2. To exhort us, every one to use that gift which he hath, to the good of others.
Doct. 8. In exercising those gifts, which belong to the preaching or declaration of Gods word, our chiefe care should be, so to carry our selves as becomes the word of God.
This is gathered from verse 11 at the beginning.
Reason 1. Because every action rightly ordered should have a just proportion to its object.
2. Because so great is the dignity of Gods word, that without such a care it cannot be kept safe, without wronging of it.
3. Because all the power of our speech concerning Gods word is lost, if it take not its whole strength from the word it selfe.
Vse. This may serve to admonish, not only the Preachers, that they handle the word of God holily, faithfully, and gravely, but also all hearers, that they judge aright of the Sermon, and make distinction betwixt those Preachers, which speake as the Oracles of God, and others, which speake as a humane speech or oration; and that they themselves also, if upon occasion they should treat of the word of God in private, should doe it holily, gravely, and reverently, as it becomes the word of God to be handled. Doct. 9. He that with his wealth ministreth to the necessities of others, should do it according to the ability which he hath received of God.
This is gathered from verse 11, that is, he must do it not by constraint, sparingly, and slowly, but with a ready and cheerefull affection, to his power, and beyond his power voluntarily, 2 Cor.8.3. Reason 1. Because this communicating is as it were a sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased, Heb.13.16. 2. Because from this sowing we may expect a great harvest, of Gods blessing, 2 Cor.9.6. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, not to performe such duties according to the fashion and custome of the world, as if their example were our rule, but according to the ability which God hath afforded us. Doct. 10. God is to be glorified in all things.
As the Apostle, 1 Cor.10.31.
