Choice Teaching for the Chosen: Insights from C.H. Spurgeon
I have enjoyed reading Charles Spurgeon for years, and I find his preaching style to be one of great encouragement. Known as the ‘Prince of Preachers,’ Spurgeon’s sermons are a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and biblical insight. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for depth in preaching to enjoy a sermon or two from this remarkable preacher. The following are notes from C.H. Spurgeon’s sermon entitled “Choice Teaching for the Chosen,” which beautifully illustrates the divine promise of God’s instruction for His people.
The Promise of Divine Teaching
Spurgeon emphasizes the profound truth that all of God’s chosen people are taught by the Lord Himself. Quoting from Isaiah 54:13, he reminds us of God’s promise: “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” This divine teaching is not reserved for a select few but is a gracious gift to all who belong to God’s church—those who believe in Jesus Christ for eternal life. Spurgeon underscores that this instruction is a mark of God’s chosen, those redeemed by Christ’s blood and written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. It is a promise that brings great peace, as God’s teaching leads His people into a deeper knowledge of Him.
The Nature of God’s Instruction
God’s method of drawing people to Christ is not merely through persuasion but through divine instruction. Spurgeon explains that the Holy Spirit teaches sinners their need for a Savior by revealing their sinfulness, the impossibility of salvation by works, and the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work. This teaching is not superficial; it is a deep, transformative work of the Spirit that enables sinners to see their need for Jesus. As Spurgeon notes, “He first teaches the poor soul what a great sinner he is, and that makes him look out for a great Saviour.” This divine instruction is essential, for without it, no one can truly come to Christ.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The teaching promised by God is divine in nature, applied directly to the heart by the Holy Spirit. Spurgeon warns against relying solely on human means—whether sermons, books, or personal study—without the illumination of the Spirit. “You may study the best books on theology as long as you like; but, unless God, the Holy Spirit, shall give you the keys of this treasure-house, you will never get at its precious things,” he writes. This underscores the necessity of dependence on God for true understanding, as only the Spirit can write eternal truths on the heart.
Unlearning and True Faith
Spurgeon challenges believers to unlearn self-reliance and false teachings that diminish Christ. He cautions, “If you find in any book teaching which makes you think less of Christ than you did before, burn the book.” True faith, he explains, is simple yet impossible without divine instruction. Even the act of believing in Jesus, which seems easy enough for children or those with limited understanding, requires the Father’s teaching. This faith is not a one-time act but a continual, daily trust in Christ, sustained by ongoing divine instruction.
The Assurance of Coming to Christ
Spurgeon beautifully describes the journey of God’s chosen as one of continually drawing nearer to Christ. Through the Spirit’s teaching, believers grow in Christlikeness, hungering and thirsting for Him. Though the journey may be marked by struggles and imperfections, Spurgeon encourages believers with the assurance that “we are every day coming nearer to thee.” This culminates in the hope of Christ’s return, when He will welcome His people with the words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
A Call to Persevere
Spurgeon urges believers not to be satisfied with merely attending worship or hearing the Word. True faith seeks the Spirit’s application of truth to the heart. “Never be satisfied with mere hearing of the Word; but pray God the Holy Ghost that, through the hearing, you may be taught of the Lord,” he advises. This call to perseverance reminds us that our strength to overcome sin and grow in holiness comes not from our own efforts but from the grace of God working within us.
Be Encouraged Brothers and Sisters in Christ ✝️