Nevertheless, David Took the Castle of Zion
The sermon emphasizes the importance of having one decisive battle to overcome sin and achieve perfect rest through labor and the Saviour's sanctification.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of facing a decisive battle against sin rather than engaging in a lifetime of skirmishes. He argues that many waste their lives fighting the same besetting sin instead of seeking a singular victory through Christ. Simpson encourages believers to strive for that one significant battle, which leads to true rest and peace in God. He reminds us that while the path may be difficult, entering into God's rest is worth the struggle. Ultimately, he calls for a complete surrender to Jesus as our Sanctifier.
Text
If you seem to have so much fighting to do, it may be because you did not have one sharp, decisive battle to begin with. It is far easier to have one great battle than to keep on skirmishing all your life. I know men who spend forty years fighting what they call their besetting sin, and on which they waste strength enough to evangelize the world. Does it pay to throw away your lives? Why not have one battle, one victory and then praise God. There is labor to enter in. The height is steep; the way of the cross is not an easy way. It is hard to enter in, but having entered in, there is perfect rest.
And when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about (Deuteronomy 12:10).
May God help us and give us His perfect rest. 0 come, and leave thy sinful self forever Beneath the fountain of the Saviour's blood; 0 come, and take Him as thy Sanctifier, Come thou with us and we will do thee good.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Problem of Ongoing Struggle
- A. The danger of perpetual skirmishing
- B. The waste of energy on minor battles
- II. The Solution of One Decisive Battle
- A. The importance of a single, sharp victory
- B. The potential for lasting impact
- III. The Promise of Perfect Rest
- A. The labor required to enter in
- B. The reward of perfect rest
- IV. The Invitation to Enter In
- A. The call to leave sinful self behind
- B. The offer of the Saviour's sanctification
Key Quotes
“It is far easier to have one great battle than to keep on skirmishing all your life.” — A.B. Simpson
“There is labor to enter in, but having entered in, there is perfect rest.” — A.B. Simpson
“Come, and leave thy sinful self forever Beneath the fountain of the Saviour's blood;” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Identify the one decisive battle you need to fight to overcome your sin and focus on that instead of perpetual skirmishing.
- Recognize the labor required to enter in to perfect rest, but be willing to put in the effort.
- Leave your sinful self behind and come to the fountain of the Saviour's blood for sanctification.