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The Godly Man is a Lover of God’s Word by Thomas Watson

January 7, 2010 by ADMIN

“O how love I your law.” (Psalm 119:97)

Part A: Godly Man Loves the Word Written

Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden set with ornaments and flowers. A godly man delights to walk in this garden and sweetly solace himself. He loves every branch and part of the Word:

1. He loves the counseling part of the Word, as it is a directory and rule of life.

The Word is the direction sign which points us to our duty. It contains in it things to be believed and practiced. A godly man loves the directions of the Word.

2. He loves the threatening part of the Word.

The Scripture is like the Garden of Eden: as it has a tree of life in it, so it has a flaming sword at its gates. This is the threatening of the Word. It flashes fire in the face of every person who goes on obstinately in wickedness. “God will wound the head of His enemies, the hairy scalp of the one who still goes on in his trespasses.” (Psalm 68:21). The Word gives no indulgence to evil. It will not let a man halt halfway between God and sin. The true mother would not let the child be divided (1 Kings 3:26), and God will not have the heart divided. The Word thunders out threats against the very appearance of evil. It is like that flying scroll full of curses (Zech. 5:1).

A godly man loves the menaces of the Word. He knows there is love in every threat. God would not have us perish; he therefore mercifully threatens us, so that he may scare us from sin. God’s threats are like the buoy, which shows the rocks in the sea and threatens death to such as come near. The threat is a curbing bit to check us, so that we may not run in full career to hell. There is mercy in every threat.

3. He loves the consolatory part of the Word – the promises.

He goes feeding on these as Samson went on his way eating the honeycomb (Judges 14:8,9). The promises are all marrow and sweetness. They are reviving to us when we are fainting; they are the conduits of the water of life. “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19). The promises were David’s harp to drive away sad thoughts; they were the breast which gave him the milk of divine consolation.

A godly man shows his love to the Word written:

(a) By diligently reading it. The noble Bereans “searched the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:12). The Word is our Magna Carta for heaven; we should be daily reading over this charter. The Word shows what is truth and what is error. It is the field where the pearl of price is hidden. How we should dig for this pearl! A godly man’s heart is the library to hold the Word of God; it dwells richly in him (Col. 3:16). It is reported of Melanchthon that when he was young, he always carried the Bible with him and read it greedily. The Word has a double work: to teach us and to judge us. Those who will not be taught by the Word shall be judged by the Word. Oh, let us make ourselves familiar with the Scripture! What if it should be as in the times of Diocletian, who commanded by proclamation that the Bible be burned? Or as in Queen Mary’s days, when it spelled death to have a Bible in English? By diligent conversing with Scripture, we may carry a Bible in our heads.

(b) By frequently meditating on it: “It is my meditation all the day” (Psa. 119:97). A pious soul meditates on the truth and holiness of the Word. He not only has a few transient thoughts, but leaves his mind steeping in the Scripture. By meditation, he sucks from this sweet flower and ruminates on holy truths in his mind.

(c) By delighting in it. It is his recreation: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” (Jer 15:16) Never did a man take such delight in a dish that he loved as the prophet did in the Word. And indeed, how can a saint choose but take great pleasure in the Word? All that he ever hopes to be worth is contained in it. Does not a son take pleasure in reading his father’s will and testament, in which he bequeaths his estate to him?

(d) By hiding it: “Your word I have hidden in my heart” (Psa 119:11) – as one hides a treasure so that it should not be stolen. The Word is the jewel; the heart is the cabinet where it must be locked up. Many hide the Word in their memory, but not in their heart. And why would David enclose the Word in his heart? “That I might not sin against you.” As a man would carry an antidote about him when he comes near an infected place, so a godly man carries the Word in his heart as a spiritual antidote to preserve him from the infection of sin. Why have so many been poisoned with error, others with moral vice, but because they have not hidden the Word as a holy antidote in their heart?

(e) By defending it. A wise man will not let his land be taken from him but will defend his title. David looked upon the Word as his land of inheritance: “Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Psa 119:111). And do you think he will let his inheritance be wrested out of his hands? A godly man will not only dispute for the Word but die for it: “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God” (Rev 6:9).

(f) By preferring it above things most precious: (1) Above food: “I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food” (Job. 23:12). (2) Above riches: “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver” (Psa. 119:72). (3) Above worldly honor. Memorable is the story of King Edward the Sixth. On the day of his coronation, when they presented three swords before him, signifying to him that he was monarch of three kingdoms, the king said, “There is still one sword missing.” On being asked what that was, he answered, “The Holy Bible, which is the ‘sword of the Spirit’ and is to be preferred before these ensigns of royalty.”

(f) By talking about it: “My tongue shall speak of your word” (Psa. 119:172). As a covetous man talks of his rich purchase, so a godly man speaks of the Word. What a treasure it is, how full of beauty and sweetness! Those whose mouths the devil has gagged, who never speak of God’s Word, indicate that they never reaped any good from it.

(g) By conforming to it. The Word is his compass, by which he sets his life, the balance in which he weighs his actions. He copies out the Word in his daily walk: “I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). St Paul kept the doctrine of faith, and lived the life of faith.

Question: Why is a godly man a lover of the Word?

Answer: Because of the excellence of the Word.

1. The Word written is our pillar of fire to guide us. It shows us what rocks we are to avoid; it is the map by which we sail to the new Jerusalem.

2. The Word is a spiritual mirror through which we may see our own hearts. The mirror of nature, which the heathen had, revealed spots in their lives, but this mirror reveals spots in the imagination; that mirror revealed the spots of their unrighteousness, this reveals the spots of our righteousness. “When the commandment came, sin revived, and I died” (Rom. 7:9). When the Word came like a mirror, all my opinion of self-righteousness died.

3. The Word of God is a sovereign comfort in distress. While we follow this cloud, the rock follows us. “This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life” (Psa. 119:50). Christ is the fountain of living water, the Word is the golden pipe through which it runs. What can revive at the hour of death but the word of life (Phil. 2:16)?

Part B: A Godly Man Loves the Word, Because of the Efficacy it has had upon Him

A godly man loves the Word preached, which is a commentary upon the Word written. This day-star has risen in his heart, and ushered in the Sun of righteousness. The Scriptures are the sovereign oils and balsams; the preaching of the Word is the pouring of them out. The Scriptures are the precious spices; the preaching of the Word is the beating of these spices, which causes a wonderful fragrance and delight. The Word preached is “the rod of God’s strength” (Psa. 110:2) and “the breath of his lips” (Isa. 11:4). What was once said of the city of Thebes, that it was built by the sound of Amphius’ harp, is much more true of soul conversion. It is built by the sound of the gospel harp. Therefore the preaching of the Word is called “the power of God to salvation” (Rom 1:16). By this, Christ is said (now) to speak to us from heaven (Heb. 12:25). This ministry of the Word is to be preferred before the ministry of angels.

A godly man loves the Word preached, partly from the good he has found by it – he has felt the dew fall with this manna – and partly because of God’s institution. The Lord has appointed this ordinance to save him. The king’s image makes the coin current. The stamp of divine authority on the Word preached makes it an instrument conducive to men’s salvation.

Application: Let us test by this characteristic whether we are godly: Are we lovers of the Word?

1. Do we love the Word written? What sums of money the martyrs gave for a few pages of the Bible! Do we make the Word our bosom friend? As Moses often had ‘the rod of God’ in his hand, so we should have ‘the Book of God’ in our hand. When we want direction, do we consult this sacred oracle? When we find corruptions strong, do we make use of this “sword of the Spirit” to hew them down? When we are disconsolate, do we go to this bottle of the water of life for comfort? Then we are lovers of the Word! But alas, how can they who are seldom conversant with the Scriptures say they love them? Their eyes begin to be sore when they look at a Bible. The two testaments are hung up like rusty armor which is seldom or never made use of. The Lord wrote the law with his own finger, but though God took pains to write, men will not take pains to read. They would rather look at a deck of cards than at a Bible.

2. Do we love the Word preached? Do we prize it in our judgments? Do we receive it into our hearts? Do we fear the loss of the Word preached more than the loss of peace and trade? Is it the removal of the ark that troubles us?

Again, do we attend to the Word with reverential devotion? When the judge is giving his charge from the bench, all attend. When the Word is preached, the great God is giving us his charge. Do we listen to it as to a matter of life and death? This is a good sign that we love the Word.

Again, do we love the holiness of the Word (Psa. 119:140)? The Word is preached to beat down sin and advance holiness. Do we love it for its spirituality and purity? Many love the Word preached only for its eloquence and notion. They come to a sermon as to a performance (Ezek. 33:31,32) or as to a garden to pick flowers, but not to have their lusts subdued or their hearts bettered. These are like a foolish woman who paints her face but neglects her health.

3. Do we love the convictions of the Word? Do we love the Word when it comes home to our conscience and shoots its arrows of reproof at our sins? It is the minister’s duty sometimes to reprove. H e who can speak smooth words in the pulpit, but does not know how to reprove, is like a sword with a fine hilt but without an edge. “Rebuke them sharply” (Titus 2:15). Dip the nail in oil, reprove in love, but strike the nail home. Now Christian, when the Word touches on your sin and says, “You are the man”, do you love the reproof? Can you bless God that “the sword of the Spirit” has divided between you and your lusts? This is indeed a sign of grace and shows that you are a lover of the Word.

A corrupt heart loves the comforts of the Word, but not the reproofs: “They hate the one who rebukes in the gate” (Amos 5:10). “Their eyes flash with fire!” Like venomous creatures that at the least touch spit poison, “When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). When Stephen touched them to the quick, they were mad and could not endure it.

Question: How shall we know that we love the reproofs of the Word?

Answer 1: When we desire to sit under a heart-searching ministry. Who cares for medicines that will not work? A godly man does not choose to sit under a ministry that will not work upon his conscience.

Answer 2: When we pray that the Word may meet with our sins. If there is any traitorous lust in our heart, we would have it found out and executed. We do not want sin covered, but cured. We can open our breast to the bullet of the Word and say, “Lord, smite this sin.”

Answer 3: When we are thankful for a reproof: “Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked” (Psa. 141:5). David was glad of a reproof. Suppose a man were in the mouth of a lion, and another should shoot the lion and save the man, would he not be thankful? So, when we are in the mouth of sin, as of a lion, and the minister by a reproof shoots this sin to death, shall we not be thankful? A gracious soul rejoices when the sharp lance of the Word has pierced his abscess. He wears a reproof like a jewel on his ear: “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to an obedient ear” (Prov. 25:12).

To conclude, it is convincing preaching which must do the soul good. A nipping reproof prepares for comfort, as a nipping frost prepares for the sweet flowers of spring.

From The Godly Man’s Picture by Thomas Watson.

Posted in Thomas Watson |

The Unity of the Bible by A. W. Pink

January 7, 2010 by ADMIN

The manner in which the Bible has been produced argues against its unity. The Bible was penned on two continents, written in three languages, and its composition and compilation extended through the slow progress of sixteen centuries. The various parts of the bible were written at different times and under the most varying circumstances. Parts of it were written in tents, deserts, cities, palaces and dungeons, some parts in times of imminent danger and others in seasons of ecstatic joy. Among its writers were judges, kings, priests, prophets, patriarchs, prime ministers, herdsmen, scribes, soldiers, physicians, and fishermen. Yet despite these varying circumstances, conditions, and workmen, the Bible is one Book; behind its many parts there is an unmistakable organic unity. It contains one system of doctrine, one code of ethics, one plan of salvation, and one rule of faith.

Now if forty different men were selected today from such varying stations and callings of life as to include clerks, rulers, politicians, judges, clergy, doctors, farm laborers, and fishermen and each was asked to contribute a chapter for some book on theology or church government, when their several contributions were collected and hound together would there be any unity about them? Could that book truly be said to be one book, or would not their different productions vary so much in literary value, diction, and matter as to be merely a heterogeneous mass, a miscellaneous collection? Yet we do not find this to be the case in connection with God’s Book. Although the Bible is a volume of sixty-six books, written by forty different men, dealing with such a large variety of themes as to cover nearly the whole range of human inquiry, we find it is one Book, the Book (not the books), the Bible.

Furthermore, if we were to select specimens of literature from the third, fifth, tenth, fifteenth and twentieth centuries of the Christian era and were to bind them together, what unity and harmony should we find in such a collection? Human writers reflect the spirit of their own day and generation, and the compositions of men living amid widely differing influences and separated by centuries of time have little or nothing in common with each other. Yet although the earliest portions of the Sacred Canon date back to at least the fifteenth century, B. C., while the writings of John were not completed till the close of the first century, A. D., nevertheless, we find a perfect harmony throughout the Scriptures from the first verse in Genesis to the last verse in Revelation. The great ethical and spiritual lessons presented in the Bible, by whomever taught, agree.

The more one really studies the Bible the more one is convinced that behind the many human mouths there is One overruling, controlling Mind. Imagine forty persons of different nationalities, possessing various degrees of musical culture, visiting the organ of some cathedral, and at long intervals of time, and without any collusion whatever, striking sixty-six different notes, which when combined yielded the theme of the grandest oratorio ever heard. Would it not show that behind these forty different men there was one presiding mind, one great Tone Master? As we listen to some great orchestra, with its immense variety of instruments playing their different parts but producing melody and harmony, we realize that at the hack of these many musicians there is the personality and genius of the composer. And when we enter the halls of the Divine Academy and listen to the heavenly choirs singing the Song of Redemption, all in perfect accord and unison, we know that it is God Himself who has written the music and put this song into their mouths.

We now submit two illustrations that demonstrate the unity of the Holy Scriptures. Certain grand conceptions run through the entire Bible like a cord on which are strung so many precious pearls. First and foremost among them is the Divine plan of redemption. Just as the scarlet thread runs through all the cordage of the British Navy, so a crimson aura surrounds every page of God’s Word.

In the Scriptures, the plan of redemption is central and fundamental. In Genesis, we have recorded the Creation and Fall of man to show that he has the capacity for and is in need of redemption. Next we find the promise of the Redeemer, for man requires to have before him the hope and expectation of a Savior. Then follows an elaborate system of sacrifices and offerings, and these represent pictorially the nature of redemption and the condition under which salvation is realized. At the commencement of the New Testament, we have the four Gospels and they set forth the basis of redemption, namely, the incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension of the Redeemer. Next comes the book of the Acts which illustrates again and again the power of redemption, showing that it is adequate to work its great results in the salvation of both Jew and Gentile. Finally, in the Revelation, we are shown the ultimate triumphs of redemption, the goal of salvation-the redeemed dwelling with God in perfect union and communion. Thus we see that though a large number of human media were employed in the writing of the Bible, yet their productions are not independent of each other, but are complementary and supplementary parts of one great whole. We see that one sublime truth is common to them all, namely, man’s need of redemption and God’s provision of a Redeemer. And the only explanation of this fact is that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.”

Secondly, among all the many personalities presented in the Bible, we find that one stands out above all others, not merely prominent but preeminent. Just as in the scene unveiled in the fifth chapter of the Revelation we find the Lamb in the center of the heavenly throngs, so we find that in the Scriptures also the Lord Jesus Christ is accorded the place that alone befits His unique Person. Considered from one standpoint the Scriptures are really the biography of the Son of God.

In the Old Testament, we have the promise of our Lord’s incarnation and mediatorial work. In the Gospels, we have the proclamation of His mission and the proofs of His messianic claims and authority. In the Acts, we have a demonstration of His saving power and the execution of His missionary program. In the Epistles, we find an exposition and amplification of His precepts for the education of His people. And in the Apocalypse, we behold the unveiling or presentation of His Person and the preparation of the earth for His presence. The Bible is therefore seen to be peculiarly the Book of Jesus Christ. Christ not only testified to the Scriptures but each section of the Scriptures testifies of Him. Every page of the Holy Book has stamped upon it His photograph and every chapter bears His autograph. He is its one great theme, and the only explanation of this fact is that the Holy Spirit superintended the work of each and every writer of the Scriptures.

The unity of the Scriptures is further to be seen in the fact that they are entirely free from any real contradictions. Though different writers often described the same incidents—as for example the four evangelists recording the facts relating to our Lord’s ministry and redemptive work—and though there is considerable variety in the narrations of these, yet there are no real discrepancies. The harmony existing between them does not appear on the surface, but, often, is discovered only by protracted study, though it is there nevertheless. Moreover, there is perfect agreement of doctrine between all the writers in the Bible. The teachings of the prophets and the teachings of the Apostles on the great truths of God’s righteousness, the demands of His holiness, the utter ruin of man, the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the way of salvation are entirely harmonious. This might appear a thing easily effected. But those who are acquainted with human nature, and have read widely the writings of men, will acknowledge that nothing but the inspiration of the writers can explain this fact. Nowhere can we find two uninspired writers, however similar they may have been in their religious sentiments, who agree in all points of doctrine. Nay, entire consistency of sentiment is not to be found even in the writings of the same author at different periods. In his later years Spurgeon’s statement of some doctrines was much more modified than the utterances of his earlier days. Increasing knowledge causes men to change their views upon many subjects. But among the writers of Scripture, there is the most perfect harmony, because they obtained their knowledge of truth and duty not by the efforts of study but from inspiration by the Holy Spirit of God.

When therefore we find that in the productions of forty different men there is perfect accord and concord, unison and unity, harmony in all their teachings, and the same conceptions pervading all their writings, the conclusion is irresistible that behind these men, superintending their work, controlling their minds, and guiding their hands, there was the mastermind of God Himself. Does not the unity of the Bible illustrate the Divine inspiration of the Bible and demonstrate the truth of its own assertion that “God … at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets” (Heb. 1:1)?

Edited and excerpted from The Divine Inspiration of the Bible.

Posted in A. W. Pink |

From Our Hearts by Jim & Debbie Ehrhard

January 7, 2010 by ADMIN

The focus of this issue is on a topic frequently neglected in our age–the blood of Christ. Through a variety of articles, we hope to rekindle appreciation for and an interest in preaching about the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The old hymn puts it poignantly: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It is our hope that you will be encouraged by this issue to teach about the “precious blood of Christ” and that you will find that His blood alone is sufficient to pay for all our sins and cleanse us to that we might stand faultless before the throne.

A number of the articles are excerpts from sermons by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Spurgeon may have been the greatest preacher of the modern era. Even before the era of the mega-church, Spurgeon pastored a congregation in London that regularly ministered to over 6000 people each Sunday. Spurgeon was a popular preacher, but he never shied away from preaching the great doctrines of the Bible. One theme on which he often spoke was the blood atonement. Choosing from a few of his sermons was most difficult. Shortening them for this publication was also difficult. We hope that the message of the blood, as preached by C. H. Spurgeon will prove to be a great blessing for you. We have also included a short excerpt from another sermon by Spurgeon that we hope will be a “new year’s” encouragement to all preachers: “Preacher, Keep Your Heart Full!”

Along with the articles by Spurgeon, we have included two by the Puritan theologian, Stephen Charnock. “The Cleansing Virtue of Christ’s Blood” is part of an introduction to an exposition of 1 John 1:9. Although we have only included a short part, the entire message is worth reading if you have access the Works of Charnock. Articles by Horartius Bonar, Andrew Murray, and A. W. Pink round out the theme study on the blood of Christ. Finally, we have included another article by Frank Boreham, this time on Hugh Latimer’s text.

Jim’s teaching ministry will continue to be a priority in the coming months. He is currently scheduled to be teaching in Haiti, Belgium, and the Ukraine this spring. There is also a possibility of teaching in Romania if we can work out the scheduling. Continue to keep us in your prayers regarding these trips and also regarding Jim’s writing and editing ministry. May the Lord bless your efforts for His sake as you serve Him this new year.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

Posted in Uncategorized |

No Surprises by Jim Ehrhard

January 7, 2010 by ADMIN

Life is full of surprises. Once, while checking out with just one bottle of coke, a man was surprised when a lady with a cart full of groceries pushed ahead of him. He waited patiently while the lady checked out holding up the checker a number of times to inquire about prices and even to run back to the aisles to get items she had forgotten. After she had finished and paid, the man handed his bottle of coke to the checker. He received an even bigger surprise when the checker said, “Don’t worry about it.” When the man asked why, the lady responded, “The lady before you was so rude, I just added it to her account!” Few surprises are that good. I can remember a number of times when I reserved a non-smoking room only to find that the hotel had failed to hold one for me. One of these motel chains even had “No Surprises” as its advertising slogan!

But there is coming an event which should surprise no one–the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the scriptures, God has spoken of that event over 500 times. Though many will be surprised, there will be no surprises. Another event that should surprise no one is the judgment. God’s judgment is also spoke of repeatedly in the Bible. Finally, death should surprise no one. One verse in Hebrews mentions all of these events–Hebrews 9:27. It says: “For it is appointed unto every man to die once, and then comes the judgment.” In this verse, and the one that follows, God reminds everyone of three reservations for which there will be no surprises.

1. A Reservation for Death.

It is appointed unto to every man to die once. Every one of us has an appointment for death. There will be no surprises. Benjamin Franklin said that the only two things that are certain are death and taxes. While one may avoid taxes, no one will avoid death. This passage also reminds us that there is only one death for each person. There are no reincarnations; no second chances. It is appointed unto every man to die once.

2. A Reservation for Judgment.

. . . . and then comes the judgment. Death itself should not be the greatest fear. Today, some look on death as an escape from the troubles and trials of this world. But, for those who die apart from Christ, death is not an escape from pain but an entrance into judgment and eternal punishment. Everyone has an appointment with death, and after that, an appointment with judgment. On the cross, Jesus endured the judgment of God on behalf of His people. Their judgment is settled. Their penalty has been paid.

But for those who have not trusted Christ, judgment awaits. According to Revelation 20:11-13, the books will be opened and everyone will be judged according to his deeds.

3. A Reservation for Eternal Life.

. . . . so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Notice what Jesus will not come to do at His second coming. He will not come to bear sin. He has already done that. There will be no second chances. Each person’s destiny will be determined by what he or she has done with Jesus in this life. He came the first time to make atonement for sin. When He comes again, He will come to receive those who have trusted Him. He will not give any second chances.

Everyone faces a reservation for death–there will be no surprises. Everyone faces a reservation for judgment–death is not the end. But only some have a reservation for heaven. Jesus came to bear the sins of many. For those who have trusted Him, there will be no surprises. Heaven is reserved for those who have believed. Hebrews 10 continues to emphasize this certainty. Consider verse 10: “By that will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Also ponder verse 14: “For by one offering, He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” For those who have been covered by the blood of Jesus, there will be no surprises–a reservation has been laid up in heaven for them.

As you consider the new year ahead, you may be assured that it will contain many surprises. Some will be good; others may be quite unusual. But there is no need to be surprised about three reservations: death, judgment, and eternal life. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has removed our penalty and provided an eternal reservation based on His sacrifice. One day He will return, not to offer any second chances. Not to provide another payment for sin (His first payment is totally sufficient–nothing else is needed; nothing else is acceptable to God). He will come again to receive His own unto Himself. Forever. No Surprises.

Copyright Jim Ehrhard, 1999. You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that: (1) you credit the author; (2) any modifications are clearly marked; (3) you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction; and (4) you do not make more than 100 copies without permission. If you would like to post this material to your web site or make any use other than as defined above, please contact Teaching Resources International

Posted in Jim Ehrhard |

Preacher, Keep Your Heart Full! by C. H. Spurgeon

January 7, 2010 by ADMIN

The preacher we want [is] the man that has a full soul. Let him have a head—the more he knows the better; but, after all, give him a big heart: and when his heart beats, if his heart be full, it will, under God, either make the hearts of his congregation beat after him, or else make them conscious that he is laboring hard to compel them to follow. Oh! if we had more heart in our Master’s service, how much more labor we could endure. . . .

Perhaps you do not love your work. Oh, strive to love your work more, and then when your heart is full, you will go on well enough. “Oh,” saith the preacher, “I am weary of my work in preaching; I have little success; I find it a hard toil.” The answer to that question is, “Your heart is not full of it, for if you loved preaching, you would breathe preaching, feed on preaching, and find a compulsion upon you to follow preaching; and your heart being full of the thing, you would be happy in the employment. Oh, for a heart that is full, and deep, and broad! Find the man that hath such a soul as that, and that is the man from whom the living waters shall flow, to make the world glad with their refreshing streams.

Learn, then, the necessity of keeping the heart full; and let the necessity make you ask this question–“But how can I keep my heart full? How can I keep my desires burning and my zeal inflamed?” Christian! there is one text which will explain all this. “All my springs are in Thee,” said David. If thou hast all thy springs in God, thy heart will be full enough. If thou dost go to the foot of Calvary, there will thy heart be bathed in love and gratitude. . . . If thou dost continually draw thine impulse, thy life, the whole of thy being from the Holy Spirit, without whom thou canst do nothing, and if thou dost live in close communion with Christ, there will be no fear of thy having a dry heart. He who lives without prayer–he who lives with little prayer–he who seldom reads the Word–he who seldom looks up to heaven for a fresh influence from on high–he will be the man whose heart will become dry and barren; but he who calls in secret on his God–who spends much time in holy retirement–who delights to meditate on the words of the Most High–whose soul is given up to Christ–who delights in His fullness, rejoices in His all-sufficiency, prays for His second coming, and delights in the thought of His glorious advent–such a man, I say, must have an overflowing heart; and as his heart is, such will his life be. It will be a full life; it will be a life that will speak from the sepulcher, and make the echoes of the future.

from a sermon entitled “The Great Reservoir,” The New Park Street Pulpit, Vol. IV

The current formatting and editing is copyrighted by Jim Ehrhard, 1999. You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that: (1) you credit the author; (2) any modifications are clearly marked; (3) you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction; and (4) you do not make more than 100 copies without permission. If you would like to post this material to your web site or make any use other than as defined above, please contact Teaching Resources International

Posted in C. H. Spurgeon |

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