Whereas the Lord Was There
The Lord's presence is the ultimate security and protection for His people, thwarting the enemies' design and preserving their virtues and graces.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that despite the desolation and challenges faced by God's people, the presence of the Lord serves as a powerful protection against their enemies. He reassures believers that no matter the attacks from Satan or the trials they endure, their faith and virtues are safeguarded because 'the Lord is there.' This divine presence not only provides comfort in times of trouble but also ensures that the saints remain preserved amidst spiritual conflicts. Spurgeon highlights that every good work and grace is under constant threat, yet it is the Lord's presence that allows them to endure and thrive.
Text
Edom's princes saw the whole country left desolate, and counted upon its easy conquest; but there was one great difficulty in their way--quite unknown to them--"The Lord was there"; and in His presence lay the special security of the chosen land. Whatever may be the machinations and devices of the enemies of God's people, there is still the same effectual barrier to thwart their design. The saints are God's heritage, and He is in the midst of them, and will protect His own. What comfort this assurance yields us in our troubles and spiritual conflicts!
We are constantly opposed, and yet perpetually preserved!
How often Satan shoots his arrows against our faith, but our faith defies the power of hell's fiery darts; they are not only turned aside, but they are quenched upon its shield, for "the Lord is there." Our good works are the subjects of Satan's attacks. A saint never yet had a virtue or a grace which was not the target for hellish bullets: whether it was hope bright and sparkling, or love warm and fervent, or patience all-enduring, or zeal flaming like coals of fire, the old enemy of everything that is good has tried to destroy it. The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this, "the Lord is there."
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Presence as Security
- The Assurance of God's Protection
- The Power of Faith in Defying Satan
- Faith defying the power of hell's fiery darts
- The Lord's shield quenching Satan's attacks
Key Quotes
“Whatever may be the machinations and devices of the enemies of God's people, there is still the same effectual barrier to thwart their design.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this, 'the Lord is there.'” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We can trust in the Lord's presence to protect us in times of trouble and spiritual conflict.
- Our faith is shielded by the Lord, who quenches Satan's attacks and preserves our virtues and graces.
- The Lord's presence is the reason why our good works survive despite Satan's attacks.