Study Guide for “The March” Sermon by Rev. C. H. Spurgeon
Introduction
In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon reflects on the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, emphasizing the importance of following God’s guidance while also utilizing the wisdom He has given us. He draws parallels between the Israelites’ experiences and the Church today, highlighting the significance of the prayer, “Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered.” Spurgeon encourages believers to trust in God’s power to overcome their personal struggles and the challenges faced by the Church, ultimately pointing to the victory found in Christ’s resurrection.
Discussion Questions
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Guidance and Wisdom: How can we balance seeking God’s guidance with using our own judgment in our daily lives? Can you share a personal experience where you felt led by God while also using your own wisdom?
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The Role of Prayer: In what ways can the prayer “Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered” be applied to your personal struggles or challenges? What specific enemies (doubts, fears, etc.) do you need God to help you overcome?
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The Church’s Journey: Spurgeon compares the journey of the Israelites to the journey of the Church today. How do you see the Church facing similar challenges in the modern world? What can we learn from the Israelites’ reliance on God?
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Victory in Christ: Reflect on the significance of Christ’s resurrection as described in the sermon. How does understanding Christ’s victory over sin and death impact your faith and daily life?
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Facing Adversity: Spurgeon mentions various enemies the Church faces, such as infidelity and indifference. How can we as individuals and as a community respond to these challenges? What role does prayer play in this response?
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Personal Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel like you are wandering or lacking direction? How can you invite God into those situations to lead you?
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Anticipation of Christ’s Return: Spurgeon expresses a longing for the return of Christ. How does this anticipation shape your daily life and interactions with others? What does it mean to live in expectation of His return?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for Your guidance and strength. We ask that You rise up in our lives, scattering the enemies that seek to hinder our faith and joy. Help us to trust in Your power and to rely on Your wisdom as we navigate the challenges we face. May we be bold in our prayers, seeking Your presence in our struggles and in the life of our Church. We thank You for the victory we have in Christ and for the hope of His return. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.