Sermon Tone Analysis

Some seek ‘prosperity’ (1).

They seek ‘a good name in the sight of... men’ (4).

We must not, however, make these things the be-all and end-all.

There is more to life than material possessions, more than high ratings in the popularity stakes.

There is eternal life - ‘the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 6:23) - and the ...forgiveness of sins - ‘justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 5:1).

‘Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 3:18).

If we are to know the Lord, we must come to an end of ourselves: ‘Be not wise in your own eyes’ (7), ‘do not rely on your own insight’ (5).

True knowledge of God comes through faith: ‘Trust in the Lord...’ (5).

True knowledge of God is heart-knowledge: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart’ (5).

Knowing Christ involves growing in grace.

We cannot get to know God apart from the grace of God working within us.

Growth in grace is not always a smooth pathway (11-12; Hebrews 12:5-11).

Never forget: ‘the Lord’s discipline’ is an expression of the Lord’s love.

‘Lord, You are more precious than silver, Lord, You are more costly than gold, Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds, And nothing I desire compares with You' (13-15; Mission Praise,447).

‘You will walk on your way securely... for the Lord will be your confidence’ (23,26).

Trusting in the Lord, we are to say, ‘He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold’ (Job 23:10).

Our faith is under threat.

There is the danger of ‘sudden panic’ (25).

We are faced with the ‘man of violence... the perverse man... the wicked... the scorners... fools’ (31-35).

What are we to do?

Even in the most testing and trying times, we must hold on to this: God is at work for our holiness - ‘Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire is to be holy.

Set apart for You, Lord, I choose to be holy, set apart for You, my Master, ready to do Your will’ (Songs of Fellowship, 475).

Submitted to God’s holy purpose, we rejoice in this: Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39).