It Is Time to Seek the Lord
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord, especially in early life, and warns of the consequences of delaying salvation.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the urgency of seeking the Lord, drawing parallels between the awakening of nature in spring and the need for individuals to open their hearts to God. He urges both the young and the elderly to recognize the fleeting nature of life and the importance of salvation, encouraging them to respond to the signs of decay and the passage of time. Spurgeon passionately implores his readers not to delay in their spiritual journey, as the opportunity for grace is limited and may be their last chance to turn to God. He highlights the priceless value of early salvation and the necessity of setting one's house in order before it's too late.
Text
This month of April is said to derive its name from the Latin verb aperio, which signifies to open, because all the buds and blossoms are now opening, and we have arrived at the gates of the flowery year. Reader, if you are yet unsaved, may your heart, in accord with the universal awakening of nature, be opened to receive the Lord. Every blossoming flower warns you that it is time to seek the Lord; be not out of tune with nature, but let your heart bud and bloom with holy desires.
Do you tell me that the warm blood of youth leaps in your veins? then, I entreat you, give your vigour to the Lord. It was my unspeakable happiness to be called in early youth, and I could fain praise the Lord every day for it. Salvation is priceless, let it come when it may, but oh! an early salvation has a double value in it. Young men and maidens, since you may perish ere you reach your prime, "It is time to seek the Lord." Ye who feel the first signs of decay, quicken your pace: that hollow cough, that hectic flush, are warnings which you must not trifle with; with you it is indeed time to seek the Lord.
Did I observe a little grey mingled with your once luxurious tresses? Years are stealing on apace, and death is drawing nearer by hasty marches, let each return of spring arouse you to set your house in order. Dear reader, if you are now advanced in life, let me entreat and implore you to delay no longer. There is a day of grace for you now--be thankful for that, but it is a limited season and grows shorter every time that clock ticks. Here in this silent chamber, on this first night of another month, I speak to you as best I can by paper and ink, and from my inmost soul, as God's servant, I lay before you this warning, "It is time to seek the Lord." Slight not that work, it may be your last call from destruction, the final syllable from the lip of grace.
Sermon Outline
- The Universal Call to Seek the Lord
- The Urgency of Seeking the Lord
- The Call to Seek the Lord
- A Warning from God's Servant
- The Final Call from Destruction
Key Quotes
“Every blossoming flower warns you that it is time to seek the Lord.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“It was my unspeakable happiness to be called in early youth, and I could fain praise the Lord every day for it.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Slight not that work, it may be your last call from destruction, the final syllable from the lip of grace.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Recognize the universal call to seek the Lord and respond to it promptly.
- Understand the importance of early salvation and its double value in living a life of purpose and service to God.
- Do not delay seeking the Lord, as the limited season of grace is short and growing shorter every day.