Then Ahimaaz Ran by the Way of the Plain, and Overran Cushi
The sermon emphasizes the importance of following the plain way of faith in Christ Jesus, rather than relying on our own efforts or proud reason.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the path we choose in our spiritual journey is as important as the speed at which we run. He contrasts the exhausting uphill struggles of self-reliance with the ease of running the 'plain way' of faith in Christ, which offers rest and strength. Spurgeon encourages believers to trust in God's promises and approach Him directly in prayer, rather than seeking help through worldly means. He reminds us that the way of holiness is accessible to all, and that true success in our spiritual race comes from reliance on Jesus. Ultimately, he calls for earnestness in our pursuit of God, urging us to focus on the prize of our high calling in Christ.
Text
Running is not everything, there is much in the way which we select: a swift foot over hill and down dale will not keep pace with a slower traveller upon level ground. How is it with my spiritual journey, am I labouring up the hill of my own works and down into the ravines of my own humiliations and resolutions, or do I run by the plain way of "Believe and live"? How blessed is it to wait upon the Lord by faith! The soul runs without weariness, and walks without fainting, in the way of believing. Christ Jesus is the way of life, and He is a plain way, a pleasant way, a way suitable for the tottering feet and feeble knees of trembling sinners: am I found in this way, or am I hunting after another track such as priestcraft or metaphysics may promise me?
I read of the way of holiness, that the wayfaring man, though a fool, shall not err therein: have I been delivered from proud reason and been brought as a little child to rest in Jesus' love and blood? If so, by God's grace I shall outrun the strongest runner who chooses any other path. This truth I may remember to my profit in my daily cares and needs. It will be my wisest course to go at once to my God, and not to wander in a roundabout manner to this friend and that.
He knows my wants and can relieve them, to whom should I repair but to Himself by the direct appeal of prayer, and the plain argument of the promise. "Straightforward makes the best runner." I will not parlay with the servants, but hasten to their master.
In reading this passage, it strikes me that if men vie with each other in common matters, and one outruns the other, I ought to be in solemn earnestness so to run that I may obtain. Lord, help me to gird up the loins of my mind, and may I press forward towards the mark for the prize of my high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Spiritual Journey
- The Way of Life
- Delivered from Proud Reason
- Direct Appeal to God
- Prayer and the promise
- Straightforward makes the best runner
Key Quotes
“Straightforward makes the best runner.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Christ Jesus is the way of life, and He is a plain way, a pleasant way, a way suitable for the tottering feet and feeble knees of trembling sinners:” — C.H. Spurgeon
“How blessed is it to wait upon the Lord by faith!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- It is crucial to consider whether you are labouring up the hill of your own works or running by the plain way of 'Believe and live'.
- You can be assured you are on the right path if you have been delivered from proud reason and brought as a little child to rest in Jesus' love and blood.
- The best way to approach God is through direct prayer and the promise, being straightforward and not parlaying with His servants.