Make You Perfect in Every Good Work
The secret to rest, power, and freedom in spiritual endeavors is to be adjusted to God's will and plan, and to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of being 'adjusted' in every good work as expressed in Hebrews 13:20-21. He explains that true adjustment involves aligning ourselves with God's will and the circumstances around us, rather than trying to change them to fit our desires. This adjustment leads to spiritual rest, power, and freedom, allowing us to fulfill God's plan for our lives. Simpson encourages believers to seek God's fullness and to be used by Him in every aspect of life, ultimately leading to joy and glory in His presence.
Text
The prayer at the close of the Letter to the Hebrews is beautiful: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will (Hebrews 13:20-21). The phrase "make you perfect in every good work" literally means, "adjust you in every good work." It is a great thing to be adjusted-adjusted to our surroundings and circumstances rather than trying to have them adjusted to us. Adjusted to the people we are thrown with. Adjusted to the work God has for us, not trying to get God to help us to do our work. Adjusted to fulfill the very will and plan of God for us in our whole life.
This is the secret of rest, power and freedom in every spiritual endeavor.
Oh, fill me with Thy fullness, Lord. Until my very heart o'erflow In kindling thought and glowing word, Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show. Oh, use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where; Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.
Sermon Outline
- I. Being Adjusted to God's Will
- A. Trying to adjust our surroundings and circumstances rather than God
- B. Being adjusted to the people we are thrown with
- C. Being adjusted to the work God has for us
- II. The Secret of Rest, Power, and Freedom
- A. Fulfilling God's will and plan in our life
- B. Being used by God for His purposes
Key Quotes
“The secret of rest, power, and freedom in every spiritual endeavor is to be adjusted to God's will and plan.” — A.B. Simpson
“Oh, fill me with Thy fullness, Lord. Until my very heart o'erflow In kindling thought and glowing word, Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.” — A.B. Simpson
“Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should strive to be adjusted to our surroundings and circumstances, rather than trying to change them to suit ourselves.
- Being used by God for His purposes requires us to be willing to adapt to His guidance and direction.
- The ultimate goal of being adjusted to God's will is to share in His rest, joy, and glory.