But God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on God's supernatural power and faith, rather than human wisdom or resources.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the supernatural nature of faith and the necessity of complete dependence on God, as exemplified by the Israelites in the wilderness. He argues that true strength comes from the presence of God, not from human resources or wisdom, and that a church must rely solely on divine power to fulfill its mission. Simpson highlights the importance of recognizing God's presence as the source of grace and strength, urging believers to embrace the transformative power of the phrase 'But God.' He calls for a reliance on the Holy Spirit to understand and embody this truth in their lives.
Text
What else do we really need? What else is He trying to make us understand? The religion of the Bible is wholly supernatural. The one resource of faith has always been the living God, and Him alone. The children of Israel were utterly dependent upon Jehovah as they marched through the wilderness. The one reason their foes feared them and hastened to submit themselves was that they recognized among them the shout of a King and the presence of One compared with whom all their strength was vain. Wherein, asked Moses, shall it be known here that Iand thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? (Exodus 33:16).
A church relying on human wisdom, wealth or resources ceases to be the body of Christ and becomes an earthly society.
When we dare to depend entirely upon God and do not doubt, the humblest and feeblest agencies will become mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). May the Holy Spirit give to us at all times His own conception of these two great words, But God!
Sermon Outline
- The Supernatural Nature of the Bible
- The Power of Dependence on God
- The Holy Spirit's Conception of 'But God!'
- The living God is the only resource of faith
- The children of Israel's dependence on Jehovah
- Human reliance leads to earthly society
- Faith in God brings mighty agencies
- Understanding the power of 'But God!'
Key Quotes
“The one reason their foes feared them and hastened to submit themselves was that they recognized among them the shout of a King and the presence of One compared with whom all their strength was vain.” — A.B. Simpson
“Is it not in that thou goest with us?” — A.B. Simpson
“May the Holy Spirit give to us at all times His own conception of these two great words, But God!” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must dare to depend entirely on God and not doubt His power.
- Faith in God brings mighty agencies that can accomplish great things.
- Relying on human wisdom, wealth, or resources leads to an earthly society, not the body of Christ.