God's High Places
C.H. Spurgeon's sermon emphasizes the grace and safety of being elevated by God when we truly know Him.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound relationship between knowing God's name and the blessings that follow, as expressed in Psalms 91:14. He reflects on his personal experience of God's faithfulness, sin-hating nature, and sin-pardoning grace, which assures him of God's protection and elevation in life. Spurgeon highlights that being set on high by God brings safety and usefulness, regardless of the challenges that may come. He encourages believers to seek a deep fellowship with God, which leads to triumph and anticipation of eternal glory. Ultimately, he prays for this divine elevation to be the experience of all believers.
Text
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. (Psalm 91:14)
Does the Lord say this to me? Yes, if I have known His name. Blessed be the Lord, I am no stranger to Him. I have tried Him, proved Him, and known Him, and therefore do I trust Him. I know His name as a sin-hating God, for by His Spirit's convincing power I have been taught that He will never wink at evil. But I also know Him as the sin-pardoning God in Christ Jesus, for He has forgiven me all trespasses. His name is faithfulness, and I know it, for He has never forsaken me though my troubles have multiplied upon me.
This knowledge is a gift of grace, and the Lord makes it to be the reason why He grants another grace-gift, namely, setting on high. This is grace upon grace.
Observe that if we climb on high, the position may be dangerous; but if the Lord sets us there it is safe. He may raise us to great usefulness, to eminent experience, to success in service, to leadership among workers, to a father's place among the little ones. If He does not do this, He may set us on high by near fellowship, clear insight, holy triumph, and gracious anticipation of eternal glory. When God sets us on high, Satan himself cannot pull us down. Oh, that this may be our case all through this day!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding God's promise to elevate those who know Him - The significance of knowing God's name - The dual nature of God as sin-hating and sin-pardoning
- II points: - The grace of being set on high - The safety of divine elevation - The potential dangers of self-elevation
- III points: - The various forms of being set on high - The role of fellowship and insight in our spiritual journey - The assurance of God's protection against adversities
- IV points: - The importance of trusting in God's faithfulness - Experiencing success and leadership through divine elevation - Anticipating eternal glory as a source of strength
Key Quotes
“I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“This knowledge is a gift of grace, and the Lord makes it to be the reason why He grants another grace-gift.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“When God sets us on high, Satan himself cannot pull us down.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Cultivate a deeper relationship with God to experience His elevation.
- Trust in God's faithfulness during times of trouble and uncertainty.
- Seek to serve others and lead with humility, recognizing that true elevation comes from God.