Regard for special obligations.
"Should such a man as I flee?" Thus magnanimously Nehemiah gave one reason for not following the counsel of the lying prophet. The words remind us of the special obligations under which some are laid to avoid evil and practise good. Indeed every one of us has some specialty in his case which he should feel as binding him peculiarly to a right course.
I. SOME SPECIAL OBLIGATIONS TO CHRISTIAN CONSISTENCY. May be expressed thus: "Should such a man as I?"—
1. So greatly favoured. By the providence or by the grace of God—forgiven so much, so richly endowed, etc.
2. Occupying such a position, to which I have been so manifestly called. Position in the family, the Church, the world.
3. Who have made such professions.
4. Who have served the Lord so long, and done so much.
5. Whose influence is so great, for good or evil, upon others.
II. SINS AGAINST WHICH THE THOUGHT of such obligations should be a defence. "Should such a man as I"—
1. Flee. From Christ. From his post of duty.
2. Act unworthily. By inconsistencies of any sort—indifference, sloth, self-indulgence, intemperance, cowardice, parsimony, etc. Temptations to each and all may be met by this thought: "Should such a man as I be guilty of this sin?"
III. CONSIDERATIONS WHICH SHOULD DEEPEN THE SENSE OF OBLIGATION. If "such a man as I" fall, then I shall—
1. Incur deserved disgrace.
2. Bring reproach on the name and cause of Christ.
3. Give joy to his enemies.
4. Discourage and enfeeble his friends.
5. Cause injury and ruin to others. "Such a man as I" cannot fall alone.
6. Insure a heavier doom.