constant employment that God may like us for the present and take us home to Him at length into His blessed presence. What is all the world to this? III. WE MUST NOT ONLY TAKE CARE THAT WE BE ACCEPTED OF GOD AT LAST, WHEN WE GO OUT OF THE BODY, BUT WE MUST STRIVE TO BE ACCEPTED OF HIM NOW. 1. How else can we long for the coming of Christ, if before we pass to our judgment we know not whether we shall be accepted, yea or no? 2. Else we cannot comfortably enjoy communion with God for the present. How can we come before Him if we know not whether He will accept an offering at our hands? 3. We cannot have a cheerful fruition of the creature and worldly enjoyments till God accepteth us (Ecclesiastes 9:7). Till we are in a reconciled estate, all our comforts are but as stolen waters, and bread eaten in secret, like Damocles' banquet, while a sharp sword hung over his head by a slender thread. 4. That which maketh us more lively and active in our course of pleasing God is — (1) The future judgment (ver. 10). Whom should we please, and with whom should we seek to be accepted? A vain world, or frail man, or the God to whom we must strictly give an account? (2) The hope of our presence with Him, and the beatifical vision and fruition of Him; for in the context he speaketh of presence and sight, and then he saith, "Wherefore we labour." Conclusion: 1. Some reasons of the point. (1) We were made and sent into the world for this end, that by a constant course of obedience we might approve ourselves to God, and finally be accepted of Him, and received into His glory (John 6:38). (2) We were redeemed to this end (Revelation 5:9). (3) Our entering into covenant with God implieth it. (4) The relations which result from our covenant interest. There is the relation between us and Christ of husband and spouse (Hosea 2:19). Now the duty of the wife is to please the husband (1 Corinthians 7:34). The relation of children and father (2 Corinthians 6:18). Now the duty of children is to please the parents. Masters and servants (Ezekiel 16:8). They that please themselves carry themselves as if they were their own, not God's. 2. Some study to please men. (1) How can these comply with the great duty of Christians, which is to please the Lord? (Galatians 1:10.)(2) There is no such necessity of the approbation of men as of God. Please God, and no matter who is your enemy (Proverbs 16:9). 3. Is this your great scope and end? (1) Your end will be known by your work. (2) If this be your end, it will be known by your solace (2 Corinthians 1:12). (3) If God's glory be your scope, any condition will be tolerable to you, so as you may enjoy His favour. (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. WEB: Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.