Sensitive to Warning
Being sensitive to God's warning and trembling at His Word can spare us from the evil that is to come.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to God's warnings, as exemplified by King Josiah, who humbled himself and trembled at God's Word. Spurgeon highlights that those who possess a tender heart and practice self-humiliation will be spared from impending judgment, as God marks those who mourn over the sins of their nation. He reassures believers that even in times of great threat and infidelity, they can find peace in God's promise of protection and eventual deliverance. The sermon calls for introspection on whether one has this godly fear and sensitivity to divine warnings.
Text
Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. (2 Kings 22:19)
Many despise warning and perish. Happy is he who trembles at the Word of God. Josiah did so, and he was spared the sight of the evil which the Lord determined to send upon Judah because of her great sins. Have you this tenderness? Do you practice this self-humiliation? Then you also shall be spared in the evil day. God sets a mark upon the men that sigh and cry because of the sin of the times.
The destroying angel is commanded to keep his sword in its sheath till the elect of God are sheltered: these are best known by their godly fear and their trembling at the Word of the Lord. Are the times threatening? Does infidelity advance with great strides, and do you dread national chastisement upon this polluted nation? Well you may. Yet rest in this promise: "Thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace: and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which l will bring upon this place." Better still, the Lord Himself may come, and then the days of our mourning shall be ended.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Being Sensitive to Warning
- Josiah's Example
- God's Mark on the Righteous
- Resting in God's Promise
- The promise of peace and protection
- The Lord's return brings an end to mourning
Key Quotes
“Happy is he who trembles at the Word of God.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The destroying angel is commanded to keep his sword in its sheath till the elect of God are sheltered:” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Better still, the Lord Himself may come, and then the days of our mourning shall be ended.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Be aware of God's Word and its warnings to avoid perishing.
- Respond to God's Word with a humble heart, showing tenderness and self-humiliation.
- Hold onto the promise of peace and protection, where one's eyes will not see all the evil that God will bring.