Training Below for Service Above, Part 2
Mary Wilder Tileston's sermon discusses the necessity of earthly training for divine service in the active, ministry-filled life of heaven.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the future hope of believers who serve God faithfully, highlighting the promise of being in the presence of God, serving Him directly, and bearing His name. She emphasizes the idea of believers being prepared and trained on earth for higher and nobler service in heaven, where there is both sweet communion with God and endless activity in serving Him. Tileston encourages believers to see heaven not just as a place of rest and consolation, but as a realm of infinite peace and active ministry, reflecting God's own nature of both peace and activity.
Text
The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.
REVELATION 12:3,4
AND doubtless unto thee is given
A life that bears immortal fruit
In such great offices as suit
The full-grown energies of heaven.
ALFRED TENNYSON
IF we are to be thus disciplined and trained, as workmen in various orders of work, instruments thus formed for God's service, what may we look to become hereafter? May not instruments thus formed, when this passing scene is over, and we appear in God's presence, cleansed and disciplined, with the true workman's hand, may we not be set to work in higher spheres, in grander ministries, in a world of nobler service? We speak of heaven as a sort of rest, of sweet consolation, of communion with God, such as we cannot know on earth; but consistently with this perfect sweetness, heaven is full of activity, of ministrations infinite. For God is active, and out of His activity He formed all creatures. As in the deep seas in their endless movements there is calm beneath, so in God are depths of peace as infinite as the activity of His creation. So, too, His creatures partake of infinite peace and intensely active service.
T. T. CARTER
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding God's Throne and Service - The Role of Servants in Heaven - The Nature of Heavenly Work
- II points: - The Importance of Training for Service - Instruments for God's Work - Preparation for Higher Spheres
- III points: - Heaven as Active Ministry - The Balance of Peace and Activity - Reflecting God's Nature in Our Service
- IV points: - The Call to Bear Immortal Fruit - Engaging in Grand Ministries - Living Out Our Heavenly Calling
Key Quotes
“The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“A life that bears immortal fruit in such great offices as suit the full-grown energies of heaven.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Heaven is full of activity, of ministrations infinite.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Engage in spiritual training to prepare for God's service.
- Recognize that heaven is a place of active ministry, not just rest.
- Strive to bear fruit that reflects God's love and purpose in our lives.