Divine Cultivation
C.H. Spurgeon's sermon emphasizes God's personal care and continuous nurturing of His people as the keeper of the vineyard.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine care and cultivation that God provides for His people, as illustrated in Isaiah 27:3. He highlights that God personally tends to His vineyard, ensuring it is watered and protected at all times, which assures believers of their growth and fruitfulness. Spurgeon reassures that with God as our Guardian, we need not fear any disturbances or threats, for His promises are steadfast and powerful. The repeated assurance of 'I will' from God instills confidence in believers to face challenges, leading to a response of praise and trust in His unwavering commitment.
Text
I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. (Isaiah 27:3)
When the Lord Himself speaks in His own proper person rather than through a prophet, the word has a peculiar weight to believing minds. It is Jehovah Himself who is the keeper of His own vineyard; He does not trust it to any other, but He makes it His own personal care. Are they not well kept whom God Himself keeps?
We are to receive gracious watering, not only every day and every hour "but every moment." How we ought to grow! How fresh and fruitful every plant should be! What rich clusters the vines should bear!
But disturbers come; little foxes and the boar. Therefore, the Lord Himself is our Guardian, and that at all hours, both "night and day." What, then, can harm us? Why are we afraid! He tends, He waters, He guards; what more do we need?
Twice in this verse the Lord says, "I will." What truth, what power, what love, what immutability we find in the great "I will" of Jehovah! Who can resist His will? If He says "I will," what room is there for doubt? With an "I will" of God we can face all the hosts of sin, death, and hell. O Lord, since Thou sayest, "I will keep thee," I reply, "I will praise Thee!"
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Lord as the Keeper of His Vineyard - The significance of God's personal care - The assurance of being well-kept
- II points: - The Need for Continuous Watering - Growing fresh and fruitful - Bearing rich clusters
- III points: - The Threats to Our Growth - Disturbers like little foxes and boars - God as our Guardian
- IV points: - The Power of God's 'I Will' - The truth and immutability of His promises - Facing challenges with God's assurance
- V points: - The Response of Praise - Acknowledging God's promises - Living in faith and gratitude
Key Quotes
“I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“What, then, can harm us? Why are we afraid!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“O Lord, since Thou sayest, 'I will keep thee,' I reply, 'I will praise Thee!'” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Trust in God's continuous care and nurturing in your life.
- Recognize the threats to your spiritual growth and rely on God's protection.
- Respond to God's promises with a heart of praise and gratitude.