Lead the Way
As followers of Christ, we are called to lead the way among men by holy influence, not to be dragged by others, but to compel them to follow Christ.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that obedience to the Lord positions believers as leaders rather than followers, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:13. He asserts that God's blessings empower Christians to influence society positively, compelling the world to recognize Christ's authority. Spurgeon challenges believers to reject the spirit of the age and instead assert their identity as priests and kings in Christ, leading with confidence rather than succumbing to societal pressures. He calls for a bold proclamation of faith, urging Christians to take their rightful place in society and not allow their beliefs to be marginalized.
Text
The Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail. (Deuteronomy 28:13)
If we obey the Lord, He will compel our adversaries to see that His blessing rests upon us. Though this be a promise of the law, yet it stands good to the people of God; for Jesus has removed the curse, but He has established the blessing.
It is for saints to lead the way among men by holy influence: they are not to be the tail, to be dragged hither and thither by others. We must not yield to the spirit of the age, but compel the age to do homage to Christ. If the Lord be with us, we shalt not crave toleration for religion, but we shall seek to seat it on the throne of society. Has not the Lord Jesus made His people priests'' Surely they are to teach and must not be learners from the philosophies of unbelievers. Are we not in Christ made kings to reign upon the earth? How, then can we be the servants of custom, the slaves of human opinion?
Have you, dear friend, taken up your true position for Jesus? Too many are silent because diffident, if not cowardly. Should we allow the name of the Lord Jesus to be kept in the background? Should our religion drag along as a tails Should it not rather lead the way and be the ruling force with ourselves and others 3.
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of Leadership
- The Responsibility of Saints
- The Call to Action
- To take up our true position for Jesus
- To be bold and not silent in our faith
Key Quotes
“The Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“If the Lord be with us, we shalt not crave toleration for religion, but we shall seek to seat it on the throne of society.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must be willing to be bold and confident in our faith, even in the face of opposition.
- We must seek to lead others to Christ and influence them with the power of the Holy Spirit.
- We must take up our true position for Jesus and be willing to speak out and stand up for what we believe.