Hymn: Patience of Hope
The sermon 'Patience of Hope' expresses the longing for Jesus' return and the blessed lot of being with Him, where we'll be free from evil and experience full joy in His presence.
John Nelson Darby reflects on the deep longing for Jesus' return, expressing the duality of human experience marked by both woe and joy. He emphasizes that while the world is filled with disorder and sorrow due to man's failings, the hope of Christ's love and eventual return brings comfort and anticipation. The sermon highlights the importance of patience in waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate joy of being united with Christ in heaven, free from sin and suffering. Darby encourages believers to look forward to the day when all woe will cease and they will dwell in God's perfect favor.
Text
O JESUS, precious Saviour, Oh, when wilt Thou return? Our hearts, with woe familiar, To Thee our Master turn. Our woe is Thine, Lord Jesus; Our joy is in Thy love; But woe and joy all lead us To Thee in heaven above. We ponder the long story Of this world's mournful ways; We think on holy glory, With Thee, through endless days. We see God's gracious order All spoiled by man below - See all around disorder, Meek hearts beset with woe. Where'er we ope the pages, In which - Thy wondrous word - Man's path through varied ages Is given us to record, Of failure, ruin, sorrow, The story still we find; God's love but brings the morrow Of evil in mankind.
To Thee we look, Lord Jesus, To Thee whose love we know; We wait the power that frees us From bondage, sin and woe.
We look for Thine appearing, Thy presence here to bless; We greet the day that's nearing, When all this woe shall cease. But oh, for us, blest Saviour, How brighter far the lot, With Thee to be for ever, Where evil enters not! To see Thee, who'st so loved us, Then face to face above, Whose grace at first had moved us To taste and know Thy love! With Thee, O Lord, for ever, Our souls shall be content; Nor act, nor thought, shall ever Full joy with Thee prevent. Thy Father's perfect favour Our dwelling-place shall be; And all His glory ever Shine forth on us and Thee.
Oh, come then soon, Lord Jesus; In patience still we wait, Await the power that frees us - Our longed-for heavenly seat!
Sermon Outline
- The Longing for Jesus' Return
- The Story of Man's Failure
- The Blessed Lot of Being with Jesus
- With Jesus, we'll be forever free from evil
- We'll see Him face to face and know His love
- Our souls will be content in His presence
Key Quotes
“Our woe is Thine, Lord Jesus; Our joy is in Thy love;” — John Nelson Darby
“We look for Thine appearing, Thy presence here to bless;” — John Nelson Darby
“With Thee, O Lord, for ever, Our souls shall be content;” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- We should wait patiently for Jesus' return, knowing that He will bring us to our heavenly seat and free us from the bondage of sin and woe.
- We should look to Jesus' love and power to deliver us from the evil that plagues the world.
- We should seek to be with Jesus forever, where we'll experience full joy and contentment in His presence.