Nehemiah 10:32 - Homiletics

Divine service.

—"The service of the house of our God." Difference between this in the temple at Jerusalem and in Christian sanctuaries. Superiority of the latter. In remarking upon it, while chiefly thinking of the part taken by ministers, we have in view also the "service of song," and all else that is needful for suitably conducting the worship of God. Note, then, that the service of God's house—

I. IS PECULIARLY SACRED . It has immediately to do with God, and Christ, and the souls of men. Should, therefore, be attended to with reverence, devoutness, purity of motive. Frivolity, selfishness, covetousness, and worldly ambition, wrong everywhere, are flagrantly wrong here. Every part of the service should have a distinctively religious aim, and should be done in a religious spirit.

II. SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO DIVINE DIRECTIONS . Not only to act in opposition to these, but to go beyond them into "will-worship," is impious and perilous.

III. SHOULD ENGAGE THE BEST ENERGIES OF THE BEST MEN . Requires, doubtless, first good men, but furnishes scope for the talents of the ablest; and all engaged in it should do their best. To leave this work to the feeble, or do it in a perfunctory or slovenly manner, is disgraceful and sinful.

IV. Is ENCOURAGED BY SPECIAL DIVINE PROMISES . The preaching of the gospel, united prayer, united praise, the celebration of the sacraments, all are thus encouraged.

V. Is FRUITFUL OF BLESSING . To those active in it, to those uniting, to society, etc. Of blessing in this life and for ever.

VI. SHOULD BE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY ALL . In many, the sense of obligation to render such support is of the feeblest.