A Trustworthy Name
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord, even in the midst of a corrupt and sinful world, and encourages believers to examine themselves to see if they are one of the Lord's faithful remnant.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true faith often flourishes among the afflicted and poor, who learn to trust in the name of the Lord when worldly wealth fails them. He highlights that those who recognize their spiritual poverty and affliction are the ones who can truly rely on God's name, which serves as a source of strength and blessing in a corrupt world. Spurgeon challenges listeners to reflect on their own faith and trust in God, asking if they identify with the faithful remnant that God preserves. He reminds us that our purpose in this world is tied to our trust in Jesus, who reveals God's character and name. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a deeper commitment to fulfill the divine purpose in our lives through trust in the Lord.
Text
I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. (Zephaniah 3:12)
When true religion is ready to die out among the wealthy it finds a home among the poor of this world, rich in faith. The Lord has even now His faithful remnant. Am I one of them?
Perhaps it is because men are afflicted and poor that they learn to trust in the name of the Lord. He that hath no money must try what he can do on trust. He whose own name is good for nothing in his own esteem, acts wisely to rest in another name, even that best of names, the name of Jehovah. God wilt always have a trusting people, and these will be an afflicted and poor people. Little as the world thinks of them, their being left in the midst of a nation is the channel of untold blessings to it. Here we have the conserving salt which keeps in check the corruption which is in the world through lust.
Again the question comes home to each one of us. Am I one of them? Am I afflicted by the sin within me and around me? Am I poor in spirit, poor spiritually in my own judgment? Do I trust in the Lord? This is the main business. Jesus reveals the name, the character, the person of God; am I trusting in Him? If so, I am left in this world for a purpose. Lord, help me to fulfill it.
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Faithful Remnant
- The Blessing of Trusting in the Lord
- The Question for Each Believer
- Am I one of the Lord's faithful remnant?
- Am I afflicted by sin within and around me?
- Do I trust in the Lord?
Key Quotes
“When true religion is ready to die out among the wealthy it finds a home among the poor of this world, rich in faith.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He that hath no money must try what he can do on trust.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“God wilt always have a trusting people, and these will be an afflicted and poor people.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- I must examine myself to see if I am one of the Lord's faithful remnant, and if I am trusting in Him.
- I must learn to trust in the Lord, even when I am afflicted and poor, and have nothing else to rely on.
- I must be a conserving salt in a corrupt world, keeping in check the corruption that is in the world through lust.