Self-Sacrifice
Self-Sacrifice11
The Everlasting Burnings
By G.W. North0Self-SacrificeEvil and GoodGEN 2:7JHN 10:17ROM 5:12HEB 12:29G.W. North emphasizes that all principles, including the existence of evil, originate from God, asserting that evil is a perversion of good. He explains that death, introduced by sin through Adam, is not annihilation but a transition into another state of existence, with both heaven and hell characterized by everlasting burnings. North highlights that true life is found in self-sacrifice, modeled by Jesus, who willingly laid down His life for others, contrasting this with the perversion of self-interest seen in humanity. He argues that the essence of God's love and life is selflessness, which leads to acts of sacrifice, and that this principle is foundational to eternal life. Ultimately, North concludes that the sacrificial nature of Christ establishes a divine order of love and life that persists among the redeemed.
How Much I Could Have Done
By A.W. Tozer0Self-SacrificeAccountability in ServiceMAT 25:142CO 8:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that before the judgment seat of Christ, our service will be evaluated not by the quantity of our actions but by the potential we had to serve and give. He argues that true giving is measured by the sacrifice of self and the love behind the gift, rather than its size. Tozer highlights the collective responsibility within the church, noting that the effectiveness of ministry often relies on the willingness of all members to contribute. He warns that many may be unwilling to serve, leading to a disparity in effort and accountability before God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for complete self-giving in service to God and others.
I Choose"¦that Others Might Live
By K.P. Yohannan0Fruitfulness in ChristSelf-SacrificeJHN 12:23K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound truth that true life and fruitfulness in the Kingdom of God come through dying to oneself, as illustrated by Jesus' teaching on the grain of wheat. He explains that just as a seed must fall to the ground and die to produce a harvest, believers must daily choose to surrender their rights and desires for the sake of others. Yohannan challenges the notion of self-preservation, urging Christians to embrace the cross and serve selflessly, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul. He reminds us that the measure of our willingness to die to ourselves directly correlates to the life we can bring to others. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical choice: to lay down our lives so that others might live.
The Spirit of Christ, and the Spirit of True Christianity
By Charles Finney0True ChristianitySelf-SacrificeMAT 16:25JHN 15:13PHP 2:3HEB 12:2Charles Finney emphasizes that the joy set before Christ was not for His own salvation or glory, but for the redemption and eternal joy of humanity. He argues that true Christianity embodies the spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion to the good of others, mirroring Christ's own dedication to His mission. Finney asserts that nothing less than this selfless mindset can be considered real Christianity, as it aligns with the highest good of being and prepares believers for the joys of heaven. He encourages Christians to embrace this spirit, as true happiness is found in self-denial and serving others, just as Christ did. Ultimately, Finney calls for a deep understanding of Christ's purpose to fully grasp the essence of Christianity.
The Conditions of Blessing
By Andrew Murray0RevivalSelf-Sacrifice2CH 7:14ISA 58:6MAL 3:10MAT 6:33JAS 5:16Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound responsibility and grace required in the prayer for revival, urging believers to examine their hearts and lives. He challenges the congregation to shift from selfishness to self-sacrifice, to embrace the Holy Spirit's work in their lives, and to be willing to share the transformative power of God with others. Murray encourages a bold approach to giving and expecting God's blessings, reminding the faithful of the potential impact of their prayers and actions on the community.
Now Mine Eyes Seeth Thee
By A.B. Simpson0Self-SacrificeSurrenderPRO 3:5MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 3:30ROM 12:1GAL 2:20PHP 3:8COL 3:3HEB 12:11PE 2:24A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the true nature of our self-life, which is often filled with virulence and vileness. He urges believers to willingly lay down their self-life at God's feet, akin to Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac, highlighting that while this may seem impossible, yielding to God brings about a profound transformation. The critical moment of surrender often revolves around a single point that touches the heart, which, when yielded, simplifies the process of surrendering other areas of life. Simpson warns that refusal to yield at this pivotal point leads to a life marked by evasion and compromise. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek God's strength to align their wills with His in every aspect of their lives.
God’s Love Is Conveyed to Us Only Through Jesus Christ
By David Wilkerson0God's LoveSelf-SacrificeMAT 16:24JHN 1:16JHN 15:13ROM 12:12CO 5:15GAL 2:20EPH 5:2PHP 2:31JN 3:161JN 4:9David Wilkerson emphasizes that God's love is fully expressed through Jesus Christ, as stated in John 1:16. He explains that understanding this love is crucial for our daily lives, as it compels us to follow Christ's example of self-sacrifice. The sermon highlights that just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down our lives for others, not in martyrdom but by dying to our own selfish desires. A true Christian, who has surrendered to God, can then bring hope and life to others through the transformative power of Christ's love. This process involves a deep spiritual inventory and a willingness to be cleansed by Christ's blood.
He Answered Him to Never a Word
By C.H. Spurgeon0Self-SacrificeSilence of ChristISA 53:7MAT 27:12C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound silence of Jesus during His trial, emphasizing that His lack of self-defense exemplifies perfect self-sacrifice and submission to God's will. This silence serves as a powerful testament to the weight of human sin, as Jesus bore it without complaint, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. Spurgeon argues that true wisdom often lies in calm endurance rather than eloquent speech, and that the silent Lamb of God provides a compelling example for believers. He encourages the congregation to recognize the strength found in silence and to hear the voice of Jesus' love in their hearts.
When the Song Begins
By J.R. Miller0Self-SacrificeJoy in SufferingPSA 100:1J.R. Miller emphasizes that true joy in life begins when we surrender ourselves to God, paralleling the joy found in the Song of Solomon with the act of self-sacrifice. He illustrates that joy is not dependent on circumstances but rather on our relationship with Christ and our willingness to serve others selflessly. Miller points out that even in suffering, believers can find joy by trusting in God's plan and purpose, as exemplified by biblical figures like Job and Paul. He encourages Christians to embrace their burdens and challenges as opportunities for growth and deeper faith, ultimately leading to a life filled with song and joy. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the song of the Lord begins when we offer our lives as a living sacrifice to God.
Making the Most of Life - Part 1
By J.R. Miller0Living for OthersSelf-SacrificeMAT 16:24J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound responsibility of life as a sacred trust from God, urging believers to live earnestly and selflessly. He illustrates that true fulfillment comes from losing oneself for the sake of others, drawing parallels with nature where sacrifice leads to greater usefulness. Miller encourages a life of self-renunciation, suggesting that only through such sacrifice can one truly bless the world and glorify God. He highlights the importance of presenting oneself as a living sacrifice to God, integrating this principle into every aspect of life, and recognizing that even mundane tasks can be avenues for divine purpose. Ultimately, he reassures that God values every act of love and service, promising that no true sacrifice goes unnoticed.
Ministerial Confessions
By Horatius Bonar0Faithfulness in MinistrySelf-SacrificeMAT 28:19ROM 12:1PHP 2:51TH 5:192TI 2:32TI 4:2HEB 10:24JAS 4:81PE 5:21JN 2:20Horatius Bonar delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Ministerial Confessions,' where he reflects on the shortcomings of ministers, including being carnal, selfish, slothful, and lacking in prayer and sincerity. He emphasizes the need for self-sacrifice, a deep commitment to God, and a return to the principles of Christ's ministry. Bonar calls for ministers to be earnest in their duties, to honor the Holy Spirit, and to be faithful in their preaching and personal lives. He warns against the dangers of worldliness and the importance of a sincere relationship with God for effective ministry. Ultimately, he urges ministers to embody the love and compassion of Christ in their service.