The Furnace for Gold; but the Lord Trieth the Hearts
The sermon emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation, trusting in God's guidance, and remaining confident in the face of adversity.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that temptation itself is not sin unless we consent to it, and that even strong inclinations do not taint our purity if we resist them. He illustrates that our true choice can remain steadfast against temptation, and God honors our obedience in the face of struggle. Simpson compares our response to temptation to a harp, which produces beautiful music when played by the Master's hand, signifying that our lives can reflect God's glory when we overcome adversity. He encourages believers to stand firm against adversaries, as their resistance is a sign of salvation from God.
Text
Remember that temptation is not sin unless it is accompanied with the consent of your will. There may seem to be even the inclination, and yet the real choice of your spirit is fixed immovably against it, and God regards it simply as a solicitation and credits you with an obedience all the more pleasing to Him because the temptation was so strong. We little know how evil can find access to a pure nature and seem to incorporate itself with our thoughts and feelings. When, however, we resist and overcome it we remain as pure as the sea fowl that emerges from the water without a single drop remaining upon its burnished wing.
The harp, struck by a rude or clumsy hand, gives forth a discordant sound-not from any defect o the instrument but because of the hand that touches it.
But when the Master's hand pluck strings it produces chords of exquisite delight. In nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God (Philippians 1:28).
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Temptation
- The Power of Resistance
- The Importance of God's Guidance
- God's hand can produce beautiful music from discordant strings
- God's guidance is a token of salvation
Key Quotes
“We little know how evil can find access to a pure nature and seem to incorporate itself with our thoughts and feelings.” — A.B. Simpson
“The harp, struck by a rude or clumsy hand, gives forth a discordant sound-not from any defect of the instrument but because of the hand that touches it.” — A.B. Simpson
“In nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God (Philippians 1:28).” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must be aware of how evil can find access to our pure nature and take steps to resist it.
- God credits our obedience, even in the face of strong temptation, making it all the more pleasing to Him.
- We can be confident in the face of adversity because our faith is a token of salvation.