That Is All They Have to Enjoy
Christians must seek their delights in a higher sphere, avoiding worldly pleasures and vain amusements that can spiritually starve them.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true comfort for Christians cannot be found in worldly pleasures, which he refers to as vanity. He acknowledges that while ungodly individuals may seek happiness in earthly delights, Christians are called to seek joy in a higher, spiritual realm. Spurgeon illustrates this with the story of a godly wife who, recognizing her husband's spiritual state, strives to make his earthly life as pleasant as possible. He warns that indulging in vain amusements can lead to spiritual starvation and vulnerability to temptation. The sermon concludes with a heartfelt plea for divine assistance to turn away from vanity and lies.
Text
"Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity!" Psalm 119:37
No Christian enjoys comfort--when his eyes are fixed on vanity.
I do not blame ungodly men for rushing to their pleasures. Why should I? Let them have their fill. That is all they have to enjoy! A godly wife who despaired of her husband's salvation, was always very kind to him, for she said, "I fear that this is the only world in which he will be happy--and therefore I have made up my mind to make him as happy as I can in it."
Christians must seek their delights in a higher sphere--than the insipid frivolities or sinful enjoyments of the world. Vain amusements are dangerous to renewed souls. It is when the Christian departs from God, becomes spiritually starved, and endeavors to feed on vanities--that the devil discovers his vantage hour. O for grace to sincerely pray, "Remove vanity and lies far from me!" Proverbs 30:8
Sermon Outline
- I. The Folly of Fixing Our Eyes on Vanity
- A. Christians do not enjoy comfort when their eyes are fixed on vanity
- B. Ungodly men rush to their pleasures, and we should not blame them
- C. Christians must seek their delights in a higher sphere
- II. The Dangers of Vain Amusements
- A. Vain amusements are spiritually starving for the Christian
- B. The devil takes advantage of the Christian's departure from God
- III. The Need for Spiritual Renewal
- A. We must sincerely pray for God's help to remove vanity
- B. We must seek our delights in a higher sphere, not in worldly pleasures
Key Quotes
“That is all they have to enjoy!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Vain amusements are dangerous to renewed souls.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“O for grace to sincerely pray, 'Remove vanity and lies far from me!'” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must be careful not to let our eyes become fixed on worldly pleasures and distractions.
- We should seek our delights in a higher sphere, where we can find true joy and fulfillment in our relationship with God.
- We can make a positive impact on our loved ones by showing kindness and compassion to them, even if they are not yet saved.