The Cellars of Affliction
In times of affliction, we can find deliverance and rise above our circumstances by being spiritually exhilarant and having the regal right of peace in Christ Jesus.
John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of finding spiritual deliverance and strength in the midst of afflictions by seeking the promises of God and experiencing His vitalizing grace. He highlights the concept of rising above afflictions by being spiritually exhilarated, enabling believers to be 'more than conquerors' in Christ Jesus even in the midst of challenges. Jowett points out that true deliverance is not necessarily being removed from affliction, but rather having the peace, strength, and hope that come from a deep relationship with God, allowing believers to sing songs of praise even in the darkest times.
Text
PSALM xxxiv. 9-22.
Samuel Rutherford used to say that whenever he found himself in the
cellars of afflictions he used to look about for the King's wine. He would
look for the wine-bottles of the promises and drink rich draughts of
vitalizing grace. And surely that is the best deliverance in all
affliction, to be made so spiritually exhilarant that we can rise above
it. I might be taken out of affliction, and emerge a poor slave and
weakling. I might remain in affliction, and yet be king in the seeming
servitude, "more than conqueror" in Christ Jesus. It is a great thing to
be led through green pastures and by still waters; I think it is a greater
thing to have a "table prepared before me _in the presence of mine
enemies_." It is good to be able to sing in the sunny noon; it is better
still to be able to sing "songs in the night."
And this deliverance may always be ours in Christ Jesus. The Lord may not
smooth out our circumstances, but we may have the regal right of peace. He
may not save us from the sorrows of a newly-cut grave, but we may have the
glorious strength of the immortal hope. God will enable us to be masters
of all our circumstances, and none shall have a deadly hold upon us.
Sermon Outline
- The Cellars of Affliction
- The Best Deliverance in Affliction
- The Greater Thing
- Deliverance in Christ Jesus
- The King's Wine in Affliction
- Looking for Promises
- Spiritual Exhilaration
- Being King in Seeming Servitude
- Green Pastures vs. Table Prepared
- Regal Right of Peace
- Glorious Strength of Immortal Hope
Key Quotes
“I might be taken out of affliction, and emerge a poor slave and weakling. I might remain in affliction, and yet be king in the seeming servitude, 'more than conqueror' in Christ Jesus.” — John Henry Jowett
“It is a great thing to be led through green pastures and by still waters; I think it is a greater thing to have a 'table prepared before me _in the presence of mine enemies_'.” — John Henry Jowett
“God will enable us to be masters of all our circumstances, and none shall have a deadly hold upon us.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- We can choose to be spiritually exhilarant and rise above our afflictions by focusing on the promises of God.
- Having a table prepared before us in the presence of our enemies is a greater thing than being led through green pastures.
- We can be masters of our circumstances and have the glorious strength of immortal hope in Christ Jesus.