Study Guide for “Life in Earnest” Sermon
Introduction
In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedness in our work, particularly in our spiritual lives. Drawing from the example of King Hezekiah, who “did it with all his heart and prospered,” Spurgeon challenges believers to approach their faith with the same diligence and fervor that they apply to their daily endeavors. He warns against the dangers of lukewarmness and encourages Christians to be earnest in their pursuit of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
Discussion Questions
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Wholeheartedness in Work: How can we apply the principle of doing our work with all our heart in both our secular and spiritual lives? What does this look like in practice?
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The Role of Zeal: Spurgeon mentions that false religions have spread due to the zeal of their followers. How can we cultivate a similar zeal for the true faith in our own lives and communities?
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Perseverance in Faith: Reflect on a time when you faced challenges in your spiritual journey. How did your earnestness or lack thereof affect your perseverance? What can you learn from that experience?
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Impact of Prayer: Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of fervent prayer. How can we deepen our prayer life to reflect a more earnest desire for God’s guidance and blessing?
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Awareness of Souls: The sermon highlights the urgency of reaching out to the lost. How can we become more aware of the spiritual needs of those around us, and what steps can we take to address those needs?
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Personal Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel you are not serving God with all your heart? What practical steps can you take to change this?
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The Love of Christ: How does the love of Christ compel you to act? In what ways can this love motivate you to serve others and share the gospel?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a humble heart, seeking to serve You with all my strength and passion. Help me to recognize the areas in my life where I have been lukewarm or half-hearted. Ignite a fire within me that compels me to pursue Your will earnestly and to share Your love with those around me. May I be a vessel of Your grace, reflecting the zeal of Christ in all that I do. Guide me in my prayers, and grant me the strength to persevere in my faith. Thank You for Your unfailing love and for the opportunity to serve You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
