Have Thou Authority Over Ten Cities
True success in serving God is not measured by our success, but by our uncompromising fidelity to Him.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true success in our Christian walk is measured by our faithfulness rather than outward achievements. He draws parallels between the faithfulness of Caleb and Joshua, who stood firm in their beliefs despite opposition, and the challenges believers face today in trusting God for victory over sin. Simpson encourages believers to remain steadfast, even when standing alone, as this fidelity is what God honors and uses for His purposes. He reminds us that suffering reproach for our faith is a mark of honor and a testament to our commitment to God. Ultimately, it is through this unwavering faith that we can expect to receive our full inheritance in Christ.
Text
It is not our success in service that counts, but our fidelity. Caleb and Joshua were faithful and God remembered their faithfulness when the day of visitation came. For them it was a very difficult and unpopular position. For us, too. We are called in the crises of our lives to stand alone. In the very matter of trusting God for victory over sin and our full inheritance in Christ we all have to be tested as they. Even in the Church of God our brethren, while admitting in the abstract the loveliness and advantages of life-in Christ, tell us that it is impracticable and impossible. Many of us have had to stand alone for years witnessing to the power of Christ to save His people to the uttermost.
Like Joshua and Caleb, we have had to follow God alone as we followed Him wholly.
But this is the real victory of faith and the proof of our uncompromising fidelity. Let us not, therefore, complain when we suffer reproach for our testimony or stand alone for God. Let us, rather, thank Him that He so honors us and stand the test so that He can afterwards use us when the multitudes are glad to follow.
Sermon Outline
- Faithfulness Over Success
- Standing Alone for God
- The Victory of Faith
- Uncompromising fidelity to God
- Standing the test for God's honor
Key Quotes
“It is not our success in service that counts, but our fidelity.” — A.B. Simpson
“Let us not, therefore, complain when we suffer reproach for our testimony or stand alone for God.” — A.B. Simpson
“Let us, rather, thank Him that He so honors us and stand the test so that He can afterwards use us when the multitudes are glad to follow.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must prioritize our faithfulness to God over our desire for success in service.
- Standing alone for God, even in the face of opposition, is a sign of His honor and a test of our faithfulness.
- We should thank God for honoring us and stand the test, knowing that He will use us in times of visitation.