For My sake.
For My sake
The supreme and commanding claims implied. Endeavour to understand the meaning of the words, “for my sake.” All intelligent creatures act from some consideration or other-for the “ sake “ of something. At the root of the life we are living there is a strong and dominant reason; or, if not one, several that sway us in turn. Motive in every action-money, pleasure, etc., regard for others. So that the principle which is contained in the text is by no means new or exceptional, but is as old and as wide as the world. Comes before us in its highest and most glorious application. The claims involved. We have, then, here-
I. A person. A unique person.
III. A unique person who claims to be Lord of our life. What are we to do for the sake of Christ? To labour and suffer. (Dr. Mellor.)
For My sake.
1. There is a self-assertion here, which is justified by the character and position of the speaker.
2. All beings capable of love and hatred must, if placed together, act with direct regard to each other, and they will do many things for each other’s sake.
I. What is the nature of Jesus’ claims?
1. Jesus claims work for His sake.
2. We owe to Jesus Christ patient endurance of suffering for His sake.
3. Jesus claims cheerful and generous gifts for His sake.
4. Jesus claims attachment to life, with a readiness to die, for His sake.
5. Jesus claims the devotion of ourselves to Him.
II. Some of the means by which we may stir up ourselves to recognize these claims more cordially.
1. Distinct ideas of the person of Christ are essential to our being moved by considerations which originate in Himself.
2. Frequent meditation upon the service He has rendered.
3. In order to this we need the communion of the Holy Ghost. (S. Martin, D,D.)
The words bring before us the relation of the Christian to his living and loving Lord.
I. Let us seek clearer views of the influence of Christian motive. Christ has certain peculiar and special claims on us. There is the authority of His Godhead. The love of His incarnation and death.
II. Let us get a juster estimate of its range.
1. It bears on our efforts after personal holiness.
2. On the Christian’s work for others.
3. It extends to the enduring of suffering for conscience’ sake.
4. It applies to the sacrifices we are required to make. This principle possesses a testing power to reveal whether or not we are what we profess to be as followers of Christ. (Dr. W. M. Taylor.)