Joshua 10:4

Connection with the Church a source of worldly trouble.

The trouble which came upon Gibeon through her connection with Israel affords an illustration of the experience of all who associate themselves with the career and destinies of the Church.

I. THE EXISTENCE OF THIS TROUBLE . Though the true Church is an ark of safety, she is an ark upon stormy waters. He who joins the Church on earth joins the Church militant, and shares her dangers ( John 15:18 ).

(a) persecution,

(b) social ostracism,

(c) calumny,

(d) ridicule, etc.

II. THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS TROUBLE . All trouble permitted by Providence is blessing in disguise. So is this:

(a) from motives of selfish pride and profit,

(b) under the influence of superficial sentiment.

Worldly trouble directly arising out of our Church relations proves the genuineness of our attachment to Christ by showing whether we are willing to risk danger and suffer loss for Him ( Matthew 3:12 ; Matthew 13:21 ).

III. THE REMEDIES FOR THIS TROUBLE . Gibeon was threatened with destruction, but on her appeal to Israel her allies fought for her, and God secured them the victory.

HOMILIES BY R. GLOVER