The Overcomer's Reward
The sermon emphasizes the reward of perseverance in faith, promising believers a higher degree of spiritual life and a hidden manna in Christ Jesus.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the Christian journey, reminding believers that the reward for overcoming challenges is profound. He draws parallels between the hidden manna, which symbolizes the spiritual sustenance reserved for the faithful, and the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to recognize that their struggles are part of a holy war, and through Christ, they will receive not only victory but also the nourishment that sustains them spiritually. The hidden treasures of faith, represented by the white stone and new name, signify a deeper relationship with God that awaits those who endure. Ultimately, Jesus is both the source of strength in battle and the reward for victory.
Text
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and mill give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17)
My heart, be thou stirred up to persevere in the holy war, for the reward of victory is great. Today we eat of heavenly food which falls about our camps; the food of the wilderness, the food which comes from heaven, the food which never fails the pilgrims to Canaan. But there is reserved for us in Christ Jesus a still higher degree of spiritual life and a food for it which, as yet, is hidden from our experience. In the golden pot which was laid up in the ark there was a portion of manna hidden away, which though kept for ages never grew stale.
No one ever saw it; it was hid with the Ark of the Covenant, in the Holy of Holies. Even so, the highest life of the believer is hid with Christ, in God. We shall come to it soon, Being made victorious through the grace of our Lord Jesus, we shall eat of the King's meat and feed upon royal dainties. We shall feed upon Jesus. He is our "hidden manna," as well as the manna of the wilderness. He is all in all to us in our highest, as well as in our lowest, estate. He helps us to fight, gives us the victory, and then is Himself our reward. Lord, help me to overcome.
Sermon Outline
- The Reward of Victory
- The promise of heavenly food
- The food of the wilderness
- The hidden manna in Christ Jesus
Key Quotes
“He is all in all to us in our highest, as well as in our lowest, estate.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He helps us to fight, gives us the victory, and then is Himself our reward.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Persevere in faith and the holy war to receive the reward of victory.
- Jesus is the source of spiritual food and strength in our highest and lowest estate.
- Faithfulness to Christ leads to a new name and a deeper experience of God's presence.