Thirtieth Day: 'I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord forever.'
As children of God, we have a permanent home in heaven, and our trials and tribulations are only temporary incidents on our journey.
J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the eternal home awaiting believers as children of God, emphasizing the assurance that while on earth, we are in the house of the Lord, and in eternity, we will simply ascend to the upper chamber to be with Him forever. He encourages embracing trials and difficulties as temporary on this journey, seeking to live each day as Jesus would, and recognizing that every challenge we face contributes to the heavenly reward awaiting us.
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A SERVANT abideth not in the house forever; but the son doth. And we are the children of God.
"While I am here, I will be a child at home with my God. The whole world shall be his house to me; and, when I ascend into the upper chamber, I shall not change my company, nor even change the house. I shall only be in the upper story forever."--Spurgeon.
"This should be at once the crown of all our hopes for the future and the one great lesson taught us by all the vicissitudes of life."
There is an end in which it shall be made plain why we had darkness here and sorrowed many times, and as we look back over all the way, we shall find that every road, crooked though it seemed, led heavenward.
"The light of the Word shines brighter and brighter
As wider and wider God opens my eyes;
My trials and burdens seem lighter and lighter,
And fairer and fairer the heavenly prize.
"The wealth of this world seems poorer and poorer
As further and further it fades from my sight;
The prize of my calling seems surer and surer,
As straighter and straighter I walk in the light.
"My waiting on Jesus seems dearer and dearer
As longer and longer I lean on his breast;
Without him, I'm nothing, seems clearer and clearer,
And more and more sweetly in Jesus I rest.
"My joy in my Saviour is growing and growing,
And stronger and stronger I trust in his word;
My peace like a river is flowing and flowing,
As harder and harder I lean on the Lord."
SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY.
1. Do not complain at the trials and vexations of this short journey. This is not your home, and these are only incidents by the way.
2. Ask God for this day to help you live as Jesus would if he were in your place.
3. Remember that temptation, trial, sorrow, and disappointment all help in the weaving of the robe which we shall wear up yonder.
Sermon Outline
- The Temporary Nature of Earthly Life
- A servant abides not in the house forever
- But the Son does, and we are children of God
Key Quotes
“While I am here, I will be a child at home with my God. The whole world shall be his house to me; and, when I ascend into the upper chamber, I shall not change my company, nor even change the house. I shall only be in the upper story forever.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“The light of the Word shines brighter and brighter As wider and wider God opens my eyes;” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“My joy in my Saviour is growing and growing, And stronger and stronger I trust in his word;” — J. Wilbur Chapman
Application Points
- Do not complain at the trials and vexations of this short journey, but rather see them as opportunities to grow and strengthen your faith.
- Ask God for help each day to live as Jesus would, and to lean on Him for guidance and strength.
- Remember that temptation, trial, sorrow, and disappointment all help in the weaving of the robe which we shall wear up yonder.