Study Guide for “God Pleading for Saints, and Saints Pleading for God”
Introduction
In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound truth that God actively pleads for the souls of His people, as expressed in Lamentations 3:58. He emphasizes the importance of personal experience in understanding God’s grace and mercy. Spurgeon encourages believers to recognize their own experiences of divine pleading and to respond by pleading for God in their lives, sharing the truth of the Gospel with others.
Discussion Questions
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Personal Experience: How has your personal experience shaped your understanding of God’s grace and mercy in your life? Can you recall a specific moment when you felt God pleading for your soul?
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Assurance of Salvation: Spurgeon speaks about the importance of speaking with assurance regarding our salvation. How can we cultivate a sense of assurance in our faith, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this?
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Gratitude: The sermon highlights the importance of gratitude in the life of a believer. In what ways can you express gratitude to God for His pleading on your behalf? How can this gratitude influence your daily life?
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Pleading for God: What does it mean to plead for God in your own life? How can you actively share the message of Christ with those around you, and what challenges do you face in doing so?
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The Role of Prayer: Spurgeon emphasizes the power of prayer and intercession. How can you incorporate more prayer into your life, both for yourself and for others? What impact do you think this will have on your relationship with God?
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Facing Doubts: How do you respond to doubts and fears about your faith? What strategies can you employ to combat these feelings and reaffirm your trust in God’s promises?
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Witnessing to Others: Reflect on the story of John and Joseph in the sermon. How can your actions and emotions serve as a witness to others about the love of Christ? What practical steps can you take to share your faith with those who may be resistant?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for pleading for my soul and for the grace You have shown me through Jesus Christ. Help me to recognize the depth of Your love and the assurance of my salvation. May I be filled with gratitude and empowered by Your Spirit to share the truth of the Gospel with others. Strengthen my faith, especially in times of doubt, and guide me as I seek to plead for Your cause in this world. Let my life be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.