Loving God
The secret to serenity is loving God for His own sake, which brings happiness, content, and right satisfaction.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about finding peace in Jesus despite facing tribulations in the world, emphasizing the importance of loving God and trusting that all things work together for good for those who love Him. The secret to serenity lies in loving God, which brings happiness, contentment, and the assurance of a glorious future, even amidst trials.
Text
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
--JOHN 16:33
THEE will I love, my Crown of gladness,
Thee will I love, my God and Lord,
Amid the darkest depths of sadness;
Not for the hope of high reward,---
For Thine own sake, O Light Divine,
So long as life is mine.
--JOHANN SCHEFFLER
WHAT is the secret of serenity? We all want to know it. Indeed, we do know it already. There is no secret about it. St. Paul speaks it out plainly enough. Everybody can see what it is. All things work together for good to them that love God. We must love God; that is the heart of it. Happiness, content, and right satisfaction, all doubts answered, all dark places lighted up, heaven begun here--this is the reward of loving God. In this world, tribulation; yes, but good cheer in spite of that, for the Son of God, whom we love, has overcome the world.
--GEORGE HODGES
Man's happiness consists in present peace, even in the midst of the greatest trials, and in more than hope of a glorious future.
--CHARLES G. GORDON
Sermon Outline
- The Secret of Serenity
- The Reward of Loving God
- Overcoming the World
- Tribulation in This World
- Good Cheer Through Christ's Victory
Key Quotes
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Thee will I love, my Crown of gladness, Thee will I love, my God and Lord, Amid the darkest depths of sadness;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Man's happiness consists in present peace, even in the midst of the greatest trials, and in more than hope of a glorious future.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- We should love God for His own sake, not just for what He can do for us.
- Loving God brings us happiness, content, and right satisfaction, even in the midst of trials.
- We can find peace in the midst of trials by trusting in God's love and goodness.