Epbraim, He Hath Mixed Himself
A God-centered life allows you to use material blessings for His glory and to extend His love and grace to others.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God above all else, warning that anything desired more than God becomes an idol. He teaches that true satisfaction comes from God alone, allowing us to receive other blessings without fear of them becoming harmful. When we are spiritually separated from our possessions and find contentment in God, these blessings can serve as channels to deepen our relationship with Him. Simpson illustrates that every aspect of our lives, including family and material wealth, can be transformed into instruments of God's love and grace. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart fully devoted to God, enabling us to enjoy His gifts without attachment.
Text
It is a great thing to learn to take God first. Then He can afford to give us everything else without the fear of its hurting us. As long as you want anything very much, especially more than you want God, it is an idol. When you become satisfied with God, however, everything else so loses its charm that He can give it to you without harm. Then you can take just as much as you choose and use it for His glory. There is no harm whatever in having money, houses, lands, friends and children if you do not value these things or ones for themselves.
If you have been separated from them in spirit and become satisfied with God Himself, then they will become to you channels to be filled with God and to bring Him nearer to you.
Then every little lamb around your household will be a tender cord to bind you to the Shepherd's heart. Then every affection will be a golden cup filled with the wine of His love. Then every bank, stock and investment will be but a channel through which you can pour out His benevolence and extend His grace.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Prioritizing God
- The Freedom of Satisfaction
- The Blessings of a God-Centered Life
- Using material blessings for God's glory
- Relationships and possessions as channels of God's love
Key Quotes
“As long as you want anything very much, especially more than you want God, it is an idol.” — A.B. Simpson
“Then you can take just as much as you choose and use it for His glory.” — A.B. Simpson
“Then every little lamb around your household will be a tender cord to bind you to the Shepherd's heart.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Prioritize God in your life by taking Him first and focusing on His love and presence.
- Use your possessions and relationships as channels to pour out God's love and benevolence to others.
- Become satisfied with God and let go of the charm of material things.