Mercy to the Undeserving
The sermon emphasizes the reward of trusting in the Lord, which is being surrounded by mercy.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound mercy that surrounds those who trust in the Lord, illustrating that true trust acknowledges one's own sinfulness and unworthiness, yet finds abundant mercy ready to embrace them. He likens this mercy to a protective bodyguard, surrounding believers with grace and comfort, allowing them to dwell securely in Christ. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to rejoice and express their gratitude for the overwhelming mercies that overshadow their sorrows, urging them to celebrate God's goodness with songs of thanksgiving.
Text
He that trusteth m the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. (Psalm 32:10)
O fair reward of trust! My Lord, grant it me to the full! The truster above all men feels himself to be a sinner; and lo, mercy is prepared for him: he knows himself to have no deservings, but mercy comes in and keeps house for him on a liberal scale. O Lord, give me this mercy, even as I trust in Thee!
Observe, my soul, what a bodyguard thou hast! As a prince is compassed about with soldiery, so art thou compassed about with mercy. Before and behind, and on all sides, ride these mounted guards of grace. We dwell in the center of the system of mercy, for we dwell in Christ Jesus.
O my soul, what an atmosphere dost thou breathe! As the air surrounds thee, even so does the mercy of thy Lord. To the wicked there are many sorrows, but to thee there are so many mercies that thy sorrows are not worth mentioning. David says, "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." In obedience to this precept my heart shall triumph in God, and I will tell out my gladness. As Thou hast compassed me with mercy, I will also compass Thine altars, O my God, with songs of thanksgiving!
Sermon Outline
- The Reward of Trust
- The Bodyguard of Mercy
- The Atmosphere of Mercy
- Mercy surrounds us like the air we breathe
- The wicked have many sorrows, but the righteous have many mercies
Key Quotes
“He that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“O fair reward of trust! My Lord, grant it me to the full!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“As Thou hast compassed me with mercy, I will also compass Thine altars, O my God, with songs of thanksgiving!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We can trust in the Lord and experience the reward of mercy surrounding us.
- We should respond to the mercy of God with rejoicing and thanksgiving.
- We can dwell in the center of the system of mercy in Christ Jesus.