This Is That Bread Which Came Down From Heaven
The sermon emphasizes the importance of drawing strength from Christ, the Risen Head, and living the life of the Incarnate One in our flesh.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound truth of relying on God's strength rather than our own, as illustrated by Paul's experience of drawing life from Christ, who overcame death. He highlights the significance of being members of Christ's body, which serves as a source of divine strength and vitality. Simpson encourages believers to recognize the body as a vessel for the Lord, embodying the promise of resurrection and eternal life. He challenges the congregation to embrace this supernatural secret and live out the life of Christ in their own flesh. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's sustaining power in our lives.
Text
We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: who delivered us from so great a death and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us (2 Corinthians 1:9). This was the supernatural secret of Paul's life; he drew continually in his body from the strength of Christ, his Risen Head. The body that came out of Joseph's tomb was to him a physical reality and the inexhaustible fountain of his vital forces. More than the other apostles he has imparted to us the secret of his strength. We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones (Ephesians 5:30). The body is . . . for the Lord; and the Lord for the body (1 Corinthians 6:13). Marvelous truth!
Divine elixir of life and fountain of perpetual youth!
Earnest of the resurrection! Fulfillment of the ancient psalms and songs of faith! The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1). My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26). Have we learned this secret, and are we living the life of the Incarnate One in our flesh?
Sermon Outline
- The Supernatural Secret of Paul's Life
- We are members of Christ's body
- The Lord is the strength of our life
- Faith in Christ gives us strength
- God is our portion forever
Key Quotes
“The body that came out of Joseph's tomb was to him a physical reality and the inexhaustible fountain of his vital forces.” — A.B. Simpson
“Marvelous truth! Divine elixir of life and fountain of perpetual youth! Earnest of the resurrection! Fulfillment of the ancient psalms and songs of faith!” — A.B. Simpson
“Have we learned this secret, and are we living the life of the Incarnate One in our flesh?” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must learn to draw strength from Christ, the Risen Head, in our daily lives.
- Faith in Christ gives us the strength we need to overcome challenges.
- We are part of the body of Christ, and we should live in accordance with that reality.