Stand Still in the Light
The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing still in God's Light to find strength and peace amidst temptation and troubles.
George Fox encourages believers to stand still in the face of troubles and temptations, emphasizing the importance of submitting to the Light of the Lord for strength and peace. He warns that the Tempter exploits our weaknesses, but by remaining still and focused on God's presence, we can overcome our addictions and fears. Fox illustrates that true strength comes from recognizing our struggles and surrendering to God's power, leading to inner peace and contentment. He reminds us that earthly reasoning can distract us, but by staying grounded in the Spirit, we can read the Scriptures correctly and find true peace. Ultimately, standing still in the Light allows us to grow in faith and resilience against life's challenges.
Text
TO FRIENDS, to stand still in Trouble, and see the Strength of the Lord.
Whatever ye are addicted to, the Tempter will come in that thing; and when he can trouble you, then he gets Advantage over you, then he gets Advantage over you, and then ye are yourselves; and then Mercy comes in. After thou seest thy Thoughts and the Temptations, do not think, but submit; and then the Power comes. Stand still in that which shews and discovers; and there doth Strength immediately come: And stand still in the Light and submit to it, and the other will be hush'd and gone; and then Content comes. And when Temptations and Troubles appear, sink down in that which is pure, and all will be hush'd and fly away.
Your Strength is to stand still, after ye see your selves. Whatsoever ye see your selves addicted to, Tempations, Corruptions, Uncleanness &c. then ye think, ye shall never Overcome. and Earthly reason will tell you, what ye shall lose; hearken not to that but stand still in the Light, that shews them to you, and then Strength comes from the Lord, and Help, contrary to your Expectation: Then ye grow up in Peace, and no Trouble shall you move. David fretted himself when he look'd out; but when he was still, no Trouble could him move: When your Thoughts are out, abroad, then Troubles move you: But come to stay your Minds upon the Spirit which was before the Letter; here ye learn to read the the Scriptures aright. If ye do anything in your own Wills, then ye tempt God; but stand still in that Power, which brings Peace.
G.F.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to standing still in trouble
- The importance of seeing the strength of the Lord
- Understanding temptation and addiction
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II
- The role of submission in overcoming challenges
- Finding strength in the Light
- The process of discovering one's true self
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III
- The impact of earthly reasoning on faith
- The significance of staying focused on the Spirit
- Learning to read Scriptures correctly
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IV
- The relationship between peace and stillness
- Examples from David's life
- The power of divine help contrary to expectations
Key Quotes
“Your Strength is to stand still, after ye see your selves.” — George Fox
“Stand still in the Light and submit to it, and the other will be hush'd and gone.” — George Fox
“When your Thoughts are out, abroad, then Troubles move you.” — George Fox
Application Points
- Focus on God's Light to overcome personal struggles and temptations.
- Practice stillness in prayer to cultivate inner peace and clarity.
- Avoid relying on earthly reasoning and instead trust in divine guidance.