Joseph Philpot preaches about the nature of the present that is brought to the Lord of hosts, describing a people who are scattered, peeled, meted out, trodden under foot, and whose land the rivers have spoiled. He emphasizes the importance of coming to the Lord in humility, acknowledging our unworthiness and need for Jesus as our righteousness and salvation. Philpot highlights the contrast between worldly expectations and the true acceptance found in presenting our brokenness and emptiness to God at mount Zion, where Jesus is received as our all in all.

The preacher delves into the concept of 'kopos' in the Bible, which refers to labor involving toil, fatigue, suffering, weariness, and sorrow. This labor speaks of intense effort united with trouble, emphasizing the weariness that follows straining one's powers to the utmost. The sermon explores various Bible verses that illustrate different nuances of 'kopos,' highlighting the importance of labor prompted by love, the toil involved in spiritual benefits, and the endurance under trials inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of striving lawfully in the Christian race, drawing parallels between the natural and spiritual realms. He emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit's work in stripping us of self-righteousness and leading us to utter dependence on God. Philpot highlights the distinction between unlawful striving after unlawful objects, unlawful striving after lawful objects, and lawful striving after lawful objects, pointing out that only the latter is crowned by God with His grace and approval.