They Were Not Carried to Heaven on Beds of Ease!
As a Christian, you must learn to glorify God in the midst of difficulty and endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of living a godly life amidst an ungodly world, urging Christians not to lament their circumstances but to glorify God through their struggles. He reminds believers that they are called to be examples of holiness and consistency, as their conduct is under scrutiny by others. Spurgeon encourages Christians to be active in their faith, asserting that the more challenging the environment, the greater the opportunity to serve and witness for Christ. He draws parallels between the trials faced by saints throughout history and the current struggles believers endure, reinforcing that hardship is part of the Christian journey. Ultimately, he calls for courage and strength, reminding believers that they will be rewarded for their perseverance.
Text
"Woe is me--that I dwell among these scoundrels of Meshech! It pains me to live with these people from Kedar!" Psalm 120:5
As a Christian, you have to live in the midst of an ungodly world, and it is of little use for you to cry, "Woe is me!"
Jesus did not pray, "O that you should be taken out of the world!" And what He did not pray for--you need not desire! Better far in the Lord's strength--to meet the difficulty, and glorify Him in it.
The enemy is ever on the watch to detect inconsistency in your conduct; be therefore very holy. Remember that the eyes of all are upon you--and that more is expected from you, than from others! Strive to give no occasion for blame. Like Daniel, let your godliness and piety be the only faults which they can discover in you.
Seek to be useful--as well as consistent. Perhaps you think, "If I were in a more favorable position, I might be able to serve the Lord's cause. But I cannot do any good where I am!" But the worse the people are among whom you live--the more need they have of your exertions! If they are crooked--the more necessity that you should set them straight! If they are perverse--the more need have you to turn their proud hearts to the truth. Where should the physician be--but where there are many sick? Where is honor to be won by the soldier--but in the hottest fire of the battle?
When weary of the strife and sin which meets you on every hand--consider that all the saints have endured the same trial! They were not carried to heaven on beds of ease!--and you must not expect to travel more easily than they! They had to hazard their lives unto the death, in the midst of the battlefield--and you will not be crowned--until you also have endured hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Therefore, "Be courageous! Be strong!" 1 Corinthians 16:13
Sermon Outline
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The Christian's Dilemma
- Living among an ungodly world
- The need to glorify God in difficulty
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The Enemy's Watch
- The importance of consistency in conduct
- The eyes of all are upon the Christian
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The Call to Service
- Being useful in a difficult position
- The need to exert oneself for the Lord's cause
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The Example of the Saints
- Enduring hardship as a good soldier of Christ
- The need to be courageous and strong
Key Quotes
“They were not carried to heaven on beds of ease!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Be courageous! Be strong!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Where should the physician be--but where there are many sick?” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Strive to glorify God in the midst of difficulty and meet challenges head-on.
- Seek to be useful in your current position and serve others in need.
- Be courageous and strong in the face of adversity, just like the saints who came before you.