A People Who Know the Truth
A true believer must prioritize the teachings of the Lord over charismatic speakers and false doctrine, and be rooted and grounded in Christ for stability and security.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of discerning truth from error in a world where eloquence often overshadows sound doctrine. He laments the tendency of people to follow charismatic speakers regardless of their teachings, urging believers to maintain a firm grasp on the truth of God's Word. Spurgeon calls for a community of believers who are rooted in Christ and able to distinguish between the doctrines of men and the teachings of the Lord. He warns against both bigotry and complacency, advocating for a strong, informed faith that binds believers to God. Ultimately, he desires to see a congregation that knows the truth and stands firm in it.
Text
In the present age if any man can talk well he will get a following, whatever he may teach. I am astounded at some professors, who can hear this man to-day and that man the next, though the two are diametrically opposed. Surely there is some difference between truth and error, and mere cleverness cannot neutralize false doctrine. Our forefathers discerned between things that differed, and when false doctrine came before them they cast it out, notwithstanding the eloquence of its advocate. I do not want you to be bigots. God deliver us from their bitter spirit, but I do want you to be sound believers. There is a great difference between obstinate bigotry and a decided maintenance of that which we have believed. After all, what is the chaff to the wheat?
There is a difference between the doctrines of men and the teachings of the Lord. No lie is of the truth. Garnish it as you may, it is still a lie. Oh to be rooted and grounded and built up in Christ! One of the most desirable things in this fickle age is to see around the minister of Christ a people who know the truth, and feel that the truth binds them fast to their God.
From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled "Taking Hold Upon God," delivered October 7, 1877
Sermon Outline
- I. The Dangers of Following Cleverness
- A. The tendency to follow charismatic speakers over truth
- B. The importance of discerning between truth and error
- II. The Importance of Discernment
- A. Our forefathers' ability to distinguish between truth and false doctrine
- B. The need to be sound believers, not bigots
- III. The Distinction Between Truth and Error
- A. The difference between the doctrines of men and the teachings of the Lord
- B. The importance of being rooted and grounded in Christ
Key Quotes
“No lie is of the truth. Garnish it as you may, it is still a lie.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Oh to be rooted and grounded and built up in Christ!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“One of the most desirable things in this fickle age is to see around the minister of Christ a people who know the truth, and feel that the truth binds them fast to their God.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Prioritize discernment and the teachings of the Lord over charismatic speakers and false doctrine.
- Be rooted and grounded in Christ for stability and security in your faith.
- Maintain your faith with conviction, avoiding obstinacy and bigotry.