Commendation Sermon Illustrations

Commendation Sermon Illustrations

In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians 'commendation' is used in two senses-self-commendation which is to be avoided, and the commendation of the Lord and of our lives and service which is to be coveted. The Greek word translated `commend' occurs in 2 Cor. 3. 1; 4. 2; 5. 12; 6. 4; 10. 12, 18; and 12. 11.

On special occasions several important buildings in large cities are floodlit. Artificial light thrown from outside on such buildings lights up the exterior and gives the buildings a radiant appearance. This is done to attract people's attention to the exterior—an illustration of what self-commendation is.

But did anyone ever hear of a floodlit lighthouse? No, for flood-lighting is not required. The lighthouse, illuminated from within, gives out its own light for the benefit of mariners sailing the seas. Paul wrote, 'Ye shine as lights in the world.'

(Phil. 2. 15)

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