This sermon delves into the struggle of seeking self-acceptance before God, only to be met with disappointment and discouragement due to our inherent flaws and shortcomings. It explores how this pursuit of self-righteousness can lead to darkness of mind and bondage of spirit, causing us to lose sight of our acceptance in Christ and fall into despair. The key message emphasizes that our acceptance with God is solely based on Christ and not on our own works or intentions, offering hope and deliverance from the miserable dregs of self.

This sermon delves into the profound spiritual awakening that occurs when one is reborn, where they come face to face with the stark contrasts of God and self, justice and guilt, power and helplessness, and the eternal truths of God's holiness and human sinfulness. It describes the transformative experience of realizing the existence of God for the first time, akin to awakening from a long slumber and recognizing the futility of a life spent in trivial pursuits and religious formalities without true understanding.

In this sermon transcript titled "Toys and Playthings of the Religious Baby House," J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of feeding the soul with God's appointed food. He compares hungry children who cannot be satisfied with mere playthings to hungry souls in need of true spiritual nourishment. Philpot asserts that religious rituals, ceremonies, and external displays cannot satisfy the deep hunger for God. Instead, he emphasizes that Christ, the bread of life, is the only true sustenance for the believing soul, referencing passages from Ezekiel, Psalms, and John. The sermon encourages listeners to seek the true nourishment of their souls in Christ alone.

J.C. Philpot reflects on the remarkable life of William Tiptaft, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to self-denial, stewardship, and practical godliness. Tiptaft's dedication to living for God, serving His people, and obeying His will set him apart as a shining example of vital godliness and consistent Christian living. His fear of God was evident throughout his life, leading him to separate from the world, prioritize solitude and reflection, and exhibit a seriousness of character that inspired many. Despite his boldness and zeal for God, Tiptaft also displayed deep sympathy and solidarity with the poor, earning him the reputation of being 'the poor man's friend.'

J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual wanderer's journey through the wilderness of life, where they experience houselessness and losing their way as the Spirit of God drives them out of worldly comforts and self-reliance. The wanderer's hunger and thirst for heavenly realities lead to their soul fainting, creating a deep need for God's intervention. Through cries of distress, the Lord delivers them, leading them in the right way of tribulation towards a heavenly city of habitation, where true rest and satisfaction are found in Christ alone.

The preacher discusses the concept of boasting in the Bible, distinguishing between proper and improper boasting. He emphasizes the importance of boasting in the Lord and His work rather than in oneself. The sermon delves into the idea of running the race of faith without running in vain, highlighting the need for believers to live faithfully and endure to the end to receive the imperishable prize awaiting them at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

J.C. Philpot preaches on the vanity of all creature enjoyments and the importance of experiencing the killing and healing work of grace in the soul. Through the examples of King Solomon, he emphasizes the need to be broken down in self-abasement before God and exalt Jesus as the only Savior. Philpot highlights the continuous cycle of breaking down and building up in a Christian's life, leading to a deep sense of mourning over sin and a spiritual joy that allows one to dance before the Lord.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the sanctifying power of affliction, highlighting how it works to produce a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory for believers. He emphasizes the temporary nature of earthly afflictions compared to the eternal glory that awaits those who endure with faith. Philpot encourages believers to shift their focus from the temporal things seen in this world to the eternal things unseen, such as the glory of God and the promise of heaven, as sanctified affliction purifies their eyes and hearts to prioritize spiritual realities over earthly distractions.

J.C. Philpot preaches on Psalms 107, describing it as an epitome of Christian experience, highlighting the journey of wilderness wanderers who find themselves in a desolate world, feeling changed by grace. He delves into the effects of their wanderings, leading to hunger, thirst, and fainting souls, which prompt them to cry out to the Lord in their distress. The preacher emphasizes the deliverance brought by God, guiding them through the right path to a city of habitation, symbolizing the ultimate destination of believers in the new Jerusalem.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the intimate relationship between Christ and His church, using the metaphor of a bridegroom and bride delighting in each other's company. He highlights the importance of spiritual communion, self-examination, and the pursuit of tender graces and gospel fruit in the believer's life. Philpot emphasizes the need for believers to walk hand in hand with Christ, examining their hearts and seeking the manifestation of His everlasting, dying, pardoning, forbearing, and restoring love in their lives.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the triumph of grace over sin, highlighting how grace super-abounds over the flood of sin, reigns as a benevolent sovereign, and dispenses eternal life through righteousness by Jesus Christ our Lord. He emphasizes the need for grace to subdue sin, reign in the heart, and lead to eternal life, abolishing temporal, spiritual, and eternal death. Philpot underscores the harmony of grace with God's righteousness, its administration by Christ, and its fruitfulness in producing righteousness for the glory of God.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the profound truths of the completeness of the fall and the equal completeness of the recovery, both of which are resisted by man's pride and self-righteousness. He emphasizes the depth of the fall, highlighting man's helpless state and desperate rebellion, and the height of the recovery, focusing on the perfection of Christ's finished work and the full atonement He made. Philpot encourages desponding saints by pointing to Christ's death for the ungodly, emphasizing God's wondrous love and mercy towards sinners, and the assurance of being saved through Christ's life at the right hand of God.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the Lord being a refuge for the oppressed in times of trouble, emphasizing the need for a personal experience with God's perfections, seeking Him sincerely, and putting trust in Him. He delves into the spiritual significance of seeking God, knowing His name, and the assurance that God never forsakes those who seek Him. Philpot encourages self-reflection on one's spiritual journey, highlighting the importance of experiencing God's work in the heart and distinguishing true spiritual life from empty profession.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the prophet Jeremiah's rough path and rebellious nature, highlighting the distinction between precious and vile elements in God's sight. He emphasizes the importance of discerning and separating the precious from the vile in characters, doctrines, experiences, and practices. Philpot explains how precious characters, doctrines, experiences, and practices are valued by God, while vile ones are rejected. He urges the congregation to return to God and truth, emphasizing the need to stand firm in faithfulness and not compromise for the sake of pleasing others.

Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'kenos,' which signifies emptiness, futility, and lack of effectiveness, whether in material, intellectual, moral, or spiritual aspects. The term is used figuratively in the Bible to describe vain endeavors, labors, and actions that result in nothing. Paul, in his concern for the Thessalonians, sent Timothy to prevent them from falling into affliction, emphasizing the importance of godly support during trials. The concept of 'kenos' is further explored in various biblical contexts, highlighting the consequences of being devoid of spiritual value and the need for a firm root in God's Word to withstand afflictions.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the Church of God, represented as a virgin bride of Christ, coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved, Jesus. The wilderness symbolizes the present suffering condition of the Church, marked by toil, solitude, peril, lack of food and water, and spiritual dangers. The believer is described as continually coming up from self, sin, temptation, and unbelief, leaning on Christ for strength, love, and salvation. This posture of leaning on Jesus signifies a tender affection, weakness, and a sweet union with the Savior, leading to eternal bliss in His presence.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between being under the curse of God and under His blessing, emphasizing the consequences of trusting in man versus trusting in the Lord. He explains the blessedness of those who trust in the Lord, comparing them to trees planted by the waters, nourished by the river of life and love, and bearing fruit even in times of drought. Philpot urges the listeners to examine their roots of faith and hope, ensuring they are connected to the source of life and love to maintain a green leaf of profession and continue yielding fruit as evidence of God's blessing.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the heavy charges brought against the false shepherds of Israel, highlighting their sins of commission and omission, including greediness, selfishness, cruelty, and violence. The consequences of these sins led to the scattering of the sheep, making them easy prey for wild animals. However, God promises to search for His lost sheep, bring them back, bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak. He also denounces the fat and strong, warning of destruction for those who are self-sufficient and unrepentant, feeding them with judgment by leaving them in their delusions.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the deep experiences and heights of joy recorded in the Scriptures, emphasizing that not all God's people sink into the same depths of soul trouble or rise to the same heights of spiritual joy. He delves into the Psalmist's prayer to be kept as the apple of the eye and hidden under the shadow of God's wings, highlighting the need for divine work in the conscience to realize helplessness, the evil of sin, and God's preserving power. Philpot explores the protection, nearness, nurturing, and mutual contact found under the shadow of God's wings, urging the congregation to seek refuge and warmth in God's presence.

Joseph Philpot preaches about the compassionate and merciful nature of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, who understands our weaknesses and temptations, yet remained without sin. He highlights the importance of coming boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need. Philpot emphasizes the deep connection between our infirmities, temptations, and the throne of grace, where we can experience the sweet union and communion with the compassionate High Priest who sympathizes with our struggles.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the need for a great Physician for those who are spiritually sick, drawing parallels from how Jesus dealt with cavilers and critics in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of feeling the malady of sin, the deep depravity of the fallen nature, and the backsliding and idolatrous tendencies of the heart to truly recognize the need for the healing touch of Jesus. Philpot highlights that the Lord's Hospital is only for the incurables, those who have come to the end of themselves and realize their desperate need for the healing remedies of the great Physician. He encourages believers to seek the balm of Jesus' blood, the only remedy for a guilty conscience, and to trust in His power and willingness to heal all who come to Him in their sickness.

J.C. Philpot preaches on the deep reliance of God's people on Him alone for help and deliverance, emphasizing the need for a spiritual understanding of the malady of sin, the knowledge of the remedy found in God, and the application of that remedy to the soul. He delves into the various maladies of sin such as blindness, deafness, hard-heartedness, unbelief, and other corruptions, highlighting the necessity for God's healing touch in each area. Philpot stresses the importance of feeling the guilt, filth, and power of sin, and the ultimate salvation that comes from God alone, leading to a heartfelt acknowledgment that God is worthy of all praise.

J.C. Philpot delivers a powerful sermon on idolatry, highlighting how it is deeply rooted in the human heart and can manifest in various forms, even among Christians. He emphasizes that idolatry is not just worshiping physical objects but also giving undue importance to worldly desires, relationships, achievements, and self. Philpot urges believers to examine their hearts honestly to identify and uproot any idols that may be hidden within, as these idols can draw their thoughts and affections away from God.

The preacher delves into the significance of the stroke (KJV = tittle) in the Hebrew letters, emphasizing its importance in distinguishing one letter from another. Jesus stressed the vital nature of every letter and word in the Old Testament, affirming that every aspect of the Law and the Prophets would be fulfilled. The sermon explores the meticulous attention Jewish teachers gave to preserving every stroke and letter in the Law of Moses. Jesus' teaching highlights the immutability of Scripture, asserting that not even the smallest detail of the Law would pass away until it was accomplished.

Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of 'kenodoxia', which refers to empty conceit or vain glory, describing the pursuit of personal praise and self-promotion that lacks eternal value. This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking empty glory, contrasting it with humility, as seen in individuals like Diotrephes who sought preeminence over others. The Scriptures warn against selfish ambition and empty conceit, highlighting the importance of humility and considering others as more significant than oneself.