(The Gospel of Healing) 7. SCRIPTURE TESTIMONIES
A.B. Simpson illustrates how persistent faith, even when faced with apparent exclusion, can claim the healing promises of the Gospel through Scripture testimonies.
In this sermon, A.B. Simpson explores the power of persistent faith through the example of the Canaanite woman who boldly claims healing despite initial rejection. He teaches how Scripture testimonies provide a foundation for believers to argue their case with God and receive His blessings. Simpson encourages listeners to trust in God's love and persist in prayer, even when answers seem delayed or impossible.
Text
Her great faith consisted not only in her persistency, in holding on until the last in importunate pleading, but in its ingenuity in finding some ground on which to plead and claim the blessing. Faith is a process of logic, an arguing our case with God, and it is always looking for something to rest upon. Her heart seemed to lean at first upon His grace and love as she somehow felt it instinctively. Something told her that calm, gentle face could not refuse her. But still she had no word from Him. One little word only, one whisper, one faint concession would do her. But he had spoken nothing but hard, inevitable words of exclusion, exclusion based upon the great principles and limitations of His coming, principles that seemed to make it wrong for Him to help her. At last He speaks a word that seems to close the door for ever. Not only a Gentile, but a dog. It is NOT MEET. How can she surmount that? Wonderful! That becomes the very bridge on which she crosses the Jordan. A dog -- that gives her a place. A dog -- well, even a dog has some rights. She will claim hers. Only a crumb. This thing she asks is but a crumb to Him, so great that mighty deeds of power and love drop from His fingers like morsels, but oh, so much to her! Lord, I accept it. I lie down at Thy feet, at Thy children\
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Nature of Persistent Faith
- Faith as a process of reasoning and pleading
- The importance of finding a ground to claim blessings
- Faith’s ingenuity in surmounting obstacles
-
II. The Example of the Canaanite Woman
- Her initial exclusion and rejection
- Using the metaphor of a dog to claim a crumb
- Her acceptance of even the smallest blessing
-
III. The Principles of Divine Healing
- God’s limitations and principles in healing
- How faith bridges the gap between exclusion and blessing
- The power of claiming God’s promises through Scripture
-
IV. Application of Scripture Testimonies
- Using biblical examples to strengthen faith
- Encouragement to persist in prayer and claim healing
- Trusting God’s love despite apparent silence
Key Quotes
“Faith is a process of logic, an arguing our case with God, and it is always looking for something to rest upon.” — A.B. Simpson
“A dog -- that gives her a place. A dog -- well, even a dog has some rights. She will claim hers.” — A.B. Simpson
“Only a crumb. This thing she asks is but a crumb to Him, so great that mighty deeds of power and love drop from His fingers like morsels, but oh, so much to her!” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Persist in faith by continually bringing your requests before God with confidence.
- Use Scripture testimonies as a foundation to strengthen your belief in God's healing power.
- Trust God's love and timing, even when immediate answers are not evident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does persistent faith mean according to A.B. Simpson?
Persistent faith is a continual process of pleading with God, reasoning with Him, and finding a basis to claim His promises.
Why is the story of the Canaanite woman important in this sermon?
It demonstrates how faith can overcome exclusion and claim healing even when circumstances seem discouraging.
How does Simpson describe the role of Scripture testimonies?
Scripture testimonies serve as powerful examples that strengthen believers’ faith and encourage them to claim God’s promises.
What is the significance of the 'crumb' in the sermon?
The 'crumb' symbolizes even the smallest blessing from God, which faith accepts gratefully as sufficient for healing.
How can listeners apply this sermon to their lives?
Listeners are encouraged to persist in faith, use Scripture as a foundation for their prayers, and trust God’s love despite delays or silence.