Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit · Sermon No. 487
“For in that He Himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18.
My text, furnishing the motto for the congregation for the New Year is, as you know, always supplied to me by a most venerable clergyman of the Church of England who has ever showed to me the most constant and affectionate regard. I have no doubt that the present text has been suggested to this aged servant of the Lord by his deep experience at once of affliction and deliverance—for there he has learned his need of solid, substantial food—fat things full of marrow, fit for the veteran warriors of the Cross. Having been tempted these many years in the wilderness, my esteemed friend finds that as his natural strength decays, he needs more and more to cast himself upon the tenderness of the Redeemer’s love. And he is led more fully to look to Him who is his only help and succor in every day of trouble, finding consolation alone in the Person of Christ Jesus the Lord.
My text seems to me to be a staff fitted for hoary age to lean upon in the rough places of the way—a sword with which the strong man may fight in all hours of conflict. A shield with which youth may cover itself in the time of peril and a royal chariot in which babes in grace may ride in safety. There is something here forever one of us. As Solomon puts it, a portion for seven and also for eight. If we consider the Great Prophet and High Priest of our profession—Jesus Christ—as being tempted in all points, we shall not grow weary or faint in our minds, but shall gird up our loins for our future journey and like Elijah go in the strength of this meat for many days to come.
You that are tempted—and I suppose the major part of this present congregation is included in the list—you that are tempted—and indeed if you know yourselves you are all in your measure thus exercised—you that are tempted listen to me this morning while I endeavor to speak of your temptations and in parallel lines of the temptations of Him who, having known your trials is able to succor you at all times.
I. Our first point this morning is this—MANY SOULS ARE TEMPTED—CHRIST WAS TEMPTED. All the heirs of Heaven pass under the yoke. All true gold must feel the fire. All wheat must be threshed. All diamonds must be cut. All saints must endure temptation.
1. They are tempted from all quarters. It is as Christ’s parable puts it concerning the house whose foundation was on the rock—“The rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house but it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.” The descending rain may represent temptations from above. The floods pouring their devastating torrents upon the land may well denote the trials which spring from the world while the howling winds may typify those mysterious influences of evil which issue from the Prince of the power of the air.
Now whether we shudder at the descending rain or fear before the uprising flood. Whether we are amazed at the mysterious energy of the winds, it is well to recollect our blessed Lord was tempted in all points like as we are. This is to be our consolation—that nothing strange to the Head has happened to the members.
Beloved Friends, it is possible that we may be tempted by God. I know it is written that “God is not tempted, neither tempts He any man.” Yet I read in Scripture, “It came to pass that God did tempt Abraham.” And I know it is a part of the prayer which we are taught to offer before God—“Lead us not into temptation”—by which it is clearly implied that God does lead into temptation or why else should we be taught to entreat Him not to do so? In one sense of the term “tempt,” a pure and holy God can have no share. But in another sense He does tempt His people. The temptation which comes from God is altogether that of trial.
A trial, not with an evil design as are the temptations of Satan, but a trial meant to prove and strengthen our graces. And so at once to illustrate the power of divine grace, to test the genuineness of our virtues and to add to their energy.
You remember that Abraham was tried and tested of God when he was bid to go to a mountain that God would show him, there to offer up his son Isaac. You and I may have a like experience. God may call us in the path of obedience to a great and singular sacrifice. The desire of our eyes may be demanded of us in an hour—or He may summon us to a tremendous duty far surpassing all our strength.
We may be tempted by the weight of the responsibility, like Jonah, to flee from the presence of the Lord. We can only know when placed in the position what temptations the Lord’s message may involve. But, Beloved, whatever these may be our Great High Priest has felt them all. His Father called Him to a work of the most terrific character. He laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. He ordained Him, the second Adam, the bearer of the curse, the destroyer of death, the conqueror of Hell, the seed of the woman to be wounded in the heel and elected to bruise the serpent’s head. Our Lord was appointed to toil at the loom and there, with ever-flying shuttle, to weave a perfect garment of righteousness for all His people.