Our Dependency on Christ
The sermon emphasizes the importance of dependence on God and the value of trust in His care, even in the midst of trials and pressure.
Charles E. Cowman preaches on the purpose of trials and troubles in our lives, emphasizing that they showcase God's strength and grace, teaching us dependence on Him and the importance of trusting in His care. Through difficulties, we learn to lean on God's hand and not on our own strength, ultimately deepening our faith and understanding of His plans for us. The process of facing trials is God's way of refining our faith and preparing us for the eternal blessings He has in store for us.
Text
"We are troubled on every side" (2 Cor. 7:5).
Why should God have to lead us thus, and allow the pressure to be so hard and constant? Well, in the first place, it shows His all-sufficient strength and grace much better than if we were exempt from pressure and trial. "The treasure is in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
It makes us more conscious of our dependence upon Him. God is constantly trying to teach us our dependence, and to hold us absolutely in His hand and hanging upon His care.
This was the place where Jesus Himself stood and where He wants us to stand, not with self-constituted strength, but with a hand ever leaning upon His, and a trust that dare not take one step alone. It teaches us trust.
There is no way of learning faith except by trial. It is God's school of faith, and it is far better for us to learn to trust God than to enjoy life.
The lesson of faith once learned, is an everlasting acquisition and an eternal fortune made; and without trust even riches will leave us poor. --Days of Heaven upon Earth
"Why must I weep when others sing?
'To test the deeps of suffering.'
Why must I work while others rest?
'To spend my strength at God's request.'
Why must I lose while others gain?
'To understand defeat's sharp pain.'
Why must this lot of life be mine
When that which fairer seems is thine?
'Because God knows what plans for me
Shall blossom in eternity.'"
Sermon Outline
- I. The All-Sufficient Strength of God
- A. Demonstrated through trials and pressure
- B. Shown in the treasure of God's power
- II. The Importance of Dependence on God
- A. Makes us conscious of our need for Him
- B. Teaches us to trust in God's care
- III. The School of Faith
- A. Trial and suffering are necessary for learning faith
- B. Faith is an everlasting acquisition
- IV. The Value of Trust
- A. Without trust, even riches are worthless
- B. Trust is essential for a life of purpose
Key Quotes
“The treasure is in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Why must I weep when others sing? 'To test the deeps of suffering.'” — Charles E. Cowman
“Why must I lose while others gain? 'To understand defeat's sharp pain.'” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We must learn to trust God in all circumstances, even when we face trials and pressure.
- Faith is an everlasting acquisition that is worth more than any earthly riches.
- God's plans for us are eternal and will blossom in eternity, even if we experience defeat and loss in this life.