Outline 16.

(3.) To hypocrites. - Ananias and Peter. Paul and high priest.

(4.) To Babel builders. - They build oft the rock, are daubers, build house on sand.

2. We prophesy GOOD,

(1.) To those who are convicted of their sin, Matthew 11:27.

(2.) To mourners in Zion, Isaiah 61.

(3.) To conscious unbelievers, and lost sheep.

(4.) To tempted souls. - “He breaks not the bruised reed,” &c.

(5.) To the persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

(6.) To those who wrestle with sin.

(7.) To those of little faith.

(8.) To despairing, self condemned sinners.

Saying, “All is ready, pardon, holiness, glory. We prophesy the good things of the promises, Gospel, Canaan.”

APPLICATION. - To those who are of Ahab’s mind. Those who prophesy smooth things to you are your enemies. God’s prophets speak evil, that you may avoid it. You will know it in the end.

2. Believe, ye mourners. When we prophesy good, reject not the delightful testimony. Hate us not.

OUTLINE 16.

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, Colossians 1:26, 27, 28.

I. A great mystery, “Christ in us.”

1. Christ in our flesh and nature; living, dying, or rising.

2. Christ in us. - Our life, motion, being, preservation.

3. Christ in us. - As our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption, comforter.

4. “Hope of glory.” - Present Saviour, purifying, 1 Timothy 1:5. II. This mystery was hid from ages and generations. Especially those of stupid sinners, Pharisees, and unbelievers of all sorts. Hid from their eyes, hearts, by the curtain of ignorance, sin, and unbelief (See Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:18, and 3:9; 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:3.) “Now made manifest” to sinners, who became saints, by believing it, by the rending of the threefold veil.

III. “The riches of the glory of this mystery.”

1. It is glorious to know God tenth us, and in us. - To be the temple of God, the members of Christ.

2. Glorious to Christ, to be acknowledged all in all.

3. It fits us for, and gives a sure hope and taste of glory. “Riches.” - Christ and his unsearchable riches of grace, mercy, righteousness, &c. “God is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” IV. Ministers’ duty.

1. To preach this mystery.

2. To warn every man of his danger, in a state of sin, nature, unbelief.

3. To teach every man the way of faith, bliss, and glory; in all wisdom from above.

V. End of preaching.

1. “Presenting every man.” - To God, to the Church, to the assembly of the first born.

2. “Perfect in Christ Jesus.” - So acquainted with, and living in Christ, that he may be dead, and his life entirely hid with Christ in God. Perfection in Christ, by dwelling in him.

APPLICATION. - Sinners! - Unacquainted with this mystery, how miserable, guilty, ruined! Sin, the world, Satan, in you, the fear of death, judgment, and hell: not hope of glory. You we warn to fly, from the wrath to come. Attend to Christ in your conscience, warning, wooing you. Change the mystery of sin for this “rich and glorious mystery.”