Solitary Source
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deeper relationship with God, recognizing that true satisfaction and joy can only be found in Him.
Miles J. Stanford preaches on the pursuit of truly knowing Jesus Christ, emphasizing that genuine joy and satisfaction can only be found in Him, even in the midst of suffering and trials. He highlights the discipline of correction and development that comes from seeking the Lord, leading to a deeper separation from worldly desires and a greater reliance on Christ alone for fulfillment. Stanford warns against relying on external sources for joy, stressing the importance of finding ultimate satisfaction in God Himself, who desires to be the eternal spring of joy and contentment in our lives.
Text
"That l may know Him" (Philippians 3:10).
It takes us years of trial and error to finally realize that nothing outside the Lord Jesus Christ can fully satisfy and rejoice our hearts. Joy in Him includes 'the fellowship of His sufferings.' So, 'rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings' (1 Peter 4:13).
"We sometimes have the idea that if we were going on rightly, things would be much smoother here for us. Hardly. There is a discipline to correct us and a discipline to develop us. If you are in a wrong path, as you seek the Lord, you will be corrected; but on the other hand, the more you are set for Him here, the more you will find that there is nothing for you here, though at the same time you are daily finding more in Him. 'We which live are always delivered unto death.' The more you enjoy the Lord Jesus who has been refused here, the more you are practically severed from all here." -J.B.S.
"It is a solemn moment when one who has been going on for years with a flourishing profession wakes up to the fact that his heart is entirely unsatisfied. I believe we have very little idea how natural feelings may be mixed up with what we think is our spiritual joy. Many go on happily because their surroundings are happy, and they have no opposition to speak of-perhaps in a Christian family, or in a happy Christian fellowship. They are carried along by the stream of compatible things around them.
"But anything that outwardly contributes to our joy will sooner or later fail us. Our Father loves us too well to allow us to rest in anything or anyone short of Himself-not even Christian fellowship, or what people call 'the means of grace.' He wants to be so known by us that He becomes the deep eternal spring of satisfaction and joy for our hearts." -C.A.C.
"Give your mind to the things above" (Colossians 3:2).
Sermon Outline
- The Source of Satisfaction
- The Discipline of Seeking the Lord
- The Solemn Moment of Spiritual Awakening
- The Father's Desire to be Known
- Resting in anything short of God is not allowed
- The means of grace are not a substitute for God
Key Quotes
“It takes us years of trial and error to finally realize that nothing outside the Lord Jesus Christ can fully satisfy and rejoice our hearts.” — Miles J. Stanford
“We which live are always delivered unto death. The more you enjoy the Lord Jesus who has been refused here, the more you are practically severed from all here.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Our Father loves us too well to allow us to rest in anything or anyone short of Himself-not even Christian fellowship, or what people call 'the means of grace.'” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- We must be willing to let go of our attachment to things that outwardly contribute to our joy, and seek a deeper relationship with God.
- The Father's discipline is a necessary part of our growth and development as believers.
- We must be aware of the potential for natural feelings to be mixed up with what we think is our spiritual joy, and seek a deeper understanding of God's presence in our lives.