Come, Thou Fount of Every
Blessing
A Sermon based on
the hymn by Robert Robinson
Introduction
“Come, Thou Fount of
Every Blessing” is a deeply heartfelt hymn that calls us to worship the
God from whom all blessings flow. Written by Robert Robinson in 1758,
the hymn is a prayer for God’s continual grace, guidance, and
preservation. Its language is rich with biblical allusions, such as the
“Ebenezer” of 1 Samuel 7:12—symbolizing God’s help—and the wandering
heart that echoes Isaiah 53:6.
Robinson, once a
wayward soul himself, was converted under the preaching of George
Whitefield. This background gives authenticity to the hymn’s plea for
divine help in resisting sin and remaining faithful. Each stanza
acknowledges both the gracious blessings we’ve received and the human
frailty that causes us to stray. Yet, in it all, God’s mercy remains
steadfast.
This hymn
beautifully expresses the struggle of the Christian life—the longing for
holiness, the reality of weakness, and the assurance of God’s unchanging
love. Its enduring popularity lies in its honesty and hope. As we
explore the message of each stanza, let us be stirred again to anchor
our hearts in the redeeming love of Christ.
Stanza 1
“Come, Thou Fount of
every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.”
God is the source of
all blessing (James 1:17). The image of a “fount” reminds us of God’s
unending grace. Psalm 103:2 tells us not to forget His benefits. The
prayer to “tune my heart” reflects a desire to be spiritually in harmony
with God. His mercy, like a river, calls us to praise Him daily
(Lamentations 3:22–23).
Stanza 2
“Here I raise my
Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.”
“Ebenezer” means
“stone of help” (1 Samuel 7:12), a symbol that God has brought us this
far. It is a testimony of divine guidance. Philippians 1:6 reminds us
that He who began a good work in us will complete it. Our journey is not
powered by our strength, but by His.
Stanza 3
“Jesus sought me
when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.”
This stanza echoes
Luke 15 and the parable of the lost sheep. We were all once lost (Isaiah
53:6), but Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). His blood
was not spilled randomly—it was offered intentionally, to rescue us from
eternal danger (1 Peter 1:18–19).
Stanza 4
“O to grace how
great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.”
Romans 6:1–2 reminds
us not to take grace for granted. The line “like a fetter” is a cry for
God’s loving restraint to keep us close. Proverbs 3:3 encourages us to
bind mercy and truth around our necks. Grace is not just a pardon—it is
a power that shapes and holds us.
Stanza 5
“Prone to wander,
Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.”
This final stanza is
one of the most relatable expressions in all of hymnody. Paul speaks of
this same inner struggle in Romans 7:19. The plea to “seal my heart” is
a prayer for eternal security and loyalty, echoing Ephesians 1:13, where
believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit. It is a surrender of the soul
into God’s keeping.
Come, Thou
Fount of Every Blessing Sermon Outline:
Introduction
-
Author: Robert
Robinson
-
Key Theme:
Grace, guidance, and perseverance
-
Anchor Verse: 1
Samuel 7:12 – “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us”
Stanza 1 – God
the Source of All Blessing
-
James 1:17 –
Every good gift comes from above
-
Psalm 103:2 –
Forget not His benefits
-
Lamentations
3:22–23 – His mercies are new every morning
Stanza 2 –
Remembering God’s Help
Stanza 3 – The
Seeking Savior
-
Luke 19:10 –
Jesus came to seek the lost
-
Isaiah 53:6 – We
all went astray
-
1 Peter 1:18–19
– Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ
Stanza 4 –
Grace as a Guard
-
Romans 6:1–2 –
Shall we continue in sin?
-
Proverbs 3:3 –
Bind mercy and truth
-
Titus 2:11–12 –
Grace teaches us to live godly lives
Stanza 5 – A
Heart Sealed for Heaven
-
Romans 7:19 –
The struggle with sin
-
Ephesians 1:13 –
Sealed with the Holy Spirit
-
Psalm 51:10 –
Create in me a clean heart
Call to Action
If you feel your
heart wandering, come back to the Fount. If you are weary, receive the
streams of mercy. If you are unsure, trust the God who brought you this
far. Give Him your heart, and ask Him to seal it for heaven. He is
faithful to hold you fast.
Scripture
Reference List
1 Samuel 7:12 –
Ebenezer: “The Lord has helped us”
James 1:17 – Every good gift is from above
Psalm 103:2 – Forget not His benefits
Lamentations 3:22–23 – New mercies each morning
Philippians 1:6 – He will complete His work
Luke 19:10 – Jesus came to seek the lost
Isaiah 53:6 – All have gone astray
1 Peter 1:18–19 – Redeemed with the blood of Christ
Romans 6:1–2 – Shall we continue in sin?
Proverbs 3:3 – Bind mercy and truth
Titus 2:11–12 – Grace teaches godliness
Romans 7:19 – I do not do the good I will
Ephesians 1:13 – Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Psalm 51:10 – Create in me a clean heart
Song History
Robert Robinson,
converted at age 20 under the influence of George Whitefield, wrote
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” in 1758. A former drifter turned
preacher, Robinson’s hymn reflects a deep personal awareness of grace
and a longing for spiritual steadfastness. Its timeless words continue
to resonate in the hearts of believers today.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
