Never Forsaken

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Hebrews 13:5

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you…

I. As AWFUL CONDITION.

1. Forsaking implies an utter loneliness.

2. Utter helplessness.

3. Utter friendlessness.

4. Hopelessness.

5. Unutterable agony.

II. A GRACIOUS PROMISE. What is guaranteed in this promise? Herein doth God give to His people everything. "I will never leave thee." Then no attribute of God can cease to be engaged for us. Is He mighty? He will show Himself strong on the behalf of them that trust Him. Is He love? Then with everlasting lovingkindness will He have mercy upon us. Whatever attributes may compose the character of Deity every one of them to its fullest extent shall be engaged on our side. Moreover, whatsoever God hath, whether it be in the lowest hades or in the highest heaven, whatever can be contained in infinity or can be held within the circumference of eternity, shall be with His people for ever, since "He hath said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

III. THE SWEET CONFIRMATIONS of this most precious promise.

1. The Lord will not and cannot leave His people, because of His relationship to them. He is your Father — will your Father leave you?

2. Then, next, His honour binds Him never to forsake thee. When we see a house half-built and left in ruins, we say, "This man began to build and was not able to finish." Shall this be said of thy God, that He began to save thee and could not bring thee to perfection? Is it possible that He will break His word, and so stain His truth?

3. And if that be not enough, wilt thou remember besides this that the past all goes to prove that He will not forsake thee. Thou hast been in deep waters; hast thou been drowned? Thou hast walked through the fires; hast thou been burned?

4. And if that be not enough ask thy Father and the saints that have gone before. Did ever any perish trusting in Christ?

5. There is no reason why He should east us off. Can you Adduce any reason why He should cast you away? Is your poverty the danger of your life? In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that hath loved us. Do you say it is your sins? That would have been a cause why He never should have loved them, but having loved them when they were dead in trespasses and sins, their sin can never be a reason for leaving them.

IV. And now the SUITABLE CONCLUSIONS to be drawn from this doctrine.

1. One of the first is contentment.

2. Courage is the next lesson. Let us boldly say, "God is my Helper, why should I fear what man can do unto me."

3. Then, next, we ought to cast off our despondency.

4. And then, here is an argument for the greatest possible delight.

5. Lastly, what ground there is here for faith. Let us lean upon our God with all our weight.

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