Not a Failure
D.L. Moody's sermon emphasizes that true success in God's eyes often appears as failure in the world's view, highlighting the enduring impact of faithful service.
D.L. Moody emphasizes that what may appear as failure in God's work is often a part of His greater plan. He uses the example of John the Baptist, whose life and death served to glorify Christ, demonstrating that true success is measured by the impact one has in pointing others to Jesus. Moody highlights that even the seemingly insignificant actions of God's servants can lead to monumental outcomes, as seen in the lives of Stephen and the apostles. He reassures that God's purpose prevails, and every apparent setback can lead to a greater victory in His kingdom. Ultimately, the message is that in our decrease, Christ's increase is what truly matters.
Text
"He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).
Sometimes it looks as if God's servants fail. When Herod beheaded John the Baptist, it looked as if John's mission was a failure. But was it? The voice that rang through the valley of the Jordan rings through the whole world to-day You can hear its echo upon the mountains and the valleys yet, "I must decrease, but He must increase." He held up Jesus Christ and introduced Him to the world, and Herod had not power to behead him until his life work had been accomplished. Stephen never preached but one sermon that we know of, and that was before the Sanhedrim; but how that sermon has been preached again and again all over the world!
Out of his death probably came Paul, the greatest preacher the world has seen since Christ left this earth. If a man is sent by Jehovah, there is no such thing as failure. Was Christ's life a failure? See how His parables are going through the earth to-day. It looked as if the apostles had made a failure, but see how much has been accomplished. If you read the book of Acts, you will see that every seeming failure in Acts was turned into a great victory Moses wasn't going to fail, although Pharaoh said with contempt, "Who is God that I should obey Him?" He found out who God was. He found out that there was a God.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction of the theme of perceived failure - Biblical examples of apparent failures - The importance of God's perspective
- II points: - John the Baptist's mission and legacy - Stephen's single sermon and its impact - The ripple effect of faithful service
- III points: - Christ's life and teachings as enduring - The apostles' work and its lasting influence - Transformation of failures into victories
- IV points: - Moses and the challenge of Pharaoh - Understanding God's power in our lives - Faithfulness leads to ultimate success
Key Quotes
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — D.L. Moody
“If a man is sent by Jehovah, there is no such thing as failure.” — D.L. Moody
“Every seeming failure in Acts was turned into a great victory.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- Embrace humility by allowing Christ to lead in your life.
- Recognize that your efforts may have a greater impact than you realize.
- Trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem discouraging.