David Wared Stronger and Stronger,
F.B. Meyer's sermon emphasizes the struggle between the flesh and Spirit, assuring believers of ultimate victory through faith and perseverance.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, illustrating that while the struggle is long and arduous, the Spirit must ultimately prevail. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, as each successful resistance against temptation strengthens their resolve. Meyer reassures that ultimate victory is assured through faith in Jesus, who leads an invincible army. He highlights the importance of perseverance and the expectation of sudden breakthroughs in the spiritual battles we face. The message concludes with a call to trust in God's power to overcome the persistent evils in our lives.
Text
David wared stronger and stronger,
and the house of Saul wared weaker. 2 Sam. iii. 1.
THE war between the flesh and the Spirit is Iong, but the end is sure. As the Baptist said of Jesus, so must the flesh say of the Spirit, He must increase; I must decrease. Sometimes, in the long strain of the war, our spirit dies down. Will the bugle never cease to ring out its alarm? Will the assaults never come, to an end? When shall we be able to lay aside sword and breastplate, and to enter the land of rest? Oh to be able to say with the Apostle, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"!
Yet take heart. The assaults diminish in frequency and strength in proportion as they are faithfully resisted. Each time you resist successfully you will find it easier to resist. The strength of the vanquished foe enters the vanquisher.
Moreover, ultimate victory is secured. " Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? " (1 John v. 4, 5). It makes a great difference to the soldier, when he belongs to an All‑Victorious Legion, and serves under a Captain that never lost a fight. And there can be no doubt as to the issue in your heart or mine. "He must reign till He has put all enemies under his feet."
At any moment we may look for the sudden collapse of a great portion of the confederacy of evil, which has so long menaced us; as when Abner suddenly came to Hebron to give in his adhesion to David. What a hugh piece of cliff fell that day into the sea! Expect the sudden collapse of evils which have long troubled you.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the conflict between flesh and Spirit
- The inevitability of spiritual warfare
- Comparison of David's rise and Saul's decline
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II
- The assurance of ultimate victory
- The role of faith in overcoming the world
- Belonging to the All-Victorious Legion
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III
- The importance of resisting temptation
- The diminishing strength of the enemy
- Encouragement to persist in faith
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IV
- The expectation of sudden breakthroughs
- The analogy of Abner's allegiance to David
- Hope for the collapse of long-standing evils
Key Quotes
“He must increase; I must decrease.” — F.B. Meyer
“Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” — F.B. Meyer
“Expect the sudden collapse of evils which have long troubled you.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Recognize that spiritual warfare is a continuous battle that requires perseverance.
- Understand that each act of resistance strengthens your ability to overcome future temptations.
- Maintain faith in God's ultimate victory over the challenges you face.