The Gifts of God Not to Be Rejected on Account of the Channel That Brings Them.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than being distracted by human reasoning and worldly desires.
The preacher delves into the concept of citizenship in the Bible, emphasizing that Christians are citizens of a heavenly kingdom, distinct from the earthly realm, and under the authority of a new Ruler with different standards. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are delivered from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of God's beloved Son. The sermon highlights the responsibilities and privileges of heavenly citizenship, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects their heavenly status and eagerly await the return of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Text
LETTER XXXI.
The gifts of God not to be rejected on account of the channel that brings them.
I am glad you find in the person of whom you speak, the qualities you were in search of. God puts what He pleases where He pleases. Naaman could not be healed by all the waters of Syria, but must apply to those of Palestine. What does it matter from what quarter our light and help come? The source is the important point, not the conduit; that is the best channel which most exercises our faith, puts to shame our human wisdom, makes us simple and humble, and undeceives us in respect to our own power. Receive, then, whatever He bestows, in dependence upon the Spirit that bloweth where it listeth. We know not whence it cometh nor whither it goeth. (John iii. 8.) But we need not seek to know the secrets of God; let us only be obedient to what He reveals.
Too much reasoning is a great distraction. Those who reason--the indevout wise--quench the inward spirit as the wind extinguishes a candle. After being with them for awhile, we perceive our hearts dry, and our mind off its centre. Shun intercourse with such men; they are full of danger to you.
There are some who appear recollected, but whose appearance deceives us. It is easy to mistake a certain warmth of the imagination for recollection. Such persons are eager in the pursuit of some outward good, to which they are attached; they are distracted by this anxious desire; they are perpetually occupied in discussions and reasonings, but know nothing of that inward peace and silence, that listens to God. They are more dangerous than others, because their distraction is more disguised. Search their depths, and you will find them restless, fault-finding, eager, constantly occupied without, harsh and crude in all their desires, sensitive, full of their own thoughts, and impatient of the slightest contradiction; in a word, spiritual busy-bodies, annoyed at everything, and almost always annoying.
Sermon Outline
- The Source of God's Gifts points: - God puts His gifts where He pleases - The channel is not as important as the source
- The Danger of Human Reasoning points: - Too much reasoning can distract us from the Spirit - The indevout wise can quench the inward spirit
- The Dangers of Disguised Distraction points: - Some people appear recollected but are actually distracted - They are often harsh, crude, and impatient
- The Importance of Obedience points: - We should be obedient to what God reveals - We don't need to know the secrets of God
Key Quotes
“What does it matter from what quarter our light and help come? The source is the important point, not the conduit;” — Francois Fenelon
“We know not whence it cometh nor whither it goeth.” — Francois Fenelon
“But we need not seek to know the secrets of God; let us only be obedient to what He reveals.” — Francois Fenelon
Application Points
- Prioritize obedience to God's Spirit and trust in His sovereignty and provision.
- Be wary of those who reason excessively and prioritize worldly desires.
- Seek inward peace, silence, and a listening heart in your relationship with God.