Seeking for Jesus
The sermon emphasizes the importance of constantly seeking Jesus in all aspects of life, and separating oneself from other things that may distract from Him.
Robert Hawker preaches on the importance of seeking Jesus constantly in every aspect of our lives, whether in public or private, emphasizing the need to have a heart that always longs for the presence of Jesus. He prays for the Holy Spirit to stir up this seeking for Jesus within us, leading us to recognize our need for Him and His willingness to provide for us. The sermon focuses on the desire to make Jesus the center of our lives, trusting in Him alone and pouring out all our thoughts, affections, and desires into His loving arms.
Text
August 22.
MORNING.
"Seeking for Jesus." John 6:24.
This, my soul, should be your constant employment, wherever you are, however engaged; in going in, or out; at rising up, or lying down; whether in public or private, in the church or market-place; the closet, the family, the garden, the field, the house: the question ever arising in the heart should be--where is Jesus? Blessed Spirit! you Glorifier of my Lord, will you constantly excite this seeking for Jesus in my heart? Will you, Lord, give me every moment a sense of need, then a view of his fulness, suitableness, readiness to impart; then bring Him, whom my soul loves, and me together; and then open a communication in leading me forth in desire, and giving me faith to receive from the infinite fulness of my Lord, and grace for grace?
Lord Jesus! I would desire grace to seek you, as for hidden treasure. I would seek you, and you only, O my God! I would separate myself from all other things. It is Jesus my soul chooses, my soul needs. I would trust in nothing beside. No duties, no works; neither prayers nor repentance; no, nor faith itself, considered as an act of my soul, shall be my comfort, but Jesus alone I would make my centre; and every thought, and every affection, and every desire, like so many streams meeting in one, should all pour themselves, as rivers, into the ocean of your bosom! And the nearer, as a stream that draws near the sea is propelled to fall into it, so the more forcible and vehement let my soul be in desires after you, as my soul draws nearer the hour of seeing you. Oh Lamb of God, cause me to be seeking after you through life, pressing after you from one ordinance to another; and when ordinances cease, and all outward comforts fail, then, Lord, may I gather up (as the dying patriarch did his feet in the bed) all my strength, and pour my whole soul into your arms, crying out, "I have waited for your salvation, O Lord?"
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Seeking Jesus
- Separating oneself from other things
- Pressing after Jesus through life
- Using ordinances to draw closer to Jesus
- The importance of perseverance in seeking Jesus
Key Quotes
“Will you, Lord, give me every moment a sense of need, then a view of his fulness, suitableness, readiness to impart; then bring Him, whom my soul loves, and me together;” — Robert Hawker
“I would desire grace to seek you, as for hidden treasure.” — Robert Hawker
“Oh Lamb of God, cause me to be seeking after you through life, pressing after you from one ordinance to another;” — Robert Hawker
Application Points
- Make seeking Jesus your constant employment, wherever you are, and however engaged.
- Separate yourself from other things that may distract from Jesus, and make Him your sole source of comfort.
- Press after Jesus through life, using ordinances to draw closer to Him, and persevering even in times of difficulty.