(Audio Book) Conformity to God
David Brainerd emphasizes that true religion is the soul's complete conformity to God, loving and glorifying Him above all selfish desires.
In this devotional sermon, David Brainerd shares his profound spiritual insights gained during a time of illness, emphasizing that true religion is found in the soul's complete conformity to God. He explores how loving God supremely and surrendering to His will reflect the highest form of worship and holiness. Brainerd invites believers to align their hearts and lives with God's infinite worthiness and glory.
Full Transcript
How I was, the first day or two of my illness, with regard to the exercise of reason, I scarcely know, I believe I was somewhat shattered with the violence of the fever, at times. But the third day of my illness, and constantly afterwards for four or five weeks together, I enjoyed as much serenity of mind, and clearness of thought, as perhaps I ever did in my life. I think my mind never penetrated with so much ease and freedom into divine things, as at this time, I never felt so capable of demonstrating the truth of many important doctrines of the Gospel as now.
And as I saw clearly the truth of those great doctrines, which are justly styled the doctrine's grace, so I saw with no less clearness, that the essence of religion consisted in the soul's conformity to God, and acting above all selfish views, for His glory, longing to be for Him, to live to Him, and please and honour Him in all things. And this from a clear view of His infinite excellency and worthiness in Himself to be loved, adored, worshipped, and served by all intelligent creatures. Thus I saw, that when a soul loves God with a supreme love, he therein acts like the blessed God Himself, who most justly loves Himself in that manner, so when God's interest in His are become one, and he longs that God should be glorified and rejoices to think that He is unchangeably possessed of the highest glory and blessedness, herein also he acts in conformity to God.
In like manner, when the soul is fully resigned to, I and rest satisfied and contented with, the divine will, here it is also conformed to God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Personal experience of illness and spiritual clarity
- The mind's ease in understanding divine truths
- Demonstrating the truth of gospel doctrines
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II
- The essence of religion as conformity to God
- Loving God supremely beyond selfish motives
- Glorifying God for His infinite worthiness
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III
- Acting in accordance with God's own love
- Union of the soul's interests with God's glory
- Rejoicing in God's unchangeable glory and blessedness
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IV
- Resignation and contentment with divine will
- Resting in God's sovereign plan
- Living a life fully conformed to God's purpose
Key Quotes
“The essence of religion consisted in the soul's conformity to God, and acting above all selfish views, for His glory.” — David Brainerd
“When a soul loves God with a supreme love, he therein acts like the blessed God Himself.” — David Brainerd
“When the soul is fully resigned to, and rest satisfied and contented with, the divine will, here it is also conformed to God.” — David Brainerd
Application Points
- Seek to love God above all else, making His glory the supreme goal of your life.
- Practice surrender and contentment with God's will in all circumstances.
- Reflect daily on God's infinite worthiness to deepen your desire to conform to Him.