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To Lay Out for God Is Pleasing Work

{Since the Heavenly Trade Is the Best Trade…

Exhortation to Good Traders in Christianity

Advice: Lay Out for God

To Lay Out for God Is Pleasing Work}


It is pleasing work to lay out for God. Paul did not count his life too dear to lay out for Christ (Acts 20:24).1556 Peter and John rejoiced that they were considered worthy to part with their good name and to undergo reproach for Christ (Acts 5:41).1557 Nazianzen1558 was glad that he had something of value—to wit, his Athenian learning—to part with for Christ. The mother of William Hunter, the martyr, rejoiced that she was so happy as to bear such a child as could find in his heart to lose his life for the sake of Christ’s Name. To a soul who loves Him, nothing seems burdensome to do or part with for Christ. How willingly did Jonathan strip himself of the robe that he wore and give it to David, and also his armor, sword, bow, and weapon belt because he loved him (1 Samuel 18:4).1559 How much more pleasing will it be to a soul who loves Christ to part with his all for Christ.


1556But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24 NASB).

1557So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41 NKJV).

1558Probably Gregory of Nazianzus (329–390 AD).

1559And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt” (1 Samuel 18:4 ESV).

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