Three Things
The sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God's presence and encourages believers to walk in the way of the worshipper.
John Gifford Bellett emphasizes the importance of our walk in the presence of the Lord, highlighting that our actions should lead others, whether saints or sinners, into His presence. He contrasts the way of the worshipper, the activity of a true servant, and the fruit of vanity and lack of single-heartedness, warning that the latter will result in uncertainty, joylessness, and weakness, becoming a snare and bitterness in the end.
Text
1. We may so walk as to have ourselves in the presence of or in company with the Lord.
2. We may act so as to bring our fellow-saints or fellow-sinners into His presence or into His company.
3. We may be living so as to be keeping ourselves before our fellows and companions.
The first is the way of the worshipper.
The second is the activity of a true servant.
The third is the fruit of vanity, and want of single-heartedness, and will surely keep us uncertain, without joy or strength, and prove a snare as well as bitterness in the latter end.
Sermon Outline
- The Way of the Worshipper
- The Activity of a True Servant
- The Fruit of Vanity
- Uncertainty and lack of joy
- Lack of strength and spiritual growth
Key Quotes
“The first is the way of the worshipper.” — John Gifford Bellett
“The second is the activity of a true servant.” — John Gifford Bellett
“The third is the fruit of vanity, and want of single-heartedness, and will surely keep us uncertain, without joy or strength, and prove a snare as well as bitterness in the latter end.” — John Gifford Bellett
Application Points
- We should strive to live in a way that acknowledges and honors God's presence in our lives.
- We can serve others and point them to God's love and presence by being true servants.
- A life of vanity and self-centeredness will lead to uncertainty, lack of joy, and spiritual weakness.