It Is God Which Worketh in You
The sermon emphasizes the importance of working according to God's plan, rather than relying on our own thoughts and ideas.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God has a singular, perfect will for each believer, urging Christians to align their lives and work with His divine plan. He warns against the inefficiency of scattered efforts and encourages the church to focus its spiritual and financial resources wisely to fulfill God's mission. By understanding and obediently following Christ's specific plan, believers can work purposefully and effectively, ultimately pleasing God more than through reckless attempts to impose their own ideas. Simpson highlights the potential for global evangelization if Christians unite in their efforts according to God's direction.
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God does not have two ways for any of us, but one. Not two things for us to do which we may choose between, but one best and highest choice. It is a blessed thing to find and fill the perfect will of God. It is a blessed thing to have our life laid out and our Christian work adjusted to God's plan. Much strength is lost by working at a venture. Much spiritual force can be expended in wasted effort and in scattered, indefinite and inconstant attempts at doing good.
There is spiritual force and financial strength enough in the hands and hearts of the consecrated Christians of today, if it were only wisely directed and used according to God's plan, to bring about the evangelization of the world in a generation.
Christ has laid down a definite plan of work for His Church, and He expects us to understand it and to work up to it. As we catch His thought and obediently, loyally fulfill it, we shall work with purpose. In so doing we please Him far better than by our thoughtless, reckless and indiscriminate attempts to carry out our ideas and compel God to bless our work.
Sermon Outline
- God's Plan for Us
- One best and highest choice
- Finding and fulfilling God's will
Key Quotes
“It is a blessed thing to find and fill the perfect will of God.” — A.B. Simpson
“Much spiritual force can be expended in wasted effort and in scattered, indefinite and inconstant attempts at doing good.” — A.B. Simpson
“Christ has laid down a definite plan of work for His Church, and He expects us to understand it and to work up to it.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- I should seek to understand and obey Christ's thought for His Church in my work.
- Working according to God's plan will help me please Him and avoid wasted effort.
- I should strive to work with purpose and direction, rather than relying on scattered and indefinite attempts.