Not Attained
The sermon emphasizes the importance of perseverance and following after God's will, highlighting that spiritual growth and perfection come through the grace of God and looking to Jesus in all things.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the continuous pursuit of spiritual growth and perfection in Christ, emphasizing the need to press on towards the goal of knowing Jesus more intimately and fulfilling the purpose for which He has called us. She highlights the importance of looking to Jesus in all things, seeking His guidance in our thoughts, words, and actions, and allowing His presence to permeate our souls. Tileston encourages believers not to be discouraged by their imperfections but to strive for perfect love, which is the ultimate goal that leads to completion in Christ.
Text
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Jesus Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 3:12
LET no man think that sudden in a minute
All is accomplished and the work is done;--
Though with thine earliest dawn thou shouldst begin it,
Scarce were it ended in thy setting sun.
FREDERIC W. H. MYERS
NOTHING so purifies the thoughts, heightens the acts, shuts out self, admits God, as, in all things, little or great, to look to Jesus. Look to Him, when ye can, as ye begin to act, to converse, or labor; and then desire to speak or be silent, as He would have you; to say this word, or leave that unsaid; to do this, or leave that undone; to shape your words, as if He were present, and He will be present, not in body, but in spirit, not by your side, but in your soul. Faint not, any who would love Jesus, if ye find yourselves yet far short of what He Himself who is Love saith of the love of Him. Perfect love is heaven. When ye are perfected in love, your work on earth is done. There is no short road to heaven or to love. Do what in thee lies by the grace of God, and He will lead thee from strength to strength, and grace to grace, and love to love.
EDWARD B. PUSEY
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Importance of Perseverance - Not thinking we have already attained perfection - Following after God's will
- II points: - The Nature of Spiritual Growth - Growing from strength to strength - Increasing in love and grace
- III points: - The Role of Jesus in Our Lives - Looking to Jesus in all things - Desiring to speak and act as He would
Key Quotes
“NOTHING so purifies the thoughts, heightens the acts, shuts out self, admits God, as, in all things, little or great, to look to Jesus.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Perfect love is heaven. When ye are perfected in love, your work on earth is done.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- We should strive to understand and obey God's teachings, even when we feel far from perfection.
- We can grow in love and grace by doing what lies within us by the grace of God and trusting Him to lead us from strength to strength.
- We should look to Jesus in all things, desiring to speak and act as He would.