Humble Yourselves Therefore
Trials and hard places are necessary for us to value life, understand others' struggles, and become mature Christians who can help and sympathize with others.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the value of life that emerges from enduring trials and hardships, suggesting that these experiences not only deepen our appreciation for life but also equip us to empathize with others in their struggles. He contrasts superficial understanding of suffering with the profound tenderness that comes from personal experience, highlighting that true strength and compassion arise from overcoming adversity. Simpson illustrates this concept with the analogy of a steamship, where the furnace's heat propels the vessel forward, much like trials propel us toward growth and purpose.
Text
The pressure of hard places makes us value life. Every time we come through such a trial, it is like a new beginning, and we learn better how much life is worth and make more of it for God and man. The pressure helps us to understand the trials of others and fits us to help and sympathize with them. There is a shallow, superficial nature that gets hold of a theory or a promise and talks very glibly about the distrust of those who shrink from every trial. But the man or woman who has suffered much never does this. Knowing what suffering really means, he or she is very tender and gentle.
This is what Paul meant when he said, Death worketh in us, but life in you (2 Corinthians 4:12).
Trials and hard places are needed to press us forward, even as the furnace fires in the hold of the mighty steamship give the force that moves the Piston, drives the engine and propels that great vessel in the face of winds and waves.
Sermon Outline
- The Value of Trials
- Trials make us value life
- Trials help us understand others' struggles
- Trials prepare us to help and sympathize with others
Key Quotes
“The pressure helps us to understand the trials of others and fits us to help and sympathize with them.” — A.B. Simpson
“Trials and hard places are needed to press us forward, even as the furnace fires in the hold of the mighty steamship give the force that moves the Piston, drives the engine and propels that great vessel in the face of winds and waves.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should not shy away from trials, but rather see them as opportunities to grow and become more like Christ.
- We should be tender and gentle with others who are going through hard times, just as a mature Christian would be.
- We should use our experiences of suffering to help and sympathize with others who are struggling.