Divine Layaway
Miles J. Stanford's sermon emphasizes the importance of faith and patience in understanding God's timing for spiritual growth and fulfillment of His promises.
Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the journey of growth in faith, acknowledging that while we have not yet attained perfection, we are continually pursued by Christ Jesus for the purpose of apprehending His truths. He reflects on the hidden and gradual nature of God's workings, urging believers to have faith and patience in God's timing for perfecting His plans in our lives. Stanford highlights the importance of faith in apprehending God's promises, even if the fulfillment may take time, emphasizing that God's revelations will eventually manifest in our lives. He concludes by encouraging believers to press forward towards the ultimate goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, serving both with their abilities and in their vulnerabilities.
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 Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12).
In faith we apprehend the growth truths; in fact the Lord Jesus apprehends us for growth in those truths.
"I have been much struck by the thought of the hiddenness and slowness of God's workings. It must be a matter of distinct faith. If we do not understand this it will make us impatient. If we understand it will teach us to rest in God and to yield ourselves all the more joyfully to Him to work out His purpose. In all creation time is the great perfecter of growth. So with us, God will perfect that which concerns us."
"'Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness' (Romans 4:3), when his faith apprehended the promise of God; yet it was nearly 40 years after that this Scripture was fulfilled, when he offered his son. The faith had its apprehension and enjoyment for many a year before the work of faith.
"In proportion as the revelation is of God, in like measure must there be an answer to it sooner or later. Effect must follow cause. If the light has been received, the day will come that it must assert and obtain an expression of itself."
"Two glad services are ours,
Both the Master loves to bless.
First we serve with all our powers,
Then with all our helplessness."
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding God's timing in our growth - The importance of faith in apprehending God's truths - The hiddenness of God's workings
- II points: - The example of Abraham's faith - The long wait for God's promises - The relationship between faith and fulfillment
- III points: - The necessity of resting in God's process - Yielding ourselves to God's purpose - The role of time in spiritual growth
- IV points: - The call to press toward our spiritual goals - Serving God with both strength and weakness - The assurance of God's blessings in our service
Key Quotes
“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 Christ Jesus.” — Miles J. Stanford
“In all creation time is the great perfecter of growth. So with us, God will perfect that which concerns us.” — Miles J. Stanford
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- Trust in God's timing and be patient as He works in your life.
- Embrace both your strengths and weaknesses in serving God.
- Stay focused on your spiritual goals and press toward the high calling of God.