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Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray (1828 - 1917). South African pastor, author, and revivalist born in Graaff-Reinet, Cape Colony, to Dutch Reformed missionary parents. Sent to Scotland at 10, he studied at Aberdeen University and Utrecht, Netherlands, returning ordained in 1848. He pastored in Bloemfontein and Worcester, later moderating the Dutch Reformed Church’s Cape Synod. In 1860, he sparked a revival in the Orange Free State, preaching to thousands across racial lines despite apartheid’s rise. Murray wrote over 240 books, including Abide in Christ (1882) and With Christ in the School of Prayer, translated into dozens of languages. His emphasis on holiness, prayer, and divine healing influenced global Pentecostalism. Married to Emma Rutherford in 1856, they had eight children, four becoming missionaries. He founded theological seminaries and the Huguenot College for women. Despite chronic illness, he traveled to Europe and America, speaking at Keswick Conventions. His devotional works remain widely read, shaping Christian spirituality across denominations.
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Sermon Summary
Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of the Word of God in a believer's life, comparing it to daily bread that is essential for physical sustenance. He explains that mere knowledge of Scripture is insufficient; one must actively feed on God's Word, allowing it to penetrate the heart and transform life. Just as bread must be consumed daily for strength, so too must God's Word be meditated upon and internalized regularly. Murray highlights that Jesus exemplified this practice, learning and obeying the Father's Word, and encourages believers to seek fellowship with Christ through Scripture. Ultimately, the Word of God is portrayed as indispensable for spiritual vitality and growth.
Scriptures
The Word of God
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." - Matthew 4:4 The illustration that our Lord uses, in which the Word of God is compared to our daily bread, is most instructive. Bread is indispensable to life. We all understand this. However strong a person may be, if he takes no nourishment, he will grow weaker, and life will become extinct. Even so with the Word of God. It contains a heavenly principle, and works powerfully in them that believe. Bread must be eaten. I may know all about bread. I may have bread, and may give it to others. I may have bread in my house and on my table in great abundance. But that will not help me, if through illness I am unable to eat it, I shall die. And so, a mere knowledge of God's Word, and even the preaching of it to others, shall not benefit me. It is not enough to think about it. I must feed on God's Word, and take it into my heart and life. In love and obedience, I must appropriate the words of God, and let them take full possession of my heart. Then they will indeed be words of life. Bread must be eaten daily. And the same is true of God's Word. The Psalmist says: "Blessed is the man-his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2) and, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97). To secure a strong and powerful spiritual life God's Word every day is indispensable. When on earth the Lord Jesus learned, loved, and obeyed the word of the Father. And if you seek fellowship with Him, you will find Him in His Word. Christ will teach you to commune with the Father, through the Word, even as was His custom. You will learn, like Him, to live solely for the glory of God and the fulfillment of His Word.
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Andrew Murray (1828 - 1917). South African pastor, author, and revivalist born in Graaff-Reinet, Cape Colony, to Dutch Reformed missionary parents. Sent to Scotland at 10, he studied at Aberdeen University and Utrecht, Netherlands, returning ordained in 1848. He pastored in Bloemfontein and Worcester, later moderating the Dutch Reformed Church’s Cape Synod. In 1860, he sparked a revival in the Orange Free State, preaching to thousands across racial lines despite apartheid’s rise. Murray wrote over 240 books, including Abide in Christ (1882) and With Christ in the School of Prayer, translated into dozens of languages. His emphasis on holiness, prayer, and divine healing influenced global Pentecostalism. Married to Emma Rutherford in 1856, they had eight children, four becoming missionaries. He founded theological seminaries and the Huguenot College for women. Despite chronic illness, he traveled to Europe and America, speaking at Keswick Conventions. His devotional works remain widely read, shaping Christian spirituality across denominations.