To Others an 'Ensample'
To experience the peace of God, we must imitate Paul's example and stay on the path of righteousness.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of imitating the Apostle Paul in our daily lives, urging believers to practice the teachings they have received from him. He highlights the promise that comes with this imitation: the presence of the God of peace, who grants us a profound peace that transcends understanding, even amidst turmoil. Spurgeon warns against seeking peace through compromise of faith, asserting that true peace is found in adhering to truth and righteousness. He encourages believers to be peacemakers, reflecting the character of the God of peace in their interactions. Ultimately, by following Paul's example, we can experience the divine assurance of God's presence in our lives.
Text
Those things, which ye have both Warned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of pace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
It is well when a man can with advantage be so minutely copied as Paul might have been. Oh, for grace to imitate him this day and every day!
Should we, through divine grace, carry into practice the Pauline teaching, we may claim the promise which is now open before us; and what a promise it is! God, who loves peace, makes peace, and breathes peace, will be with us. "Peace be with you" is a sweet benediction; but for the God of peace to be with us is far more. Thus we have the fountain as well as the streams, the sun as well as his beams. If the God of peace be with us, we shall enjoy the peace of God which passeth all understanding, even though outward circumstances should threaten to disturb. If men quarrel, we shall be sure to be peacemakers, if the Maker of peace be with us.
It is in the way of truth that real peace is found. If we quit the faith or leave the path of righteousness under the notion of promoting peace, we shall be greatly mistaken. First pure, then peaceable, is the order of wisdom and of fact. Let us keep to Paul's line, and we shall have the God of peace with us as He was with the apostle.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Imitating Paul
- The Promise of God's Presence
- The Path to Real Peace
- Truth is the foundation of peace
- Leaving the faith will not bring peace
- Staying on the path of righteousness is key
Key Quotes
“Oh, for grace to imitate him this day and every day!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“If the God of peace be with us, we shall enjoy the peace of God which passeth all understanding, even though outward circumstances should threaten to disturb.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should strive to imitate Paul's example of living a life of purity and righteousness.
- Staying on the path of righteousness is key to experiencing the peace of God.
- Leaving the faith will not bring peace, but rather lead to great mistakes.