The text is Genesis 32:12, part of Jacob's prayer to the Lord his God: "For you said, 'I will surely treat you well…" In Spurgeon's translation, it is, "I will surely do thee good." After something of a meditation on Jacob's privilege, and ours, of having the living God as our God, Spurgeon emphasises the further blessing of being able to come before him in prayer. This leads him into a sermon about praying, the kind of sermon to which he often returns, pressing home not only the wonder but the necessity of calling upon the Lord. Here Jacob's prayer becomes first our memorial, for we need to remember what the Lord has said, studying out the distinctive elements of his particular promises to us. We ought to consider this prayer next as God's bond—his promise holding him fast to a particular course of action. Everything that is in God secures the assured outcome. And so this ought to be our plea in prayer also: "You said!" What a childlike plea! How earnest and how expectant! Here is a way to plead which will bring the pledged result to everyone who comes with faith to the God who has promised blessing to those who call upon him. And so we still learn, from Jacob, how to pray.

Spurgeon's gospel logic is uncomplicated, in principle and in practice, and it shows here. Our Lord says, "If you love me, keep my commandments." It is clear from this sermon that the straightforwardness of this statement was as objectionable then as now, and caused as many problems. Beginning with a stimulating survey of all the 'ifs' in the chapter, the preacher then settles on this simple statement as a very serious 'if', having to do with the very question of love in the heart of a man, the presence or absence of faith's affectionate attachment to Christ as Lord and Saviour. Spurgeon next makes clear that the test of love is judiciously chosen: obedience as a demonstration of love cuts through so much fluff and stuff, and gets to the core of things. Spurgeon explains the wisdom of this test, and why it is such an appropriate and clear indication of whether or not there is love to the Lord in the heart. Running out of time, he gives us just a couple of lines to assure us that love will endure this test, before closing with a brief series of potent applications, exhorting the saints to discover and hold to the commandments of Christ as they come to bear upon us, and challenging unbelievers to face the fearful consequences of declaring that they do not have any love to Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners.

"John Ploughman" is a name assumed by Charles Spurgeon as he steps out of the pulpit to talk to common men as a common man, a "plowman" or farmer. This selection is about laziness. Spurgeon, as always, spares no punches.

The sermon centers on the urgent, divine command to preach the Word of God with unwavering faithfulness, grounded in the reality of Christ's future judgment of all humanity. It emphasizes that the proclamation of Scripture—though often offensive and resisted by sinners—is the primary means by which God draws people to repentance and salvation, despite the hostility it provokes. The preacher is called to remain steadfast in season and out of season, confronting sin, rebuking error, and exhorting with patience and truth, even when audiences grow weary of sound doctrine and seek only pleasurable, self-serving messages. Drawing from biblical examples—from John the Baptist and Jesus to Spurgeon and Billy Sunday—the sermon affirms that powerful, unflinching preaching, empowered by the Holy Spirit, transforms hearts and brings eternal results, while warning that preachers will one day give account for how faithfully they delivered God's truth. Ultimately, the message calls both preachers and listeners to embrace the fullness of Scripture, rejecting the temptation to soften or omit difficult truths, and trusting that God's Word, when proclaimed faithfully, accomplishes His purpose.

Notes & Slides : https://slbc.org/sermon/eternal-conscious-torment-011/

Sermon by Charles H. Spurgeon preached on September 4, 1881.

Spurgeon speaks of the greatest commandment of all, yet one we scarcely discuss. After telling the beauty of the law, he reminds us that we in no way can keep it. Be sure to listen to the very end!

A new MP3 sermon from The Word and the Cross is now available on SermonAudio with the following details:

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Subtitle: Spurgeon sermons

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Broadcaster: The Word and the Cross

Event: Teaching

Date: 4/11/2026

Bible: Mark 12:30

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A new MP3 sermon from The Word and the Cross is now available on SermonAudio with the following details:

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Subtitle: Spurgeon sermons

Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon

Broadcaster: The Word and the Cross

Event: Teaching

Date: 4/4/2026

Bible: Psalm 125:2

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A new MP3 sermon from The Word and the Cross is now available on SermonAudio with the following details:

Title: The Security of the Church

Subtitle: Spurgeon sermons

Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon

Broadcaster: The Word and the Cross

Event: Teaching

Date: 4/4/2026

Bible: Psalm 125:2

Length: 44 min.