Performance.
Consider:
I. Promises in relation to the kingdom of heaven. Men do not like to lose sight of the beautiful city of God. They like to feel some sort of connection with Christ; they mean to return to an earnest Divine life. Yes, there is a kind of purpose in their hearts to be as true to Christ as in their first days of consecration to His service, and they live, in a way, on the flattering tale. But let them come to the point of reality. Oh, the tragedy written in the lives of well-meaning persons! The promiser is still a slave, and still dwells in the enchanted palace of evil. Nowis the accepted time; nowis the day of salvation.
II. Promises in relation to the responsibilities of gifts and service. God is always saying to us, Begin; begin. Performance, once honestly commenced, tempts out more and more of loyal effort.
III. Promises in relation to the example of Christ. You vowed yourself in seasons of sickness and bereavement to Christ. Have you fulfilled that vow? It has been said that sometimes drowning men, who have been rescued at great peril to others, have thinned down their promised gratuity when time has been allowed to elapse. Miserable selfists! Yes, we can all say, Amen, to that. But how many might hear God's voice, "Now, therefore, perform the doing of it."
IV. Promises in relation to the bountifulness of God. What shall we render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards us? The Saviour's life was a life of deeds, and we ought to be living epistles of Him.
V. Promises in relation to the influence of example. Actions, as of old, speak louder than words. A kind, stimulating word is of immense service when it is accompanied by courageous endeavour. We are afraid, some of us, to begin; but, although at first we tremble, the whispered words of Jesus will restore our courage, for He hath said, "I will never leave thee; I will never forsake thee."
W. M. Statham, Christian World Pulpit,vol. vii., p. 312.
References: 2 Corinthians 8:12. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. ii., p. 544. 2 Corinthians 8:15. F. W. Robertson, Lectures on Corinthians,p. 395. 2 Corinthians 8:21. J. Taylor, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxxiv., p. 186; Preacher's Monthly,vol. ii., p. 250; H. Murray, The Fruits of the Spirit,p. 351. 2 Corinthians 8:24. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxvi., No. 1522; Church of England Pulpit,vol. iv., p. 191. 2 Corinthians 9:7. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xiv., No. 835; Preacher's Monthly,vol. ix., p. 77.