The Road Uphill
The sermon emphasizes the importance of enduring life's trials with faith, knowing they lead to spiritual growth and ultimate hope in Christ.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about walking in the midst of the fire, emphasizing that even in the midst of trials and challenges, God's presence enables believers to keep moving forward towards their destiny. He highlights the comfort found in Christ's revelation, which doesn't promise freedom from sorrow but rather freedom through sorrow, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's plan and His house. Cowman encourages trusting in God's guidance through difficult times, knowing that every step taken in the journey is in the Lord's company, leading to the dearest place believers can know.
Text
"Walking in the midst of the fire" (Daniel 3:25).
The fire did not arrest their motion; they walked in the midst of it. It was one of the streets through which they moved to their destiny. The comfort of Christ's revelation is not that it teaches emancipation from sorrow, but emancipation through sorrow.
O my God, teach me, when the shadows have gathered, that I am only in a tunnel. It is enough for me to know that it will be all right some day.
They tell me that I shall stand upon the peaks of Olivet, the heights of resurrection glory. But I want more, O my Father; I want Calvary to lead up to it. I want to know that the shadows of this world are the shades of an avenue the avenue to the house of my Father. Tell me I am only forced to climb because Thy house is on the hill! I shall receive no hurt from sorrow if I shall walk in the midst of the fire. --George Matheson
"'The road is too rough,' I said;
'It is uphill all the way;
No flowers, but thorns instead;
And the skies over head are grey.'
But One took my hand at the entrance dim,
And sweet is the road that I walk with Him.
"The cross is too great,' I cried--
'More than the back can bear,
So rough and heavy and wide,
And nobody by to care.'
And One stooped softly and touched my hand:
'I know. I care. And I understand.'
"Then why do we fret and sigh;
Cross-bearers all we go:
But the road ends by-and-by
In the dearest place we know,
And every step in the journey we
May take in the Lord's own company."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the nature of trials - The significance of walking through fire - Emancipation through sorrow
- II points: - The journey as a path to destiny - The role of faith in difficult times - Finding comfort in Christ's presence
- III points: - The symbolism of Calvary - The promise of resurrection glory - The importance of perseverance
- IV points: - The metaphor of the uphill road - The companionship of Christ - The ultimate destination of hope
Key Quotes
“The comfort of Christ's revelation is not that it teaches emancipation from sorrow, but emancipation through sorrow.” — Charles E. Cowman
“I want to know that the shadows of this world are the shades of an avenue the avenue to the house of my Father.” — Charles E. Cowman
“But One took my hand at the entrance dim, And sweet is the road that I walk with Him.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Embrace your trials as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.
- Seek the companionship of Christ in your struggles, knowing He understands your burdens.
- Remember that every challenge is a step closer to the hope and glory that awaits you.