Behold, There Is in This City a Man of God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of godliness, cultivating fellowship with God, and becoming godlike through His transformation.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound impact of a godly life on the community, reflecting on the legacy of holiness that can transform neighborhoods, as exemplified by the life of Samuel. He encourages believers to strive for a character that embodies trustworthiness and godliness, which in turn inspires confidence and respect from others. Meyer calls for Christians to cultivate a deep relationship with God, allowing His beauty and truth to shine through their lives, thus becoming 'men and women of God' who leave a lasting fragrance of holiness wherever they go.
Text
Behold, there is in this city a man of God. Sam. ix. 6.
THERE is a street in London, near St. Paul's, which I never traverse without very peculiar feelings. It is Godliman Street. Evidently the name is a corruption of godly man. Did some saint of God once live here, whose life was so holy as to give a sweet savour to the very street in which he dwelt? Were the neighbours who knew him best, the most sure of his godliness? Would that our piety might leave its mark on our neighbourhoods, and the memory linger long after we have passed away!
A generation or two ago in the Highlands, there were earnest and holy men who were known by the significant title of the men. No great religious gathering was deemed complete without them. Their prayers and exhortations were accompanied by an especial unction.
In such manner Samuel's godliness was recognised far and wide. The fragrance of his character could not be concealed. And this gave men confidence in him. They said, "He is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass." How much credit redounds to godliness, when it is combined with trustworthiness and high credit amongst our fellows!
Let us seek to be God's men and women. Let us live not only soberly and righteously, but godly, in this present world. Let us remember that God hath set apart the godly for Himself. The godly are the godlike. They become so by cultivating the fellowship and friendship of God. Their faces become enlightened with his beauty; their words are weighty with his truth. After being for a little in their company, you detect the gravity, serenity, gentleness, beauty of holiness, which are the court manners of heaven.
Sermon Outline
- The Recognition of Godliness
- The Characteristics of a Godly Person
- The Call to Be God's Men and Women
- Living a life of holiness
- Being set apart for God
- Becoming godlike through fellowship with God
Key Quotes
“Would that our piety might leave its mark on our neighbourhoods, and the memory linger long after we have passed away!” — F.B. Meyer
“The fragrance of his character could not be concealed. And this gave men confidence in him.” — F.B. Meyer
“Their faces become enlightened with his beauty; their words are weighty with his truth.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We should strive to live a life of holiness, reflecting God's beauty and truth in all we do.
- By cultivating fellowship with God, we can become godlike and inspire confidence in others.
- Our piety should leave a lasting impact on our neighborhoods and communities, long after we are gone.