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  THOU SHALT BE CALLED, SOUGHT OUT
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: God's surpassing grace is seen in that He not only seeks us,
but actively searches for us and finds us, even when we are lost and
unable to find Him.

Topics: "God's Grace", "Divine Pursuit"
Scripture References: Isaiah 43:1, Matthew 18:12, Luke 19:10

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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the extraordinary grace of God in seeking out
the lost, illustrating that while many may seek what is lost, God goes
further by seeking us out from the depths of our sin and despair. He
compares our condition to precious gold lost in filth, highlighting the
relentless pursuit of God as He searches for us amidst our struggles.
Spurgeon marvels at the infinite love and power of God, who does not
give up on His chosen ones, ensuring that they are not only sought but
effectively found and restored. He concludes with a call to praise God
for His sovereign love that grants us the title of 'Sought out.'

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CONTENT
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The surpassing grace of God is seen very clearly in that we were not
only sought, but sought out. Men seek for a thing which is lost upon the
floor of the house, but in such a case there is only seeking, not
seeking out. The loss is more perplexing and the search more persevering
when a thing is sought out. We were mingled with the mire: we were as
when some precious piece of gold falls into the sewer, and men gather
out and carefully inspect a mass of abominable filth, and continue to
stir and rake, and search among the heap until the treasure is found.

Or, to use another figure, we were lost in a labyrinth; we wandered
hither and thither, and when mercy came after us with the gospel, it did
not find us at the first coming, it had to search for us and seek us
out; for we as lost sheep were so desperately lost, and had wandered
into such a strange country, that it did not seem possible that even the
Good Shepherd should track our devious roamings. Glory be to
unconquerable grace, we were sought out! No gloom could hide us, no
filthiness could conceal us, we were found and brought home. Glory be to
infinite love, God the Holy Spirit restored us!

The lives of some of God's people, if they could be written would fill
us with holy astonishment. Strange and marvellous are the ways which God
used in their case to find His own.

Blessed be His name, He never relinquishes the search until the chosen
are sought out effectually. They are not a people sought to-day and cast
away to-morrow. Almightiness and wisdom combined will make no failures,
they shall be called, "Sought out!" That any should be sought out is
matchless grace, but that we should be sought out is grace beyond
degree! We can find no reason for it but God's own sovereign love, and
can only lift up our heart in wonder, and praise the Lord that this
night we wear the name of "Sought out."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/thou-shalt-be-called-sought-out/
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