18 OCTOBER (PREACHED 1770)
Build upon the Word of God
‘And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.’ Luke 9:33
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Judges 8:22–27
A person’s being in a lively state of mind and near the Lord will not exempt him from the danger of making great mistakes in what they would propose and determine to do in such a state. Some people are ready to think that any purpose that comes into their minds, when their spirits are lively and they have liberty in prayer, must therefore be right and proper. They will say, I trust the Lord was surely with me when I purposed it, and therefore it must doubtless be from him. The Lord was surely and sweetly with Peter at this time, but he did not put it into his heart to build tabernacles. Satan may be near at such a time likewise and many plausible motions may arise from Self. If we would be wise builders, we must build not upon feelings and suggestions, but upon the Word of God. Is your spirit quickened by a taste of his love and a glimpse of his glory? Then to the law and the testimony to learn his will concerning you, and do not think your human temperament will warrant you to do anything which you are not directed to by the Scripture. Innumerable enthusiasms and offences have arisen from a want of caution in this respect. The zeal of young converts is very apt to spend itself in singularities and things not commanded.
FOR MEDITATION:
Once I thought my mountain strong,
When my friends have said, ‘Beware,
Firmly fixed no more to move;
Soon or late you’ll find a change’;
Then thy grace was all my song,
I could see no cause for fear,
Then my soul was filled with love:
Vain their caution seemed and strange:
Those were happy golden days,
Not a cloud obscured my sky,
Sweetly spent in prayer and praise.
Could I think a tempest nigh?
Little, then, myself I knew, Little thought of Satan’s power;
Now I find their words were true, Now I feel the stormy hour!
Tell him, since I know thy name, Though I change thou art the same.
SERMON SERIES: ON THE TRANSFIGURATION, NO. 7 [3/5], LUKE 9:33
Milo 