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Samuel Davies

Well, trifle a little longer!

Revelation 3:15-16; Revelation 22
Samuel Davies • July, 22 2010 • Audio
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Samuel Davies
Samuel Davies • July, 22 2010
Choice Puritan Devotional

In his sermon "Well, trifle a little longer," Samuel Davies addresses the critical theological topic of the urgency of eternal significance regarding salvation and judgment, drawing from Revelation 3:15-16. He emphasizes the peril of spiritual lukewarmness, arguing that an indifferent attitude toward eternal realities—namely heaven and hell—is categorically unacceptable. Citing the dire warnings of Revelation, he illustrates that both states of existence (eternal happiness and eternal misery) are immediate and imminent, serving as a call to action for believers. The practical significance lies in the reminder that neglecting spiritual seriousness can culminate in devastating consequences, underscoring Reformed beliefs about the sovereignty of God, human responsibility, and the eternal state of the soul.

Key Quotes

“O sirs, does an apathetic, careless attitude befit us in such a solemn situation?”

“Well, trifle a little longer, and your trifling will be over forever.”

“If you disbelieve these things, you are infidels. If you believe these things, and yet are unaffected with them, you are worse than infidels.”

“Let a drowning man be careless about catching at the only plank that can save him.”

What does the Bible say about lukewarmness?

The Bible warns against being lukewarm in faith, as noted in Revelation 3:15-16, where God prefers believers to be either hot or cold rather than indifferent.

In Revelation 3:15-16, the Lord expresses His disapproval for those who are lukewarm, stating that He would rather they be cold or hot. This metaphor illustrates the danger of indifference in our spiritual lives. A lukewarm faith signifies apathy towards God and His commands, making one vulnerable to spiritual decline. The consequences of remaining in such a state are severe, as God speaks of rejecting those who do not passionately pursue Him.

Revelation 3:15-16

Why is eternal happiness important for Christians?

Eternal happiness is vital for Christians as it represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the consummation of their faith.

Eternal happiness holds a central place in Christian theology, as it signifies the completion of God's redemptive work in believers' lives. This happiness is described as being beyond our earthly understanding, with an existence that fulfills our deepest longings in perfect communion with God. It serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that the struggles of this life pale in comparison to the eternal joy that awaits them in God's presence, as outlined throughout Scripture.

Revelation 22

How do we know hell is a real place?

Scripture asserts the reality of hell, describing it as a place of eternal torment prepared for those who reject God's authority.

The Bible frequently affirms the existence of hell as a place of eternal punishment for those who persist in rebellion against God. This is reflected in the teachings of Jesus, where He speaks of the unquenchable fire and the outer darkness reserved for the disobedient. The descriptions of hell emphasize the severity of God's justice and the consequences of rejecting His grace. Such teachings compel believers to take seriously the reality of sin and the necessity of repentance, highlighting God's desire for all to come to Him rather than facing eternal separation.

Revelation 20:15, Matthew 25:41

What does the Bible say about indifference towards eternity?

The Bible cautions against indifference to eternal matters, emphasizing the urgency of being aware of one's eternal state.

Scripture addresses the folly of indifference towards eternal realities in various passages, calling believers to remain vigilant about their spiritual state. The warning is clear: a careless attitude toward the realities of heaven and hell can lead to dire consequences. As articulated in this sermon, one should not trifle with eternal matters because our eternal destiny is near—just a heartbeat away. God calls His people to be proactive in their spiritual lives, to awake and engage, lest they be taken unaware when the time for decision is over.

Revelation 3:15-16; Revelation 22

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

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Well trifle a little longer by Samuel Davies

I Know your works that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold. I am going to vomit you out of my mouth revelation 3 15 and 16 our lukewarmness and indifference, a suitable tempo with respect to a happiness far exceeding the utmost bonds of our present thoughts and wishes, a happiness equal to the largest capacities of our souls in their most improved and perfect state, a happiness beyond the grave, when all the enjoyments of this transistory life have taken an eternal flight from us, A happiness that will last as long as our immortal spirits, and never fade or fly from us?

or are lukewarmness and indifference, a suitable temper with respect to a misery beyond expression, beyond conception dreadful, a misery inflicted by a God of almighty power and inexorable justice upon all obstinate, incorrigible rebels for numberless, willful, and daring provocations. Inflicted on purpose to show his wrath and make his power known. A misery proceeding from the united fury of divine indignation, of the turbulent passions of a guilty conscience, of malicious tormenting devils.

a misery who can bear up under the horror of the thought, that shall last as long as the eternal God shall live to inflict it, as long as sin shall continue evil to deserve it, as long as an immortal spirit shall endure to bear it, A misery that shall never be mitigated, never intermitted, never, never, never see an end.

And remember that a state of eternal happiness or misery is not far remote from us, but near us, just before us. the next year, the next hour, or the next moment, we may enter into it.

O sirs, does an apathetic, careless attitude befit us in such a solemn situation? Is a state of such eternal happiness, or such misery, is such a state which we must shortly enter a matter of indifference to us? Oh, how can you be lukewarm about such matters? Was such an exceeding stupidity ever seen under the canopy of heaven, or even in the regions of hell, which abound with monstrous and horrid beings?

No, the vilest demons below cannot make light of these things. Mortals, can you trifle about them? Well, trifle a little longer, and your trifling will be over forever. You may now be indifferent about the improving of your time, but time is determined to continue its rapid course and hurry you into the ocean of eternity, though you should continue sleeping and dreaming through all the passage.

Therefore awake, arise, before your doom is unchangeably fixed. Let the criminal, condemned to die tomorrow, be indifferent about a pardon. Let a drowning man be careless about catching at the only plank that can save him. But, oh, do not be careless and indifferent about eternity, and such amazing realities as heaven and hell.

If you disbelieve these things, you are infidels. If you believe these things, and yet are unaffected with them, you are worse than infidels. Not even hell itself can find a precedent of such a conduct. The devils believe and tremble. You believe and trifle with things whose very name strikes solemnity and awe through heaven and hell.
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