(The Fourfold Gospel) 6. KEPT
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God powerfully and faithfully keeps and guards believers, ensuring their spiritual security and salvation through His unwavering protection.
In this devotional sermon, A.B. Simpson explores the profound truth that God powerfully keeps and guards believers through every trial and circumstance. Using vivid biblical metaphors and promises, Simpson reassures listeners of God's unwavering protection and faithfulness. He draws from the example of Jacob and key Scripture passages to emphasize the security and assurance found in God's keeping power. This message encourages believers to trust deeply in God's care and remain steadfast in faith.
Text
"For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." II. Tim. i. 12.
"Kept by the power of God unto salvation." I. Peter i. 5.
The more precious any treasure is, the more important is it that it be guarded and kept. The figure of our first text is that of a bank deposit and literally reads, "He is able to keep my deposits against that day." When great deposits of gold are being conveyed to the vaults of some rich bank, whole squadrons of police stand guard, and the most powerful locks, bolts, bars, and walls and the most ceaseless and sleepless vigilance of watchmen and detectives are employed to guard them. Sometimes the figure is used in a military sense. The second text is of this kind and literally should be translated, "Who are garrisoned by the power of God through faith unto salvation." What vast expenditures and mighty armaments and armies are employed to garrison the great strategic points that guard the gates of nations, such as Port Arthur, Gibraltar, Quebec, and other citadels. Sometimes the figure is used of the shepherd and his flock, "He will gather Israel and keep him as a shepherd doth his flock."
But whatever figure or phrase may be employed, the one great thought that God would convey to the hearts of His tried and suffering people is, that they are safe in His keeping, and that He is able to guard that which we have committed unto Him against that day. Let us look at some of His gracious promises to keep His people.
He will keep us wherever we may go or be. Listen to the first promise of our Divine Keeper as it was addressed to Jacob in the hour of his loneliness and fear, "Behold, I am with thee and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest; for I will not leave thee until I have done all that which I have spoken to thee of." How He kept that word to Jacob! How many the various places where providence cast his lot! The land of Laban, the cities of the Shechemites, the land of Goshen,-everywhere his covenant God guarded and kept him. He was not an attractive figure, he was not deserving of any special consideration. He was the "worm Jacob," but God loved him in his infinite grace, and kept him, disciplined him, taught him, and prepared him to be the head of Israel\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Assurance of Divine Keeping
- God’s power to keep what is committed to Him
- The imagery of guarding precious treasure
- The military and shepherd metaphors of protection
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II. The Promise of God’s Presence
- God’s promise to Jacob of continual presence
- God’s faithfulness in all places and circumstances
- The significance of God’s unchanging commitment
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III. The Practical Implications for Believers
- Believers are secure despite trials and fears
- God’s discipline and preparation through keeping
- Confidence in God’s eternal care and salvation
Key Quotes
“He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” — A.B. Simpson
“The more precious any treasure is, the more important is it that it be guarded and kept.” — A.B. Simpson
“Whatever figure or phrase may be employed, the one great thought that God would convey to the hearts of His tried and suffering people is, that they are safe in His keeping.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Trust in God’s power to guard and keep you through all life’s challenges.
- Find peace in the assurance that your salvation is secure in God’s hands.
- Remain faithful and confident, knowing God’s presence and protection never fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'kept' by God?
Being 'kept' by God means that believers are securely guarded and preserved by His power throughout their spiritual journey until salvation is fully realized.
How does the metaphor of a bank deposit relate to faith?
The metaphor illustrates that just as valuable deposits are carefully guarded, so too are the spiritual commitments and faith of believers protected by God.
Why is the promise to Jacob significant?
It shows that God’s keeping is not based on human merit but on His faithfulness, providing assurance even in times of loneliness and fear.
Can believers lose their salvation if God keeps them?
According to the sermon, God’s power is sufficient to keep believers secure, implying the security of salvation for those committed to Him.
How can believers apply this teaching in daily life?
Believers can trust in God’s protection, remain faithful during trials, and find peace in the assurance of His keeping power.