ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON)
If we obtain conformity to Christ, we shall have a wondrous power upon our ministry; and without that, what is a ministry worth? In a word, we must labor for holiness of character. What is holiness? Is it not wholeness of character? A balanced condition in which there is neither lack nor redundance. It is not morality, that is a cold, lifeless statue; holiness is life.
You must have holiness; and, dear brethren, if you should fail in mental qualifications (though I hope you will not), and if you should have a slender measure of the oratorical faculty (though I trust you will not), yet, depend upon it, a holy life is, in itself, a wonderful power, and will make up for many deficiencies; it is, in fact, the best sermon the best man can ever deliver. Let us resolve that all the purity which can be had we will have, that all the sanctity which can be reached we will obtain, and that all the likeness to Christ that is possible in this world of sin shall certainly be in us through the effectual working of the Spirit of God.
SERMON ILLUSTRATION (BY SPURGEON)
Spurgeon was a master illustrator. You can use this illustration in your own preaching to describe not associating with evildoers.
So far from being himself an open offender against the laws of God, the Psalmist had not even associated with the lovers of evil. He had kept aloof from the men of Belial. A man is known by his company, and if we have kept ourselves apart from the wicked, it will always be evidence in our favor should our character be impugned. He who was never in the parish is not likely to have stolen the corn. He who never went to sea is clearly not the man who scuttled the ship.
THANKS FOR READING
Brothers,
I hope and pray that today’s newsletter encourages you to cultivate private godliness more than public gifting. Our ministry really is worthless if we are not men of character. But if we are holy, our ministry will stay faithful and fruitful.
Keep your eyes the Word, slay sin, and devote yourself to prayer.
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Blessings to your ministry,
Doug H.
Creator of SpurgeonBooks