He Opened Not His Mouth
The sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to unkind judgments with holy sweetness and trusting in God's judgment.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the grace required to endure misunderstandings and unkind judgments with a spirit of sweetness, highlighting that true Christian character is tested in such moments. He reflects on the hidden blessings that can arise from enduring criticism, encouraging believers to adopt a perspective similar to David's when faced with cursing. Simpson warns against being distracted by grievances, which can lead to a life filled with petty conflicts, and instead urges the pursuit of Christ's spirit, who remained silent in the face of revilement. The sermon calls for a deeper reliance on God's judgment rather than seeking personal vindication.
Text
How much grace it requires to bear a misunderstanding rightly and to receive an unkind judgment in holy sweetness! Nothing tests the Christian character more than to have some evil thing said about us. This is the file that soon proves whether we are electroplate or solid gold. If we could only know the blessings that lie hidden in our lives, we would say like David, when Shimei cursed him, Let him curse; . . . It may be the Lord will . . . requite me good for his cursing this day (2 Samuel 16:11-12). Some people get easily turned aside from the grandeur of their life work by pursuing their own grievances and enemies. Soon their lives become one little whirl of petty warfare.
It is like a nest of hornets.
We may disperse the hornets, but we will probably get terribly stung and get nothing for our pains, for even their honey is not worth a search. God give us more of Jesus' Spirit. When he was reviled, [he] reviled not again; . . . but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously (1 Peter 2:23). Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself (Hebrews 12:3).
Sermon Outline
- The Test of Christian Character
- The Value of Hidden Blessings
- Avoiding Petty Warfare
- The Example of Jesus
- Jesus' response to reviling
- Committing ourselves to God's judgment
Key Quotes
“Nothing tests the Christian character more than to have some evil thing said about us.” — A.B. Simpson
“It may be the Lord will . . . requite me good for his cursing this day (2 Samuel 16:11-12).” — A.B. Simpson
“When he was reviled, [he] reviled not again; . . . but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously (1 Peter 2:23).” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Respond to unkind judgments with holy sweetness and trust in God's judgment.
- Focus on your life work and avoid getting sidetracked by petty warfare.
- Commit yourself to God's judgment and not revile in return.