Full text Resourses:
“John Wesley on Christian Practice: The Standard Sermons in Modern English Vol 3” by Kenneth Cain Kinghorn. Abingdon Press. 2002. (In modern English.)
“Wesley’s Doctrinal Standards, Part 1: The Sermons”. Edited by Rev. N. Burwash. Schmul Publishing. 1988. (In Wesley’s own words.)
Pastor Larry Brown’s abridged message
was taken from Larry’s own outline below:
John Wesley’s Sermon #37 Outline: “The Nature of Enthusiasm”
Acts 26:24
1. If you seek religion of the heart, people will consider you insane.
2. It is a common criticism aimed at us, because we Methodists are different
3. We seek eternal things of the Spirit. It is the true religion of Jesus
4. They call our troubling condition: Enthusiasm
5. However, Enthusiasm can be defined both positively and negatively
6. Interestingly, the word’s origin is uncertain and
7. It is not easy to translate
8. Expressed positively, it is used to describe the prophets and apostles, who were filled with a life consuming devotion to God
9. Neutrally, it is used to describe an uncommon vigor of thought
10, And negatively, it is used to criticize those with a religion of the heart
11. But for our discussion I will define it this way:
12. ‘A true Enthusiast has faulty reasoning which arises from false inspiration from God’.
4 Types of Enthusiasm
13: Type 1: These Enthusiasts have a superficial, shallow faith that does not lead to salvation
14. They deny the true faith
15. They are zealots for external religion
16. Ultimately, they are unholy, world lovers, proud, and without faith in Jesus Christ
17. Do not deceive yourself. Is your religion shallow? Are you living your life based on allusion?
Would-be doctors, heal yourselves!
18. Type 2: These Enthusiasts think they have spiritual gifts, but do not
19. They think they are controlled by the Holy Spirit, but are not
20. They think they are given special direction from God, but are not
21. They receive extraordinary dreams and visions, but not from God
22. So the critics ask: “How can we do God’s will?”
23. The Scriptures tell how we are to act through general principles
24. We then test reason and experience with Scripture
25. The Holy Spirit guides us during the process
26. If we want to do God’s will, we ask: “What will make me most helpful and useful?”
27. Type 3: Those who expect to understand the Scriptures without reading or studying them
28. Type 4: (This is supposed but not valid). Those who believe all things are under the
providence and care of God. I believe this myself.
29. We do not claim to be specifically favored
30. We must all guard against pride
31. For we can become stubborn and unaccountable to anyone
32. And find ourselves opposed to the grace of God and all helpful advice
Spiritual Advice
33. Therefore, understand the word ‘Enthusiasm’ before you use it.
34. Be careful of judging others as Enthusiasts
35. Be careful that you do not become a troubling Enthusiast yourself`
36. Do not force people to think your way
37. Do not closely associate with other Enthusiasts
38. Do not rely on visions and dreams, rather study the Scriptures.
39. Use all the Means of Grace available: Communion, Prayer, Bible Study, Worship,
Fasting, and Service to others. Pure religion is righteousness, peace, and a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.
