Christian Sickness
The sermon emphasizes that Christians' sufferings and difficulties can bring increase to the Church and that limitations can be a source of spiritual wealth.
Watchman Nee emphasizes that the experiences of Christians, including their sufferings and limitations, can greatly enrich the Church. He shares the story of a sister in Christ who, despite being bedridden and deaf for decades, found purpose in prayer, contributing to the spiritual wealth of the community. Her afflictions transformed her into a source of strength and support for others, illustrating that even in distress, God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes. Nee encourages gratitude for those whose struggles lead to the enrichment of the Church.
Text
"Out of the spoil won in battles did they dedicate to repair the house of Jehovah." 1 Chronicles 26:27
There are Christians whose experiences and whose history with God contribute immensely to the enrichment of his people. Many sicknesses of his children are for the wealth of the Church; many sufferings and difficulties and frustrations bring to it great increase.
There was a sister in Christ who had been bedridden for forty years, during thirty-five of which she had been also cut off by deafness. To a servant of God visiting her she said, "Formerly I was very active, running hither and thither, doing a lot; but I did not help to fulfill the many needs of prayer in the Church. Then that all changed. Throughout these forty years in bed, I have been able daily to engage in the work of prayer. I have no regrets."
Distress and limitation had enlarged her and made her rich, and her richness had fed wealth to the Church. How many more there are who are situated like her! We do well to thank God for them.
Sermon Outline
- I. Christians whose experiences and history with God contribute to the enrichment of the Church
- II. Sicknesses and sufferings of Christians bring increase to the Church
- III. Limitations can be a source of spiritual wealth
- IV. The value of prayer in the Church
- V. The importance of gratitude for those who contribute to the Church's enrichment
Key Quotes
“Distress and limitation had enlarged her and made her rich, and her richness had fed wealth to the Church.” — Watchman Nee
“Throughout these forty years in bed, I have been able daily to engage in the work of prayer.” — Watchman Nee
“I have no regrets.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- We should be grateful for those who contribute to the Church's enrichment through their experiences and history with God.
- Limitations can provide opportunities for prayer and spiritual growth.
- Prayer is a vital source of spiritual wealth for the Church.