For the Persecuted
This sermon emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of persecution, and encourages believers to live a life that demonstrates the power of God's truth and love.
John Wesley emphasizes the importance of prayer and perseverance for those who face persecution, drawing inspiration from a hymn that reflects the trials endured by Charles Wesley. He encourages believers to take up their cross and remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of the disdain or challenges they encounter. The sermon highlights the superiority of the Christian life, which transcends earthly concerns and focuses on the power of God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Wesley calls for a life that testifies to the joy and purity found in a relationship with God, urging all to embrace the message of forgiveness and redemption.
Text
Think of those who persecute you and try to pray this hymn. In their notes on the following hymn the editors of the Bicentennial Edition of the Works of John Wesley say: "This hymn echoes the riots and persecutions which Charles Wesley faced in Cornwall, Sheffield, Staffordshire, Ireland, etc., without a murmur." Thy power and saving truth to show A warfare at thy charge I go; Strong in the Lord and thy great might, Gladly take up the hallowed cross, And suffering all things for thy cause Beneath that bloody banner fight.
A spectacle to fiends and men, To all their fierce or cool disdain With calmest pity I submit; Determined nought to know beside My Jesus and him crucified, I tread the world beneath my feet. Superior to their smile or frown, On all their goods my soul looks down, Their pleasures, wealth, and power, and state: The man that dares their god despise, The Christian, he alone is wise! The Christian, he alone is great! O God, let all my life declare How happy all thy servants are, How far above these earthly things, How pure when washed in Jesu's blood, How intimately one with God, A heaven-born race of priests and kings.
For this alone I live below: The power of godliness to show, The wonders wrought by Jesu's name. O that I might but faithful prove, Witness to all thy pard'ning love, And point them to th'atoning Lamb! Let me to every creature cry, The poor and rich, the low and high, Believe, and feel thy sins forgiven! Damned, till by Jesus saved thou art; Till Jesu's blood hath washed thy heart Thou canst not find the gate of heaven. (427)
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Perseverance
- The Christian's Attitude in the Face of Persecution
- The Christian's Purpose in Life
- The Call to Salvation
- Believe in Jesus for forgiveness
- Find salvation through Jesus' blood
Key Quotes
“A spectacle to fiends and men, To all their fierce or cool disdain With calmest pity I submit;” — John Wesley
“The Christian, he alone is wise! The Christian, he alone is great!” — John Wesley
“For this alone I live below: The power of godliness to show,” — John Wesley
Application Points
- As a Christian, I will strive to live a life that demonstrates the power of God's truth and love, even in the face of persecution.
- I will choose to submit to God's will, even when things don't make sense, and trust in His goodness and sovereignty.
- I will be a witness to God's pardoning love by sharing my testimony and living a life that demonstrates God's power and love.