He Shall See His Seed; He Shall Prolong His Days
We should pray with confidence in God's promise, focusing on Christ and His kingdom, and labour to promote the Lord's glory.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of fervent prayer for the fulfillment of God's promises, particularly in relation to the kingdom of Christ. He encourages believers to pray with confidence, knowing that God's immutable nature ensures He will keep His word. Spurgeon urges Christians to look beyond their personal needs and focus on advancing Christ's kingdom, reminding them that better times are ahead for those who toil in faith. He calls for a shift in prayer from self-centered requests to petitions that glorify God and promote His kingdom. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures that sincere prayers for Christ's reign will elevate one's spiritual devotion.
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Plead for the speedy fulfillment of this promise, all ye who love the Lord. It is easy work to pray when we are grounded and bottomed, as to our desires, upon God's own promise. How can He that gave the word refuse to keep it? Immutable veracity cannot demean itself by a lie, and eternal faithfulness cannot degrade itself by neglect. God must bless His Son, His covenant binds Him to it. That which the Spirit prompts us to ask for Jesus, is that which God decrees to give Him.
Whenever you are praying for the kingdom of Christ, let your eyes behold the dawning of the blessed day which draweth near, when the Crucified shall receive His coronation in the place where men rejected Him. Courage, you that prayerfully work and toil for Christ with success of the very smallest kind, it shall not be so always; better times are before you. Your eyes cannot see the blissful future: borrow the telescope of faith; wipe the misty breath of your doubts from the glass; look through it and behold the coming glory.
Reader, let us ask, do you make this your constant prayer? Remember that the same Christ who tells us to say, "Give us this day our daily bread," had first given us this petition, "Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Let not your prayers be all concerning your own sins, your own wants, your own imperfections, your own trials, but let them climb the starry ladder, and get up to Christ Himself, and then, as you draw nigh to the blood-sprinkled mercy-seat, offer this prayer continually, "Lord, extend the kingdom of Thy dear Son." Such a petition, fervently presented, will elevate the spirit of all your devotions. Mind that you prove the sincerity of your prayer by labouring to promote the Lord's glory.
Sermon Outline
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The Promise of God's Faithfulness
- God's promise to bless His Son is immutable and eternal
- This promise is bound by God's covenant
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Praying for the Kingdom of Christ
- Pray with confidence in God's promise
- Look to the future glory of Christ's kingdom
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The Importance of Prayer
- Prayer should be a constant and sincere request
- Prayer should focus on Christ and His kingdom
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Proving the Sincerity of Prayer
- Labour to promote the Lord's glory
- Prayer should be accompanied by action
Key Quotes
“Immutable veracity cannot demean itself by a lie, and eternal faithfulness cannot degrade itself by neglect.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Whenever you are praying for the kingdom of Christ, let your eyes behold the dawning of the blessed day which draweth near, when the Crucified shall receive His coronation in the place where men rejected Him.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Reader, let us ask, do you make this your constant prayer?” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Make praying for the kingdom of Christ a constant and sincere request.
- Labour to promote the Lord's glory and accompany your prayer with action.
- Focus on Christ and His kingdom when praying, rather than just your own sins, wants, and trials.