John Wesley expounds on Matthew 25, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Lord, as illustrated by the parable of the ten virgins. He warns that mere harmlessness is not enough for salvation, as seen in the parable of the talents, where the unprofitable servant is cast into outer darkness for failing to use his gifts. Wesley highlights that faith must be active and accompanied by love, urging believers to be vigilant and productive in their spiritual lives. He concludes with a powerful reminder of the final judgment, where the righteous will inherit eternal life while the wicked face everlasting punishment. This sermon serves as a call to action for all to actively live out their faith in service to others.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that saving faith is an active and transformative force in a believer's life, compelling them to grieve, combat, and resist sin while fostering a deep relationship with God. This faith leads to a life of diligent service, joy in pious duties, and a serious commitment to God's work. Brooks warns that any faith that does not produce action is dead and ultimately deceptive, leaving individuals short of salvation. He asserts that true saving faith is characterized by its liveliness and effectiveness in producing good works.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the importance of active faith through the example of Mary, sister of Lazarus, who not only sat at Jesus' feet but also took action by anointing Him with costly ointment. He urges believers to express their love for Christ through their actions, live holy lives, and seek the salvation of others, reminding them that true faith produces fruit. M'Cheyne challenges the congregation to do what they can for Christ, whether it be through prayer, service, or sharing the Gospel, and highlights that Christ has done everything for us, thus we should respond in kind. He also addresses objections to serving, affirming that everyone, regardless of their situation, can contribute to God's work. Ultimately, he reassures that Christ will reward our efforts and that a devoted life is the true mark of a Christian.

John Gill emphasizes the importance of reminding believers of their duties and responsibilities in Christ, as he reflects on his role as an apostle and elder. He likens the human body to a temporary tabernacle, underscoring the transient nature of life and the urgency to live out one's faith actively. Gill points out that Christians often forget their obligations and become sluggish in their spiritual walk, hence the need for constant reminders to stir them up to action.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of active faith, warning against the tendency to use prayer as a substitute for action. He critiques the hypocrisy of offering prayers for those in need without taking tangible steps to help them, referencing James and John's teachings on the importance of love expressed through deeds. Tozer argues that true faith manifests in both prayer and service, urging believers to engage in faith-filled actions rather than relying solely on religious words. He concludes that a proper understanding of faith leads to an increase in godly works and a deeper connection to the teachings of the New Testament.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the spiritual blessings available to believers in Christ, categorizing them into three classes: immediate blessings upon salvation, future inheritances awaiting Christ's return, and blessings requiring active pursuit. The first class includes forgiveness and sonship, which believers possess even before fully understanding them. The second class consists of future glories that are assured but not yet experienced, while the third class involves blessings that demand effort and faith to claim, such as victory over sin and a deeper relationship with God. Tozer encourages believers to actively seek these treasures, likening them to the Promised Land that requires faith and courage to enter.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God calls His people in their weakness to reach out to those who are crying out for truth and meaning in life. The preacher uses the example of Moses being called by God to deliver the Israelites from bondage. He highlights that the church and every believer are commissioned by God to be sensitive to the cries of people and to proclaim the kingdom of God. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of spiritual authority and the signs that follow the preaching of the word of God, such as speaking in new tongues and experiencing deliverance from bondage.

Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, as stated in Acts 1:8. He passionately asserts that this divine power enables Christians to overcome sin, sickness, and the devil, urging them to actively use this power rather than waiting passively. Through personal testimonies, he illustrates how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to perform miracles and spread the Gospel, highlighting the urgency of action after receiving the Holy Spirit. Wigglesworth encourages the congregation to recognize their identity in Christ and the authority they possess to impact the world for God's glory.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that covenant blessings are meant to be actively appropriated rather than merely observed. He urges believers to turn to Jesus in times of trouble, reminding them that He is a sympathetic friend who can provide comfort and relief. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to seek Christ for cleansing from sin, strength in weakness, and the righteousness that comes from Him. He highlights the importance of prayer and reliance on Jesus as the source of abundance and support, stressing that Christ desires to be actively engaged in our lives. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a simple and sincere relationship with Jesus, free from pretense and full of trust.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that Christians should view the church not as a place of rest but as a training ground for spiritual warfare. He likens believers to arrows in God's quiver, urging them to be actively engaged in spreading the Gospel and fighting against spiritual adversaries. Spurgeon calls for Christians to break free from complacency and to be used by God as instruments of His will, actively seeking to extend the Redeemer's kingdom. He encourages each believer to recognize their calling and to contend earnestly for the faith, aiming to save souls from destruction. The sermon serves as a rallying cry for Christians to step into their roles as warriors for Christ.

A.W. Tozer addresses the troubling trend of passivity within the church, comparing it to a mortuary where the active undertaker contrasts with the passive dead. He emphasizes that churchgoers often adopt a passive role, merely receiving the minister's instruction without engaging in moral action. Tozer argues that the true purpose of preaching is not just to instruct but to inspire listeners to take action in their faith. He warns that without a moral response, congregants remain spiritually dead, highlighting the need for active participation in their faith journey.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of actively pursuing salvation and the Kingdom of God, illustrating that true believers often experience a form of 'violence' in their spiritual journey, which involves earnest seeking and asking. He challenges the complacency of those who claim salvation without the transformative power of Christ in their lives, urging them to strive for a deeper experience of God's grace. Waldvogel reassures that the Kingdom is accessible and encourages believers to take initiative in their faith, reminding them that God delights in giving them the fullness of salvation. He stresses that while the path may require effort, the rewards of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit are worth it.

A.W. Tozer addresses the issue of 'Spectator Christians,' emphasizing that many believers are content with merely attending church without actively participating in its life and outreach. He challenges the notion that being saved is sufficient for spiritual fulfillment, arguing that true faith compels individuals to engage and contribute to their community. Tozer likens this passive attitude to being a spectator at a sporting event, where most simply watch rather than participate. He asserts that genuine spiritual life manifests in the desire to serve and use the gifts God has given us. Ultimately, he calls for believers to move beyond complacency and actively seek ways to contribute to the body of Christ.

Theodore Epp emphasizes that faith must be accompanied by action, as outlined in James 2:14-26. He argues that mere intellectual belief in God is insufficient; true faith is demonstrated through works that reflect a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Epp highlights that James warns against a faith that only speaks without acting, stressing that genuine faith results in a transformed life and behavior. The sermon underscores the importance of being justified before others through visible acts of faith, as faith without works is deemed dead. Ultimately, Epp calls for believers to live out their faith actively, aligning their actions with their professed beliefs.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the active nature of God's grace and love in the believer's life, arguing that true love compels action, purpose, and determination. He warns against passive Christianity, urging believers to engage in ten spiritual disciplines outlined in 1 Peter, which reflect a vibrant relationship with Christ. These disciplines include girding the mind, putting aside sinful behaviors, craving God's Word, and submitting to authority, all driven by the love of God. Beach highlights that a lack of action may indicate a waning love for God, and he encourages daily prayer for the fullness of God's love to maintain fervor in faith. Ultimately, he asserts that genuine experiences with God will lead to practical changes in one's life.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of not only conquering but also possessing the spiritual inheritance that God has promised to His people. He draws parallels between the Israelites' delay in claiming their land and the modern Christian's hesitance to fully embrace the fullness of the Gospel. Simpson urges believers to actively appropriate their inheritance through faith and experience, warning against spiritual slackness, indifference, and complacency. He calls for a renewed commitment to pursue the deeper truths of God's Word and to engage in the work of evangelization, reminding us that there remains much land to be possessed. The preacher's message is a clarion call to awaken from spiritual lethargy and to claim the abundant life that Christ offers.

Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of exercising our personal will in alignment with God's will, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. He points out that while Jesus had His own will, He chose to act in harmony with the Father's will, illustrating that our wills should not be passive but actively engaged in seeking God's direction. Nee highlights that Jesus' example teaches us to deliberately choose to follow God's will rather than our own desires. This active engagement in God's will is essential for a fulfilling Christian life.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being active in our faith rather than merely possessing knowledge or potential. He points out that many who are capable often do not engage in service, while those with less experience fervently contribute. Spurgeon urges believers to focus on their current actions for the Lord rather than what they could achieve if they chose to. He highlights that true reward comes from humble acts of service, like offering a cup of cold water, rather than from unfulfilled potential. The call is to excel in consecration, self-denial, and earnestness in our spiritual lives.