Shew Me Wherefore Thou Contendest With Me
Trials are a means for God to develop our graces, discover hidden ones, and lead to real growth in our Christian walk.
Greek Word Studies for aid_number 34509 preaches on the concept of obedience (hupakoe), emphasizing the importance of listening from a subordinate position and complying with God's commands. Obedience is seen as submission to God's will, carrying out His word, and forsaking self-will. The missionary translator's experience highlights the essence of obedience as being 'all ear' to God's instructions. Faith and obedience are inseparable, with genuine faith always leading to obedience and submission to the gospel of Christ.
Text
Perhaps, O tried soul, the Lord is doing this to develop thy graces. There are some of thy graces which would never be discovered if it were not for thy trials. Dost thou not know that thy faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does in winter? Love is too often like a glow-worm, showing but little light except it be in the midst of surrounding darkness. Hope itself is like a star--not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. Afflictions are often the black foils in which God doth set the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better.
It was but a little while ago that on thy knees thou wast saying, "Lord, I fear I have no faith: let me know that I have faith." Was not this really, though perhaps unconsciously, praying for trials?--for how canst thou know that thou hast faith until thy faith is exercised? Depend upon it, God often sends us trials that our graces may be discovered, and that we may be certified of their existence. Besides, it is not merely discovery, real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials. God often takes away our comforts and our privileges in order to make us better Christians. He trains His soldiers, not in tents of ease and luxury, but by turning them out and using them to forced marches and hard service.
He makes them ford through streams, and swim through rivers, and climb mountains, and walk many a long mile with heavy knapsacks of sorrow on their backs. Well, Christian, may not this account for the troubles through which thou art passing? Is not the Lord bringing out your graces, and making them grow? Is not this the reason why He is contending with you?
"Trials make the promise sweet; Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to His feet, Lay me low, and keep me there."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Purpose of Trials
- A. To develop graces
- B. To discover hidden graces
- II. The Nature of Faith
- A. Faith looks grand in trials
- B. Faith is exercised in trials
- III. The Role of Hope
- A. Hope is discovered in adversity
- B. Hope is a star that shines in darkness
- IV. The Result of Sanctified Trials
- A. Real growth in grace
- B. Sanctified trials make us better Christians
Key Quotes
“Trials make the promise sweet” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Trials give new life to prayer” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Trials bring me to His feet, Lay me low, and keep me there” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should view trials as opportunities for growth in grace and the development of our faith.
- Sanctified trials can lead to real growth in our Christian walk, making us better Christians.
- Trials can bring us closer to God, making our relationship with Him sweeter and more meaningful.