January 22. 1678. Renovation of Youth.
Jane Lead's sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith in achieving spiritual renewal amidst the challenges of aging and sin.
Jane Lead preaches about the importance of persevering in faith and prayer, especially in the face of challenges and the passing of time. She emphasizes the need to focus on spiritual growth and endurance, likening our bodies to fading flowers but our spirits to be renewed in strength through unwavering belief. Jane Lead urges her listeners to guard against the 'Sickness of Sin' as the ultimate threat, assuring that with a perfect heart and steadfastness, God will renew their strength and vitality beyond comprehension.
Text
In the fore part of the Night, all internal Powers of my Mind were introverted, and acted forth in Prayer, for our Spirits going forward in the Vineyard work, and to be inabled to indure the heat of the Day in it. And I was considering, how our Days were run, and our Bodies like Flowers were fading and declining, having daily the foregoing strokes of Mortal Death upon them.
Therefore I had a deep sense and concern for my self and Aged Friend, herein to take all advantage of the present time, lest we should be prevented of what we so much have desired to reach unto.
Being vehement in Prayer for it, I had this Word, If ye do believe for it with a perfect Heart, and wait and turn not aside, though your Bones as a Potsheard be dried up, yet Marrow and Strength shall be renewed in another degree of Youth, then what hath been comprehended. Therefore keep your selves only from the Sickness of Sin, and you need fear nothing else.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of prayer in spiritual renewal - Recognizing the fleeting nature of life - The urgency of seizing the present moment
- II points: - The contrast between physical decline and spiritual renewal - The promise of strength through faith - The role of belief in achieving renewal
- III points: - The dangers of sin as a barrier to renewal - Encouragement to remain steadfast in faith - The transformative power of a perfect heart
Key Quotes
“If ye do believe for it with a perfect Heart, and wait and turn not aside, though your Bones as a Potsheard be dried up, yet Marrow and Strength shall be renewed in another degree of Youth.” — Jane Lead
“Our Bodies like Flowers were fading and declining, having daily the foregoing strokes of Mortal Death upon them.” — Jane Lead
“Keep your selves only from the Sickness of Sin, and you need fear nothing else.” — Jane Lead
Application Points
- Engage in regular prayer to seek spiritual strength and renewal.
- Recognize the importance of living in the present and seizing opportunities for growth.
- Avoid sin to experience the fullness of spiritual rejuvenation.