(Audio Book) Little Children, Abide In Him
John Gill exhorts believers to steadfastly abide in Christ through faith, hope, and love, assuring them of confidence and glory at His glorious appearing.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith, hope, and love for Him. It also speaks about the confident expectation of Christ's second coming, where believers will stand boldly before Him without shame, clothed in His righteousness. The passage highlights the assurance that those who have been faithful to Christ will not be disappointed but will be honored by Him.
Full Transcript
And now, little children, abide in Him. The Apostle having finished his separate instructions exhortations to the fathers, young men, and children, returns to the whole body of the saints in general, whom he addresses, as in 1 Jo 2 colon 1, under the name of little children, see Gilan, 1 Jo 2 colon 1, and whom he exhorts to abide in Christ, that is, in the exercise of faith on Him, of hope in Him, and love to Him, and to hold to Him the head, and to hold fast His Word and Gospel, and abide by His truth and ordinances, and adhere to His cause and interest, and not to be moved away on any consideration, to which the following encouragement is given. That when He shall appear, that is, Christ, who is now hid, and out of the sight of bodily eyes, is in heaven, at the right hand of God, but ere long He will appear a second time, and not only to those that look for Him, but even every eye shall see Him, and His appearance will be a glorious one, and His saints shall appear in glory with Him, and shall be like Him, and see Him as He is.
We may have confidence, boldness or freedom, as now at the throne of grace, so then at the throne of judgment, where the saints will stand with courage and intrepidity, when the wicked will flee to the rocks and mountains, being filled with amazement, terror, and trembling, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming, they will not be put to shame by Him, nor will they be ashamed of their confidence, faith, hope, and expectation, their hope will not make them ashamed, for they will now enjoy what they hoped for, and, notwithstanding all their sins and infirmities, they will not be ashamed, for they will have on the wedding garment, the righteousness of Christ, and will stand before the throne without fault, spot, or blemish, nor will Christ be ashamed of them who have not been ashamed of Him and His words, but have confessed Him, and have been faithful unto death, and have cleaved to Him and His cause with full purpose of heart to the end. Some think ministers of the gospel are here meant, who, when those that are under their care abide faithful, and persevere to the end, will give up their account with joy, and will have what they have expressed confidence in, and will have their expectations answered, and not disappointed, by having such souls as their joy and crown of rejoicing.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Exhortation to the saints as 'little children'
- Call to abide in Christ through faith, hope, and love
- Holding fast to Christ's Word and ordinances
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II
- The promise of Christ's second appearing
- The glory and visibility of His coming
- The saints appearing with Him in glory
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III
- Confidence and boldness at the throne of judgment
- The contrast between saints and the wicked at Christ's coming
- The righteousness of Christ as the saints' wedding garment
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IV
- Faithfulness unto death and confession of Christ
- Not being ashamed before Christ at His coming
- The joy and reward of ministers seeing faithful souls
Key Quotes
“And now, little children, abide in Him.” — John Gill
“They will not be put to shame before Him at His coming, for they will have on the wedding garment, the righteousness of Christ.” — John Gill
“Christ will not be ashamed of them who have not been ashamed of Him and His words, but have confessed Him and been faithful unto death.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Remain steadfast in faith, hope, and love by daily abiding in Christ and His Word.
- Live with confident expectation of Christ's return, allowing it to shape your holiness and boldness.
- Persevere in faithfulness and confession of Christ, knowing it leads to eternal reward and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'abide in Him'?
To abide in Him means to live in continual faith, hope, and love toward Christ, holding fast to His Word and remaining steadfast in His cause.
Why is confidence at the judgment seat important?
Confidence at the judgment seat reflects the believer's assurance in Christ's righteousness, enabling them to stand without shame despite their sins.
Who are referred to as 'little children' in this sermon?
The term 'little children' refers broadly to all believers, emphasizing their relationship to Christ and the Apostle John's affectionate address.
What is the significance of the 'wedding garment'?
The wedding garment symbolizes the righteousness of Christ that believers wear, which makes them acceptable and blameless before God at His coming.
How does this sermon encourage ministers of the gospel?
It encourages ministers by highlighting the joy and reward they receive when those under their care remain faithful and persevere to the end.