It is easy to praise the work of Christian charity. It is harder to part with our comfort to make that work possible. We can applaud a faithful minister, admire an honest tradesman, or say that young people need help and guidance — then walk away without doing anything.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon preached Robbers of God at the Metropolitan Tabernacle on July 27, 1890. He did not mince words about wealth, selfishness, or the neglect of worthwhile Christian work. The sermon was broader than money: it called hearers to examine their entire duty before God. Yet the section dealing with possessions is especially searching. Read the original sermon here.
Why does it matter today?
What should responsible generosity look like?
What can you actually do?
Spurgeon's challenge: who owns what we possess?
Spurgeon asked readers to examine a basic Christian confession: that all we have is entrusted to us by God. He contrasted that confession with lives built around the constant accumulation of personal wealth.
“Will men rob God of His portion of their wealth?”Charles H. Spurgeon, Robbers of God (1890)
His concern was not simply that some believers had become wealthy. It was that wealth could be accumulated while the poor, the church, and useful Christian efforts were overlooked. Possessions became the end rather than a means of serving others.
That question reaches beyond the wealthy. If we have abilities, influence, tools, experience, or money, what are we doing with them?
Why this warning still matters
There are Christian families trying to make an honest living. There are small projects that need a modest amount of capital, seasoned advice, or someone willing to open a door. There are men and women with time and practical ability who could change somebody else's situation.
Of course, not every attractive proposal is sound. Some businesses should not be financed; some projects are badly planned; some requests are not truthful. But that is an argument for discernment, not indifference.
What should trouble us is the possibility that we recognize a worthy need, have the means to respond, and repeatedly choose not to consider it.
“The work of the Lord would never go a-begging if Believers were but commonly honest to their Redeemer's cause.”Charles H. Spurgeon, Robbers of God (1890)
Spurgeon's words deserve their full context. He spoke particularly about the church, missions, the poor, and Christian service. His sermon does not mean every private business is entitled to support or that declining a particular request is robbing God.
Generosity should have conviction — and judgment
Christian stewardship should not be reduced to a financial transaction or an emotional appeal. Scripture calls believers both to generosity and to responsibility. First Timothy 6:17–19 warns the rich against trusting in wealth and urges them to be rich in good works. James 2:14–17 confronts a profession of faith that refuses practical help to someone in need. Second Corinthians 9:7 also teaches that giving is not to be done reluctantly or under compulsion.
A Christian considering support should be able to ask plain questions: Is the need genuine? Is the person trustworthy? What is the plan? What will the money accomplish? How will progress be reported? Is a gift, a loan, a business investment, or nonfinancial help the right response?
Faithful giving is not careless giving. It is thoughtful, willing generosity informed by truth.
Don't stop at agreement.
It is possible to agree with every word of Spurgeon and still do nothing. Here is a more useful response:
- Examine your stewardship. Consider honestly what you could give, lend, share, or teach without neglecting your own obligations.
- Find one credible need. Look for a church ministry, a neighbour in difficulty, a practical Christian project, or a responsible person establishing honest work.
- Ask careful questions. Request a budget, understand the risks, and decide freely how — or whether — to help.
- Act. Make a contribution, offer a useful introduction, donate equipment, share knowledge, or commit to practical service.
A project we are putting before readers
Old Time Preaching is also sharing the story of an independent automotive tradesman in Cornwall, Ontario, who is seeking to establish a sustainable business and provide for his family. It is a privately owned, for-profit business — not a charity or a church ministry. Its proposed funding requirements and intended uses are explained separately so that prospective supporters can evaluate the case on its merits.
We invite readers to read the project story, consider the details, and decide whether a conversation, an introduction, equipment, mentorship, or voluntary financial support is appropriate. No one should feel spiritually obligated to fund this particular business because of Spurgeon's sermon.
The question remains
Spurgeon's warning was never intended to flatter comfortable Christianity. It was intended to awaken the conscience and lead hearers to repentance and a more faithful life. Let us not soften it into a pleasant historical quotation.
But neither should we misuse it to pressure people into giving to a chosen cause. Let the Word search our hearts. Let us evaluate real needs. And, where we are able and persuaded, let our convictions produce good works.