T. Austin-Sparks addresses the critical distinction between mysticism and true spirituality, emphasizing that many in Christendom fail to recognize this difference. He illustrates how religious practices, while seemingly devout, can lead to spiritual death if they do not stem from a genuine relationship with God. Sparks warns against the dangers of relying on aesthetic experiences or ascetic practices, which do not equate to true spiritual life. He stresses that true spirituality is rooted in the spirit, characterized by conscience, communion, and intuition, and that it is through revelation and the new birth that one truly knows God. The sermon calls for a return to a faith-based walk in the Spirit, free from the trappings of human effort and religious imitation.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Church as a significant battleground in history, highlighting the various perspectives on its nature and local expressions. He discusses the challenges faced by the Church, including the belief in its ruin and the need for a return to New Testament principles. Sparks argues that true local expressions of the Church are possible through a spiritual revelation of Christ, which is essential for understanding its true nature. He contrasts spirituality with mysticism, asserting that genuine spirituality arises from a new birth by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Church as the embodiment of the mystery of Christ, which is revealed to believers through divine illumination.