Clearing Spiritual Rubbish: Building on Christ's Foundation
Summary
In the sermon, the focus is on the metaphorical "rubbish" that hinders the building of the spiritual wall, both in the church and within individual believers. Drawing from Nehemiah 4:10, the sermon explores the challenges faced by the people of God in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, likening it to the spiritual challenges faced by the church today. The historical context of Jerusalem's destruction by Nebuchadnezzar is used to illustrate the completeness of the ruin and the daunting task of rebuilding amidst the debris.
The sermon emphasizes that just as the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem was hindered by literal rubbish, the spiritual building of the church is impeded by various forms of "rubbish." This includes the remnants of old religious traditions, pagan philosophies, and the errors of the Church of Rome, which have historically obscured the truth and hindered spiritual progress. The sermon also highlights the internal rubbish within believers, such as pride, unbelief, and old habits, which obstruct personal spiritual growth.
Despite these challenges, the sermon offers hope and encouragement. It reminds believers that the foundation of the church is laid in Christ, and the work of building is ultimately God's. The sermon calls for perseverance, faith, and diligence in overcoming these obstacles, trusting in God's strength and guidance. It encourages believers to focus on the essentials of faith, to clear away the spiritual debris, and to build upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Challenge of Spiritual Rubbish: Just as physical rubbish hindered the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, spiritual rubbish—such as outdated traditions and false teachings—obstructs the growth of the church and individual believers. Clearing this debris is essential for spiritual progress. [03:27]
2. Historical and Modern Hindrances: Throughout history, the church has faced various obstacles, from pagan philosophies to doctrinal errors. These have been like mountains of rubbish, obscuring the truth and hindering the church's mission. Yet, through perseverance and divine aid, these obstacles can be overcome. [12:16]
3. Internal Rubbish in Believers: Within each believer lies personal rubbish—pride, unbelief, and old habits—that impedes spiritual growth. Recognizing and addressing these internal barriers is crucial for building a strong spiritual life. [31:47]
4. The Foundation in Christ: Despite the challenges, the foundation of the church is secure in Christ. Believers are called to build upon this foundation with faith and diligence, trusting in God's strength and guidance to complete the work. [25:31]
5. Perseverance and Faith: The sermon encourages believers to persevere in faith, diligently working to remove spiritual rubbish and build upon the foundation of Christ. This requires a focus on the essentials of faith and a commitment to spiritual growth. [43:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Rubbish
- [00:27] - Destruction of Jerusalem
- [01:25] - Modern Examples of Ruins
- [03:27] - Spiritual Rubbish in the Church
- [05:09] - Apostolic Challenges
- [07:23] - Paganism and Philosophy
- [12:16] - Roman and Popish Rubbish
- [15:19] - Worldly Rubbish
- [19:38] - Personal Rubbish in Believers
- [25:31] - The Foundation in Christ
- [31:47] - Internal Struggles
- [36:51] - Rubbish of Self-Importance
- [40:12] - Assurance in Christ
- [43:14] - Perseverance and Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Nehemiah 4:10
2. Jude 1:20-21
3. 1 Corinthians 3:11
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the historical context of Jerusalem's destruction, and how does it relate to the metaphor of "rubbish" in Nehemiah 4:10? [00:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the "rubbish" that hinders the building of the church today? [03:27]
3. What are some examples of "internal rubbish" within believers mentioned in the sermon? [31:47]
4. According to the sermon, what is the foundation of the church, and why is it significant? [25:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the historical destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar serve as a metaphor for the spiritual challenges faced by the church today? [00:27]
2. In what ways do outdated traditions and false teachings act as "rubbish" that obstructs spiritual growth, according to the sermon? [12:16]
3. How does the sermon suggest believers should deal with the "internal rubbish" of pride, unbelief, and old habits? [31:47]
4. What role does perseverance and faith play in overcoming spiritual obstacles, as discussed in the sermon? [43:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: What "rubbish" might be hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you begin to clear it away? [31:47]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of building on the foundation of Christ. How can you ensure that your spiritual life is firmly rooted in this foundation? [25:31]
3. Consider the "rubbish" of outdated traditions or false teachings. Are there any beliefs or practices in your life that need reevaluation in light of biblical truth? [12:16]
4. How can you cultivate perseverance and faith in your daily walk with God, especially when facing spiritual challenges? [43:14]
5. Identify one internal struggle, such as pride or unbelief, that you want to address. What practical steps can you take this week to overcome it? [31:47]
6. The sermon calls for a focus on the essentials of faith. What are the core elements of your faith that you want to prioritize, and how can you do so? [43:14]
7. How can you support others in your community or church who are also working to clear away spiritual "rubbish" and build upon the foundation of Christ? [03:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Clearing Spiritual Rubbish for Growth
The spiritual growth of both the church and individual believers is often hindered by metaphorical "rubbish." This includes outdated traditions, false teachings, and remnants of past errors that obscure the truth and impede progress. Just as the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was obstructed by literal debris, spiritual rubbish must be cleared away to allow for true growth and development. Believers are called to identify and remove these obstacles, focusing on the essentials of faith to build a strong spiritual foundation. [03:27]
Isaiah 57:14 (ESV): "And it shall be said, 'Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way.'"
Reflection: What outdated traditions or beliefs might be hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you begin to clear them away today?
Day 2: Overcoming Historical and Modern Hindrances
Throughout history, the church has faced numerous obstacles, from pagan philosophies to doctrinal errors, which have acted as mountains of rubbish, obscuring the truth and hindering its mission. These challenges continue in modern times, but through perseverance and divine aid, they can be overcome. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting in God's strength to navigate these hindrances and fulfill the church's mission. [12:16]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What modern philosophies or societal pressures challenge your faith, and how can you rely on God's strength to overcome them?
Day 3: Addressing Internal Rubbish in Believers
Within each believer lies personal rubbish—pride, unbelief, and old habits—that impedes spiritual growth. Recognizing and addressing these internal barriers is crucial for building a strong spiritual life. By identifying these personal obstacles, believers can work towards removing them, allowing for a deeper relationship with God and a more vibrant spiritual journey. [31:47]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: What personal habits or attitudes are hindering your spiritual growth, and what steps can you take to address them today?
Day 4: Building on the Foundation in Christ
Despite the challenges faced by the church and individual believers, the foundation of the church is secure in Christ. Believers are called to build upon this foundation with faith and diligence, trusting in God's strength and guidance to complete the work. By focusing on the essentials of faith and clearing away spiritual debris, believers can construct a strong spiritual life rooted in Christ. [25:31]
1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you actively build upon the foundation of Christ in your daily life, and what specific actions can you take to strengthen your faith?
Day 5: Perseverance and Faith in Spiritual Growth
Believers are encouraged to persevere in faith, diligently working to remove spiritual rubbish and build upon the foundation of Christ. This requires a focus on the essentials of faith and a commitment to spiritual growth. By trusting in God's strength and guidance, believers can overcome obstacles and continue to grow in their relationship with Him. [43:14]
James 1:4 (ESV): "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life do you need to persevere, and how can you cultivate a steadfast faith to continue growing in your relationship with God?
Quotes
There is much rubbish so that we are not able to build the wall Nehemiah chapter 4 verse 10. Rubbish a sermon delivered by CH Spurgeon in the year 1874. Remember that Jerusalem had been totally destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and what destruction by the Babylonians meant may be inferred from the vast heaps of the Dust of powdered bricks and charred wood which have been discovered upon the sites of cities which were utterly Raised To The Ground by the fierce soldiery of the terrible King. [00:00:10]
Now this it seems to me is intended or at least may justifiably be used for a type of the work which God's people have to carry on in the name of Jesus and in the power of His spirit in the world we have to build the wall of the church for God but we cannot build it for there is so much rubbish in our way. [00:03:31]
When Paul began to build for God and the apostles went forth as wise Master Builders they lay before them in towering heaps the old Jewish rubbish hard to remove heavy to bear away and in quantity equal to a huge hill the foundation was there thank God we have not delayed that that is laid in Christ Jesus and firmly laid and other Foundation can no man lay. [00:05:22]
The apostles had to begin their gospel labor amongst their fellow countrymen in the midst of this much rubbish no sooner did they begin to remove the worthless deposits then the lovers of tradition assailed them raised a great dust and became their violent persecutors following them from City to City scandalizing them and committing all manner of violence against them. [00:06:25]
Yet those who went before us labored on amidst that foul and noise some rubbish and was so successful in their Earnest excavations that at this day no one thinks of worshiping Jupiter or Saturn or Venus or Mercury these demon deities have gone to the limbo from whence they came they had been smitten Smitten by the gospel and they have withered like grass. [00:08:48]
This popish rubbish was found in layers first one doctrinal error and then another and then another and then another till at this time the errors of the Church of Rome are as countless as the stars as black as midnight and as foul as hell her Abominations reek in the nostrils of all good men her idolatries are the scorn of reason and the abhorrence of faith. [00:12:30]
There is much rubbish arising from the World the Flesh and the devil so that we are not able to build the wall look at human sin how that impedes us oh if there were no false systems of religion if priest and Scribe were silent if false prophet and Antichrist were both out of the way yet the sins of men are a vast and hideous mass of rotten rubbish. [00:16:30]
Do you not often feel that you cannot be built up in Heavenly Graces because of the rubbish of your own corrupt nature Oh What a Fool the fool was what a total ruin did it make of our moral nature Brethren do not discover I do almost every day some fresh heap of rubbish which I hardly knew was there points in which we thought ourselves strong turn out to be our weaknesses. [00:31:47]
Then there is often times in Christian people the old rubbish of legal thought of legal acting and legal fearing in our old estate we were going to be saved by our own merits that was our notion since our conversion we doctrinally abort the idea of any thought of human Merit but experimentally we indulge it the legal spirit will come in like an ill weed. [00:33:16]
And therefore finally let us by divine grace work on in faith with diligence in faith I say believing that our work of faith and labor of love are not in vain in the Lord believing that prayer is not a vain exercise the Drawing Near to God in communion is not a vain thing that trusting in the Lord is no idle dream but that surely he will complete what he has begun. [00:43:14]
Look that she be built on the foundation that is the last and yet the first question are you on the foundation some build very rapidly but they are not on the foundation yes you have a fine character and you make a noble profession but is the palatial structure based on the rocky Foundation or on the sand. [00:44:25]
But if you are a poor and needy sinner and you have rested your soul on Jesus and then renewed in Heart by his Spirit have been zealous for good works then is it no longer sand built on Sand but the work of the spirit of God upon the One Foundation which God laid from all eternity in the person and the work of his only begotten son. [00:45:26]
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