If God Permit

Hebrews 6:3 KJV

And this will we do, if God permit.

John Gill's commentary has some great insights into this chapter and things a preacher would do well to consider; "It is, or at least should be, the determination of a Gospel minister, to preach Christ, and the great truths of the Gospel; and wheresoever God has called him to it, though there may be many adversaries, and though he may be reproached, calumniated, and deserted: resolution in preaching the Gospel, and adhering to it, is very commendable in a minister…"

The preacher should not shirk even from those responsibilities that bring to him reproach and desertion. His calling is to the truth and not to success.

Concerning the phrase, "if God permits" Albert Barnes Commentary says, "This is not to be interpreted as if God was “unwilling” that they should make such advances, or as if it were “doubtful” whether he would allow it if they made an honest effort, and their lives were spared; but it is a phrase used to denote their “dependence” on him."

Gill writes, "God's permission is much to be observed in the ministry of the word, in giving gifts to men, in placing them out here and there, where they shall exercise them, in directing them to subjects, and in making their ministry useful and successful: and it may be observed in general, that nothing can be done, or come to pass, good or bad, but what God permits or wills to be done…"

Never let it leave our hearts that we depend upon God.