The end.
I. ALL EARTHLY THINGS HAVE AN END. This world is marked by change, All things are temporary and transient. But the order of change itself will change. The whole present system of life will pass away. Life is a process, a preparation, a series of changing events which is to end and give place to an entirely different order.
1. Pleasure will end; therefore live for higher interests.
2. Sorrow will end; therefore be patient and hopeful.
3. Temptation will end; therefore be brave.
4. The opportunity for work will end; therefore be diligent now (John 9:4).
5. This life will end; therefore be prepared for the life beyond.
6. This world will end; therefore take account of the other world in judging of the mysteries of present Providence.
II. WE ARE ALL CONCERNED WITH THE END.
1. Though the world passes away, we remain. The soul's life outlasts all earthly things. It is therefore of great moment to us to be right for the end.
2. The end is the most important thing to be considered. We all work for ends. Passing things are used as means to obtain some end. We have not yet rest and satisfaction. We look for such blessings at the end of life (Micah 2:10).
3. The character of the end will determine our estimate of present things. We value the process according to our estimate of the result. If it is right, at the end the hard and dark questions concerning things as they are may be waved. "All is well that ends well" (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
III. THE END IS PARTLY HIDDEN, PARTLY REVEALED.
1. The principles of government which determine the end are revealed; the moral conditions of the end are made known. We cannot plead ignorance as an excuse for negligence. Enough is revealed to guide and urge us in the right way (Matthew 7:13, Matthew 7:14), and to cheer the Christian with boundless hope (1 Corinthians 15:24, 1 Corinthians 15:25).
2. The external condition, the detail of events, the destiny of individual souls, and the final issues of eternity, are not revealed. Therefore we walk by faith.
IV. THE END IS ALL KNOWN TO GOD. God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). It cannot surprise him. It cannot frustrate, but can only fulfil, his purposes.
1. It is foolish as well as wicked to expect to reach a happy end by opposing God's ways, since the end is with him.
2. If we are fallowing in his ways, we need have no fear for the end. He will provide the best that infinite love can give (John 14:2).