This Sweet Hope - Thursday Devotionals

How did Charles Simeon endure his trials without giving up or being driven out of his church?

Simeon had a strong sense of his accountability before God for the souls of his flock, whether they liked him or not.

“Remember the nature of my office, and the care incumbent on me for the welfare of your immortal souls… Consider whatever may appear in my discourses harsh, earnest or alarming, not as the effects of enthusiasm, but as the rational dictates of a heart impressed with a sense both of the value of the soul and the importance of eternity… By recollecting the awful consequences of my neglect, you will be more inclined to receive favorably any well-meant admonitions.”

Charles Simeon in his sermon during his first year in office

Fifteen years later he preached on the subject again.

It did not matter that his people were often against him.

He was not commissioned by them, but by the Lord.

And they were his responsibility.

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Hebrews 13:17

How difficult for us it is to submit.

Charles Simeon’s preaching, even in the midst of conflict, was free from the scolding tone.

How many times have you heard a pastor’s wounded pride or his personal anger at parishioners coming through his preaching?

This is deadly for the ministry.

According to H.C.G. Moule Simeon’s style of address was “totally free from that easy but fatal mistake of troubled pastors, the scolding accent”.

Simeon told that his security in God gave him the capacity to be hopeful in the presence of other people even when burdened within: “With this sweet hope of ultimate acceptance with God, I have always enjoyed much cheerfulness before men; but I have the same time labored incessantly to cultivate the deepest humiliation before God”.

According to Joseph Gurney in spite of Simeon’s private troubles “It was one of his grand principles of action, to endeavor at all times to honor his Master by maintaining a cheerful happy demeanor in the presence of his friends”.

“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret.”

Matthew 6:17-18

This post is part of Thursday Devotionals series. Right now it is going through the life, work and faith of Charles Simeon.

Would you like to read the first part, Are You Ready To Suffer For Christ?

You might also enjoy the second part of the series, Growing Downward.

I also recommend the thrird part for the children of this generation called, All Consuming Interest.

The fourth part is called, Peace Flowed In Rich Abundance.

If you have not yet read the fifth part , This Sweet Hope.

Take some time to read the sixth part also, Blessed Are The Peacemakers.

Hope you will enjoy reading the seventh part, A Double Blessing To Your Ministry.

Are you willing for, A Little Suffering For Christ's Sake.