Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional: September 2nd

 Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional: September 2nd

Morning

“Preach the gospel to every creature.”

Matthew 9:27-33 , Matthew 9:35-38

Mark 9:27

Dr. Adam Clarke has well said, “That man has already a measure of heavenly light who knows that he has no merit; that his cry should be a cry for mercy; that he must be fervent, and that, in praying, he must follow Jesus Christ as the true Messiah the son of David expected from heaven.”

Mark 9:28-31

They had been earnestly bidden not to do so, and therefore they were blameworthy. Our case is exactly the reverse, for if we do not bear testimony to the power of divine grace in our souls we shall be greatly guilty.

Mark 9:35

Diligent effort to do good was our Lord’s best reply to carping enemies. Imitate him.

Mark 9:37 , Mark 9:38

A prayer very seldom offered, and therefore real labourers for God are so few. It ought to be our daily petition. Our Lord used the fit means to answer his own prayer.

Matthew 10:1-15

Matthew 10:1-10

They were not to provide for themselves, others supply their needs. God’s servants are to be supported by those among whom they labour.

Matthew 10:11-15

So doth the Lord set most solemn sanctions upon the preaching of the gospel, that none may dare to despise it. Have we received the glad tidings, or shall we die in our sins? These questions need to be pressed home, and answered prayerfully.

Evening

“Fear not them which kill the body.”

Matthew 10:16-39

We will continue reading our Lord’s address to those whom he sent forth to preach the gospel.

Matthew 10:16

Peculiar qualities are needed for a life involving undeserved suffering. We need the prudence which prevents others from wronging us, as well as the gentleness which does no wrong to others.

Matthew 10:17-20

Though ignorant of this world’s wisdom they were not to be anxious as to how they should reply to their learned accusers: the gospel is its own defence, and the Spirit the best pleader.

Matthew 10:27

Our business is to publish the gospel, whether we suffer for it or not. To suppress our testimony would be deadly sin.

Matthew 10:29-31

The care of our heavenly Father is so minute that we ought to dismiss for ever all our fears. If he takes care of us even down to the hairs of our head, we are secure indeed.

Matthew 10:34-36

The ultimate end of the gospel will be peace, but before it reaches that there must be a struggle. Carnal men will oppose the truth, and hence a warfare will arise.

Matthew 10:37-39

Some have refused to burn at the stake, and have been burned in their own beds; and many more have dreaded the pains of persecution, and so have plunged into the flames of hell by apostacy.

Should persecution rage and flame,

Still trust in thy Redeemer’s name;

In fiery trials thou shalt see

That, “as thy days, thy strength shall be.”

When call’d to bear the weighty cross,

Of sore affliction, pain, or loss,

Or deep distress, or poverty,

Still, “as thy days, thy strength shall be.”

Study FurtherRelated passages, insights, and questions for personal reflection.

Take today’s devotional further. Explore related Scriptures and open any verse in the Study Desk for deeper study.

    Romans 10:14: How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?
    Preaching is essential so people may hear and believe.
    ↳ Who in your life needs to hear the gospel from you?
    2 Timothy 4:2: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction.
    Command to preach the word in and out of season.
    ↳ Are you willing to preach truth even when it's inconvenient?
    Luke 12:11: "Now when they bring you before the synagogues and the officials and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say;
    Spirit gives words when believers face hostile tribunals.
    ↳ When pressured to defend your faith, do you trust the Spirit?
    Acts 20:24: "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of God's grace.
    Testimony to the gospel matters more than one's life.
    ↳ What are you clinging to that testifying to grace might cost?
    Deuteronomy 33:25: "Your bars will be iron and bronze, And as your days, so will your strength be.
    Source of the hymn's promise: strength equal to days.
    ↳ Where do you need God's strength to match today's demands?

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