Committing Oneself to God: A Sermon Outline by John Kennedy

Psalms 31:5. Into Thine hand I commit my spirit.

These words call our attention to the Psalmist’s exercise of soul in committing his spirit into the Lord’s hands, and the encouragement which he had in doing so.

Into Thine hand I commit my spirit.

By spirit we must understand soul and body – himself.
* This implies that he left himself entirely at the Lord’s disposal.
* That he confidently relied on the Lord in the hope of salvation.
* That he willingly passed his spirit out of his own hands into the Lord’s.

Christ committed Himself to the righteous Judge.

• This He did in the midst of His sufferings.
• He felt His dependence in His human nature on Him who sent Him.
• He was disposed to endure all that was appointed by the Father.
• He left Himself in His hands to be sustained according to the promise.
• He did so as His people’s Head and Surety.
• The Father accepted His people in Him.

The exercise of the thief on the cross.

• A few minutes before, he was a blasphemer.
• He judged himself to be worthy of death.
• He is now committing himself for all eternity to Christ.
• He is entirely dependent on Christ to save soul and body.
• He knows Christ as Lord, who is now on the cross beside him.
• He knows that Christ was not there for His own sins.
• He knows that love brought Christ to the cross.
• He knows that Christ is passing to a Kingdom.
• He knows that Christ will have unlimited power there.

Paul committed his spirit into the Lord’s hands.

• He knew in whom he had believed and committed all to the Lord.
• All believers should seek this attainment.

Stephen committed his soul to the Lord Jesus.

• He did so in faith that He would bring it to the Father’s house.

Thou hast redeemed me.

• This is a demonstration of love; it is security for perfect salvation (Rom 5).

Application.

• This is essential to their rest.
• What are you doing with your spirit?

¹Preached in Dingwall, on 10 September 1882, and edited.