Abide in Me
To abide with Christ for ever, we must maintain close fellowship with Him, seeking His company always and trusting in His presence for comfort and safety.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a close communion with Christ as the ultimate remedy for all life's challenges, whether they stem from sorrow or excessive pleasure. He encourages Christians to live in constant fellowship with Jesus, asserting that this relationship provides both comfort and safety, regardless of one's circumstances. Spurgeon illustrates that Jesus should be a constant companion, guiding believers through trials and temptations, and that true peace is found in His presence. He warns against facing life's difficulties without Christ, urging believers to seek His companionship in every situation, especially in the face of death. Ultimately, Spurgeon assures that those who abide in Christ will be welcomed into eternal fellowship with Him.
Text
Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is matter of secondary importance whether thou livest on the mountain of honour or in the valley of humiliation. Living near to Jesus, thou art covered with the wings of God, and underneath thee are the everlasting arms.
Let nothing keep thee from that hallowed intercourse, which is the choice privilege of a soul wedded to THE WELL-BELOVED. Be not content with an interview now and then, but seek always to retain His company, for only in His presence hast thou either comfort or safety. Jesus should not be unto us a friend who calls upon us now and then, but one with whom we walk evermore. Thou hast a difficult road before thee: see, O traveller to heaven, that thou go not without thy guide. Thou hast to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it not unless, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thou hast the Son of God to be thy companion.
Thou hast to storm the Jericho of thine own corruptions: attempt not the warfare until, like Joshua, thou hast seen the Captain of the Lord's host, with His sword drawn in His hand. Thou art to meet the Esau of thy many temptations: meet him not until at Jabbok's brook thou hast laid hold upon the angel, and prevailed. In every case, in every condition, thou wilt need Jesus; but most of all, when the iron gates of death shall open to thee. Keep thou close to thy soul's Husband, lean thy head upon His bosom, ask to be refreshed with the spiced wine of His pomegranate, and thou shalt be found of Him at the last, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Seeing thou hast lived with Him, and lived in Him here, thou shalt abide with Him for ever.
Sermon Outline
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The Importance of Communion with Christ
- A cure for every ill
- Taking bitterness and satiety away
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Living Near to Jesus
- Covered with God's wings and under His arms
- Privilege of a soul wedded to the Well-Beloved
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Maintaining Close Fellowship
- Not content with occasional interviews
- Seeking His company always
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Jesus as a Guide and Companion
- Passing through difficult roads and fiery furnaces
- Storming Jericho and meeting temptations
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Eternal Abiding with Christ
- Found without spot or wrinkle at the last
- Abiding with Him for ever
Key Quotes
“Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is matter of secondary importance whether thou livest on the mountain of honour or in the valley of humiliation.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let nothing keep thee from that hallowed intercourse, which is the choice privilege of a soul wedded to THE WELL-BELOVED.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Seeing thou hast lived with Him, and lived in Him here, thou shalt abide with Him for ever.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Seek to maintain close fellowship with Jesus, not just occasionally, but always.
- Trust in Jesus as your guide and companion to navigate difficult roads and fiery furnaces.
- Abide with Christ for ever, and you will be found without spot or wrinkle at the last.