Charles Simeon - a devout and zealous gospel preacher

Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at great people of the faith, who have been used by God to impact the lives of many and grow his kingdom. Today I want to inspire you with the life of Charles Simeon.
Simeon was born in Reading, UK on 24 Sept 1759. He entered Cambridge University in 1779, where he was not an ‘outstanding student’ but rather known for his extravagant dress sense and handsome features! Although he fasted and prayed, he was unconverted until he April 4, 1779 when he grasped the atoning death of his Saviour Jesus and awoke with praise on his lips. He found no Christian fellowship at his university, yet managed to grow and zealously preached the gospel. He was ordained in 1782 and soon attracted a crowd with his preaching. He was appointed minister of Holy Trinity Cambridge on Nov 9, 1783, where he stayed for 54 years inspite of constant opposition. He died on Nov 13, 1836, but his preached word has influenced and trained men ever since! Simeon realized the Word of God changed lives, so he arose at 4am to devout himself to hours of Bible study and prayer. During his ministry, he started sermon classes to train young preachers, published 2536 outlines of expository sermons to cover the entire Bible, and preached widely throughout Britain. Simeon’s example remains an inspiration. Let me highlight 6 principles of his life to teach us:

1) Let the Bible speak: “My endeavour is to bring out of Scripture what is there and not to thrust in what I think might be there. I have a great jealousy on this head: never to speak more or less than I believe to be the mind of the Spirit in the passage I am expounding”. This principle of letting the text shape the sermon rather than importing meaning on it from outside or focusing on a minor point is vital today! His test for sermons was ‘Does it humble the sinner? Does it exalt the Saviour? Does it promote holiness?’

2) Expect opposition: The congregation resented Charles Simeon from the moment he arrived, because of his evangelical convictions. The pew holders registered their opposition by locking their pews and boycotting church. Simeon bought benches at his own expense and placed them at the back of church, but the wardens threw them into the churchyard! For the first 10 years of his ministry, most of his congregation stood inside the church, or met outside!

3) Think strategically: Simeon’s vision was never narrowly parochial; he longed to raise up workers for God’s harvest. He invested much time in those who showed interest and potential as future gospel ministers. He held fortnightly sermon classes, as well as Friday evening ‘conversation parties’ where 60-80 students would pack into his rooms, drink tea and ask him questions.

4) Have a global vision: Simeon was a driving influence in the formation of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1799. His greatest impact was seen in India, where one of his missionaries (Henry Martyn) produced translations of the New Testament in Urdu, Arabic and Persian (he died aged 31!). Please pray God would raise up 21st century Henry Martyns from Church by the Bridge!

5) Be a Bible Christian: Simeon was a moderate Calvinist, but resisted party labels and pleaded with Christians to “Lay aside systems and fly to the Bible. God has not revealed his truth in a system. So be Bible Christians, not system Christians” Amen, brother!

6) Maintain a close walk with Christ: Simeon was far from perfect. He had a natural tendency to a haughty manner and short temper, but he grew in godliness as he gave himself to the disciplines of Bible and prayer, and battling sin. Our longing is that we at Church by the Bridge would similarly know our Saviour in the depth and intimacy as Simeon did.

At one service, a little girl asked her mother “Mama, what is the gentleman in a passion about?” The answer: he was in a passion to proclaim Jesus Christ and him crucified.

With love in Christ
Paul Dale (Senior Pastor)