_ do two things, keep ourselves close to God and be preparedto surrender (continued)
CLASSIC SERMON OUTLINES — Alexander Maclaren
2. The importance of the aim. For this all the discipline of life is set in motion. For this we were created; for this we have been redeemed. For this Jesus Christ lived and suffered and died. For this God's Spirit is poured out upon the world.
C. The Results of the Acceptance of God's Aim.
1. It changes man's estimate of the meaning and true nature of events. It will give nobleness and blessedness to our lives. How different all our estimates of the meaning and true nature of events would be, if we kept before us that their intention was to mold us to the likeness of our Lord and Savior!
2. It changes a man's estimate of nearer objects and aims. Men take these great powers which God has given them and use them to make money, to cultivate their intellects, to secure the gratification of earthly desires, to make a home for themselves; and all the while the great aim — which ought to stand out clear and supreme is forgotten.
II. CONCENTRATE ALL EFFORT ON THIS ONE AIM.
A. The Aim Is Consistent with All Occupations, Except Sin.
It needs not that we should seek any remote or cloistered form of life, nor shear off any legitimate and common interests, but in them all we may _ be seeking for the one thing, the molding of our characters into the shapes
- that are pleasing to Him.
B. The Requirements in Order to Keep This Aim Clear.
1. To keep close to God.
2. To be surrendered to God. To keep the aim clear is possible if we will _ do two things, keep ourselves close to God and be prepared to surrender
much, laying our own wills, our own fancies, purposes, eager hopes and plans in His hands, and asking Him to help us that we may never lose sight
_ of the only end which is an end in itself.
3. To concentrate on the aim. The conquering word is, "This one thing I
do." If you want to be a Christian after God's pattern you have to make it