Great Encouragement in CHRIST JESUS ~ 27 July, 2024 A.D.

"But ye have not so learned Christ." -Ephesians 4:20 [KJV]

Believe, and live as you will. Love, and walk as you please. Will any say, this is fine licentious doctrine? We answer, such do not know, nor consider the power of faith, nor the influence of Christ’s love. They are strangers to His teaching. Christians are His scholars. Christ is our one Master. He graciously condescends to teach us. He kindly says, Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart to instruct you (Matthew 11:29.) Our grand business is, to sit at His feet. 

We have no just ideas of the sinfulness of sin, the vileness of our nature, nor the preciousness of His person, but what we learn of Him. Christian, what hast thou learned of Christ this day? If thou hast not learned somewhat of the heinous nature of sin, so as to abhor it, and of the preciousness of Christ’s person and salvation, so as to cleave to Him, verily, thou hast lost a day. Thou didst not so learn Christ. For this is His word daily to thee: “Come unto Me.” 

(1st.) When the pleasures of sin invite, when these trinity of idols, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, seek to be gratified, what is your answer? Is it not: My soul abhors them, my life shall be prevailingly free from them. I have not so learned Christ as to indulge them. I have learned so much of His precious love, as to desire to be wholly, solely, and eternally devoted to His glory. 

(2d.) Have you been bearing your sins, and carrying your sorrows today? Verily you take too much upon you. You have not so learned Christ. Surely, He hath done this for you, that you should be eased of their burden, and find rest in Him. “All ye that are weary and heavy laden, come unto Me, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28.) This is His sweet voice. “Let not your hearts be troubled.” This is His precious command, “Believe in Me” (John 14:1.) 

(3d.) Have you been this day folding your hands in dejection, full of doubts and fears, and your hope at the last gasp? You have not so learned Christ. For He saith to the fearful heart, “Be strong: fear not” (Isaiah 35:4.) Again, “Fear not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee. I will keep thee. Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10.) 

Daily learn to exalt Christ’s words, against all your sorrows: His righteousness against all your sins: His salvation against all your demerits: His promises against all your fears; and His truths against all Satan’s lying suggestions. See the blessedness of thus learning Christ. “Great shall be thy peace: in righteousness shalt thou be established; fear and terror shall not come near thee” Isaiah 54:13, 14.

 

-preacher Wm. Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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