Support, Not Relief
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking support from God in times of pressure, rather than just seeking relief, as support leads to growth, maturity, and a deeper acquaintance with God.
Miles J. Stanford preaches about the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances, as it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. He emphasizes that while relief from pressure may seem merciful, true growth and maturity come from God's support in the midst of pressure. Stanford highlights the greater blessing of experiencing God's support and acquaintance with Him in the midst of trials, rather than just seeking relief. He encourages believers to embrace the likeness of the Lord Jesus in their current situations, trusting in God's purpose and enduring with patience and love, knowing that blessings and rich fruitage come from the storms of life.
Text
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Relief from pressure may seem merciful, but support in the pressure produces growth and maturity.
"There is a greater blessing for us than relief; there is the Father's support, for it imparts to you an acquaintance with Himself which relief does not. Relief makes one more satisfied with things here. I have known some who could tell you of a long list of mercies, most touching, truly proof of the tenderness of God.
"Thank God, we all know something of His tenderness. But then there is a greater blessing, namely, that He does not remove the pressure, but raises you above it, so that, though you are not relieved, you are better off than if you were merely relieved, because you know His heart who supports you in the pressure. You have made a deep acquaintance with your Father, and your heart is more attached to Him." -J.B.S.
"It is not getting away from our circumstances, our environment, our associations, that we need, but the Lord Jesus' likeness where we are. The Father placed us there, permitted the trials for a purpose, and He stands ready to bring us out into a life of liberty, if we will stand with Him in trust and endurance while He works it out."
"Have you asked to be made like your Lord; that it might be 'not I, but Christ'? Have you longed for the fruit of the Spirit, and have you prayed for patience and love? Then fear not the stormy tempest that is at this moment sweeping through your life. A blessing is in the storm, and there will be a rich fruitage in the 'afterward.'"
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27).
Sermon Outline
- The Will of God
- Relief vs. Support
- The Greater Blessing
- Standing with the Lord in Trust and Endurance
- We need the Lord Jesus' likeness where we are
- The Father stands ready to bring us out into a life of liberty
Key Quotes
“There is a greater blessing for us than relief; there is the Father's support, for it imparts to you an acquaintance with Himself which relief does not.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Thank God, we all know something of His tenderness. But then there is a greater blessing, namely, that He does not remove the pressure, but raises you above it, so that, though you are not relieved, you are better off than if you were merely relieved, because you know His heart who supports you in the pressure.” — Miles J. Stanford
“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- We should seek the greater blessing of support in the pressure, rather than just seeking relief.
- We can stand with the Lord in trust and endurance by praying for patience and love, and by longing to be made like our Lord.
- The purpose of trials and difficulties is to bring us out into a life of liberty and to produce the fruit of the Spirit.