ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON)
“Therefore, every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom treasures new and old.” (Matthew 13:52)
If the Lord has instructed us in his kingdom, it is for the sake of others. Toward these we must act as one who keeps house, and brings out provisions for the family. Some things have been laid up to ripen, and these the steward fetches out in due season; others are the better for being fresh from the garden; and these he serves up at once. He keeps back nothing; but he does not confine his provision to one single thing. He is not weary of the old; he is not afraid of the new. Old truth is made new by a living experience: new views of truth, if indeed it be truth, are only the old in a fresh light.
We must in our instruction of others cultivate variety, but we must not aim at it by poisoning the children with deadly drugs for the sake of giving them novel dishes. Only things worth putting into a treasury are worth bringing forth to the household. That scribe had need be well instructed who has to keep on handing out a variety of precious truth throughout a long life.
Lord, make us sufficient for these things. Instruct as, that we may instruct our household. May we make no reserve for self, but bring out for your people all that which you have put in our charge. Oh, to be accepted by you on the day of your return, because we are found faithful to our trust!
SERMON ILLUSTRATION (BY SPURGEON)
Spurgeon was a master illustrator. You can use this illustration in your own preaching to describe the foolishness of salvation by works.
An old preacher says, “A silly servant who is bidden to open a door, sets his shoulder to it and pushes with all his might; but the door stirs not, and he cannot enter, use what strength he may. Another comes with a key, and easily unlocks the door, and enters right readily. Those who would be saved by works are pushing at heaven’s gate without result; but faith is the key which opens the gate at once.”
THANKS FOR READING
Brothers,
I’ve been particularly challenged this year to “deepen the well,” to always be learning, so that I can always teach with conviction, freshness, and vigor. Do not eat on manna that you have stored up since seminary — dive afresh into God’s Word every day. And, once you have been refreshed in the depths, surface to teach your people the wonderful works of God.
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Blessings to your ministry,
Doug H.
Creator of SpurgeonBooks