He Will Keep the Feet of His Saints
To navigate the higher Christian life, we must walk in holy confidence and vigilance, following the example of Jesus and resisting temptation with the heavenly armor of obedience.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that while the higher Christian life offers great privileges, it also brings perils, as the closer we draw to God, the more we face spiritual opposition. He warns against complacency, urging believers to remain vigilant and obedient to God's Word, as true safety lies in a humble and watchful heart. Simpson encourages Christians to walk confidently in their faith while being aware of the dangers that surround them, reminding them that God is able to keep them from falling. He concludes with the powerful reminder to ask, 'What would Jesus do?' as a guiding principle in times of temptation.
Text
Perils as well as privileges attend the higher Christian life. The nearer we come to God, the thicker the hosts of darkness in heavenly places. The safe place lies in obedience to God's Word, singleness of heart and holy vigilance. When Christians speak of standing in a place where they do not need to watch, they are in great danger. Let us walk in intimate and holy confidence, yet with holy, humble watchfulness, and He will keep the feet of his saints. Now unto him [who] is able to keep [us] from falling, and to present [us] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.
Amen (Jude 24-25).
What to do we often wonder, As we seek some watchword true, Lo, the answer God has given, What would Jesus do? When the shafts of fierce temptation, With their fiery darts pursue, This will be your heavenly armor, What would Jesus do?
Sermon Outline
- The Higher Christian Life
- The Dangers of Complacency
- The Heavenly Armor of Obedience
- What Would Jesus Do?
- Resisting Temptation with Heavenly Armor
- Holy Vigilance and Watchfulness
Key Quotes
“The safe place lies in obedience to God's Word, singleness of heart and holy vigilance.” — A.B. Simpson
“What would Jesus do?” — A.B. Simpson
“He will keep the feet of his saints.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must prioritize obedience to God's Word in our daily lives.
- We should cultivate holy vigilance and watchfulness to resist temptation.
- We can find strength and guidance in following the example of Jesus and asking ourselves, 'What would Jesus do?'