He That Ruleth His Spirit
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of temperance as true self-government and the need for divine guidance in achieving true freedom and service to God.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true temperance is the essence of self-government, which requires grace, self-denial, and a sound mind. He warns against being swayed by emotions, external influences, or even good intentions that can lead to a loss of freedom. Simpson calls for a spirit that is continually guided by God's will, ensuring that our actions align with divine purpose rather than personal desires. He illustrates the importance of maintaining poise and serenity in our spiritual journey, urging believers to seek God's guidance in every moment. Ultimately, he concludes that true service to God brings about perfect freedom and divine liberty.
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Temperance is true self-government. It involves the grace of self-denial and the spirit of a sound mind. It is that poise of spirit that holds us quiet, self-possessed, composed, deliberate and subject to the voice of God and the conviction of duty in every step we take. Many persons do not have that poise and serenity. They are drifting at the impulse of their own impressions and moods, the influence of others or the circumstances around them. No desire should ever control us. No purpose, however right, should have such mastery over us that we are not perfectly free. Our pure affection may be an inordinate affection. Our work itself may be a selfish passion.
That thing that we began to do because it was God's will we may cling to and persist in, ultimately, because it is our own will.
Lord, give us a spirit ever controlled by Thy Spirit and will and the eye that looks to Thee every moment as the eyes of a maiden to the hands of her mistress (Psalm 123:2). So shall Thy service be our perfect freedom, and our subjection divinest liberty.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Definition of Temperance - Importance of Self-Government - Role of Grace in Self-Denial
- II points: - The Poise of Spirit - Being Self-Possessed - Listening to God's Voice
- III points: - The Dangers of Impulsiveness - Influence of Moods and Circumstances - Need for Freedom from Desires
- IV points: - The Balance of Affection and Duty - Avoiding Inordinate Affections - Understanding True Service
- V points: - Divine Control vs. Self-Control - The Concept of Perfect Freedom - Liberty in Subjection to God
Key Quotes
“Temperance is true self-government.” — A.B. Simpson
“No desire should ever control us.” — A.B. Simpson
“So shall Thy service be our perfect freedom, and our subjection divinest liberty.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Practice self-denial to cultivate true temperance in your life.
- Seek God's guidance in every decision to maintain poise and serenity.
- Reflect on your motivations to ensure they align with God's will rather than personal desires.