43 The Commendation

The Commendation "My helpers in Christ Jesus." Romans 16:3 The reference is to Priscilla and Aquila. Paul became acquainted with them at Ephesus. He lodged in their house, and labored in their employment, as a tentmaker. They drank into his spirit, imitated his conduct, and assisted him in his work. He esteemed them very highly in love for their work-sake, and thus publicly commends them. But may not most Christian pastors adopt the language in reference to some — are there not in every church and congregation some, to whom we can point and say, "They are my helpers in Christ Jesus."

Brethren, as the ministers of Christ, we need help. This is clear, for our work is great. We are to carry the message of mercy to every soul. To endeavor to master prejudice, conquer ignorance, and lead sinners to Jesus. Or, in the language of inspiration, "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith that is in Jesus" (Acts 26:18). Our time is short. We shall soon see the shadows of evening stretch over us. The Master’s voice will soon be heard calling us from the field. All are dying around us — and we must soon lie down in the dust. We may have but few more opportunities. The longest day is but short, and we are none of us sure of a long day. Our hindrances are many. There are so many things within our own hearts that hinder us:
our unbelief,
our carnal fears,
our selfishness,
our love of ease,
our undue attachment to earthly things,
our sinful lukewarmness. Nor are there less hindrances outside of us.

Evil principalities, and powers, and wicked spirits. The ignorance, prejudices, and errors, which everywhere abound. The false teachers, which are so numerous and active. The carnal systems invented by Satan, and adopted and established by man. In every direction hindrances of a most formidable character meet and dispirit us. Our foes are so crafty. They have . . .
the cunning of the serpent,
the courage of the lion, and
the cruelty of the wolf!

They seek every day, and in every direction, for those whom they may devour. They labor to destroy souls. They study to obstruct the progress of the gospel, to hinder the zealous laborer, and, if possible, to spoil his work. Our helpers are but few. Many of them are fitful and capricious. They begin — but do not persevere. They are perhaps zealous — but they are not prudent. They have feeling — but not knowledge. They must choose their own post, work by their own rule, and study their own convenience. These things spoil many who would otherwise be useful, and make those sources of trouble, who would otherwise be our joy and rejoicing. Our discouragements are various. Who has not cried out, "I have labored in vain!" Who has not been tempted and inclined to say, "I will speak no more in his name!" The apparent lack of success,
the state of the church of God,
the conduct of the generality of professors, and
our own lack of more of the power of religion —
are painful sources of discouragement! Brethren, we need help. We are willing to be assisted. We desire help. You can help us. But will you?

Let us glance at the commendation, "My HELPERS in Christ Jesus." My fellow-workers in the cause of Christ. On whom can we bestow this commendation now? On our kind, spiritual, patient, persevering Sunday-school teachers. They are our fellow-workers. They labor to impart instruction, to produce beneficial impressions, to lead the young and rising race to Jesus. They are worthy of all honor. They are crowned with the Lord’s blessing. They will be owned and rewarded another day. On the visitors of our Christian Instruction Societies also. They carry the messengers of mercy from house to house. They are upon the look-out for opportunities to speak a word for Jesus. They carry the gospel to those who will not move out of their own houses to hear it. They are like lights shining in a dark place. Many have by them been induced to flee from the wrath to come. Many have by them been led to a Savior’s feet. They are the blessed of the Lord, our helpers in Christ Jesus. Of every active and devoted member of the church. Such strive to fill the house of prayer, to induce all whom they can, by any means of influence — to read the Bible, to think of Divine things, and attend upon the means of grace. They are the lights of the Church, and the glory of Christ. On our holy, devoted, and energetic town and city missionaries, also, this commendation must be pronounced. They are our fellow-workers for the kingdom of God. Their talents are consecrated, their time is devoted, their energies are spent — in going into the streets and lanes of the city to compel sinners to come in, that the Lord’s house may be filled. They are our helpers in Christ Jesus. For what are such commended? For helping the Lord’s servants. This they do by the exhibition of Christian virtues: showing forth "the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light." This they do by the earnest, fervent, importunate prayers they offer. Prayer is a mighty weapon. Its power is unknown. "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" — but even the inspired apostle does not attempt to say how much. Prayer has power with God; it brings Divine influence to bear upon man, and prevails. This they do by the consecration of their talents to the Lord’s service. Every one has a talent. Some have two. Some five. If what we have we industriously employed, there will be an increase; for whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. This they do by encouragement given, in the way of financial help, of communicating the pleasing results of efforts employed, or by a word in season when the spirits are depressed. Even Paul was encouraged, when the brethren came from Rome to meet him, and he "thanked God and took courage."

Those who are really helpers, are such as serve the same Master, walk by the same rule, and aim at the same object.

Beloved, Priscilla and Aquila set you an example. They say to you, help to spread the gospel; help to extend the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do so in trying times. Do so in dangerous times. Do so with constancy and perseverance. Of them Paul could say, "They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them."

Servants of God, never be backward to acknowledge your helpers in Christ Jesus. Ever encourage them in their good and blessed work.

Reader, do you help the Lord’s servants — or do you hinder them? You certainly do one or the other. You encourage them, or you discourage them. Do you persevere in the Lord’s way and work, or do you recede? Many who were active once — are inactive now. Satan has cooled their zeal. They are become worldly prudent. The gold has become dim, and the wine is mixed with water. Repent and do your first works. Will you begin now to help us, if you have not? or will you try to do more, if you have? A great and effectual door is opened to us, and there are many adversaries. There is work enough for us all. We ought not to lose a day, an hour. "Men of Israel, Help!"

Help us against Satan.

Help us against error.

Help us against worldly systems of religion.

Help us to spread God’s truth.

Help us to break down prejudice against the gospel.

Help us to crowd our places of worship.

Help us to bring sinners to the Savior.

Help by teaching the young.

Help by visiting the sick.

Help by warning the careless.

Help by inviting the thoughtless to God’s house.

Help us by circulating tracts.

Help us by earnest, fervent prayer.

Help us by diligent, early, and regular attendance upon the means of grace.

Help us by exhibiting to the world a correct representation of what real religion is — by your spirit, temper, disposition, and general conduct.

Lost sinner, encourage us. You can do so by considering your state, believing our testimony, repenting of sin, forsaking your follies, and fleeing to Jesus for life and peace. This, even this we seek — your immediate and thorough conversion to God. May God, the Holy Spirit, lead you to Jesus this moment, and may you enjoy everlasting salvation! Amen.