Avoid That Slip
To walk in safety and avoid stumbling, we must follow the ways of wisdom and holiness, and devote ourselves to God's calling in our lives.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of walking in wisdom and holiness to avoid spiritual slips and stumbles. He illustrates that while we may not travel luxuriously, walking in our God-given calling ensures our safety. Spurgeon warns that our greatest danger comes from our own carelessness and urges believers to seek divine grace to perceive and avoid sin. He encourages a vigilant attitude, reminding us to 'watch and pray' to prevent even the smallest slip. Ultimately, he calls for reliance on Jesus, who is able to keep us from stumbling.
Text
Then shalt thou walk in thy way of safety, and thy foot shall not stumble. (Proverbs 3:23)
That is to say, if we follow the ways of wisdom and holiness we shall be preserved in them. He who travels by daylight along the highway is under some protection. There is a way for every man, namely, his own proper calling in life, and if we devoutly walk therein in the fear of God He will preserve us from evil. We may not travel luxuriously, but we shall walk safely. We may not be able to run like young men, but we shall be able to walk like good men.
Our greatest danger lies in ourselves: our feeble foot is so sadly apt to stumble. Let us ask for more moral strength that our tendency to slip may be overcome. Some stumble because they do not see the stone in the way: divine grace enables us to perceive sin and so to avoid it. Let us plead this promise and trust in Him who upholds His chosen.
Alas! Our worst peril is our own carelessness, but against this the Lord Jesus has put us on our guard, saying, "Watch and pray."
Oh, for grace to walk this day without a single stumble! It is not enough that we do not actually fall; our cry should be that we may not make the smallest slip with out feet but may at the last adore Him "who is able to keep us from stumbling."
Sermon Outline
- Walking in Safety
- The Danger of Stumbling
- Avoiding Stumbling
- Divine grace enables us to perceive sin and avoid it
- Pleading the promise of God's upholding power
Key Quotes
“Our greatest danger lies in ourselves: our feeble foot is so sadly apt to stumble.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Oh, for grace to walk this day without a single stumble!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He who travels by daylight along the highway is under some protection.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must ask for more moral strength to overcome our tendency to slip and stumble.
- We should plead the promise of God's upholding power and trust in Him who is able to keep us from stumbling.
- We must be careful to avoid carelessness and instead watch and pray to stay on the path of righteousness.