Notes of Addresses
John Nelson Darby's sermon explores the themes of justification, faith, and the believer's relationship with Christ in a world of sin and darkness.
John Nelson Darby emphasizes the need for justification and the understanding of man's spiritual state in his sermon 'Notes of Addresses.' He contrasts the perspectives of Romans, Ephesians, and Hebrews on sin and justification, highlighting the importance of the Word and priesthood in navigating life. Darby stresses that true faith endures to the end and that our relationship with Christ reveals our weaknesses and His greatness. He also points out that the world should see Christ reflected in us, and that our peace comes from God's view of the Blood of Christ rather than our own. Ultimately, he underscores the necessity of faith in Christ for receiving the Holy Spirit.
Text
(Words in Season, Vol. 2, 1888, page 254.)
In Romans, man is looked upon as living in sins, and needing justification.
In Ephesians, man is looked on as dead in sins, and justification is not spoken of.
Hebrews is more contrast than comparison.
In passing through this world, we need the word and the priesthood - the word, to judge our conduct - the priesthood to support us.
The enjoyment of the consciousness that I know God depends on my walking with Him.
Holiness and truth are the characteristics of Christ.
In Rev. 3:1, 2, what a strange thing! God saying they were dead and yet expecting perfect works!
If we have to wait for Christ, He has to wait; and we have only to wait until He has done waiting.
One of the characteristics of true faith is lasting out to the end: Saul's faith did not last, and he lost the kingdom.
Wherever there is conscious strength, there is real weakness: and wherever there is conscious weakness, there is real strength.
It is a dark world; but at night if I see a light, it is the nearest thing to me; so is Christ's coming.
The nearer you are to Christ, the more you will find out His greatness and your nothingness; the nearer you are to man, the more you will find out his weakness.
It is a great mistake to say you should not always be on the mount: it was after Paul came down from the mount he was in danger of being puffed up.
We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: the Jews were blessed with earthly blessings in the land.
The very things which Christ would have had to judge in us at the throne, God has judged Christ for at the cross.
The world ought to read Christ in us, just as they would the ten commandments on the two tables.
It is God's view of the Blood - not mine - which gives me peace; I rest in His estimate of it - not mine.
"He shall go no more out" - he may have been cast out here below, but up there he shall go no more out, i.e., when he shall have once come.
Does Christ's approbation satisfy your heart in going through this world?
Quickening means nothing short of the impartation of divine life to the soul.
Quickening and sealing are different things, as much as building a house is different from coming and dwelling in it.
But there is no reason against a soul being quickened and at once sealed on his believing in the person and work of Christ, for the Holy Ghost is come down from heaven.
The terms on which souls get the Spirit is faith in the person and work of Christ.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding man's condition in sin
- The need for justification
- Contrast between Romans and Ephesians
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II
- The role of the word and priesthood
- Walking with God for consciousness of knowing Him
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III
- Characteristics of true faith
- The paradox of strength and weakness
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IV
- The significance of Christ's coming
- Blessings in Christ versus earthly blessings
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V
- God's judgment of Christ and its implications
- The world reading Christ in us
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VI
- Understanding quickening and sealing
- Faith as the means to receive the Spirit
Key Quotes
“The enjoyment of the consciousness that I know God depends on my walking with Him.” — John Nelson Darby
“Wherever there is conscious strength, there is real weakness: and wherever there is conscious weakness, there is real strength.” — John Nelson Darby
“Quickening means nothing short of the impartation of divine life to the soul.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- Seek to deepen your relationship with Christ through daily walking in faith.
- Recognize the importance of both the word and the priesthood in your spiritual journey.
- Understand that true strength comes from acknowledging your weaknesses before God.