Cross Purposes
Miles J. Stanford's sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose in our lives through trials and the application of the Cross.
Miles J. Stanford preaches about the faithfulness of the Lord in establishing and guarding believers from evil, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's purpose even when facing trials and challenges. He highlights the ultimate goal of God to conform us to the image of His Son, guiding us to focus on manifesting the character of Christ in our lives. Stanford also discusses the necessity of holding onto faith in God's truth despite feelings or experiences that may contradict it, and the significance of allowing the life of the old self to be inoperative so that the life of the Lord Jesus can be revealed in us.
Text
"The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from evil" (2 Thessalonians 3:3, R.V.).
When once we see and accept His purpose for our lives to the extent that it becomes our will also, the details of His process cease to matter. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job. 13:15).
"The one purpose our Father has in view, in all His ways, is to conform us to the image of His Son. This may explain our perplexities as to the past; it will govern our behavior in the present; it is to be our guide in the future. The chief concern of our Lord is not to instruct us about a multitude of details, not to explain to us the reason for the trials which we are called to pass through. He is working out everything to serve His one supreme aim in manifesting the character of His Son in His saints." -H.F.
"The God-given experiences of the Spirit's working within many a time passes away, and leaves the believer apparently dull and dead. This is only until the double lesson has been fully learned: (1) that a living faith can rejoice in the Living God, even when all feeling and experience appear to contradict the truth (Romans 8:28, 29); and (2) that the Divine life only predominates as the life of the old man is held in the place of death, inoperative (Romans 6:11a). The life of the Lord Jesus is revealed as His death works in us (2 Corinthians 4:11,12), and as in weakness and nothingness we look to Him (2 Corinthians 3:18)." -A.M.
"While our Father is dealing with someone in discipline, when He is applying the Cross in a life, be careful how you sympathize with him. You may be taking sides with him against God. By such sympathy, you may, indeed, draw him away from the work of the Cross."
"For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh" (2 Corinthians 4:11).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding God's Faithfulness
- The Purpose of Trials
- The Role of the Cross
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II
- Conformity to Christ's Image
- Living Faith Amidst Trials
- The Importance of Discipline
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III
- Manifesting Christ's Life
- The Process of Death and Life
- The Believer's Response
Key Quotes
“The one purpose our Father has in view, in all His ways, is to conform us to the image of His Son.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” — Miles J. Stanford
“For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- Trust in God's faithfulness during difficult times.
- Recognize that trials are a means of spiritual growth and conformity to Christ.
- Be cautious in offering sympathy to those undergoing discipline, as it may hinder their spiritual journey.