Good Earnests of Great Success

Study Guide for “Good Earnests of Great Success”

Introduction

In this sermon, C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the growth and unity of the early church in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of brotherly love, earnest prayer, and the simple preaching of the Gospel. He encourages believers to actively participate in spreading the faith and warns against the dangers of complacency and division within the church. Spurgeon reminds us that true prosperity in the church comes from a collective commitment to Christ and His mission.

Discussion Questions

  1. Unity in the Church: Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. How can we foster a spirit of unity in our own church community? What practical steps can we take to resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships?

  2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Reflect on Spurgeon’s assertion that the Holy Spirit is essential for church growth and effectiveness. How can we cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit in our personal lives and in our church activities?

  3. Plain Preaching of the Gospel: Spurgeon advocates for straightforward preaching of the Gospel. In what ways can we ensure that our teaching and conversations about faith remain clear and accessible to those around us?

  4. Personal Responsibility: Spurgeon calls every believer to be active in sharing their faith. What are some ways you can personally engage in evangelism or outreach in your daily life? How can you encourage others to do the same?

  5. The Importance of Prayer: Discuss the role of prayer in the life of a believer and the church. How can we enhance our prayer life, both individually and collectively, to seek God’s guidance and blessing for our church?

  6. Living Out the Faith: Spurgeon mentions the need for holy living among church members. What does it mean to live a life that reflects Christ’s love and teachings? How can we hold each other accountable in our spiritual journeys?

  7. Facing Discouragement: Spurgeon acknowledges the discouragement that can arise when facing challenges in ministry. How can we support one another during difficult times and maintain hope in God’s promises for our church?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging Your goodness and grace. We ask that You unite us as a church, filling us with Your Holy Spirit and empowering us to boldly share the Gospel. Help us to live lives that reflect Your love and truth, and may our prayers be fervent and earnest as we seek to grow in faith and reach those around us. Strengthen our resolve to work together for Your glory, and may we see the fruits of our labor in the lives of many. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Similar Posts

  • A Personal Application

    In this powerful sermon, C.H. Spurgeon reflects on Hebrews 9:26, emphasizing the significance of Christ’s sacrifice in putting away sin. He addresses both the unconverted and believers, urging the former to abandon false confidences and the latter to embrace their identity in Christ. Spurgeon highlights the gravity of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the call to live sacrificially for Christ, reminding us of the eternal implications of our choices regarding faith and salvation.

  • The Garden of the Soul

    In this powerful sermon, C. H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, exploring the depths of His suffering as He faced betrayal, loneliness, and the weight of humanity’s sin. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of this moment in Christ’s life, highlighting the spiritual, emotional, and physical battles that Jesus endured. The sermon invites us to meditate on the love of Christ and the lessons we can learn from His example of prayer, perseverance, and ultimate victory.

  • The Clean and the Unclean

    In this sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon explores the distinctions between clean and unclean animals as outlined in the Mosaic law, emphasizing their significance for the Israelites and their relevance for Christians today. He highlights the importance of being a distinct people, conscious of sin, and living a life that reflects true faith in Christ. The sermon calls believers to examine their inner lives and outward actions, ensuring they align with the teachings of the Gospel.

  • Resurrection—Christ the Firstfruits

    In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of Christ’s resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith. He presents compelling evidence of Christ’s appearances after His resurrection, illustrating how this event assures believers of their own resurrection and eternal life. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to view death not as an end, but as a peaceful sleep and a necessary sowing for the glorious harvest of resurrection that awaits all who believe in Christ.

  • Fields White for Harvest

    In this powerful sermon, C.H. Spurgeon urges believers to recognize the urgency of the Gospel message and the readiness of the harvest. He challenges the complacency of Christians who wait for future opportunities to share their faith, emphasizing that the fields are ripe for harvest now. Spurgeon calls for immediate action, encouraging believers to engage in evangelism and to trust in God’s power to save souls today.

  • Labor in Vain

    In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon explores the futility of human efforts in seeking salvation apart from Christ. Using the story of Jonah, he illustrates how sinners often strive desperately to save themselves through moral reform, religious observance, or intellectual belief, yet ultimately fail to find peace. Spurgeon emphasizes that true salvation comes only through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, who was cast into the sea of divine wrath for our sake, bringing calm to our troubled souls.