Are the Children In?
God promises to give His Spirit to our children, and we should pray for them to receive it.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of praying for our children, acknowledging that they do not possess the Spirit of God by nature and expressing concern for their spiritual future. He draws on Isaiah 44:3 to remind parents of God's promise to pour out His Spirit on their offspring, encouraging them to seek this blessing through fervent prayer. Spurgeon highlights the need for parents to intercede for their children, trusting that the Holy Spirit can transform their hearts and bring them into a relationship with God. He reassures parents that God delights in their prayers and will respond to their cries for their children's salvation.
Text
I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. (Isaiah 44:3)
Our dear children have not the Spirit of God by nature, as we plainly see. We see much in them which makes us fear as to their future, and this drives us to agonizing prayer. When a son becomes specially perverse, we cry with Abraham, "Oh, that Ishmael might live before thee!" We would sooner see our daughters Hannahs than empresses. This verse should greatly encourage us. It follows upon the words, "Fear not, O Jacob, my servant," and it may well banish our fears.
The Lord will give His Spirit; will give it plentifully, pouring it out; will give it effectually, so that it shall be a real and eternal blessing. Under this divine outpouring our children shall come forward, and "one shall say, I am the Lord's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob."
This is one of those promises concerning which the Lord will be inquired of. Should we not, at set times, in a distinct manner, pray for our offspring? We cannot give them new hearts, but the Holy Spirit can; and He is easily to be entreated of. The great Father takes pleasure in the prayers of fathers and mothers. Have we any dear ones outside of the ark? Let us not rest till they are shut in with us by the Lord's own hand.
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of God's Spirit
- The Encouragement of Prayer
- The importance of praying for our children
- The Lord's pleasure in the prayers of fathers and mothers
- The urgency of praying for those outside the faith
Key Quotes
“The Lord will give His Spirit; will give it plentifully, pouring it out; will give it effectually, so that it shall be a real and eternal blessing.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“We cannot give them new hearts, but the Holy Spirit can; and He is easily to be entreated of.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let us not rest till they are shut in with us by the Lord's own hand.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should pray for our children to receive God's Spirit.
- We should pray for those outside the faith to be brought into the faith.
- We should not rest until our loved ones are shut in with us by the Lord's own hand.