Faint, Yet Pursuing
The sermon emphasizes the importance of faithful dependence on God, while taking action with diligence and loyalty.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of depending on God while remaining diligent and faithful in our efforts, using the example of Gideon and his three hundred men who, despite their weakness, were committed to pursuing victory. Their motto, 'Faint, yet pursuing,' illustrates the balance between reliance on divine strength and personal responsibility. Simpson encourages believers to recognize that even the weakest can be made mighty through God, urging them to trust fully while working diligently. He highlights the necessity of being loyal and active in faith, as God calls upon those who may seem inadequate to accomplish great things. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to trust and obey God in all circumstances.
Text
It is a good thing to learn to depend upon God to work through our feeble resources and yet, while so depending, to be absolutely faithful and diligent and not allow our trust to deteriorate into indolence. We find no sloth or negligence in Gideon or his three hundred; though they were weak and few, they were completely loyal, and everything in them-down to their last breath-was ready for God to use. Faint, yet pursuing was their watchword as they followed and finished their glorious victory. They did not rest until the last of their enemies was destroyed, and even their false friends were punished for their treachery and unfaithfulness.
God still calls the weakest instruments.
When, however, he chooses and enables them, they are no longer weak but mighty through God (2 Corinthians 10:4) and faithful through His grace to every trust and opportunity. "They trust," as Dr. Chalmers used to say, "as though all depended upon God, and work as though all depended upon themselves." Teach me, my blessed Master, to trust and obey.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Faithful Dependence
- The Call to Faithful Action
- The Balance of Trust and Action
- Trust in God as though all depended on Him
- Action as though all depended on ourselves
Key Quotes
“Faint, yet pursuing was their watchword as they followed and finished their glorious victory.” — A.B. Simpson
“They trust, as Dr. Chalmers used to say, 'as though all depended upon God, and work as though all depended upon themselves.'” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Pray for guidance and strength before taking action, trusting in God's enablement.
- Take action with confidence and faith, as though all depended on yourself.
- Strive to be completely loyal and diligent in your actions, ready for God to use you.