Surely He Shall Deliver Thee From the Snare of the Fowler
God delivers His people from the snare of the fowler, either by preventing them from entering into sin or by rescuing them from its consequences.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes God's dual deliverance from the snares of the fowler, illustrating that He protects His people from entering traps and also rescues them if they fall into them. He explains that troubles can serve as God's means of delivering us from greater evils, and that spiritual strength helps believers resist temptation. Spurgeon reassures backsliders that despite their struggles, God offers mercy and the promise of restoration. He encourages those who feel trapped to remember that God will bring them out of their troubles and restore their joy. Ultimately, no believer is beyond the reach of God's grace and deliverance.
Text
God delivers His people from the snare of the fowler in two senses. From, and out of. First, He delivers them from the snare--does not let them enter it; and secondly, if they should be caught therein, He delivers them out of it. The first promise is the most precious to some; the second is the best to others.
"He shall deliver thee from the snare." How? Trouble is often the means whereby God delivers us. God knows that our backsliding will soon end in our destruction, and He in mercy sends the rod. We say, "Lord, why is this?" not knowing that our trouble has been the means of delivering us from far greater evil. Many have been thus saved from ruin by their sorrows and their crosses; these have frightened the birds from the net.
At other times, God keeps His people from the snare of the fowler by giving them great spiritual strength, so that when they are tempted to do evil they say, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" But what a blessed thing it is that if the believer shall, in an evil hour, come into the net, yet God will bring him out of it! O backslider, be cast down, but do not despair. Wanderer though thou hast been, hear what thy Redeemer saith--"Return, O backsliding children; I will have mercy upon you." But you say you cannot return, for you are a captive.
Then listen to the promise--"Surely He shall deliver thee out of the snare of the fowler." Thou shalt yet be brought out of all evil into which thou hast fallen, and though thou shalt never cease to repent of thy ways, yet He that hath loved thee will not cast thee away; He will receive thee, and give thee joy and gladness, that the bones which He has broken may rejoice. No bird of paradise shall die in the fowler's net.
Sermon Outline
- God's Deliverance from the Snare of the Fowler
- Means of deliverance
- Blessed promise of deliverance
- Trouble as a means of deliverance
- Spiritual strength as a means of deliverance
- Even in backsliding, God will bring us out
- God's mercy and love for the backslider
- Joy and gladness in restoration
Key Quotes
“He shall deliver thee from the snare.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Trouble is often the means whereby God delivers us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“No bird of paradise shall die in the fowler's net.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Trouble can be a means of deliverance, so trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
- Return to God with a repentant heart, and He will receive you with mercy and love.
- God's promise of deliverance is sure, so hold onto it and trust in His goodness.