Eat, Don't Argue!
This sermon encourages believers to focus on feasting on God's Word rather than arguing over trivial matters, and to prioritize believing in Jesus.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the futility of arguing over theological disputes, likening it to two doctors who neglect their meal while a simple farmer enjoys his food. He encourages believers to focus on feasting upon the Word of God rather than getting caught up in endless debates that yield no spiritual nourishment. Spurgeon highlights that while theological questions are important, the essence of faith lies in believing in Jesus Christ, who is the true source of joy and salvation. He advises that instead of being consumed by controversy, one should rest in the Lord and trust in His promises. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a simple, heartfelt faith over intellectual disputes.
Text
TWO learned doctors are angrily discussing the nature of food, and allowing their meal to lie untasted, while a simple countryman is eating as heartily as he can of that which is set before him. The religious world is full of quibblers, critics, and sceptics, who, like the doctors, fight over Christianity without profit either to themselves or others; those are far happier who imitate the farmer and feed upon the Word of God, which is the true food of the soul. Luther's prayer was, "From nice questions the Lord deliver us."
Questioning with honesty and candour is not to be condemned, when the object is to "prove all things, and hold fast that which is good;" but to treat revelation as if it were a football to be kicked from man to man is irreverence, if not worse. Seek the true faith, by all manner of means, but do not spend a whole life in finding it, lest you be like a workman who wastes the whole day in looking for his tools. Hear the true Word of God; lay hold upon it, and spend your days not in raising hard questions, but in feasting upon precious truth.
It is, no doubt, very important to settle the point of General or Particular Redemption; but for unconverted men, the chief matter is to look to the Redeemer on the cross with the eye of faith.
Election is a doctrine about which there is much discussion, but he who has made his election sure, finds it a very sweet morsel. Final perseverance has been fought about in all time; but he who by grace continues to rest in Jesus to the end, knows the true enjoyment of it. Reader, argue, if you please, but remember that believing in the Lord Jesus gives infinitely more enjoyment than disputing can ever afford you. If you are unsaved, your only business is with the great command, "Believe!" and even if you have passed from death unto life, it is better to commune with Jesus than to discuss doubtful questions.
When Melancthon's mother asked him what she must believe amidst so many disputes, he, knowing her to be trusting to Jesus in a simple-hearted manner, replied, "Go on, mother, to believe and pray as you have done, and do not trouble yourself about controversy." So say we to all troubled souls, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Folly of Quarreling Over Christianity
- A. The example of two doctors arguing over food
- B. The contrast with a simple countryman eating heartily
- II. The Importance of Feasting on God's Word
- A. The true food of the soul
- B. The need to seek truth, not just argue
- III. The Dangers of Over-Questioning
- A. Irreverence towards revelation
- B. Wasting time on trivial matters
- IV. The Priority of Believing in Jesus
- A. The chief matter for unconverted men
- B. The true enjoyment of faith
Key Quotes
“From nice questions the Lord deliver us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Hear the true Word of God; lay hold upon it, and spend your days not in raising hard questions, but in feasting upon precious truth.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Prioritize feasting on God's Word over arguing over trivial matters.
- Rest in Jesus and continue to do so to the end for true enjoyment of faith.
- Do not spend a whole life in finding the truth, but rather seek it with honesty and candour.