(A Larger Christian Life) 11. ENLARGED WORK
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the call to expand one's spiritual vision and efforts by attempting great things for God and expecting great things from Him, inspiring a larger Christian life and mission.
In this sermon, A.B. Simpson explores the biblical call to 'enlarge the place of thy tent,' encouraging believers to expand their spiritual vision and mission. Drawing on the inspiring example of a humble Baptist preacher who sparked the modern missionary movement, Simpson challenges Christians to attempt great things for God and expect great things from Him. This message motivates listeners to embrace a larger Christian life marked by faith, action, and global impact.
Text
"Enlarge the place of thy tent." Isa. liv: 2a
About one hundred years ago a humble Baptist preacher stood in an English pulpit and announced this text at the opening of what was perhaps the first Missionary Convention of modern times. He then proposed the two following divisions as the themes of his discourse. 1. Attempt great things for God. 2. Expect great things from God. And then from these two propositions, themselves inspiring enough to impel the whole missionary movement, he proceeded to preach a sermon which became the watchword of the greatest Christian movement, since Apostolic days. That was the birthday of modern missions. Soon he himself was a missionary in Calcutta, and today an army of missionaries is girdling the world and about to multiply more and more every year until the Master comes. The preacher had been one of those whom the Lord delights to use-one of the weak things, and the things that are despised. A humble cobbler, he had supported himself by toiling all day long at his last, but while his hands were busy, his heart was out upon the world, and his eyes were often upon the maps that lined the walls of his workshop, and the calculations and plans for the world\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The call to enlarge the place of thy tent
- Historical example of the Baptist preacher and the birth of modern missions
- The significance of attempting great things for God
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II
- Expecting great things from God as a foundation for faith
- The role of humble servants in God's work
- The global impact of missionary efforts inspired by faith
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III
- The personal application of expanding spiritual vision
- The importance of planning and prayer in mission work
- Encouragement to trust God for greater things
Key Quotes
“Enlarge the place of thy tent.” — A.B. Simpson
“Attempt great things for God.” — A.B. Simpson
“Expect great things from God.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Step out in faith by attempting greater works for God in your life and community.
- Cultivate a confident expectation that God will provide and accomplish His purposes.
- Expand your spiritual vision through prayer, planning, and commitment to mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'enlarge the place of thy tent' mean?
It is a call to expand one's spiritual capacity and mission to accommodate greater work for God.
Who was the preacher mentioned in the sermon?
He was a humble Baptist preacher who inspired the modern missionary movement about a hundred years ago.
What are the two main themes of the sermon?
Attempt great things for God and expect great things from God.
How does faith relate to mission work according to the sermon?
Faith involves both bold action and confident expectation that God will accomplish great things through believers.
What practical example is given in the sermon?
The example of a cobbler whose heart and plans were focused on world missions despite humble circumstances.