Ready to give up
No wonder therefore that the ruler of the darkness of this world (Ephesians 6:12) should here put forth all his strength. And so we find by experience. For it is far easier to conceive than it is to express the unspeakable violence with which this temptation is frequently urged on those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6). When they see in a strong and clear light, on the one hand, the desperate wickedness of their own hearts, on the other hand, the unspotted holiness to which they are called in Christ Jesus; on the one hand, the depth of their own corruption, of their total alienation from God; on the other, the height of the glory of God, that image of the Holy One in which they are to be renewed: many times there is no spirit left in them. They could almost cry out: With God this is impossible. They are ready to give up both faith and hope, to cast away that very confidence by which they are to overcome all things through Christ strengthening them (Philippians 4:13), by which, after they have done the will of God, they are to receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36).
1771 text
9. *No marvel therefore, that the ruler of the darkness of this world, should here put forth all his strength. And so we find by experience. For it is far easier to conceive than it is to express the unspeakable violence, wherewith this temptation is frequently urged on them, who hunger and thirst after righteousness. When they see in a strong and clear light, on the one hand, the desperate wickedness of their own hearts, on the other hand, the unspotted holiness to which they are called in Christ Jesus: on the one hand, the depth of their own corruption, of their total alienation from God; on the other, the height of the glory of God, that image of the Holy One wherein they are to be renewed: there is many times no spirit left in them; they could almost cry out, with God this is impossible. They are ready to give up both faith and hope, to cast away that very confidence, whereby they are to overcome all things, through Christ strengthning them; whereby, after they have done the will of God, they are to receive the promise.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 42 in the 1771 Works. Second Corinthians 2:11.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.