Divine Grace
Divine Grace15
Seekers After God
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:13A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of seekers after God, describing them as the salt of the earth and light of the world, despite their small numbers compared to those who have forgotten their Creator. He acknowledges their deep thirst for God, which is a sign of divine election, and notes that these seekers often face disappointment and struggle, much like biblical figures such as Jacob, David, and Peter. However, their relentless pursuit leads them to the grace of God, transforming them into what they long to be. Tozer highlights that even in ancient times, seekers existed, and their hope in God is more commendable than the indifference of those who refuse to repent. Ultimately, he reassures that God's love and grace are available to all who earnestly seek Him.
My Grace Is Sufficient for Thee
By C.H. Spurgeon0ROM 8:282CO 12:9JAS 1:2C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the trials and poverty faced by believers serve to magnify God's grace, illustrating how faith can endure even in the most challenging circumstances. He highlights that the true strength of divine grace is revealed through the struggles of the saints, who remain steadfast and confident in God's promises despite their afflictions. Spurgeon encourages believers to embrace their trials as opportunities to glorify God, asserting that the power of grace is most evident when one faces adversity. He reassures that God's grace is sufficient and encourages trust in His unwavering support through all hardships.
The Doctrine of Justification 3. Its Problem
By A.W. Pink0EXO 34:7JOB 25:4PSA 89:14PSA 139:1ISA 64:6ROM 1:18ROM 3:10ROM 3:19GAL 3:10EPH 4:18A.W. Pink addresses the profound problem of justification, emphasizing that no sinner can achieve acceptance with God through their own efforts. He explains that the dilemma of saving a sinner is one that only God's omniscience can resolve, allowing Him to declare a guilty transgressor righteous without compromising His holiness or justice. Pink highlights the necessity for individuals to recognize their sinful state and the impossibility of meeting God's perfect standards on their own. He urges believers to understand the depth of divine grace and the importance of acknowledging their need for salvation through Christ. Ultimately, he sets the stage for exploring how God can justify the ungodly in the next chapter.
Gregorius Nazianzenus
By John Gill0EPH 1:4John Gill discusses the teachings of Gregory Nazianzenus, emphasizing the doctrine of predestination and the divine grace necessary for belief and confession of faith. Gregory, a contemporary of Basil and a significant figure in early Christianity, asserts that true belief in God is a gift from Him, and he highlights the importance of a small number of faithful individuals over the multitude who deny God's deity. Gill notes Gregory's acknowledgment of a book of life and the concept of divine election, suggesting that God chooses certain individuals for salvation, regardless of their number. The sermon reflects on the significance of God's grace and the assurance of salvation for the elect, as well as the dangers of straying into heretical beliefs about the pre-existence of souls.
A Perfect and an Upright Man.
By F.B. Meyer0JOB 1:1JOB 2:3PSA 139:23ISA 6:5ROM 7:181CO 4:42CO 12:9HEB 12:1JAS 1:21PE 1:6F.B. Meyer discusses the character of Job, whom God described as perfect, emphasizing that Job lived according to his understanding of God's requirements. Despite Satan's accusations that Job's goodness was self-serving, God allowed trials to reveal the depth of Job's integrity and the flaws in his character. Through suffering, Job learned to see his own sinfulness in the light of God's perfection, leading him to repentance and a deeper appreciation of God's grace. The sermon highlights the importance of loving God for who He is, rather than for the blessings He provides.
His Ways Are Higher Than Ours
By C.H. Spurgeon0ISA 55:8C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound mystery of God's eternal love and the incredible act of the Almighty assuming human nature to redeem mankind. He reflects on the atonement as a divine revelation, highlighting that such thoughts could never originate from man but are a manifestation of God's grace and sovereignty. Spurgeon marvels at how God chooses the lowly and the insignificant to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that His ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours. Even when God reveals His plans to us, their grandeur and elevation leave us in awe of His wisdom and justice.
Mark 14
By John Nelson Darby0MRK 14:1John Nelson Darby reflects on the final days of Jesus' life, emphasizing the significance of His impending sacrifice as the true Paschal Lamb. He highlights the contrasting responses of Mary, who expresses her love for Jesus through anointing Him, and Judas, who betrays Him for greed. The sermon underscores the importance of remembering Christ's sacrifice through the institution of the Lord's Supper, which serves as a memorial of His love and the completion of redemption. Darby also discusses the disciples' weaknesses and the necessity of divine grace, illustrating how even sincere intentions can falter without reliance on God. Ultimately, he portrays Jesus' unwavering obedience and love amidst betrayal and suffering, inviting believers to reflect on His sacrifice and grace.
God Accomplishes His Purpose
By David Wilkerson0GEN 27:36GEN 28:12GEN 28:141SA 16:7PSA 51:17ISA 55:8JER 29:11ROM 8:28PHP 1:6David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite Jacob's deceitful nature, God had a divine purpose for him, showcasing God's unwavering love and commitment to fulfill His promises. As Jacob fled from Esau after stealing his birthright, God revealed Himself through a vision of a ladder, assuring Jacob of His presence and the certainty of His plans. This story illustrates that God sees beyond our flaws and is willing to work with a heart that is open to change. Wilkerson highlights the importance of recognizing God's grace in our lives, even when we feel unworthy. Ultimately, God's purpose will prevail, regardless of our shortcomings.
Mark 10
By John Nelson Darby0MRK 10:17John Nelson Darby expounds on Mark 10, emphasizing the corruption of God's creation due to sin and the importance of recognizing the true state of man before God. He illustrates how the law, while necessary, reveals humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on their own, as seen in the encounter with the rich young ruler who, despite his outward morality, is ultimately unable to follow Christ due to his attachment to wealth. Darby highlights that true goodness is found only in God, and that salvation is impossible for man without divine intervention. The sermon concludes with the reminder that while following Christ may involve suffering and sacrifice, it leads to eternal life and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Matthew 8
By John Nelson Darby0ISA 53:4MAT 8:1MAT 8:10MAT 8:16MAT 8:20MAT 8:26LUK 4:18JHN 1:11ROM 11:17John Nelson Darby expounds on Matthew 8, illustrating how Jesus began His ministry among the Jews, showcasing His divine power and compassion through miracles, such as healing a leper and casting out demons. He emphasizes that Jesus, while fulfilling the law, also opened the door for Gentiles to enter the kingdom, highlighting the faith of a centurion as a pivotal moment. The sermon reflects on the rejection Jesus faced from His own people, despite His acts of grace and healing, and the moral implications of this rejection. Darby notes that Jesus' presence was both a source of healing and a challenge to the status quo, ultimately leading to His rejection by those He came to save. The chapter serves as a profound reminder of the tension between divine grace and human unbelief.
Spiritual Strength
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones0PSA 73:26ISA 40:29ROM 8:262CO 12:92CO 13:4EPH 6:10PHP 4:13COL 1:112TI 1:71PE 5:10Martyn-Lloyd Jones emphasizes the paradox of spiritual strength in the Christian life, where acknowledging our weakness allows God's grace to infuse us with power. He reflects on the moments of feeling feeble yet experiencing divine strength, reminding us that God knows our needs and provides accordingly. The preacher encourages believers to focus on living the Christian life, praying, and meditating on God, trusting that He will supply the strength needed for each day. This relationship with God transforms our weaknesses into strengths, as we rely on His power rather than our own. Ultimately, it is through our connection with Him that we find true vitality and purpose.
Avoid That Slip
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 37:23PRO 3:23MAT 26:41JUD 1:24C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of walking in wisdom and holiness to avoid spiritual slips and stumbles. He illustrates that while we may not travel luxuriously, walking in our God-given calling ensures our safety. Spurgeon warns that our greatest danger comes from our own carelessness and urges believers to seek divine grace to perceive and avoid sin. He encourages a vigilant attitude, reminding us to 'watch and pray' to prevent even the smallest slip. Ultimately, he calls for reliance on Jesus, who is able to keep us from stumbling.
A Flower Which Does Not Grow in Nature's Garden!
By Thomas Brooks0JER 13:23EPH 2:82TI 2:25Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound nature of repentance, illustrating it as a divine gift that cannot be achieved by human effort alone. He likens the difficulty of turning one's heart to God to the impossibility of transforming adamant into flesh or raising the dead, underscoring that true repentance is not found in nature's garden. Brooks highlights that it is only through God's grace that individuals can experience genuine repentance and turn away from their sins. He reminds us that just as the Ethiopian cannot change his skin, we cannot do good without divine intervention.
Luke 17
By John Nelson Darby0LUK 17:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the contrast between divine grace and self-righteousness, illustrating how the rejection of Christ by the Jewish economy opens the way for the gospel. He warns of the inevitability of offenses and the need for personal accountability and forgiveness among believers, urging them to avoid being stumbling blocks to others. Darby highlights the importance of faith in overcoming obstacles and the necessity of recognizing God's work in the world, even amidst trials. He reflects on the gratitude of the Samaritan leper who returned to Jesus, illustrating the difference between mere obedience to the law and true faith that seeks communion with God. Ultimately, he calls for vigilance against deception and encourages believers to focus on their relationship with Christ rather than worldly distractions.
Hilarius Diaconus
By John Gill0ROM 8:29John Gill discusses the theological insights of Hilarius Diaconus regarding predestination, emphasizing that God's foreknowledge is not based on human merit but on His divine grace. He explains that Hilarius believed that God predestines individuals to eternal life based on His own decision to grant them faith and holiness. Gill clarifies that while some are chosen for salvation, others are not, and this distinction is rooted in God's sovereign will. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding predestination as a reflection of God's grace rather than human effort. Ultimately, Gill affirms that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of human works.