Hymn: The Tree of Life
The sermon emphasizes the significance of the Tree of Life as a source of eternal nourishment and joy through Christ's redemption.
John Nelson Darby reflects on the profound sweetness and eternal satisfaction found in the Tree of Life, symbolizing Christ and the blessings of heaven. He emphasizes that this Tree offers various fruits of joy, peace, and holiness, which are freely available to believers through Christ's redeeming power. Darby encourages the congregation to taste and experience the richness of God's love and grace, which sustains and nourishes the soul amidst life's challenges. He paints a picture of a paradise where safety, rest, and joy abound, inviting all to partake in the eternal blessings that await in the heavenly land.
Text
SOON we taste the endless sweetness Of the Tree of life above; Taste its own eternal meetness For the heavenly land we love. In eternal counsels founded, Perfect now in fruit divine; When the last blest trump has sounded, Fruit of God for ever mine! Fresh and ever new are hanging Fruits of life on that blest Tree; There is stilled each earnest longing, Satisfied my soul shall be. Safety, where no foe approaches; Rest, where toil shall be no more; Joy, whereon no grief encroaches; Peace, where strife shall all be o'er - "Holiness and love and joy characterize the land.
They are the fruits which grow there spontaneously, as are the thanksgivings that arise in the hearts of those who are there through redeeming power." J.N.D. Various fruits of richest flavour Offers still the Tree divine; One itself, the same for ever, All its various fruits are mine. Where deceiver ne'er can enter, Sin-soiled feet have never trod, Free, our peaceful feet may venture In the paradise of God; Drink of life's perennial river, Feed on life's perennial food, Christ, the fruit of life, and Giver - Safe through His redeeming blood.
Object of eternal pleasure, Perfect in Thy work divine! Lord of glory! Without measure, Worship, joy, and praise are Thine! But, my soul, hast thou not tasted Of that Tree of life on high? As through desert lands thou'st hasted, Eshcol's grapes been never nigh? Ah! that Tree of life was planted, Rooted deep in love divine, Ere the sons of God had chanted Worlds where creature glories shine. Love divine without a measure Godhead glory must reveal; In the Object of its pleasure All its ways of grace must seal.
As a tender sucker, rising From a dry and stony land, Object of man's proud despising, Grew the Plant of God's right hand. Grace and truth, in love unceasing, Rivers on the thirsty ground - Every step to God well pleasing - Spread their heavenly savour round. He the Father's Self revealing - Heavenly words none else could tell, Words of grace, each sorrow healing, On the ear of sorrow fell. Yes! that Tree of life is planted; Sweetest fruit e'en here has borne; To its own rich soil transplanted, Waits alone the eternal morn- Fruits that our own souls have tasted By the Spirit from above, While through desert lands we've hasted, Fruits of perfect, endless love!
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the Tree of Life
- Significance of the Tree in Scripture
- Symbolism of Eternal Life
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II
- Fruits of the Tree
- Spiritual Nourishment
- Joy and Peace in Christ
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III
- The Role of Grace
- Redemption through Christ
- Living in the Light of God's Love
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IV
- The Promise of Eternal Life
- Hope in the Resurrection
- The Assurance of Salvation
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V
- Call to Taste and See
- Invitation to Experience God's Love
- Encouragement to Share the Fruits
Key Quotes
“Holiness and love and joy characterize the land.” — John Nelson Darby
“Drink of life's perennial river, Feed on life's perennial food.” — John Nelson Darby
“Fruits that our own souls have tasted By the Spirit from above.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- Reflect on the fruits of the Tree of Life in your daily life.
- Seek to deepen your relationship with Christ to experience His love and grace.
- Share the message of hope and redemption with others who are seeking.