0 Man of Desires
The sermon emphasizes the importance of desire and love in spiritual forces, prayer, and cultivating a holy desire in our lives.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of desire in the spiritual life, illustrating how Daniel was referred to as a 'man of desires' or 'greatly beloved' by God. He explains that strong desire is essential for effective prayer, as it fuels our intentions and petitions to God. Indifference and apathy hinder our spiritual growth, and often God uses challenging circumstances to awaken our desires and lead us to deeper trust. Simpson encourages believers to cultivate a heart filled with Christ's love, which transforms our prayers into powerful forces that not only express our needs but also invite God's assistance. Ultimately, he calls for a divine fire of holy desire to ignite our spiritual lives.
Text
0 man of desires was the divine character given to Daniel. The thought is translated in the King James version, A man greatly beloved. But it literally means, 0 man of desires. Desire is a necessary element in all spiritual forces. It is one of the secrets of effectual prayer. What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them (Mark 11:24). The element of strong desire gives momentum to our purposes and prayers. Indifference is an unwholesome condition; indolence and apathy are offensive both to God and nature.
So it is in our spiritual lives: God often has to wake us up by the presence of trying circumstances and push us into new places of trust by forces that we must subdue.
There is no factor in prayer more effectual than love. if we are intensely interested in an object or an individual, our petitions become like living forces. Not only do they convey their wants to God, but in some sense they convey God's help back to us. May God so fill us today with the heart of Christ that we may glow with the divine fire of holy desire.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Importance of Desire in Spiritual Forces - Desire is a necessary element in all spiritual forces
- II points: - The Power of Desire in Prayer - Strong desire gives momentum to our purposes and prayers
- III points: - The Dangers of Indifference and Apathy - Indifference is an unwholesome condition; indolence and apathy are offensive both to God and nature
- IV points: - The Role of Love in Prayer - Love is a factor in prayer more effectual than desire
- V points: - The Heart of Christ - May God fill us with the heart of Christ that we may glow with the divine fire of holy desire
Key Quotes
“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them (Mark 11:24).” — A.B. Simpson
“May God so fill us today with the heart of Christ that we may glow with the divine fire of holy desire.” — A.B. Simpson
“Indifference is an unwholesome condition; indolence and apathy are offensive both to God and nature.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should strive to cultivate a strong desire for God and His will in our lives.
- Love is a powerful factor in prayer, and we should seek to cultivate it in our hearts.
- Indifference and apathy are unwholesome conditions that can hinder our spiritual growth.