Despise Not Thy Youth
C.H. Spurgeon's sermon encourages young individuals to embrace their divine calling and trust in God's strength despite their perceived limitations.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that youth should not be a barrier to fulfilling God's calling, as exemplified by Jeremiah, who felt inadequate due to his age. God reassures Jeremiah that his youth does not disqualify him; rather, he is chosen to deliver God's message. Spurgeon encourages young preachers and teachers to focus on their divine commission rather than their limitations, asserting that God's strength will empower them in their mission. He reminds them that wisdom and experience are secondary to obedience and faithfulness in delivering God's word.
Text
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot speak; for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, l am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shat[ speak. (Jeremiah 1:6-7)
Jeremiah was young and felt a natural shrinking when sent upon a great errand by the Lord; but He who sent him would not have him say, "I am a child." What he was in himself must not be mentioned but lost in the consideration that he was chosen to speak for God. He had not to think out and invent a message nor to choose an audience: he was to speak what God commanded and speak where God sent him, and this he would be enabled to do in strength not his own. Is it not so with some young preacher or teacher who may read these lines?
God knows how young you are and how slender are your knowledge and experience; but if He chooses to send you, it is not for you to shrink from the heavenly call. God will magnify Himself in our feebleness. If you were as old as Methuselah, how much would your years help you? If you were as wise as Solomon, you might be equally as willful as he. Keep you to your message, and it will be your wisdom; follow your marching orders, and they will be your discretion.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to Jeremiah's calling - God's assurance despite youth - The importance of obedience
- II points: - The significance of being chosen by God - Overcoming self-doubt - The role of divine strength
- III points: - The message over the messenger - God's empowerment in weakness - The call to action for young leaders
- IV points: - Lessons from Jeremiah's example - Encouragement for young preachers - The impact of faithfulness in ministry
Key Quotes
“Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“God will magnify Himself in our feebleness.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Keep you to your message, and it will be your wisdom.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Embrace your youth as an asset in your ministry rather than a hindrance.
- Trust in God's strength to guide you through your calling.
- Focus on delivering God's message faithfully, regardless of your experience.