Bootstrap
James Smith

The aged believer's cordial

Isaiah 43:1-3; Isaiah 46:3-4
James Smith • March, 6 2013 • Audio
0 Comments
James Smith
James Smith • March, 6 2013
Choice Puritan Devotional

In this sermon, James Smith addresses the doctrinal assurance of God's faithfulness to aged believers, emphasizing His role as a tender parent who supports and cares for His people throughout their lives. Smith argues that, like an attentive caregiver, God nurtures His children, particularly as they face the frailties of old age, through His strength and love. Central to his message are the Scripture passages from Isaiah 43:1-3 and Isaiah 46:3-4, which portray God’s unwavering commitment to uphold His people, promising to sustain them "until your hair is white with age." This assurance is significant within Reformed theology, as it emphasizes God's providence and the believer’s security in Christ, ultimately encouraging elderly Christians to trust in God's ongoing care and presence rather than succumbing to fears or doubts.

Key Quotes

“He is our parent, a kind and tender-hearted parent. He is peculiarly attached to His people... He prizes them above all creation.”

“Dear aged Christian, you have nothing to fear. Your God says, I will be your God throughout your lifetime… Trust in it.”

“Hearken to Him, not to unbelief. Hearken to Him, not to carnal reason... it is the guide of your youth who addresses you, it is the tender parent who seeks to cheer your heart.”

“He will carry you, carry you every step. He will deliver you, deliver you from every danger, trouble, and foe.”

What does the Bible say about God's care for the aged believer?

The Bible assures that God will care for believers throughout their lifetimes, especially in old age.

Isaiah 46:3-4 vividly illustrates God's commitment to His people, stating that He will care for them from birth until old age. This passage reassures aged believers that they are not forgotten; rather, God actively supports and sustains them. The imagery of God as a tender parent emphasizes His affectionate relationship with His people, promising to carry and uphold them through their fears and frailties during their twilight years.

Isaiah 43:1-3; Isaiah 46:3-4

How do we know that God will support us through old age?

God's promises in Scripture affirm His unwavering support for believers at every stage of life.

The confidence we have in God's support through old age comes from His faithful promises found in Scripture, such as in Isaiah 46:4 where He pledges to carry His people until the end of their lives. This divine assurance means that even as physical strength wanes, believers can rely on God's strong arm to uphold and protect them. The portrayal of God as a caring parent speaks to His deep affection and commitment to providing comfort and security, particularly to those who may feel vulnerable and fearful in their later years.

Isaiah 46:4

Why is God's promise important for Christians?

God's promises provide comfort and strength, especially during times of distress and fear.

The importance of God's promises for Christians lies in their power to provide hope and assurance amid life's challenges, particularly in old age. Isaiah 46:4 highlights God's continuous presence and support, allowing believers to lean on Him during periods of weakness and fear. By affirming that He will carry them through difficulties, God reassures believers that they are never alone, even as they face the inevitabilities of aging. Trusting in God's faithfulness cultivates confidence and a sense of peace that transcends circumstances.

Isaiah 43:1-3; Isaiah 46:3-4

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

100%
The Aged Believers Cordial James Smith

The Aged Believers Cordial Hearken unto me. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime, until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46, 3 and 4.

This passage of scripture is the aged believer's cordial. Let us look at the beautiful images employed. God is our parent, a kind and tender-hearted parent. He is peculiarly attached to His people. They are dear to Him, precious in His sight. They are His portion. He prizes them above all creation. He is strong to sustain, to defend, and support them. His strong arm, tender heart, and watchful eye are all employed for them. and especially so in old age.

The aged believer is as a child. He is weak. He feels exposed and defenseless. He is timid and fearful, but the Lord, as a tender parent, engages to take him up in the arms of His power and carry him in the bosom of His love. like a tender lamb in the shepherd's bosom, on a cold and frosty night, born across a bleak and snow-covered wasteland, so the believer in the winter of old age shall be carried in the bosom of his God across the bleak and cheerless desert of time.

God will carry him tenderly, hushing the weak one's fears, He will bear him carefully, so that nothing shall harm or hurt him. He will soothe him with gentle words, and encourage him with kind acts, until he safely introduces him at home.

Dear aged Christian, you have nothing to fear. Your God says, I will be your God throughout your lifetime, until your hair is white with age. I am your Father, your Friend, your Solace, and your Confidence. Look unto me, even to old age, I will carry you, I will bear you up under all that you feel and fear, I will carry you through all that discourages or distresses you, I will deliver you from foes, fears, dangers, and death itself. Nothing shall by any means hurt you. My arm is strong enough. Trust in it. My bosom is your resting place. Lean on it. Lean hard. Do not be afraid. Love dwells there. Pity rules there. Your name is engraved there. Trust me. I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Hearken, believer, your God bids you to hearken. His words are true and faithful. He speaks to banish your fears. He speaks to strengthen your faith. He speaks to comfort your poor drooping heart. He speaks to clothe your careworn brow with a light of hope, with a cheerfulness which confidence imparts.

Hearken to Him, not to unbelief. Hearken to Him, not to carnal reason. Hearken to Him, not to Satan. Hearken to Him, not to erroneous men. Hearken, it is your Savior who speaks, it is the guide of your youth who addresses you, it is the tender parent who seeks to cheer your heart. As one whom his mother comforts, so does your God comfort you. He is near you, near you every moment. He will carry you, carry you every step. He will deliver you, deliver you from every danger, trouble, and foe.
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