Made Rich by Faith
Those who trust in the Lord are made rich by faith, and their expectations of provision and blessing shall not perish.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that while poverty is a difficult condition, those who place their faith in the Lord are enriched spiritually and eternally. He reassures the needy that they are not forgotten by God and that their faith will lead to divine recompense, as exemplified by the story of Lazarus. Spurgeon highlights the great expectations of the godly poor, who trust in God's provision and look forward to a future filled with hope and glory. He encourages believers to maintain their faith and joy, even in times of scarcity, by focusing on the eternal riches that await them in Christ. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and assurance that faith transforms our understanding of wealth and provision.
Text
For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. (Psalm 9:18)
Poverty is a hard heritage; but those who trust in the Lord are made rich by faith. They know that they are not forgotten of God, and though it may seem that they are overlooked in His providential distribution of good things, they look for a time when all this shall be righted. Lazarus will not always lie among the dogs at the rich man's gate, but he will have his recompense in Abraham's bosom. Even now the Lord remembers His poor but precious sons, "I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me," said one of old, and it is even so. The godly poor have great expectations.
They expect the Lord to provide them all things necessary for this life and godliness; they expect to see things working for their good; they expect to have all the closer fellowship with their Lord, who had not where to lay His head; they expect His second advent and to share its glory. This expectation cannot perish, for it is laid up in Christ Jesus, who liveth forever, and because He lives, it shall live also. The poor saint singeth many a song which the rich sinner cannot understand. Wherefore, let us, when we have short commons below, think of the royal table above.
Sermon Outline
- The Expectation of the Poor
- The Lord Remembers His Poor
- The Power of Faith
- Faith lays up its expectations in Christ Jesus
- Because Christ lives, our expectations shall live also
- They expect to see things working for their good
Key Quotes
“Poverty is a hard heritage; but those who trust in the Lord are made rich by faith.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The godly poor have great expectations.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Because Christ lives, our expectations shall live also.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- When facing poverty and hardship, remember that the Lord remembers His poor and precious sons.
- Trust in the Lord's provision and promise to care for you.
- Look forward to the royal table above and the blessings that await you in heaven.