The Minister’s Stock-Taking

Study Guide for “The Minister’s Stock-Taking”

Introduction

In this sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon reflects on the diverse responses to the preaching of the Gospel, as illustrated in Acts 28:24. He emphasizes that true success in ministry is not measured by the number of listeners or their applause, but by the genuine belief in Christ that results from the preaching. Spurgeon challenges both ministers and congregants to consider the implications of belief and unbelief, urging a deeper understanding of the Gospel’s transformative power.

Discussion Questions

  1. Understanding Belief: What does it mean to truly believe in Christ, according to Spurgeon? How does this differ from merely hearing the Gospel?

  2. Personal Reflection: Reflect on your own journey of faith. Can you identify a moment when the message of the Gospel truly penetrated your heart? What was that experience like?

  3. The Role of the Minister: Spurgeon discusses the qualities of a good preacher. What characteristics do you believe are essential for a minister to effectively communicate the Gospel? How can these qualities impact the congregation’s response?

  4. The Nature of Unbelief: Why does Spurgeon argue that the responsibility for unbelief lies with the individual? How does this perspective challenge common views about faith and salvation?

  5. Emotional Responses: Spurgeon mentions that tears and emotional responses do not necessarily indicate true belief. How can we discern between genuine conviction and mere emotionalism in our own lives and in the lives of others?

  6. Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: How does Spurgeon reconcile the concepts of God’s sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility in belief? What implications does this have for how we share the Gospel with others?

  7. Action Steps: After reflecting on the sermon, what steps can you take to deepen your own faith or to encourage others in their journey toward belief in Christ?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Word and the truth of the Gospel. Help me to understand the depth of what it means to believe in You. May I not be merely a hearer of the Word, but a doer, allowing Your truth to transform my heart and life. I pray for those around me who struggle with belief; grant them the grace to see the beauty of Christ and the hope found in Him. May Your Spirit work in me and through me to share the message of salvation with clarity and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Similar Posts

  • Heavenly Love-Sickness

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon explores the profound longing of the soul for communion with Christ, as expressed in the phrase “sick of love.” He distinguishes between two types of love-sickness: one that arises from the joy of experiencing Christ’s love and another that stems from the sorrow of feeling His absence. Spurgeon emphasizes that this longing is a sign of spiritual health and a deep desire for a closer relationship with Jesus, ultimately leading to a greater understanding of His grace and glory.

  • Enduring to the End

    Byeditor

    In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the Christian faith, drawing from Matthew 10:22, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Spurgeon warns against the temptations and trials that believers face, particularly those in ministry, and encourages all Christians to remain steadfast in their faith. He illustrates the glory of Christ in the perseverance of His followers and calls for a commitment to endure through life’s challenges, assuring that true believers will ultimately be saved.

  • Jacob’s Waking Exclamation

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon reflects on Jacob’s realization of God’s omnipresence as he awakens from a dream. Jacob, fleeing from his family, feels alone and distant from God, yet he discovers that God is with him even in unfamiliar territory. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s presence in all aspects of life—nature, providence, and grace—and encourages believers to live with the awareness that God is always near.

  • A Sharp Knife for the Vine Branches

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the words of Jesus in John 15:2, emphasizing the importance of self-examination and the necessity of bearing fruit as a sign of true faith. He contrasts two types of branches in Christ: those that bear no fruit and are taken away, and those that bear fruit and are pruned for greater productivity. Spurgeon encourages believers to seek genuine fruitfulness in their lives, reminding them that trials and pruning are part of God’s loving process to cultivate spiritual growth.