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 #46 Outline:
“The Wildreness State”
John 16: 22
Introduction
1. Many Christians go through a season of fearful wandering after salvation.
2. It is a painful lack of spiritual assurance and joy that must be understood and cured.
I. What is this Wilderness State?
1. This affliction is a loss of confidence in God’s love, leading to a darkness covering the soul.
2. Their love for God and neighbor grows cold.
3. They lose their joy in the Holy Spirit.
4. A loss of God’s peace stirs up doubts and fears of rejection within them..
5. Lastly, they lose the power to overcome sin and return to bondage.
II. The 3 Causes of the Wilderness State.
1. It is important to remember that it is never God who withdraws himself or his blessings from us. We withdraw from God
A. Sin can be a cause
2. A willful outward sin brings on spiritual darkness.
3. A sin of omission can be a sign of not doing our duty on a consistent basis.
4. The neglect of private prayer diminishes our relationship with God.
5. The neglect of ministering to others and caring for their souls
6. The allowing of pride to rise up in our soul can cause trouble
7. Yielding to unrighteous anger drives out love and joy from our hearts.
8. Nursing unhealthy desires of the flesh and setting up idols is disastrous to our souls.
9. Spiritual laziness makes us an easy target for Satan.
10. And unrepentance of a past sin can darken the light within us.
B. Ignorance of the Holy Scriptures can be a cause
1. Some believe the false teaching that God expects us to be depressed as we grow spiritually.
2. That times of doubt and darkness actually strengthen us. But this is not God’s way.
C. Temptation can be a cause
1. We can too easily ’drop our guard’ and let the temptations of the world come crashing in.
2. We quickly discover that we are not as invincible as we thought.
III. The Cure for the Wilderness State
1. First, remember that there is no one answer that fits all situations.
2. Is the problem a willful outward sin? Then quickly repent and avoid that sin
3. Is it a sin of omission? Then sincerely repent and sharpen your spiritual senses by partaking of all the means of grace available so you can be ready to act next time.
4. Is it pride? Humble yourself. Anger? Pray for kindness. Idols? Cast them out. Laziness?
5, Wake up! Arise, and strive again for holiness.
6. Repent of past sins if that is the problem
7. Study the Scriptures and pray for wisdom to discern false teaching.
8. – 10. The troubles in Isaiah 50:10, Hosea 2: 14, and John 16: 22 do not refer to believers.
11. 1 Peter 4: 12 refers to martyrdom
12. God’s absence does not help us grow in faith, rather it is God’s loving presence that perfects His work in us.
13 . And remember that light and joy do not always immediately return. It may take more time.
14. In the meantime, anticipate temptation, and continue to grow spiritually. If you continue to walk humbly and closely with God, His light will shine brighter and brighter until you return to full spiritual health
