Never Despair
The sermon 'Never Despair' encourages listeners to fear God's name and walk in His ways, trusting that the Sun of Righteousness will rise and bring healing and deliverance.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the hope found in the promise of the Sun of Righteousness, who brings healing and light even in the darkest times. He reassures believers that despite the deepening darkness, despair is unnecessary as the dawn of Christ's righteousness is near. Spurgeon highlights that Jesus embodies both justice and mercy, ensuring that our deliverance is safe and righteous. He encourages the faithful to maintain reverence for God, assuring them that the night of sorrow will be brief and followed by joy and healing. Ultimately, he calls for patience and trust in the Lord's timing, as the Sun will surely rise.
Text
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4.2)
Fulfilled once in the first advent of our glorious Lord, and yet to have a fuller accomplishment in His second advent, this gracious word is also for daily use. Is it dark with the reader? Does the night deepen into a denser blackness? Still let us not despair: the sun will yet rise. When the night is darkest, dawn is nearest.
The sun which will arise is of no common sort. It is the Sun -- the Sun of Righteousness, whose every ray is holiness. He who comes to cheer us, comes in the way of justice as well as of mercy, comes to violate no law even to save us. Jesus as much displays the holiness of God as His love. Our deliverance, when it comes, will be safe because righteous.
Our one point of inquiry should be -- "Do we fear the name of the Lord? Do we reverence the living God and walk in His ways?" Then for us the night must be short; and when the morning cometh, all the sickness and sorrow of our soul will be over forever. Light, warmth, joy, and clearness of vision will come, and healing of every disease and distress will follow after.
Has Jesus risen upon us? Let us sit in the sun. Has He hidden His face? Let us wait for His rising. He will shine forth as surely as the sun.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Promise of the Sun of Righteousness - The Sun of Righteousness in the First Advent - The Sun of Righteousness in the Second Advent
- II points: - The Nature of the Sun of Righteousness - Holiness and Mercy - The Importance of Reverencing God's Name
- III points: - The Conditions for the Sun's Rising - Fear of God's Name - Walking in God's Ways
- IV points: - The Consequences of the Sun's Rising - Healing and Deliverance - Light, Warmth, and Joy
Key Quotes
“When the night is darkest, dawn is nearest.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He who comes to cheer us, comes in the way of justice as well as of mercy, comes to violate no law even to save us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Light, warmth, joy, and clearness of vision will come, and healing of every disease and distress will follow after.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Make reverence of God's name a priority in your life, acknowledging His holiness and authority.
- Trust in God's goodness and justice, even in times of darkness and uncertainty.
- Wait patiently for God's rising, knowing that He will shine forth as surely as the sun.