Let No Evil Remain
We must conquer sin in our lives by treating it as an accursed thing, allowing God to show us mercy and multiply His blessings.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity for Christians to eradicate all forms of sin from their lives, likening it to Israel's command to destroy idolatrous cities and their spoils. He asserts that no evil habit should remain, as this is a spiritual battle that requires total commitment to holiness. Spurgeon teaches that when we show no mercy to our sins, God shows great mercy to us, leading to blessings and growth in our spiritual lives. The sermon encourages believers to actively pursue purity and to understand that their efforts against sin are a response to God's grace. Ultimately, Spurgeon assures that those who resolve to put away sin will experience compassion, prosperity, and joy from the Lord.
Text
And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers. (Deuteronomy 13:17)
Israel must conquer idolatrous cities and destroy all the spoil, regarding all that had been polluted by idolatry as an accursed thing to be burned with fire. Now, sin of all sorts must be treated by Christians in the same manner. We must not allow a single evil habit to remain. It is now war to the knife with sins of all sorts and sizes, whether of the body, the mind, or the spirit.
We do not look upon this giving up of evil as deserving mercy, but we regard it as a fruit of the grace of God, which we would on no account miss.
When God causes us to have no mercy on our sins, then He has great mercy on us. When we are angry with evil, God is no more angry with us. When we multiply our efforts against iniquity, the Lord multiplies our blessings. The way of peace, of growth, of safety, of joy in Christ Jesus will be found by following out these words: "There shall nought of the cursed thing cleave to thine hand." Lord, purify me this day. Compassion, prosperity, increase, and joy will surely be given to those who put away sin with solemn resolution.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Importance of Conquering Sin - Deuteronomy 13:17 as a Model - The Christian's Response to Sin
- II points: - The Nature of Sin - The Need to Destroy Sin - The Fruit of God's Grace
- III points: - The Benefits of Conquering Sin - God's Mercy and Blessings - The Way of Peace and Joy
Key Quotes
“When God causes us to have no mercy on our sins, then He has great mercy on us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“When we are angry with evil, God is no more angry with us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The way of peace, of growth, of safety, of joy in Christ Jesus will be found by following out these words: ''There shall nought of the cursed thing cleave to thine hand.''” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must be resolute in our determination to put away sin and live a holy life.
- God's mercy and blessings are available to us when we give up evil habits and desires.
- Following God's commands and living a life of obedience will lead us to peace, growth, safety, and joy in Christ Jesus.