Divine Willingness and Christ's Eternal Power

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Willingness and Grace

God's people are made willing in the day of His power, not by human effort but through divine grace. This willingness is a hallmark of true conversion, illustrating that salvation is a work of God, not man. In the day of God's power, hearts are transformed, and souls are gathered not by human eloquence or strength but by the divine work of grace. This transformation is a reminder that true conversion is a work of God, not of man. It is a divine act that makes hearts receptive to the gospel, illustrating the profound truth that salvation is a gift from God. [04:18]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace rather than your own efforts? How can you invite His transformative power into these areas today?

Day 2: Mysterious Transformation

The metaphor of dew from the womb of the morning highlights the mysterious and divine nature of conversion. Just as dew appears silently and abundantly, so will God's people come forth, divinely called and refreshed. This transformation is not something that can be fully understood or explained by human reasoning. It is a divine mystery, a work of God that brings about a profound change in the hearts of His people. The silent and abundant appearance of dew serves as a powerful illustration of how God's people are called and refreshed by His divine power. [28:40]

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a change in your heart that you couldn't fully explain. How can you remain open to God's mysterious work in your life today?

Day 3: Christ's Eternal Youth

Unlike earthly leaders who age and weaken, Christ retains the "dew of His youth," remaining eternally powerful and fresh. This assures us that the gospel's power has not diminished and that Christ continues to lead His people with vigor. The enduring vitality of Christ and His message is a source of encouragement for believers. It reminds us that the gospel is as fresh and potent today as it was at Pentecost, and that Christ's leadership is marked by eternal strength and authority. [32:26]

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Reflection: In what ways can you draw strength from the unchanging nature of Christ in your current circumstances? How does His eternal youthfulness inspire you to live out your faith?

Day 4: Enduring Gospel Power

The gospel is as fresh and potent today as it was at Pentecost. This enduring vitality should inspire believers to proclaim it boldly, trusting in its power to transform lives. The message of the gospel has not lost its power or relevance over time. It remains a dynamic force that can bring about transformation in the lives of individuals and communities. Believers are encouraged to trust in the gospel's power and to share it with confidence, knowing that it has the ability to change hearts and lives. [37:11]

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV): "Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."

Reflection: How can you boldly share the gospel with someone in your life this week? What steps can you take to trust in its power to transform?

Day 5: Call to Zealous Service

Believers are encouraged to serve with youthful zeal, inspired by the enduring freshness of Christ's gospel. This call to action is a reminder that our service should reflect the vigor and enthusiasm of our first encounter with Christ. The enduring freshness of the gospel should inspire believers to serve with passion and dedication. It is a call to action that encourages believers to reflect the vigor and enthusiasm of their initial encounter with Christ in their daily lives and service. [41:43]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: What is one area of service where you can reignite your passion and enthusiasm? How can you approach this area with the same zeal as when you first encountered Christ?

Sermon Summary

Psalm 110:3 presents a profound promise about the willing nature of God's people and the enduring strength of Christ. This verse, though initially perplexing, reveals deep truths about the relationship between Christ and His followers. The psalm is a coronation hymn, celebrating Christ's eternal kingship and the assurance that He will never lack subjects. The promise is twofold: first, concerning His people, and second, concerning Christ Himself.

The promise to Christ's people is that they will be willing in the day of His power. This willingness is not born of human effort but is a divine work of grace. It is not in the day of human power or eloquence that souls are gathered, but in the day when God pours out His power. This divine power transforms hearts, making them receptive to the gospel. It is a reminder that true conversion is a work of God, not of man. The metaphor of dew from the womb of the morning illustrates the mysterious and divine nature of this transformation. Just as dew appears silently and abundantly, so will God's people come forth, divinely called and refreshed.

The second promise is about Christ Himself, who retains the "dew of His youth." Unlike earthly leaders who age and weaken, Christ remains eternally youthful and powerful. His gospel is as fresh and potent today as it was at Pentecost. This enduring vitality of Christ and His message is a source of encouragement for believers. It assures us that the gospel's power has not diminished and that Christ continues to lead His people with the same vigor and authority.

In light of these promises, believers are called to pray for the day of God's power, to labor with the assurance that Christ's kingdom will prevail, and to serve with youthful zeal. The enduring freshness of Christ's gospel should inspire us to proclaim it boldly, trusting in its power to transform lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Divine Willingness: God's people are made willing in the day of His power, not by human effort but through divine grace. This willingness is a hallmark of true conversion, illustrating that salvation is a work of God, not man. [04:18]
2. Mysterious Transformation: The metaphor of dew from the womb of the morning highlights the mysterious and divine nature of conversion. Just as dew appears silently and abundantly, so will God's people come forth, divinely called and refreshed. [28:40]
3. Christ's Eternal Youth: Unlike earthly leaders who age and weaken, Christ retains the "dew of His youth," remaining eternally powerful and fresh. This assures us that the gospel's power has not diminished and that Christ continues to lead His people with vigor. [32:26]
4. Enduring Gospel Power: The gospel is as fresh and potent today as it was at Pentecost. This enduring vitality should inspire believers to proclaim it boldly, trusting in its power to transform lives. [37:11]
5. Call to Zealous Service: Believers are encouraged to serve with youthful zeal, inspired by the enduring freshness of Christ's gospel. This call to action is a reminder that our service should reflect the vigor and enthusiasm of our first encounter with Christ. [41:43]
** [41:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - Introduction to Psalm 110:3
[02:09] - The Coronation Psalm
[03:34] - Christ's Subjects and Their Willingness
[05:03] - The Day of God's Power
[07:13] - The Power of Preaching
[09:32] - Personal Day of Power
[11:03] - Future Day of Power
[13:08] - Willingness in the Day of Battle
[15:19] - God's People in Action
[17:35] - The Promise of a People
[19:04] - Disposition of God's People
[21:15] - The Work of Grace
[24:52] - Beauties of Holiness
[27:52] - The Womb of the Morning
[32:26] - Christ's Eternal Youth
[37:11] - Enduring Gospel Power
[41:43] - Call to Zealous Service

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- Psalm 110:3

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**Observation Questions:**

What is the significance of the phrase "thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power" in Psalm 110:3, and how does it relate to the concept of divine grace? [04:18]
How does the metaphor of "dew from the womb of the morning" illustrate the nature of conversion according to the sermon? [28:40]
In what ways does the sermon describe Christ's eternal youth and its impact on the gospel's power? [32:26]
What does the sermon suggest about the role of human effort versus divine power in the process of conversion? [05:03]

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**Interpretation Questions:**

How does the sermon interpret the promise that God's people will be willing in the day of His power, and what implications does this have for understanding conversion? [04:18]
What does the metaphor of dew suggest about the mysterious and divine nature of God's work in bringing people to faith? [28:40]
How does the sermon explain the concept of Christ retaining the "dew of His youth," and what does this mean for the vitality of the gospel message today? [32:26]
In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to pray for and anticipate the day of God's power? [11:03]

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**Application Questions:**

Reflect on a time when you felt a divine willingness to follow God's call. How did this experience differ from times when you relied solely on your own effort? [04:18]
The sermon uses the metaphor of dew to describe conversion. Can you think of a moment in your life when a change occurred quietly and mysteriously, much like the appearance of dew? How did this impact your faith journey? [28:40]
How can the concept of Christ's eternal youth inspire you to approach your faith with renewed vigor and enthusiasm? What practical steps can you take to keep your faith fresh and vibrant? [32:26]
The sermon emphasizes the enduring power of the gospel. How can you boldly proclaim the gospel in your daily life, trusting in its power to transform lives? [37:11]
Consider the call to serve with youthful zeal. What specific actions can you take this week to serve others with the same enthusiasm and energy as when you first encountered Christ? [41:43]
How can you incorporate prayer for the day of God's power into your regular spiritual practices? What changes might you expect to see in your life and community as a result? [11:03]
Reflect on the idea that true conversion is a work of God, not man. How does this understanding affect your approach to sharing your faith with others? [05:03]

Sermon Clips

thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of Holiness from the womb of the morning thou Hast the due of thy youth Psalm 110:3 a willing people and an immutable leader a sermon delivered by CH Spurgeon Lord's Day morning April the 13th 1856 never verse in scripture has puzzled me more than this to find out its meaning and its Connection in reading it over hastily at first sight it may appear very easy but if you search into it very carefully you will find you can with difficulty string the words together or give them any intelligible meaning [00:01:19]

the psalm is a kind of Coronation Psalm Christ is bidden to take his throne sit thou at my right hand the scepter is put into his hand the Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion and then the question is asked where are his people for a king would be no king without subjects the highest title of kingship is but an empty one that hath no subjects to make up its fullness where then shall Christ find that which shall be the fullness of him that filth all in all [00:02:32]

our fears are all put to rest by this passage thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of Holiness from the womb of the morning and by the second promise thou Hast the due of thy youth these thoughts are placed here to lay the anxieties of God's believing people and to let them see how Christ shall indeed be king and never lack a multitude of subjects first here is a promise concerning his people and secondly here is a promise concerning Christ himself that he shall always be as strong as free as new and as mightier Christ as ever [00:03:40]

here is a promise of time in the day of thy power here is a promise of people thy people here is a promise of disposition thy people shall be willing here is a promise of character thy people shall be willing in the beauties of Holiness and here is a majestic IC figure to show the manner in which they shall be brought forth by a very bold metaphor they are said to come out as mysteriously as the Dew drops from the womb of the morning we know not how but they are produced by God [00:04:36]

it is not the day when man feels himself to be the most Mighty that souls are gathered for alas God's servants sometimes preach until their self-complacency tells them they have been exceedingly eloquent and mighty and that therefore men must be saved but there is no promise that in the day of our power we shall ever see men gathered to Christ there are times too when the people seem to have a great power of seeking after God and when they have the power of hearing but there is no promise that just when an excitement Reigns and when there appears to be power in the creature that such a day shall be the day of God's in gathering [00:05:37]

there is also a day of power in every Sinner's heart for alas the general day of power which occurs to our congregation omits many many over whom we have had to weep while hundreds shed tears of penitence other hundreds sit stolid and unmoved while some Hearts Leap for very Joy others abound in the Fetters of ignorance and are sleeping the sleep of death while God is pouring out his Spirit till some hearts are full to the very brim ready to burst there is some dry without a drop of the Heavenly moisture [00:08:32]

there must be a work of Grace making men willing in the day of God's power we do not know whether you think that fair logic we think it is we have been accused of having no logic and we are not particularly sorry about that for we would rather have what men call dogmatism than logic it is Christ's to prove it is ours to preach we leave argument to Christ for us we have only to affirm what we see in God's word God's people are to be a willing people we can tell who are the children by the fact that they are willing [00:21:04]

I think this word applies not only to their being willing to be saved but willing to work after they are saved did you ever know a minister who preached on the Sunday but who at the prayer meeting on the Monday night seemed as if he would much rather be at home and if there was a lecture on Thursday did not he poor man come up as as if he were about to perform some enormously hard Duty what do you think of him why you think he is not one of the people of God else he would be willing [00:22:58]

this is how they shall be clothed not merely in Holiness but in the beauties of Holiness for Holiness hath its Beauties its gems its pearls and what are these they shall be clothed in the beauties of the Holiness of imputed righteousness and of imparted Grace God's people are in themselves a deformed people hence their comeliness must be given them the standard of beauty is saintship if an angel should descend from heaven and carry up to God the most beautiful creature he could find he would not cull Earth's roses he would not gather her lips is but he would take up to heaven the fair character of a child of God [00:25:08]

so God's people will come forth as noiselessly as mysteriously as divinely as if they came from the womb of the morning like the DW drops philosophy has labored to discover the origin of Dew and perhaps has guessed it but to the Eastern one of the greatest riddles was was out of whose womb came the Dew who is the mother of those pearly drops now so will God's people come mysteriously it will be said by the bystander there was nothing in that man's preaching I thought I should hear an oror this man has been made the means of Salvation to thousands and I thought I should hear an eloquent man but I have heard a great many preachers far more intelligent and intellectual than he how were these Souls converted why they have come from the womb of the morning [00:28:40]

this is the great source of gospel success that Christ has the due of his youth Jesus Christ personally has the due of his youth certain leaders in their young days have led their troops to battle and by the loudness of their voice and the strength of their bodies they have inspired their men with courage but the old Warrior hath his hair sewn with gray he begins to be decrepit and no longer can lead men to battle it is not so with Jesus Christ he has still the due of his youth the same Christ who led his troops to battle in his early youth leads them now the arm which smote The Sinner with his word smites now it is as unpulsed as it was before [00:32:26]

the gospel has the same Spirit attending it now that it had when it was a young gospel as Peter stood up to preach then so may peters's now and God shall give them the same unction as Paul preached then so shall Paul's now as Timothy upheld the Lord's word so may Timothy now and the same Holy Spirit shall attend it I'm afraid Christ's people do not believe this sentence that Christ has the due of his youth they have a notion that the times of great revivals are gone by and the fathers they ask where are they we are apt to cry the horses of Israel and the Chariots thereof no one will ever wear Elijah's Mantle again we shall never see great and wondrous Deeds again oh foolish unbelief Christ has still the due of his youth [00:37:11]

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