In this sermon, the preacher discusses the title given to Christ as a counselor. He explains that Christ is a counselor in three ways: as God's counselor, as our counselor in times of trouble, and as a counselor for those seeking worldly greatness. The preacher emphasizes that God's ways may seem roundabout to us, but He always goes straight to His purpose. He encourages listeners to cast their burdens upon the Lord and seek greatness in Christ rather than worldly pursuits. The preacher also highlights the significance of Christ's birth and how it relates to the past and future of the world.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability for those who teach the word of God. He explains that teachers will not only be judged for the content of their teaching, but also for their conduct and motivations. The speaker uses the example of Ezekiel being appointed as a watchman over Israel, highlighting the responsibility to warn others of their sins. He also discusses the challenges faced by teachers and the need for honesty in acknowledging mistakes. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for teachers to fulfill their role with clarity, openness, and integrity.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, selflessness, and seeking God's will above personal ambitions. It warns against the dangers of self-importance, seeking great things for oneself, and the negative impact of distractions and self-centeredness on spiritual growth. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges listeners to prioritize exalting Jesus, honesty, and faith in God's provision.

Harry Ironside delivers a powerful sermon on King Uzziah of Judah, illustrating the peril of success and pride. Uzziah began his reign by seeking the Lord and prospered greatly, but as he grew strong, he became prideful and attempted to usurp the priestly role, leading to his downfall and leprosy. Ironside emphasizes the importance of humility and dependence on God, warning that success can lead to self-satisfaction and rebellion against divine order. The sermon serves as a reminder that true success comes from recognizing our limitations and relying on God's strength, lest we fall into pride and face judgment. Ironside calls for believers to learn from Uzziah's life to avoid similar pitfalls.

Edward Payson preaches about the dangers of seeking great things for oneself in this world, emphasizing the sinful nature of covetousness, ambition, and self-gratification. He highlights the need to align our desires with God's will, focusing on what is necessary for our duty, preparing for eternity, and seeking the favor of God. Payson warns that seeking worldly possessions leads to disappointment, sorrow, and distractions from our spiritual growth and responsibilities. He urges listeners to prioritize serving God, promoting the salvation of others, and finding contentment in God's provisions rather than pursuing earthly treasures.

Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the remarkable story of the little maid in 2 Kings 5:2, who despite being a stranger in a strange land, among the 'are-nots' of the world, and coming from a background of suffering, became a powerful instrument for God's blessing. Through her unoffended spirit and focus on speaking about Elisha, she exemplified key characteristics that God values in His servants, emphasizing the importance of bearing witness to Christ in a dark and needy world.

Walter Beuttler preaches about the life and prophecies of the Prophet Jeremiah, highlighting his call at a young age, his tender and retiring personality, and his unwavering commitment to delivering God's messages despite facing political tumults and personal despair. The Book of Jeremiah is discussed, emphasizing its disorderly chronology, autobiographical nature, and key themes of repentance, abandonment of God, and the insufficiency of external rituals without internal transformation. The sermon delves into the message of the book, stressing that visible success is not a measure of acceptability before God, forsaking God leads to abandonment, and the importance of true repentance and heart transformation.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the peril of self-interest in his sermon 'The Voice of Jeremiah (Continued) IV', drawing from the experiences of Baruch and Jeremiah. He highlights how Baruch's loyalty to Jeremiah, despite immense personal cost, serves as a contrast to the self-seeking attitudes prevalent among the people of Israel and even the disciples of Jesus. The preacher warns against the dangers of seeking greatness for oneself, urging that true fulfillment comes from making Christ the center of our ambitions. He illustrates that while self-interest leads to loss, surrendering to God results in eternal gain. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep work of the Cross to eradicate selfhood and align our desires with God's purpose.

Horatius Bonar warns against the fate of the double-hearted, exemplified by Balaam, who sought to serve both God and mammon, ultimately leading to his downfall. Balaam's life was marked by indecision, covetousness, and a desire for worldly gain, which resulted in a tragic end devoid of honor or lamentation. Bonar emphasizes that one cannot serve two masters and that the pursuit of both righteousness and unrighteousness leads to spiritual ruin. He calls for a commitment to God without compromise, urging believers to examine their lives and choose between the world and the divine. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of a divided heart and the importance of living a life fully devoted to God.