There They Dwelt With the King for His Work
A Christian's joy and ministry in daily work is a sweet and high calling that can be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of maintaining joy and cheerfulness in our daily work as a reflection of Christ's presence in our lives. He compares the joyful Christian to sailors who sing while working, illustrating that true ministry occurs in the routine of everyday tasks. Simpson highlights that, like certain sea fowl that remain unsoiled by water, Christians can be anointed by the Holy Spirit to rise above sin and sorrow, embodying the light of heaven in their daily lives. This divine impulse allows believers to navigate life's challenges while remaining joyful and untainted. Ultimately, the sermon encourages Christians to carry their faith into their regular occupations, shining brightly for Christ.
Text
It is easy for water to run down from the upper springs, but it requires a divine impulse for it to flow up from the valley in the subterranean springs. There is nothing that tells more of Christ than to see a Christian rejoicing and cheerful in the humdrum and routine of commonplace work. He or she is like the sailors who stand on the dock loading their vessel and singing as they swing their loads. The praiseful Christian is keeping time in spirit with the footsteps and movements of labor and duty.
No one has a sweeter or higher ministry for Christ than men and women at their regular occupations who can carry the light of heaven in their faces all day long.
Certain sea fowl can plunge beneath the ocean's surface and come forth without one drop of water adhering to their beautiful plumage, burnished breasts and glowing wings. On their feathers is a subtle oil that keeps the water from sticking. So, thank God, we too may be anointed with the Holy Spirit to the extent that sin, sorrow and defilement will not adhere to us. Instead, we shall pass through every sea as the ship passes through the waves-in, but above the floods around us.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Divine Impulse for Spiritual Growth
- A. The need for a divine impulse to flow upwards
- B. The contrast with natural water flow
- II. The Praiseful Christian
- A. A Christian's joy in routine work
- B. Keeping time with labor and duty
- III. The Ministry of Ordinary Occupations
- A. A sweet and high ministry for Christ
- B. Carrying the light of heaven in daily life
- IV. The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
- A. Protection from sin and defilement
- B. Passing through life's challenges with ease
Key Quotes
“There is nothing that tells more of Christ than to see a Christian rejoicing and cheerful in the humdrum and routine of commonplace work.” — A.B. Simpson
“No one has a sweeter or higher ministry for Christ than men and women at their regular occupations who can carry the light of heaven in their faces all day long.” — A.B. Simpson
“So, thank God, we too may be anointed with the Holy Spirit to the extent that sin, sorrow and defilement will not adhere to us.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- You can experience spiritual growth and empowerment by seeking a divine impulse in your life.
- Find joy and purpose in your daily work by recognizing its ministry for Christ.
- Be anointed with the Holy Spirit to stay protected from sin and defilement.