It Will Not Be Long
The nearness of Christ's return should give us patience, stability, and hope for the future.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of patience and steadfastness in the face of trials, reminding believers that the coming of the Lord is near. He encourages the faithful to remain firm and stable, drawing strength from the promise of Christ's return, which brings hope and light to their present struggles. Spurgeon reassures that even in weariness or temptation, the assurance of the Lord's imminent return should inspire perseverance and dedication to God's work. The anticipation of Christ's coming serves as a motivation to hold fast and remain unmovable in faith.
Text
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)
The last word in the Canticle of love is, "Make haste, my beloved," and among the last words of the Apocalypse we read, "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come"; to which the heavenly Bridegroom answers, "Surely I come quickly." Love longs for the glorious appearing of the Lord and enjoys this sweet promise - "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh." This stays our minds as to the future. We look out with hope through this window.
This sacred "window of agate" lets in a flood of light upon the present and puts us into fine condition for immediate work or suffering. Are we tired? Then the nearness of our joy whispers patience.
Are we growing weary because we do not see the harvest of our seed-sowing? Again this glorious truth cries to us, "Be patient." Do our multiplied temptations cause us in the least to waver? Then the assurance that before long the Lord will be here preaches to us from this text, "Stablish your hearts." Be firm, be stable, be constant, "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Soon will you hear the silver trumpet which announces the coming of your King. Be not in the least afraid. Hold the fort, for He is coming; yea, He may appear this very day.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- The nearness of Christ's return
- The effect on our lives
Key Quotes
“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Make haste, my beloved,” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should be patient and stable in our faith, knowing that Christ's return is imminent.
- We should look to the promise of Christ's return for hope and joy in the midst of trials and temptations.
- We should be firm and constant in our work and faith, knowing that our reward is near.