In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of progressing in the Christian walk beyond the initial stages of faith. Many believers tend to stay in the shallow knowledge of verses 1, 2, and 3, where God's love, provision, satisfaction, and healing are experienced. However, verse 4 is a crucial part of the Christian journey that cannot be avoided. It is a valley experience where believers may face challenges and difficulties, but it is necessary for growth and for God's plan to be fulfilled in their lives. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace verse 4 and trust in God's leading and righteousness for His name's sake.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to sell out and fully commit to God in order to experience a more abundant life. The speaker refers to Matthew chapter 22, where Jesus tells a parable about a king who arranges a wedding for his son. The invited guests initially refuse to come, and even when a second invitation is given, they make light of it and prioritize their own interests. Some even mistreat and kill the king's servants. The speaker highlights the importance of not being distracted by worldly pursuits and instead responding wholeheartedly to God's invitation to a life-changing event.

John Gill emphasizes the importance of growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, highlighting that spiritual growth is a gradual process akin to the growth of a seed. He explains that while believers should be thankful for their gifts, they are encouraged to seek an increase in grace through prayer, the Word, and reflection on God's promises. Gill notes that growth in grace leads to increased faith, hope, love, and humility, which are essential for preserving oneself and others from error. He concludes with a doxology, attributing glory to Christ for His divine attributes and the grace bestowed upon believers both now and forever.

George Matheson emphasizes the profound relationship between hope and quiet waiting, illustrating that true hope is often measured by the calmness of our waiting. He contrasts the impulsive nature of hope with the serene state of waiting, suggesting that the strongest hope is found in a peaceful heart. Matheson argues that while excitement can weaken hope, a calm demeanor reflects a deep-seated confidence in God's promises. He encourages believers to embrace this 'sublimely happy marriage' of hope and waiting, as it reveals the strength of their faith. Ultimately, he portrays the quietness of waiting as a testament to the assurance of salvation.

Dougan Clark delves into the teachings of James and Jude, exploring their perspectives on entire sanctification. James emphasizes the importance of faith demonstrated through good works, complementing Paul's teachings on justification by faith. He highlights the necessity of patience for achieving perfection and vividly describes inbred sin as lust, cautioning against the enticements of the devil. Jude encourages believers to pray in the Holy Ghost, emphasizing the power of prayer energized by the Spirit for various blessings, including healing, conversion, and sanctification.

Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of waiting for God's timing, as illustrated by David's inquiry to the Lord before moving to Hebron. Epp explains that true communion with God leads to divine guidance, contrasting it with the pitfalls of self-will represented by Ziklag. David's patience in waiting for God's plan to unfold, even after being anointed king, serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect and that we should trust in His process. The sermon highlights that while waiting may be challenging, it is essential for fulfilling God's purpose in our lives.

John Wesley emphasizes the significance of patience in the Christian life, urging believers to find joy in trials as they cultivate patience, which leads to spiritual maturity and completeness. He explains that patience is a divine quality developed through the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to endure suffering without losing faith. Wesley highlights that the ultimate goal of patience is to achieve perfect love and holiness, reflecting the character of Christ. He encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to believe in His ability and willingness to sanctify them fully. By embracing patience, Christians can experience peace, joy, and a deeper relationship with God.

Milton Haney preaches about the importance of maintaining patience and avoiding impatience, emphasizing that impatience can only arise from the wrong use of sanctified faculties, not from inherited evils. He highlights the need for believers to cooperate with God's keeping power by actively avoiding sinful thoughts and actions, and maintaining a constant attitude against impatience. Haney encourages believers to reflect on God's patience with them as a model for patience with others, and to fill themselves with Divine love to displace impatience. He stresses the significance of trusting in God's promise of complete preservation from impatience, as a failure in this area can cast doubt on the truth of Christianity.

Chuck Smith explores the story of Ruth, emphasizing her destitute condition after losing her husband and her commitment to care for Naomi. He highlights Boaz's love and protection for Ruth, illustrating how God's love similarly watches over us, often unnoticed. The narrative culminates in Ruth's bold request to Boaz, leading to her redemption and the birth of Obed, an ancestor of King David. Smith draws parallels to Jesus, who redeems the world to obtain His gentile bride, encouraging believers to wait patiently on God.

Charles S. Price preaches about the pursuit of Christian perfection, emphasizing that it is an achievable goal as outlined in the Bible. He challenges the congregation to seek a life so immersed in Christ that earthly concerns pale in comparison to eternal truths, urging them to press on towards the heights of perfection in Christ. Price highlights the importance of trusting in God's grace and power to attain Christian perfection, emphasizing that God never asks His children to strive for the impossible but provides the necessary grace to meet His commands.

Bishop W. F. Mallalieu preaches about the pursuit of Christian perfection, emphasizing the desire for a deeper connection with God, the need for inner transformation, and the prayer for God to cleanse and set free our hearts from sin. He delves into the concept of full sanctification, using various terms like 'perfect love,' 'entire salvation,' and 'Christian perfection' to describe the state of being fully surrendered to God. Mallalieu highlights the importance of seeking God's fullness and experiencing His love and power in our lives.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting God's forgiveness for all sins, past, present, and future, which can be difficult for many to believe. He encourages believers to live in a state of forgiveness towards themselves and others, reminding them that spiritual maturity and depth come from God's work within us rather than mere knowledge. Patience with oneself is crucial, as growth in Christ's image takes time, and we should not be discouraged by our shortcomings. Yohannan illustrates this with the example of Jesus' patient response to Peter after his denial, highlighting that God sees our potential beyond our failures. Ultimately, we must accept God's grace and allow Him to mold us into who He wants us to be.

James Bourne reflects on his spiritual journey, acknowledging his struggles with comparing himself to others in the church and the preciousness of God's Word in times of trouble and deliverance. He shares about the importance of patience, watchfulness, and godly fear in navigating difficulties, and the need to guard the heart against indiscretion and imprudence. Bourne emphasizes the significance of meekness, humility, and a willingness to surrender to God's will, highlighting the dangers of party spirit and the constant battle against self-will. He concludes with a prayer for a spirit that is willing to be nothing, recognizing that true humility prepares one to face any challenge through God's Spirit.

Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of the Pentecostal experience as a second work of grace subsequent to regeneration, emphasizing the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. James and John also support this doctrine, with James mentioning the need for patience and purification of hearts, while John addresses heretical teachings and emphasizes the cleansing and perfecting work of God in believers. The apostles highlight the significance of being cleansed from all unrighteousness and the destruction of the works of the devil through sanctification.

George Muller emphasizes the importance of faith and prayer in building an orphanage, recounting his journey of seeking God's provision for the needs of orphans. Despite initial discouragement and a lack of donations, Muller remained steadfast in prayer, believing that God would provide the necessary funds and resources. His faith was rewarded with significant donations and support, leading to the successful establishment of the orphanage that would house hundreds of children. Muller’s unwavering trust in God’s promises serves as a powerful testimony of divine provision and the impact of persistent prayer.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that mediocrity in the Christian life is not what Jesus desires for His followers. He challenges believers to move beyond a stagnant spiritual state and pursue full maturity in Christ, rather than settling for superficial pleasures that distract from true devotion. Tozer points out that many Christians bargain with God about the cost of discipleship instead of wholeheartedly embracing the call to take up their cross. He urges believers to reflect on their spiritual growth and to honor God by striving for deeper faith and commitment.

Chuck Smith explores the profound implications of Matthew 5:46, emphasizing that Christians are called to exceed the moral standards of non-Christians. He highlights that true perfection, as defined by Jesus, is not merely about adhering to laws but about embodying a higher righteousness that reflects God's character. Smith encourages believers to pursue goals that align with the spirit of the law, focusing on inner attitudes and a deep hunger for righteousness. He asserts that this perfection is attainable through a relationship with God as our Father, which transforms our ethical framework and empowers us to live beyond mere compliance.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of being overcomers as described in Revelation 3:7-13, where the Lord opens and shuts doors according to His divine will. The church in Philadelphia serves as a model of faithfulness, having obeyed God's Word and held fast to the testimony of Jesus, despite their weakness and opposition from the synagogue of Satan. Poonen encourages believers to recognize that true opposition often comes from within religious circles, and assures that God stands with those who are faithful. The promise of divine protection during trials is highlighted, reminding us that God keeps His people safe even amidst tribulation. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and assurance that God’s love and care prevail against all opposition.

Zac Poonen preaches on the message to the church in Philadelphia, emphasizing the significance of Jesus as the holy and true One with the key of David, who opens doors no one can shut. He highlights the importance of holiness and authenticity in believers, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example of overcoming sin and Satan. Poonen stresses that as followers of Christ, we must trust in God to open the right doors for us and close those that lead us astray, illustrating this with the story of Jonah. He commends the church in Philadelphia for their obedience and perseverance, assuring them of God's protection during trials and encouraging them to hold fast to their faith until His return.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of patience in God's timing, illustrating that while some things happen quickly, others take much longer, yet all are part of God's perfect plan. He compares the quick bloom of an annual plant to the slow growth of the American aloe, reminding us that rushing can lead to immature results. Simpson encourages believers to trust in God's promises, knowing that true faith involves waiting for His purposes to unfold in their fullness. This waiting brings peace and assurance, as we commit our ways to Him and remain obedient to His guidance. Ultimately, he reassures that every wrong will be made right and every cloud will clear if we choose to wait on the Lord.

R. Stanley preaches on the importance of patience as the crown of virtues and the mark of perfection, emphasizing that love is patient according to 1 Corinthians 13. He delves into the connection between patience and various aspects of love such as joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, highlighting the need for patience to mature and blossom in these virtues. The sermon explores biblical examples like Jesus, Paul, and Joseph to illustrate how patience leads to joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, essential for building happy homes, maintaining peace, and expressing kindness and goodness in our daily lives.

Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching from Lamentations 3:25, emphasizes the goodness of the Lord for those who patiently wait and seek Him. She warns against being too hasty in spiritual growth, urging listeners to avoid restlessness and impatience in their journey towards God. Tileston encourages a gentle and steady approach, advising against excessive eagerness and the pursuit of desires that may hinder true resignation to God's will. She highlights the importance of quiet perseverance and contentment in the path set before them, trusting in God's timing for their spiritual growth.

Horatius Bonar emphasizes that God's processes are inherently slow, contrasting divine growth with human impatience. He illustrates that while humans often desire rapid results, God's greatest works, like His trees, develop gradually over time. Bonar points out that perfection is the ultimate goal for Christians, yet he questions the expectation of immediate holiness, reminding us that even the most noble creations take time to mature. He argues that our imperfections and struggles are part of the Christian journey, and that the pursuit of holiness should not be rushed. Ultimately, Bonar encourages believers to embrace the slow growth process as part of God's divine plan.

Andrew Bonar preaches about Epaphras' fervent prayers for the Colossian believers to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Epaphras, despite being a prisoner, devoted himself to prayer, laboring fervently and consistently for the spiritual growth and maturity of the Colossians. His main focus was on believers attaining moral maturity, fulfilling God's purpose for their lives, and standing blameless before Him. Epaphras understood the importance of believers being fully assured and persuaded in the will of God, knowing that this assurance leads to spiritual growth, maturity, and the ability to make right decisions in life.

St. John Climacus preaches about the challenges and rewards of solitude, highlighting the struggles with unholy passions, the importance of self-awareness, and the constant battle against negative thoughts and distractions. He emphasizes the need for vigilance, patience, and unwavering faith in the face of temptations and despondency. Climacus discusses the different aspects of solitude, the dangers of self-will, and the virtues of obedience. He delves into the profound spiritual journey of those who seek true solitude, the discipline required, and the ultimate goal of unceasing worship and waiting upon God.