I Am Doing a Great Work, So That I Cannot Come Down
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of focusing on God's work and trusting Him amidst life's distractions and anxieties.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of focusing on God's work amidst distractions and anxieties. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting God with the little things rather than succumbing to worry. Simpson illustrates this through Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to his mission despite repeated attempts to divert his attention. He warns that an excessive desire for change can lead to spiritual loss, urging Christians to embrace their circumstances while seeking God's glory. Ultimately, the sermon highlights that true faith involves recognizing and resisting fear as a sin.
Text
When work is pressing, there are many little things that will come and seem to need attention. it is a very blessed thing to be quiet and still, work on and entrust the little things to God. He answers such trust in a wonderful way. The believer who has no time to fret and worry and harbor care has learned the secret of faith in God. A desperate desire to change some difficult circumstance may take our eyes off God and His glory. Some suffering Christians have been so anxious to get well and have spent so much time in trying to claim healing, that they have lost their spiritual blessing. God sometimes has to teach such persons that there must be a willingness to be sick before they are yielded enough to receive His fullest blessing.
The enemy keeps at this work.
Sanballat came four times to Nehemiah, always receiving the same answer. How many fears we have stopped to fight which ultimately have proved to be nothing. Nehemiah recognized that fear is sin and did not dare to yield to it.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of focus during pressing work - Entrusting little things to God - Learning the secret of faith
- II points: - The danger of anxiety in difficult circumstances - The impact of desperation on spiritual health - Willingness to accept suffering for spiritual growth
- III points: - Recognizing the enemy's tactics - The example of Nehemiah's response to fear - The futility of fighting unnecessary fears
Key Quotes
“He answers such trust in a wonderful way.” — A.B. Simpson
“A desperate desire to change some difficult circumstance may take our eyes off God and His glory.” — A.B. Simpson
“Nehemiah recognized that fear is sin and did not dare to yield to it.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Practice entrusting your worries to God to maintain focus on your work.
- Recognize and resist fears that distract you from your spiritual purpose.
- Be open to accepting difficult circumstances as part of your spiritual growth.