Different Temptations
The sermon explores the varying nature of temptation and the importance of understanding and empathizing with others' struggles.
James Stalker delves into the mystery of providence, emphasizing the unequal distribution of temptation among individuals. He compares sheltered situations to ships in a harbor, protected from real storms, and contrasts them with those facing the full force of tempests on the high seas. Stalker acknowledges the diverse challenges people encounter, whether in solitude or society, highlighting that temptation can manifest in various forms and environments.
Text
"A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven"
(John 3:27).
There is, indeed, no greater mystery in providence than the unequal proportion in which temptation is distributed among different individuals. Some are comparatively little tempted; others are thrown into a fiery furnace of it, seven times heated. There are in the world sheltered situations, in which a man may be compared to a ship in the harbor, where the waves may sometimes heave a little, but a real storm never comes; there are others, where a man may be compared to the vessel which has to sail the high seas and face the full force of the tempest. Many of you must know well what this means. Perhaps you know it so well that you feel inclined to say to me, Preacher, you know little about it: if you had to live where we live--if you had to associate with the companions with whom we have to work and hear the kind of language to which we have to listen--you would know better the truth of what you are saying. Do not be too sure of that. Perhaps my library is as dangerous a place for me as the market-place or the workshop is for you. Solitude has its temptations as well as society.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the nature of temptation
- The varying degrees of temptation among individuals
- The role of providence in temptation
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II
- Comparison of sheltered and exposed lives
- The metaphor of ships in harbor vs. high seas
- Recognizing personal struggles
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III
- The importance of empathy in understanding temptation
- The dangers of judgment based on external appearances
- Finding strength in shared experiences
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IV
- The impact of environment on temptation
- Solitude vs. society in facing temptations
- The need for vigilance in all circumstances
Key Quotes
“A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” — James Stalker
“There is, indeed, no greater mystery in providence than the unequal proportion in which temptation is distributed among different individuals.” — James Stalker
“Solitude has its temptations as well as society.” — James Stalker
Application Points
- Recognize that everyone faces different levels of temptation and be compassionate towards others.
- Reflect on your own environment and how it influences your personal struggles with temptation.
- Stay vigilant in both solitude and society, as temptations can arise in any situation.