Why We Fight
We must fight for our brethren, not just for ourselves, and strive to be faithful and loyal in our struggles.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of supporting and encouraging our fellow believers, emphasizing the need to be a source of strength and comfort for one another in times of doubt and struggle. She highlights the power of unity and brotherhood in facing challenges, reminding us that our actions can inspire and uplift others to persevere in their faith. Tileston urges us to be faithful and loyal to God, ensuring that we have something to offer to those who come to us seeking help and support.
Text
From thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns; whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
ACTS 28:15
THROUGH the night of doubt and sorrow
Onward goes the pilgrim band,
Singing songs of expectation,
Marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
Gleams and burns the guiding light;
Brother clasps the hand of brother,
Stepping fearless through the night.
BERNARD S. INGEMANN
WE fight not for ourselves alone. These are they--our brethren--the cloud wherewith we walk encompassed; it is for them that we wrestle through the long night; they count on the strength that we might bring them, if we so wrestle that we prevail. The morning that follows the night of our lonely trial would, if we be faithful, find us new men, with a new name of help, and of promise, and of comfort, in the memory of which others would endure bravely, and fight as we had fought. Oh! turn to God in fear, lest through hidden disloyalty we have not a cup of cold water to give those who turn to us for succor in their sore need!
HENRY SCOTT HOLLAND
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The Reward of Faithfulness
- The Danger of Disloyalty
- Hidden disloyalty can lead to no help
- A cup of cold water is not enough
Key Quotes
“We fight not for ourselves alone.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“The morning that follows the night of our lonely trial would, if we be faithful, find us new men, with a new name of help, and of promise, and of comfort, in the memory of which others would endure bravely, and fight as we had fought.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Oh! turn to God in fear, lest through hidden disloyalty we have not a cup of cold water to give those who turn to us for succor in their sore need!” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- We must prioritize our brethren's needs over our own in our struggles.
- Faithfulness and loyalty are essential in our relationships with others.
- We should strive to be a source of help, promise, and comfort for others.