Bootstrap
J.R. Miller

It is not your work that He wants most — it is you!

Mark 6:31; Song of Solomon 2:10
J.R. Miller March, 20 2014 Audio
0 Comments
Choice Puritan Devotional

In the sermon "It is not your work that He wants most — it is you!" by J. R. Miller, the main theological topic is the significance of personal relationship with Christ over mere service. Miller illustrates this through the story of a father and daughter, emphasizing that God desires our companionship and love rather than solely our works. The key Scripture references, Mark 6:31 and Song of Solomon 2:10, support the argument by highlighting the call to intimacy and rest with God, which is often overshadowed by busy work in ministry. The practical significance of this message lies in the warning against losing one's first love for Christ, encouraging believers to prioritize nurturing their relationship with Him over their activities for Him, resonating with Reformed theology's emphasis on grace and faith as the foundation for Christian living.

Key Quotes

“I would rather have my child herself than anything she could make for me.”

“There is real danger that we get so busy in striving to be active Christians that Christ Himself shall be less loved.”

“It is beautiful to do things for Him. It is still more beautiful to make a home for Him in your heart.”

“You have forsaken your first love.”

What does the Bible say about devotion to God?

The Bible emphasizes that God desires our hearts and relationship with Him over our works.

The Scriptures highlight that God seeks our devotion and love more than our efforts. In Mark 6:31, Jesus invites us to come away to a quiet place, which signifies the importance of fellowship and communion with Him. Similarly, Revelation 2:4 warns against losing our first love, reminding us that our relationship with Christ should take precedence over our activities for Him. Genuine devotion to God encourages us to cultivate a deeper personal relationship with Him.

Mark 6:31, Revelation 2:4

How do we know God values our relationship with Him?

God values our relationship as seen in His desire for our presence and love over mere actions.

God's desire for a personal relationship with us is evident throughout the Bible. Through parables and teachings, Jesus illustrates that He seeks not merely our work but our hearts. The story of a father who longs for his daughter’s companionship underscores this truth; he treasures her love more than the beautiful slippers she made for him. Likewise, we are called to prioritize our intimacy with God. His longing for our presence reflects His love and concern for our souls, affirming that He values our relationship above our accomplishments.

Song of Solomon 2:10, Mark 6:31

Why is it important for Christians to nurture their love for Christ?

Nurturing love for Christ is essential to prevent a disconnect in our relationship with Him.

Nurturing our love for Christ is vital for maintaining a thriving Christian life. The danger lies in becoming so busy with church activities and responsibilities that we neglect our personal fellowship with Him. While service to God is important, it should stem from a heart filled with love for Him. When Jesus reprimanded the church in Revelation 2:4 for forsaking their first love, it illustrates how easily we can become distracted. A vibrant love for Christ fuels our zeal and service, ensuring that our actions reflect a genuine relationship rather than mere obligation.

Revelation 2:4, Mark 6:31

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

100%
It is not your work that He wants
most, it is you, J. R. Miller, the glory of the commonplace. Arise, my darling, my beautiful
one, and come with me. Song of Songs 210 He said to
them, Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place. Mark 6 31 G. Campbell Morgan tells of a friend
of his who had a little daughter that he dearly loved. They were
great friends, the father and daughter, and were always together. but there seemed to come an estrangement
on the child's part. The father could not get her
company as formerly. She seemed to shun him. If he
wanted her to walk with him, she always had something else
to do. The father was grieved and could
not understand what the trouble was. His birthday came, and in
the morning, his daughter came to his room, her face radiant
with love, and handed him a present. Opening the parcel, he found
a pair of exquisitely made slippers. The father said, My child, it
was very good of you to buy me such lovely slippers. Oh, father,
she said, I did not buy them, I made them for you. Looking
at her, he said, I think I understand now what long has been a mystery
to me. Is this what you have been doing
for the last three months?" Yes, she said, but how did you know
how long I have been at work on them? He said, because for
three months I have missed your company and your love. I have
wanted you with me, but you have been too busy. These are beautiful
slippers, but next time buy your present, and let me have you
all the days. I would rather have my child
herself than anything she could make for me. Just so, we are
in danger of being so busy in the Lord's work that we cannot
be enough with the Lord in love's fellowship. He may say to us,
I like your works, your toils, your service, but I miss the
love you gave me at first. There is real danger that we
get so busy in striving to be active Christians, so absorbed
in our tasks and duties, our efforts to bring others into
the church, that Christ Himself shall be less loved and shall
miss our communing with Him. Loyalty to Christ means, first
of all, devotion. Has Christ really the highest
place in your heart? It is not your work that He wants
most. It is you. It is beautiful to
do things for Him. It is still more beautiful to
make a home for Him in your heart. A young man, at great cost, brought
from many countries the most beautiful materials he could
find, and built an exquisite little chapel as a memorial to
his dead wife. Only a few men could do anything
so rare, so lovely. but the poorest of us can enthrone
Jesus in our hearts, making a little sanctuary in our hearts for Him. Yet I hold this against you. You have forsaken your first
love. Revelation 2.4
J.R. Miller
About J.R. Miller
James Russell Miller (20 March 1840 — 2 July 1912) was a popular Christian author, Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, and pastor of several churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
Broadcaster:

Comments

0 / 2000 characters
Comments are moderated before appearing.

Be the first to comment!

Joshua

Joshua

Shall we play a game? Ask me about articles, sermons, or theology from our library. I can also help you navigate the site.

0:00 0:00