The Winnowing Fan

Study Guide for “The Winnowing Fan” Sermon

Introduction

In this powerful sermon, C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of pursuing both peace and holiness in the Christian life. He warns against the dangers of self-righteousness and self-indulgence, urging believers to actively seek holiness while maintaining peace with others. Spurgeon highlights that without holiness, no one will see the Lord, and he calls for self-examination and diligence in avoiding sin and bitterness.

Discussion Questions

  1. Pursuing Peace and Holiness: How can we actively pursue peace with others while also striving for personal holiness? What practical steps can we take to balance these two pursuits in our daily lives?

  2. Self-Examination: Spurgeon encourages self-examination to ensure we are not failing in the grace of God. What questions can we ask ourselves to assess our spiritual health and relationship with Christ?

  3. Roots of Bitterness: What are some “roots of bitterness” that can arise in our lives or communities? How can we identify and address these issues before they cause division or trouble?

  4. The Role of Humility: Spurgeon speaks about the importance of humility in the Christian life. In what ways can humility help us in our pursuit of holiness and peace with others?

  5. The Danger of Hypocrisy: How can we guard against the temptation to live hypocritically, professing faith while indulging in sin? What does it mean to have a genuine faith that produces good works?

  6. The Call to Action: Spurgeon emphasizes that holiness requires action and effort. What are some specific actions you can take this week to pursue holiness in your life?

  7. The Importance of Community: How can we support one another in our pursuit of holiness and peace within our church community? What role does accountability play in this process?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your grace and the call to pursue peace and holiness. Help me to examine my heart and reveal any areas where I may be falling short. Grant me the strength to actively seek holiness in my thoughts, words, and actions, and to extend peace to those around me. May I be a vessel of Your love and grace, reflecting the character of Christ in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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