Oh, Why Was Not I Left Among the Ignorant
The sermon highlights the mercy and privilege of having access to the Word of God, which is only made possible by sovereign grace.
Anne Dutton preaches about the supernatural light needed to understand the Word of God, emphasizing that natural men cannot comprehend its mysteries without divine intervention. She highlights the importance of sovereign grace in revealing the truths of the Kingdom to those whom God chooses, even the weakest believers. Dutton expresses gratitude for being chosen by grace to receive divine teaching, acknowledging the difference it makes in understanding the Scriptures and the mysteries of God's Kingdom.
Text
Dear Sir,
Oh, what a mercy, what a privilege is it that the Word of God is not altogether unto us a sealed book! So it is as to its internal mystery and glory, unto every unregenerate man in the world. Natural men read and read not; they read the words and understand not the sense; even men of letters, famous for human learning, are quite ignorant and unlearned if not taught of God; the veil is upon their hearts, the veil is upon the Scriptures; what our Lord says to them therein is in parables. Nothing can dissipate natural darkness but supernatural light; this is dispensed in a sovereign way to whom the Lord of light pleases; and thus, to the weakest babes the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed, while they are hidden from the wise and prudent.
Oh, why was not I left among the ignorant and unlearned who perish for lack of knowledge! It was nothing but sovereign grace that made the difference between us and others; and since grace has taken us into its own hand to teach us, it will do it freely, efficaciously, and perfectly.
Sermon Outline
- The Word of God is not a sealed book
- Natural men read but do not understand
- Supernatural light is dispensed sovereignly
- Revealed to babes, hidden from the wise
- Free, efficacious, and perfect teaching
Key Quotes
“Oh, what a mercy, what a privilege is it that the Word of God is not altogether unto us a sealed book!” — Anne Dutton
“Nothing can dissipate natural darkness but supernatural light;” — Anne Dutton
“Oh, why was not I left among the ignorant and unlearned who perish for lack of knowledge!” — Anne Dutton
Application Points
- Recognize the privilege of having access to the Word of God and the importance of divine teaching.
- Acknowledge the limitations of human learning and the need for supernatural light.
- Trust in God's sovereign will to reveal Himself to us and teach us freely, efficaciously, and perfectly.