An Expository Comment on 2 Corinthians 1, Exposition · Sermon 48
SERM. XLVIII.
How many wayes, and by what means Chriſt comforteth thoſe who ſuffer for him.
2 COR. 1. 5.
So our conſolation aboundeth by Chriſt.
THe ſecond abſolute Propoſition in the Text is, That our comfort aboundeth by Christ. The Greek word foreign, is rendred by ſome Exhortation, but more generally and fitly Conſolation. Though this be ſpoken in the ſingular number, and afflictions in the plural, yet this is to be underſtood collectively, as a treaſure that hath all kind of comforts in it, not one or two, but all. Therefore the word foreign, is here repeated again, aboundeth, which is to be underſtood, partly repletively, it filleth the hearts of thoſe that do ſuffer for Chriſt; and partly diffuſively, it extends alſo to the comfort of others. And then you have the cauſe of all this, By Chriſt. Chriſt who is the cauſe of their ſufferings, is alſo the cauſe of their comfort. As from the ſame root proceedeth both the Roſe and its pricks: Thus from Chriſt, the ſame Fountain cometh both bitter and ſweet. Were not this added, who would ſuffer for Chriſt, who would loſe all for him; but Chriſt hath ſo ordained it, that theſe ſufferings are advantagious to us; and though we loſe in the retail, yet we gain in the bulk and whole. Obſerve,
That as our ſufferings are for Chriſt, ſo by the ſame Christ are our comforts.As our ſufferings are for Chriſt, ſo are our comforts by him.
Though he ſtrike with one hand, yet he ſupporteth with the other. If David ſaid to the Prieſt who fled to him, many of them being ſlain at No…, by the bloudy cruelty of Saul, Stay with me, I am the occaſion of your deaths, thou ſhalt fare as I fare. How much more will Chriſt own ſuch, who ſuffer for him, ſaying, Depend upon me, for I am the cauſe of all the reproaches and cruel uſages you meet with in the world.
But to explain this, Let us conſider, In what respects comforts may be ſaid to How our comforts abound by Chriſt. 1. Efficiently.abound by Chriſt. And
Firſt, Efficiently; He being the ſame with God, is therefore a God of all conſolation. Yea Chriſt as a Mediator he is ſenſible of our temptations, knoweth our need and wants, and therefore the more ready to comfort. Chriſt that wanted comfort himſelf; and therefore had an Angel ſent to comfort him, is thereby the more compaſſionate and willing to comfort us Thus you may read Chriſt and God put together in this very act, 2 Theſſ. 2. 16, 17. Our Lord Jeſus Chriſt himſelf, and God even our Father, who hath given us everlasting conſolation, comfort your hearts. Paul here prayeth, that both Jeſus Chriſt, and God the Father would comfort them. Chriſt therefore not only abſolutely as God, but relatively as Mediator, is qualified with all fitneſſe and fulneſſe to communicate conſolation; he is the fountain and head, as of grace, ſo of comfort.
Secondly, We are comforted by Chriſt Meritoriouſly; he hath merited at the 2. Meritoriouſly.hands of God, our comfort; for without Chriſts death and atonement, we were no more ſubjects prepared for comfort, then the damned Angels. Had all mankind with Dives begged but for a drop of comfort, ſuch was the gulph between God and us, that it could not be obtained: So that by Chriſt a way is made for our conſolation: Chriſt did not only obtain the communication of the holy Ghoſt in the gifts and graces thereof. So that as by Chriſt the Spirit of God is given to the Church, as a guide to teach and lead into all truth, as the ſanctifying Spirit, and uſe of all holineſſe: So he is alſo as the Comforter, who giveth every drop of conſolation, that any believer doth enjoy. Though therefore joy and comfort be in Scripture attributed to the holy Ghoſt, as the appropriated and applying cauſe thereof; yet this is wholly becauſe of the merits of Chriſt: And therefore we may pray for comfort upon the ſame grounds, as we doe for holineſſe; They are both the fruits of Chriſts death.
Laſtly, We are comforted by Chriſt Objectively, that is in him, and from him we take our comfort. As Chriſt is called Our righteouſneſſe, becauſe in 3. Objectively.and through his righteouſneſſe we are accepted of in him, we are compleat: So Chriſt is our comfort, becauſe in him we find matter of all joy, though there be troubles and vexations from the creatures, though the Sunne and Moon be turned into bloud, all powers threaten perſecution, yet from and in Chriſt he can abundantly rejoyce. And indeed this is the wine the carnal man never drinketh of, the honey he never taſted of. The world is a ſtranger to this joy in Chriſt; They rejoyce in riches, in honours, in worldly advantages, but they know not what it is to rejoyce in Chriſt, as our Mediator, and treaſure of all fulneſſe. Phil. 3. 3. They are ſaid to be the circumciſion, who rejoyce in Jeſus Christ, and have no confidence in the fleſh. As therefore in the day time we ſee the Sunne only and no Stars: Thus the people of God in their ſufferings behold Chriſt the Sunne of Righteouſneſſe; and as for the Stars of the creatures, they do not afford any light. What made the Martyrs leap for joy? Could they take any comfort from the world? No, that was an Aegypt to them, a valley of tears; ſo that it was in Chriſt only that they did rejoyce. For want of the knowledge and experience of this, it is that the unſound profeſſor, will deny Chriſt, and his truth rather then ſuffer the loſſe of any thing, becauſe he feeleth more ſweetneſſe, more pleaſure, in his goods, in his pleaſures, in this world, then he can do in How many wayes Chriſt makes his comforts to abound to thoſe that ſuffer for him? 1. By perſwading them of the goodneſs of the cauſe, why they ſuffer.Chriſt. It is the gracious heart that can thus rejoyce in Chriſt.
In the next place, Let us conſider, How many wayes Chriſt doth make our conſolations in ſufferings for his ſake to abound. And
Firſt, Christ doth it by aſſuring and perſwading of our hearts concerning thoſe truths and righteous actions, we do ſuffer for. If comfort ariſe from ſuffering for Chriſt, then the more aſſured we are, that we do ſuffer for him, the greater is our conſolation. If a man have great doubts in his heart, whether he ſuffers for Chriſt or not? Whether it be a truth or an errour that he is troubled for? Whether he was a buſie-body, or not? Whether he did keep within his calling and bounds, or not? If (I ſay) there be theſe heſitances and diſceptations in his mind, How can he have any comfort? Therefore that our comfort may be full, Chriſt giveth us the riches of aſſurance in our underſtanding; Faith becomes the evidence, and ſtrong conviction, Heb. 11. upon their ſouls, inſomuch that they know they are in the truth; They know it's righteouſneſſe they ſuffer for. Thus you may obſerve the Apoſtles in all the oppoſitions they met with from the world, and all the malice of Satan, yet never queſtioning or doubting, whether they were deluded or no, but were fully aſſured of thoſe things they did preach. Now this conſideration is the more to be taken notice of, becauſe the ſufferings for Chriſt, in the latter age of the Church, have differed wonderfully from the former. For in the primitive perſecutions, their ſufferings did ariſe from Heathens and Pagans, it was for profeſſing of Chriſt, and oppoſing of Idolatry. Now theſe things were plain, here was no diſputing. But then in the after-ages of the Church, when Hereticks got power, eſpecially when Antichriſt was exalted, and the Papacy lifted up with all ſtrength, then thoſe that did perſecute, pretended Chriſt, that what they did, they did for the honour and glory of Chriſt; and thoſe who did ſuffer, though indeed for Chriſt, yet were reputed enemies to Chriſt: And this is that which makes ſuffering for Chriſt to be a more difficult thing in theſe later dayes. The Papiſts that have put to death ſo many Proteſtants, defend themſelves with theſe glorious Titles, That they are onelyonly the Church of Christ; That Christ is onelyonly amongst them; That all who withdraw obedience from the Pope, are out of the Ark, out of hope of Salvation: That it is ſervice to Chriſt to root them out; and therefore the Doctrines ſuffered for, were not about the Trinity, the Incarnation of Chriſt, the Reſurrection; for which of old believers ſuffered from Pagans, but about Tranſubſtantiation, the Univerſal Juriſdiction of the Pope, the Infallibility of the Church, the worſhipping of Images, and praying to Saints: The Popiſh party pleading for theſe, as allowed of by Chriſt; The Proteſtant abhorring of them, as Idolatry, and alſo injurious to Chriſt. Now on the Papiſts ſide was the whole Chriſtien world, almoſt all the learned men, all the great men, all the devout religious men, they were zealous this way; and the Martyrs they were but few comparatively, many of them private men and women. What a temptation was here to thoſe that ſuffered? How eaſily might they think, what am I wiſer than all? Is it likely God would reveal that to me, which he denieth to others more learned? Beſides, they diſpute, they bring Scripture and Fathers: May not I be deluded? May not the Devil transforme himſelf into an Angel of light, and ſo deceive me? Truly ſuch temptations would quickly have blown down the houſe, had it been built onelyonly upon ſand; but the Martyrs were eſtabliſhed upon a Rock, Chriſt gave them full aſſurance of thoſe truths they loſt all for; and this made way for their great comfort. This conviction then, and aſſurance of faith wrought by the Spirit of God, is that which is the root of our comfort, whereas doubtings and fears would diſquiet all. It is true, Luther ſpeaketh of himſelf, That he had many times ſuch thoughts, Tunè ſolus ſapis, Art thou onelyonly wiſe? What if thou art damned, and draweſt others to Hell with thee? And when a grave Divine came to him, complaining of this temptation, That of the Evangelical Doctrine, which he preached, he could not find that Faith and Aſſurance upon his ſoul he deſired, which was a bitter trouble to him. Luther upon the diſcloſing of this, brake out, ſaying, I think God I have met with one tempted, as I am tempted. There were it may be ſome temptations and doubts ſometimes upon the ſpirits of thoſe who did ſuffer, for there was fleſh ſtill remaining in them, and the Devil was deſirous to winnow them: but yet the power of Faith, and the evidence of Divine Authority in the truths they ſuffered for, would at laſt like the Sunne break forth and diſſipate thoſe miſts. Therefore pray much for the guidance of Gods Spirit herein through the Word, that thy comfort may be ſure. The Heretick that ſuffers, becauſe he hath a falſe and erroneous perſwaſion; therefore he hath a falſe and a deceitfull comfort, and therefore is but like one in a dream, pleaſing himſelf with great imaginations, when he awakeneth poor and hungry: but the true ſufferer, he hath joy, and he knoweth his joy is good, and upon …ound grounds, which never can be taken away.
Secondly, Chriſt doth comfort, by informing of us aforehand of all the 2. By ſorewarning of their ſufferings.troubles and ſufferings which will neceſſarily accompany the true profeſſion of faith in his Name. Is not our Saviour often upon this ſubject? Doth he not frequently fore-tell his Diſciples, what reproach and hatred they ſhall meet with? Doth not the Scripture alſo in ſeveral places inſiſt upon this point, That all who will live godly must ſuffer many tribulations; That the Diſciple muſt not be above his Maſter. Yea, that we are appointed and ſet by God to afflictions, they are the effect of our predeſtination, as well as grace and glory is. Now in this we may be comforted, Chriſt hath done is no wrong; he hath told us what we muſt look for, it's no more then we expected, The fiery trial is not a ſtrange thing. Surely this maketh way for much comfort, that we looked for afflictions aforehand; we prepared an Ark againſt the deluge ſhould come. The Devil he being a deceiver dealeth contrary to Chriſt, for he tempts with pleaſant baits hiding the hook; he ſheweth thee pleaſure and profit, but not a word of that hell and torments which will neceſſarily follow thereupon. But Chriſt tels thee of the worſt at firſt, and keepeth his beſt wine to the laſt.
Thirdly, Chriſt comforteth us, by informing of us of his Sovereignty and 3. By informing us of his Sovereignty and conqueſt over the world.conqueſt over the world. So that both Devils, and his Inſtruments are but Lions in his hand, and ſo he lets them looſe, and pulleth them off, as he pleaſeth. If our enemies were equal, or ſuperiour to Chriſt in power, then we might juſtly be left without comfort; but what Chriſt ſpake to his Diſciples, belongs to all, I will not leave you, John 14. 18. I will not leave you comfortleſſe, Orphans, in the original: your condition is as good, as if Chriſt were here corporally upon the earth, and ſhould ſpeak to thee to be comforted. Would not this rejoyce thee in thy afflictions, if Chriſt himſelf ſhould come to thee and ſay, Be of good comfort, I am with thee, I will ſupport thee? Now Chriſt giveth his Spirit to be a Comforter in his room. That as Tertullian calleth the Spirit, Vicariam vim, (Lib. de praeſcript.) in reſpect of Doctrine; ſo alſo it is in regard of comfort; and wherein can it more be manifeſted then in teaching of us, that the world is conquered by Chriſt? John 16. 33. In the world ye ſhall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Faith maketh us behold this conqueſt over principalities and powers, as alſo over all adverſaries: ſo that thou art to receive comfort, becauſe there is no argument of diſcouragement; but it may be anſwered from Chriſt; and if thou art dejected, it is becauſe thou haſt low thoughts of Chriſt; Thou doeſt not judge of him, as he is.
Fourthly, Chriſt comforteth, by vertue of his prayer put up in that very behalf. In that ſolemn valedictory prayer of Chriſt, John 17. 13. one end 4. By vertue of his prayer put up in that very behalf.why he poured out that ſo affectionately before his death, was, that believers might have Chriſts joy fulfilled in themſelves. It's Chriſts joy, and their joy; Chriſts efficiently, theirs ſubjectively. So that as there is fulneſſe of grace in Chriſt to ſubdue every corruption; thus there is fulneſſe of joy in him for every tribulation: and that this may be applied to thee, Chriſt, who cannot be denied by his Father, for he heareth him in all things, hath thus prayed to God for it. And therefore … by virtue not onelyonly of his death, but alſo of his prayer and interceſſion; that thou art made to rejoyce.
Laſtly, Chriſt comforts in ſufferings, by instructing thee of the good uſe, 5. By inſtructing them of the ſpiritual advantages which come from ſuch ſufferings.and heavenly advantage all theſe tribulations ſhall turn unto, which is two-fold, they ſhall,
1. Turn to thy own ſpiritual and eternal good. Thou ſhalt hereby be more purified from thy filth and corruption; this will winnow away thy chaff; this fire will purge out thy droſſe; this will be a School, wherein thou wilt learn more ſpiritual and divine knowledge in heavenly things, then ever before. Sufferings have taught more than vaſt libraries, or the beſt books can teach.
Again, They will conduce to thy eternal Glory. God taketh up every tear in his bottle; how much more every drop of blood? For indeed by ſuffering in the work of the Lord, thou art more than Angelical; though the Angels do the will of God purely, chearfully and conſtantly, yet they meet with no troubles nor perſecutions for it, as believers do. No wonder therefore if God at laſt take his Joſeph's out of priſon, and ſets them on thrones of glory. Beſides, believers are comforted, becauſe they know all their ſufferings will turn to the advantage of the Church. Others are comforted and encouraged by this; what rejoycing doth this create in the heart of a believer? as we may ſhew more largely in the next verſe.
Uſe. Of Inſtruction to all ſuch, who take upon them the profeſſion of Chriſt, let them not be in jeſt; do not fall upon it by cuſtome and education only; but remember when thou proffereſt to follow him, that he will ask, whether thou canſt be baptized with his Baptiſm or no; he will tell thee of the troubles that follow his way; his advice is, to ſit down and conſider with thy ſelf, whether thou canſt build this houſe or no, fight this warfare or no: For it had been better for thee, never to have owned Chriſt, than by carnal fears to apoſtatize, ſaying, I did not look for theſe reproaches, theſe troubles; I thought not the way would have been ſo difficult. Luke 9. 57. We have ſome come voluntarily to Chriſt, proffering to follow him whitherſoever he did go; but Chriſt accepted them not, becauſe they underſtood not how much they muſt ſuffer in his way, and therefore when they had put hand to the plough, they would look back. Oh then again and again look upon what terms you profeſſe Chriſt! If thou canſt not be a Martyr in thy ſoul, how wilt thou be in thy body? If thou canſt not leave thy ſins, thy luſts for his ſake; how canſt thou thy life?