Light is Given to be Used

In this part of the sermon: Jesus reinforces the duty with the first aphorism, the 'law of equivalent returns': 'with what measure you meet, it shall be measured unto you, and more shall be given.' This…

This common aphorism illustrates the general truth that industriousness often leads to greater gains, serving as an example of the type of concise principle Jesus uses.

An aphorism is a short concise statement of a principle. A short pointed sentence expressing a wise observation or a general truth. Have you ever heard the little aphorism? It's the early bird that gets the worm?

12:59 - 13:18 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Jesus reinforces the duty with the first aphorism, the 'law of equivalent returns': 'with what measure you meet, it shall be measured unto you, and more shall be given.' This…

This aphorism illustrates the principle that progress in any endeavor requires effort and sacrifice, further exemplifying the nature of the principles Jesus uses to reinforce his command.

That's an aphorism. That's a short concise statement expressing a wise observation or a general truth. And when we say it's the early bird that gets the worm we're expressing the general truth that usually the most industrious person gets the most gains. Or you've heard the little aphorism no gains without pains.

13:18 - 13:40 Read in full sermon

Driving home: You heard the little aphorism if you don't use it you lose it. That's this right here. You don't use it you lose it.

This common saying illustrates the law of inevitable increase or decrease, explaining that spiritual faculties or knowledge, if not actively used and pursued, will diminish.

that which he seems to have shall be taken away from him. You heard the little aphorism if you don't use it you lose it. That's this right here. You don't use it you lose it.

25:30 - 25:47 Read in full sermon

The point: Parents, if you have heard clear instruction about governing your children's wills, are you willing to pay the price to master their wills?

Martin shares his personal observation from over twenty years in ministry, seeing people who initially 'seemed to have' much but eventually lost it, while others blossomed, fulfilling the prophecy of Mark 4:25.

to master their will here's the prophecy with what measure you meet it shall be measured to you he that hath shall be given he that hath not shall be taken away that which he seems to have I often speak of the privileges and the wonderful wonderful rewards of a lengthy pastorate and they are many but I tell you this is one of the qualities of a lengthy pastorate you live long enough to see this verse fulfilled before your very eyes there were people when I came into this area over twenty years ago who seemed to have and have much but time has shown they have nothing

37:16 - 38:00 Read in full sermon

The point: Parents, if you have heard clear instruction about governing your children's wills, are you willing to pay the price to master their wills?

Martin uses Jesus as the ultimate example of a perfect preacher, highlighting that even His perfect ministry required diligent listening from His hearers to be fruitful, underscoring the responsibility of the listener.

this Light that is everything from the spirit of his ministry to the way in which he structured his sermons. And if you want anything to discourage you as a preacher, it's read a book that sets forth the Lord Jesus as the great preacher.

38:24 - 39:04 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: The text reveals the fundamental reason for differing rates of spiritual growth among God's people: diligence in considering carefully what is heard. Those who learn early to…

Martin uses the analogy of spiritual growth from infancy to full-blown manhood to illustrate that growth rates vary greatly and are not tied to chronological time, but to diligence in spiritual disciplines.

There are people who go from being little-born ones, just out of the womb spiritually, to full-blown manhood in five years.

41:27 - 41:37 Read in full sermon

The point: Take to heart the truth that spiritual growth is not about intellectual cleverness but about diligently considering what is heard.

Martin uses the metaphor of measuring out 'little teaspoon fulls of effort' to describe minimal spiritual application, which will result in 'little teaspoon fulls of return' from God, illustrating the law of equivalent returns.

And the other is too lazy. He feels that when he's read his Bible and gone to church, his work is done! And God says, All right, the law of equivalent returns. You measure out such a paltry bit of effort to consider what you hear, to absorb it, to have it written upon the tables of your heart with power.

44:22 - 44:47 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not avoid the discipline of considering carefully what you hear because it exposes dark areas of the heart and demands costly changes.

Martin quotes Spurgeon's graphic statement about 'innocent little bit of unbelief and hypocrisy' curdling into 'open blasphemy,' illustrating the severe consequence of continued spiritual indifference and the loss of what one seemed to have.

And because you do not consider carefully what you hear, your returns from God are minimal. And if that pattern goes on, it may lead to the time when what you now seem to have will be taken away, and there will be nothing. Spurgeon stated it so graphically. He said, I think, the term he used when what appears to be an innocent little bit of unbelief and hypocrisy will curdle into open blasphemy.

46:12 - 46:44 Read in full sermon