Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional for December 9

 Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional for December 9

Morning

“The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work.”

2 Timothy 4

The chapter opens with a most solemn charge to young Timothy. Coming from one who was so soon to seal his testimony with his blood, Timothy must have felt the power of it as long as he lived. Aged believers should impress upon the young the value of the gospel

2 Timothy 4:1 , 2 Timothy 4:2

A minister is never off duty: he is not only to win souls whenever an opportunity occurs, but he is himself to make opportunities. Sound doctrine and seal must go together in equal proportions. Dr. Ryland well said, “No sermon is likely to be useful which has not the three R’s in it Ruin by the Fall; Redemption by Christ; Regeneration by the Holy Spirit. My aim in every sermon is to call sinners, to quicken the saints, and to be made a blessing to all.”

2 Timothy 4:6

“I am already being poured out as a libation to God;” his sufferings had commenced, and he was ready to bear up under them even to death; yet how sweetly does he speak of his execution as a mere departure! He looked upon it only as a change of place, a removal to a better country.

2 Timothy 4:8

He looked on life as a battle, a race, and a trust, and having been faithful in all these he expected a gracious reward.

2 Timothy 4:10

As the leaves are gone in winter so do friends leave us in adversity.

2 Timothy 4:11

This proves that he had changed his opinion about Mark, concerning whom he had differed with Barnabas. The apostle was not like some who will never relent, he was as ready to praise, as once he was honest to censure.

2 Timothy 4:12 , 2 Timothy 4:13

Shivering in prison the poor and aged apostle needed his cloak. Desiring still to study the word of God he sent for his books and notes.

2 Timothy 4:14 , 2 Timothy 4:15

Paul spake as a prophet, not out of private anger, but because the man opposed the gospel.

2 Timothy 4:16 , 2 Timothy 4:17

Probably Nero, who well deserved this title. It was well for Paul that grace was given him under the terrible ordeal of facing such a monster of cruelly.

God hath laid up in heav’n for me,

A crown which cannot fade;

The righteous Judge at that great day

Shall place it on my head.

Nor hath the King of grace decreed

The crown for me alone;

But all that love and long to see

Th’ appearance of his Son.

Evening

“Be ye perfect, even as your Father, which is in heaven, is perfect.”

Titus 1:1-9

Titus was another of Paul’s sons in the faith, and is spoken of by the apostle as “my partner and fellow-helper.” Paul wrote this epistle to give him instructions how to put in order the churches of Crete to which he had been sent.

Titus 1:5

The gospel had been preached in Crete, and converts made; but the churches needed to be properly constituted. Churches without elders are like an army without officers. Those err greatly who despise order.

Titus 1:6

So that the Church of Rome has no right to forbid ministers to marry.

Titus 1:7-9

bishop or overseer, described in the fifth verse as an elder

Titus 1:7-9

See what ministers ought to be, and pray that many such may be found for our churches.

Titus 2:1-14

Titus 2:1 , Titus 2:2

Aged Christians are nearer heaven than others, and should be more heavenly-minded.

Titus 2:3-5

The young woman’s first duty is at home.

Titus 2:9 , Titus 2:10

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not disputing, or using impertinent language.

Titus 2:9 , Titus 2:10

Not purloining or stealing little things, whether under the name of perquisites or otherwise

Titus 2:11-14

We have heard much of “the peculiar people,” be it ours to be peculiarly holy.

When from the curse he sets us free,

He makes our natures clean;

Nor would he send his Son to be

The minister of sin.

My Saviour and my King,

Thy beauties are divine;

Thy lips with” blessings overflow,

And every grace is thine.

Thy laws, O God, are right;

Thy throne shall ever stand;

And thy victorious gospel prove

A sceptre in thy hand.

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This resource was produced before 1923 and therefore is considered in the "Public Domain".