The Arm of the Lord #4

April 1st, 1957
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Summary

Brother Sparks continues to explore the question, "To whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?" He emphasizes the urgent need for God's power in personal lives, the Church, and the world. He presents a hypothetical scenario of a patient needing a painful remedy, paralleling it with the spiritual condition of believers. The only remedy for spiritual maladies is the cross of Jesus Christ, which is often met with resistance due to its unpleasantness and the divided public opinion surrounding it. Sparks argues that the cross is essential for the exaltation and vindication of Christ, and our acceptance of it reflects our true concern for His glory. He stresses that God's ways are constructive, aiming for growth and recovery rather than destruction. The cross, while it may seem negative, is a positive instrument for achieving eternal values. Sparks concludes by asserting that the arm of the Lord is revealed through humility and brokenness, and that true growth in the Church comes from embracing the cross, which clears the way for God's purposes.

Outline of Main Points

  1. Introduction to the need for God's power.
  2. Hypothetical scenario illustrating spiritual needs.
  3. The cross as the only remedy for spiritual issues.
  4. Resistance to the cross due to its unpleasantness.
  5. The cross's role in Christ's exaltation and vindication.
  6. God's constructive and purposeful ways.
  7. The cross as a positive instrument for eternal values.
  8. Importance of humility and brokenness for revealing God's power.
  9. True growth in the Church through acceptance of the cross.
Scriptures Referenced
Isaiah 53:1

1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Isaiah 52:13

13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

Romans 6:1-2

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Romans 8:1

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Philippians 2:8

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

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