Preserved to Work's End
The Lord promises to preserve us until our work is done, and we should trust in this promise and find joy in Him.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the assurance that believers are preserved by God until their work on earth is complete, drawing from Acts 23:11 where the Lord reassures Paul. He encourages those facing danger or adversity to remember their divine purpose and that they are immortal until their testimony is fulfilled. Spurgeon reminds us that no external forces can thwart God's plans for us, and we should find peace and joy in our witness for Christ. He also urges prayer for missionaries and the persecuted, highlighting the importance of supporting those who bear witness under duress.
Text
The Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. (Acts 23:11)
Are you a witness for the Lord, and are you just now in danger? Then remember that you are immortal till your work is done. If the Lord has more witness for you to bear, you will live to bear it. Who is he that can break the vessel which the Lord intends again to use?
If there is no more work for you to do for your Master, it cannot distress you that He is about to take you home and put you where you will be beyond the reach of adversaries. Your witness-bearing for Jesus is your chief concern, and you cannot be stopped in it till it is finished: therefore, be at peace. Cruel slander, wicked misrepresentation, desertion of friends, betrayal by the most trusted one, and whatever else may come cannot hinder the Lord's purpose concerning you. The Lord stands by you in the night of your sorrow, and He says, "Thou must yet bear witness for me." Be calm; be filled with joy in the Lord.
If you do not need this promise just now, you may very soon. Treasure it up. Remember also to pray for missionaries and all persecuted ones, that the Lord would preserve them even to the completion of their lifework.
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of Preservation
- The Nature of the Promise
- The Call to Peace and Joy
- The Importance of Prayer
- Praying for missionaries and persecuted ones
- The Lord's preservation of His people
Key Quotes
“Who is he that can break the vessel which the Lord intends again to use?” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Cruel slander, wicked misrepresentation, desertion of friends, betrayal by the most trusted one, and whatever else may come cannot hinder the Lord's purpose concerning you.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Be calm; be filled with joy in the Lord.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Trust in the Lord's promise to preserve you until your work is done.
- Find joy in the Lord, even in the face of adversity.
- Pray for missionaries and persecuted ones that the Lord would preserve them until they have completed their lifework.