The Test of Fulness
The test of fulness is a more searching test than want, and requires continuous prayer to maintain a strong spiritual life.
John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful and prayerful even in times of prosperity and fullness, as these can be more dangerous than times of want. He warns that our direst peril often lies in our complacency and abundance, as seen in the downfall of Sodom. Jowett urges believers to pray without ceasing, seeking God's strength and guidance even in times of ease and comfort, to avoid being caught off guard by unseen dangers that may arise in the midst of prosperity.
Text
DEUTERONOMY viii. 1-10.
"And thou shalt eat and be full, and thou shalt bless the Lord thy God."
Fulness is surely a more searching test than want. Fulness induces sleep
and forgetfulness. Many a man fights a good fight with Apollyon in the
narrow way, who lapses into sleepy indifference on the Enchanted Ground.
Men often sit down to a full table without "grace." Pain cries out to God,
while boisterous health strides along in heedlessness. Yes, it is our
fulness that constitutes our direst peril. "This was the iniquity of
Sodom, _fulness_ of bread and abundance of idleness."
And so our tests may come on the sunny day. A nation's supreme tests may
come in its prosperity. The sunshine may do more damage than the
lightning. The soul may falter even in Beulah land, where "the sun shines
night and day."
Prayer must not, therefore, tarry until sickness and adversity come. We
must "pray without ceasing" in the cloudless noon, lest we are stricken
with "the arrow that flieth by day." We must seek the eternal strength
when no apparent enemy crouches at our gate, and when our easy road is
lined with luxuriant flowers and fruit.
Sermon Outline
- The Test of Fulness
- The Dangers of Fulness
- The Importance of Continuous Prayer
- We must pray without ceasing in all circumstances
- Seeking eternal strength in times of ease
Key Quotes
“Fulness is surely a more searching test than want.” — John Henry Jowett
“Men often sit down to a full table without 'grace.'” — John Henry Jowett
“This was the iniquity of Sodom, _fulness_ of bread and abundance of idleness.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- We should pray without ceasing in all circumstances, including times of prosperity.
- We must seek eternal strength in times of ease, lest we be stricken with spiritual problems.
- Continuous prayer is essential to maintain a strong spiritual life and avoid spiritual complacency.