Do Not Be Dismayed
As a Christian, you are safe and strong in God's presence, power, and promises, so do not be dismayed or fearful, but trust in Him and wait on the Lord.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the Christian life is fraught with challenges, including temptations and fears that can lead believers astray or make them faint-hearted. He reassures Christians that there is no real danger as long as they trust in God, Christ's intercession, and the Holy Spirit's presence. Spurgeon encourages believers to remain courageous and steadfast, urging them to wait on the Lord for strength and not to succumb to fear or timidity. The message is one of hope and resilience in the face of life's difficulties.
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The Christian's life is no child's play. All who have gone on pilgrimage to the celestial city have found a rough road, sloughs of despond and hills of difficulty, giants to fight and tempters to shun. Hence there are two perils to which Christians are exposed; the one is that under heavy pressure they should start away from the path which they ought to pursue - the other is lest they should grow fearful of failure, and so become faint-hearted in their holy course....
There is really nothing to be depressed about, there is no real danger, you are safe while God lives, and while Christ pleads, and while the Spirit of God dwells in you; therefore be not dismayed, nor even dream of fear. Be not timorous and unbelieving, but play the man; "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart."
From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled "Brave Waiting," delivered August 26, 1877
Sermon Outline
- The Christian's Life is Not Child's Play
- Two perils for Christians
- The Christian's Safety
- Leaving the path under pressure
- Growing fearful of failure
- God's presence and power
- Christ's pleading and advocacy
- The Spirit's indwelling
Key Quotes
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Trust in God's presence and power to guide and strengthen you in your Christian walk.
- Rely on Christ's advocacy and the Spirit's indwelling to give you courage and bravery in your faith.
- Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, trusting in His strength to strengthen your heart.