Spurgeon Daily Devotional Bible: December 4

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Spurgeon Daily Devotional Bible: December 4

Today is: Monday, December 30th, 2024 (Show Today's Devotion)

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Morning

“Walk worthy of God who hath called you.”

1Th_2:1-16

This is the first of the apostles epistles, and was probably written by him from Corinth, when, having left Athens, he was joined by Silas and Timothy. Paul had founded the church at Thessalonica, and it had greatly flourished, but it had been subject to much persecution, hence he treats largely upon the second advent as affording the richest consolation to tried saints. The passage we shall read gives us a lovely picture of the apostles earnestness for the good of souls, and it furnishes us with a grand example of how we also in our measure should serve the Lord.

1Th_2:3-4

If the preacher of the word be not bold and truthful he cannot expect a blessing. A trustee of the gospel must be faithful to his charge.

1Th_2:7-8

Gentleness wins far more than severity. Many will be led who will not be driven.

1Th_2:7-8

If we would do good to others we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves. Selfishness and soul-winning never go together. Love is power. What are we doing for our neighbours? Have we an affectionate concern for their eternal welfare? If not, how can we hope that we are ourselves converted?

1Th_2:9-12

Holy living is the great end of preaching. Hearing is nothing if it does not lead to this.

1Th_2:13; 1Th_2:15

They had no love either for God or men. It is said of them that they would not even point out the way to a person of a different religion. Their bigotry had destroyed their humanity.) Nothing is more hardening to the heart than religious pride, it is the death of love.

1Th_2:16

Men cannot oppose the gospel without incurring great guilt. If they reject the Saviour who saves to the uttermost, they bring upon themselves “wrath to the uttermost,” and that must be terrible indeed. May none of us bring such a doom upon our own heads.

Give tongues of fire and hearts of love,

To preach the reconciling word;

Give power and unction from above,

Whene’er the joyful sound is heard.

Be darkness, at thy coming, light,

Confusion, order in thy path;

Souls without strength inspire with might;

Bid mercy triumph over wrath.

Evening

“Rejoice evermore.”

1 Thessalonians 5

Paul, having spoken of the coming of the Lord, now tells the Thessalonians that they were not curiously to inquire as to the appointed dale of the advent, but to live in daily preparation of the Lord’s appearing.

1Th_5:1-10

To others the advent will be an unexpected calamity, to us a long hoped for day of exultation. Ours it is to live with Jesus always, so that life or death shall make no difference. As a child both sleeping and waking is at home in his father’s house, so whether here or in heaven we are still living together with Jesus.

1Th_5:11

Are we doing this? Mutual consolation and edification are very much too rare in these days.

1Th_5:12-13

Be well acquainted with your minister, and esteem him for the sake of his work and his Master. He has many trials, and his work is arduous: endeavour to cheer his heart.

1Th_5:14-18

Prayer comes in between two precepts of joy. Praise, pray, and then praise again; ring the changes upon the silver bells of devotion.

1Th_5:19

Resist not his sacred drawings, silence not his voice either in others or in your own soul.

1Th_5:21

Some are so busy with proving all things that they forget to hold fast that which is good; such persons use compasses with one foot, and so cannot complete the circle of holy duty.

1Th_5:22

You cannot be too careful: if there be any manifestation of evil, however slight, shun it at once. Flee from the lions roar, and you need not dread his teeth.

1Th_5:25

If the apostle asked for prayer, how much more does our pastor need it! We ought never to forget him, either in family prayer or on our knees alone.

1Th_5:26

Or as our western custom is, give them all a hearty shake of the hand. Christianity delights in sincere and loving courtesies.

I am waiting for the coming

Of the Lord who died for me;

Oh, his words have thrilled my spirit,

“

I will come again for thee.”

I can almost hear his foot-fall

On the threshold of the door,

And my heart, my heart is longing

To be his for evermore.