Wait for the Finals
Through patient perseverance and calm confidence in our glorious Captain, we can ultimately achieve victory, even in the face of temporary defeat and adversity.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, drawing parallels between the tribe of Gad and the struggles faced by believers. He acknowledges that while we may experience temporary defeats and overwhelming challenges, faith assures us that ultimate victory belongs to us through Christ. Spurgeon encourages a steadfast spirit, reminding us that true judgment comes from the final outcome rather than initial setbacks. He highlights the necessity of maintaining confidence in Jesus, our Captain, who empowers us to endure until we can proclaim, 'It is finished.' Ultimately, he reassures us that we shall overcome at the last.
Text
Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last. (Genesis 49:19)
Some of us have been like the tribe of Gad. Our adversaries for a while were too many for us; they came upon us like a troop. Yes, and for the moment they overcame us; and they exulted greatly because of their temporary victory. Thus they only proved the first part of the family heritage to be really ours, for Christ's people, like Dan, shall have a troop overcoming them. This being overcome is very painful, and we should have despaired if we had not by faith believed the second line of our father's benediction, "He shall overcome at the last." "All's well that ends well," said the world's poet; and he spoke the truth.
A war is to be judged, not by first success or defeats, but by that which happens "at the last." The Lord will give to truth and righteousness victory "at the last"; and, as Mr. Bunyan says, that means forever, for nothing can come after the last.
What we need is patient perseverance in well-doing, calm confidence in our glorious Captain. Christ, our Lord Jesus, would teach us His holy art of setting the face like a flint to go through with work or suffering till we can say, "It is finished." Hallelujah. Victory! Victory! We believe the promise. "He shall overcome at the last."
Sermon Outline
- The Tribe of Gad
- Christ's People
- Victory at the Last
- The Lord will give to truth and righteousness victory
- Nothing can come after the last
- Calm confidence in our glorious Captain
- Setting the face like a flint
Key Quotes
“A war is to be judged, not by first success or defeats, but by that which happens 'at the last'.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The Lord will give to truth and righteousness victory 'at the last'; and, as Mr. Bunyan says, that means forever, for nothing can come after the last.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He shall overcome at the last.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must persevere in well-doing, even in the face of adversity, trusting that God will ultimately give us victory.
- Calm confidence in our glorious Captain is essential for patient perseverance and achieving ultimate victory.
- Our ultimate victory will be forever, with nothing coming after it.