Fight the Lord's Battles
We must fight the Lord's battles with courage and confidence, knowing that the outcome depends on Him.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the ongoing spiritual battle faced by the elect of God, with Jesus Christ as the Captain of their salvation. He encourages believers to stand firm and not lose heart, despite the challenges facing the church, particularly in England. Spurgeon reminds the faithful that while the battle may seem daunting, Jesus is present and interceding for His people, ensuring that their cause is secure. He calls for courage and action in proclaiming the gospel, urging Christians to fight valiantly for truth and righteousness. Ultimately, he reassures them that while they must act as if everything depends on them, their victory rests in the hands of God.
Text
The sacramental host of God's elect is warring still on earth, Jesus Christ being the Captain of their salvation. He has said, "Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Hark to the shouts of war! Now let the people of God stand fast in their ranks, and let no man's heart fail him. It is true that just now in England the battle is turned against us, and unless the Lord Jesus shall lift His sword, we know not what may become of the church of God in this land; but let us be of good courage, and play the man. There never was a day when Protestantism seemed to tremble more in the scales than now that a fierce effort is making to restore the Romish antichrist to his ancient seat.
We greatly want a bold voice and a strong hand to preach and publish the old gospel for which martyrs bled and confessors died. The Saviour is, by His Spirit, still on earth; let this cheer us. He is ever in the midst of the fight, and therefore the battle is not doubtful. And as the conflict rages, what a sweet satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, in His office as our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for His people! O anxious gazer, look not so much at the battle below, for there thou shalt be enshrouded in smoke, and amazed with garments rolled in blood; but lift thine eyes yonder where the Saviour lives and pleads, for while He intercedes, the cause of God is safe.
Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all depends upon Him.
Now, by the lilies of Christian purity, and by the roses of the Saviour's atonement, by the roes and by the hinds of the field, we charge you who are lovers of Jesus, to do valiantly in the Holy War, for truth and righteousness, for the kingdom and crown jewels of your Master. Onward! "for the battle is not yours but God's."
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Presence in the Battle
- The Church's Situation and Call to Action
- The Lord's Role in the Battle
- Our Response to the Battle
- Fight with Courage and Confidence
- Look to the Lord for Victory
Key Quotes
“Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“for the battle is not yours but God's.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all depends upon Him.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must look to the Lord and remember His promise to be with us always.
- The Lord's intercession ensures the cause of God is safe, giving us peace and assurance.
- We should fight with courage and confidence, but also look to the Lord for victory.