Teachings – Expect Thorns and Thistles

EXPECT THORNS AND THISTLES

UNFOLDING NINE

WHERE ARE WE

This is our last of three unfolding’s related to the thorns and thistles in our lives. Pastor then wrote how those thorns and thistles are found in the natural, social, and religious worlds. Then, in his second discourse, he examined the impact in our homes and personal lives. He also addressed thorns and thistles as trials, which sinners and saints alike face. Those trials come spontaneously, abundantly, variously, and universally. Yes, we ended there knowing that trials should be expected, but go a bit deeper into the thicket in this unfolding. 

SCRIPTURE

James 1:2

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.“

EXPECT THORNS AND THISTLES
UNFOLDING NINE

Pastor opens his discourse:

“Being forewarned that there will be thorns and thistles (that) should brace up your soul to expect them.”

It is probably wise to define ‘soul’ at this point. In the Hebrew, the word nep̄eš  or ‘soul’ means – 

“soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion.” 

Thus, we know that the soul encompasses the entirety of man; not just any single element of one’s body, mind, or heart. With that, let us continue…

Let us also remember God’s curse on the ground.

“Cursed is the ground for thy sake.”

Consider that curse in view of what Pastor now points to as ‘for thy sake.’  

“We do not grow in grace very quickly without trial, and we do not then develop the graces of the Spirit as we do when God sends the thorns and thistles to grow up around us.”

Why are trials a blessing, and for our sake?

• to prevent us from clinging to this world,
• for cause us to seek after higher things, and
• to make us look to Christ to change all things around us.

Regarding his third point, he asks,

“Was he crowned with thorns, and do you wonder that they grow up around your feet?”

In sum, Pastor wrote,

“It matters not to the believer what form his life may take when once Christ has become his life, and it will not matter as much to you who are not saved what form your life takes if you continue without the Saviour; it will be death all the same, and it will land you in eternal death.”

THOUGHT GOING FORWARD

Before we leave this thicket of thorns and thistles, nettles and briars, let us hold fast to the knowledge that God cursed the ground for our sake. Why? To use them profitably for our spiritual development and hope as we look forward to God’s creation of a new heavens and earth. (Revelation 20) Remember too, what is written in Proverbs 24: 10 –

“You are a poor specimen if you can’t stand the pressure of adversity.”

And, yes, trials present adversity. Now, we are not talking about the trials and adversity that our sinfulness brings upon us as a result of God’s chastening. Such chastening is also for ‘our sake,’ but Pastor is talking about the trials and adversity that come in the course of righteous and faithful living… where we stand blameless before our Great God and King during the time of persecution. All I can say is that those trials – thorns and thistles faced – are for our good. We suffer for the cause of Christ, even as Christ suffered for us. Thank you, Lord, for counting me worthy. 

IN TRIBUTE TO SPURGEON’S LOVE OF SHORT RHYMES

To suffer for Christ
we know we will bear,
for He is our strength and our guide
Through thickets of nettles,
Though each prick draws blood,
T’is hardly a drop that he spared.