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The Greatest Fight in the World
Published just before his death, this volume constitutes Spurgeon's final address to his fellow pastors. Without a doubt it is one of the most forceful addresses that he ever delivered.
62 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2008
651 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
5,987 books1,613 followersCharles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 14, 2018
This is the second Spurgeon book I've read and, even though this one is not geared towards me (I'm not a pastor), I did find it interesting and there were even some nuggets in it to which I could relate. I liked how easy it was to read and yet it had a lot of content. A great read!
"It is possible that a book which is excellent for the most part, but which has a little tainted content, may do you more harm than a thoroughly bad book." KL# 322
"It is possible that a book which is excellent for the most part, but which has a little tainted content, may do you more harm than a thoroughly bad book." KL# 322
February 14, 2016
This tiny book is one of the most important books I have ever read.
May 30, 2020
Bientôt en français
June 1, 2023
A wise word to any who hold the gospel dearly. It is primarily geared towards pastors, however, there is great wisdom for the every man who desires to be as the Church ought to be.
March 2, 2019
This is a lecture that Spurgeon gave at a gathering of pastors at his Pastor's college in April, 1891. It turned out to be his last inaugural address that he presented to the college. He gave excellent advice to pastors which is also helpful to pastors today and also helpful to anyone who teaches the word. He divided his lecture into three parts, Our Armory (the Word of God), Our Army (the church of the living God) and Our Strength (the Holy Spirit).
There are several kindle versions available. I am going to look at three of them in this review because they are not all equal or the same.
1. This kindle version has a picture of Spurgeon's head on the cover. It costs $.99. It is straight sermon with no headings of any kind. I chose this version since it had 191 KB so was slightly larger than the second one that I am looking at in this review.
2. This version has a reddish brown cover on the paperback version but if you click on the kindle version, the cover shows a full body picture of Spurgeon in the pulpit. This copy is also $.99. It is divided into sections with an interactive table of contents. I chose not to purchase this one since it only had 148 KB and I assumed that they had cut some material from it. But I do like that it had the divisions.
3. This is the free version. The picture here is just a black book with white lettering. It is entitled, "The Greatest Fight (Updated, Annotated): Spurgeon's Urgent Message for Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists." I originally downloaded this version since it is free. The title seems pretty straight forward, but be aware that the "Updated" doesn't just mean that the language is updated for a 21st century audience. It is updated to be politically correct. In 1891, when Spurgeon delivered this message to his Pastor's College, he was speaking exclusively to MEN! However, the editors of this version took the liberty of changing Spurgeon's word, "brethren" to "brothers and sisters." One of the many instances of this can be found on location 162 in the original version. It says, "Brethren, we will array ourselves..." The updated version (on page 18) says, "Brothers and sisters, we will clothe ourselves..." The original version has the word "Brethren" 29 times. The updated version has changed this to "brothers and sisters" 17 times. This may be of no consequences to you, and if not, then by all means, get this free version! I realize that if a sermon were given to a Pastor's college today, women would be in attendance. BUT the sermon that Spurgeon gave was to men only and I would prefer that the original intention of the lecture be retained.
There are several kindle versions available. I am going to look at three of them in this review because they are not all equal or the same.
1. This kindle version has a picture of Spurgeon's head on the cover. It costs $.99. It is straight sermon with no headings of any kind. I chose this version since it had 191 KB so was slightly larger than the second one that I am looking at in this review.
2. This version has a reddish brown cover on the paperback version but if you click on the kindle version, the cover shows a full body picture of Spurgeon in the pulpit. This copy is also $.99. It is divided into sections with an interactive table of contents. I chose not to purchase this one since it only had 148 KB and I assumed that they had cut some material from it. But I do like that it had the divisions.
3. This is the free version. The picture here is just a black book with white lettering. It is entitled, "The Greatest Fight (Updated, Annotated): Spurgeon's Urgent Message for Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists." I originally downloaded this version since it is free. The title seems pretty straight forward, but be aware that the "Updated" doesn't just mean that the language is updated for a 21st century audience. It is updated to be politically correct. In 1891, when Spurgeon delivered this message to his Pastor's College, he was speaking exclusively to MEN! However, the editors of this version took the liberty of changing Spurgeon's word, "brethren" to "brothers and sisters." One of the many instances of this can be found on location 162 in the original version. It says, "Brethren, we will array ourselves..." The updated version (on page 18) says, "Brothers and sisters, we will clothe ourselves..." The original version has the word "Brethren" 29 times. The updated version has changed this to "brothers and sisters" 17 times. This may be of no consequences to you, and if not, then by all means, get this free version! I realize that if a sermon were given to a Pastor's college today, women would be in attendance. BUT the sermon that Spurgeon gave was to men only and I would prefer that the original intention of the lecture be retained.
April 16, 2024
So it would appear this is my second read of this book. this must be a sign that i need to read this more regulary as I need to be reminded by what Spurgeon wrote.
The contest seem to be very relavant for our time, guess God's truth is timeless.
The contest seem to be very relavant for our time, guess God's truth is timeless.
February 22, 2021
Un des excellents livres que j'ai eu l'opportunité de lire. Maintenant disponible en français chez Publications chrétienne.
May 20, 2023
Spurgeon was a phenomenal preacher. One star off due to his rabid anti-Catholicism.
Read
March 5, 2016Quotes from The Greatest Fight in the World: The Final Manifesto by C.H Spurgeon
Introduction
"On his knees the believer is invincible." 31
"The Holy Spirit is out power to be and to do; to suffer and to serve; to grow and to fight; to wrestle and to overcome." 38
Chapter One: Our Armoury
"The truth of God is the only treasure for which we seek, and the Scripture is the only field in which we dig it." 40
"We need nothing more than what God has seen fit to reveal" 40
"We cast our anchor in the haven of the Word of God. Here is our peace, our strength, our hope, our happiness. God's Word is our ultimatum." 41
"If the revelation of God were not enough for our faith, what could we add to it?... Would you add rags to a royal vestment? Would you pile the filth of the streets in a king's treasury? Would you join the pebbles of the sea-shore to the diamonds of Golconda?" 42
"The Scriptures in their own sphere are like God in the universe- All sufficient." 43
"To liken our thoughts to the great thoughts of God, would be a gross absurdity." 44
"There is no letting light into the dark cellar of doubt, except through the window of the Word of God." 48
"There is no true doctrine which has not been fruitful in good works." 49
"Preach that which will enable men to face death without fear, and you will preach nothing but the old gospel." 52
"Bible hearers, when they hear indeed, come to be Bible lovers." 63
"That we may speak convincingly we will speak Scripturally." 64
"No proof is needed when God speaks. If he has said it, this is evidence enough." 76
Chapter Two: Our Army
"What is to be accomplished unless the saved ones go forth, all of them, for the salvation of others?" 89
"We must not only believe in the church of God, but recognize it very distinctly." 90
"If the Church is to recognized by Christ Jesus, it is worthy to be recognized by us..."91
"If a Church does not pray, it is dead." 94
"If we taught better they would learn better." 98
"The highest place in the church will always come to the man who willingly chooses the lowest." 102
"He that cannot be safely imitated ought not to be tolerated in the pulpit." 103
Chapter Three: Our Strength
"We know nothing till we are taught of the Holy Ghost, who speaks to the heart rather than the ear." 106
"In our study, in prayer, in thought, in word, and in deed, we must depend upon the Holy Ghost."107
"Results worth having come from that silent but omnipotent Worker whose name is the Spirit of God." 109
Introduction
"On his knees the believer is invincible." 31
"The Holy Spirit is out power to be and to do; to suffer and to serve; to grow and to fight; to wrestle and to overcome." 38
Chapter One: Our Armoury
"The truth of God is the only treasure for which we seek, and the Scripture is the only field in which we dig it." 40
"We need nothing more than what God has seen fit to reveal" 40
"We cast our anchor in the haven of the Word of God. Here is our peace, our strength, our hope, our happiness. God's Word is our ultimatum." 41
"If the revelation of God were not enough for our faith, what could we add to it?... Would you add rags to a royal vestment? Would you pile the filth of the streets in a king's treasury? Would you join the pebbles of the sea-shore to the diamonds of Golconda?" 42
"The Scriptures in their own sphere are like God in the universe- All sufficient." 43
"To liken our thoughts to the great thoughts of God, would be a gross absurdity." 44
"There is no letting light into the dark cellar of doubt, except through the window of the Word of God." 48
"There is no true doctrine which has not been fruitful in good works." 49
"Preach that which will enable men to face death without fear, and you will preach nothing but the old gospel." 52
"Bible hearers, when they hear indeed, come to be Bible lovers." 63
"That we may speak convincingly we will speak Scripturally." 64
"No proof is needed when God speaks. If he has said it, this is evidence enough." 76
Chapter Two: Our Army
"What is to be accomplished unless the saved ones go forth, all of them, for the salvation of others?" 89
"We must not only believe in the church of God, but recognize it very distinctly." 90
"If the Church is to recognized by Christ Jesus, it is worthy to be recognized by us..."91
"If a Church does not pray, it is dead." 94
"If we taught better they would learn better." 98
"The highest place in the church will always come to the man who willingly chooses the lowest." 102
"He that cannot be safely imitated ought not to be tolerated in the pulpit." 103
Chapter Three: Our Strength
"We know nothing till we are taught of the Holy Ghost, who speaks to the heart rather than the ear." 106
"In our study, in prayer, in thought, in word, and in deed, we must depend upon the Holy Ghost."107
"Results worth having come from that silent but omnipotent Worker whose name is the Spirit of God." 109
May 31, 2015
What would the prince of preacher preach to follow pastors in his dying time? This short little book contains the last sermon C. H. Spurgeon preached in his pastoral conference, which was during the heated moment of his largest controversy, "Downgrade Controversy". The introduction of the book records the background of the sermon and it really adds the weightiness of it! He urges people to firmly guard the truth of the Word from the erosion of the world and many Christian churches (his denomination, Baptist, particularly) on biblical truth such as God's sovereignty in our salvation and the inerrancy of the scripture. Also to do so, he calls out men who desire to fight this battle must do so along with the body of Christ and earnestly seek and rely on the power of Holy Spirit. In many ways, this battle is waging on today and man like Spurgeon can help a young man like me tremendously to walk faithfully and diligently with my Lord. It is no doubt the Greatest fight in the world, as it is human souls that are at the stake!
April 29, 2014
This is Spurgeon's last sermon before he died and it is directed to members of his pastor's college. Divided into 3 parts (the word, the church, and the Spirit), it's a quick read that will energize any pastor or church member committed to ministry and the Bible.
May 2, 2014
Outstanding. Spurgeon describes the role of the Word, the Church, and the Holy Spirit in the cause of kingdom advancement/Christian growth. These turned out to be his parting words to his students at the Pastor's College. Would have been awesome to hear this preached.
May 3, 2014
Three pages into Spurgeon's introduction I was already wonderfully helped and encouraged. This little book was not only worth reading, but will be worth reading again!
If you've not read anything by Spurgeon, this wouldn't be a bad place to start.
If you've not read anything by Spurgeon, this wouldn't be a bad place to start.
June 16, 2014
This is a transcript of the last address Spurgeon gave to the students in his Pastors College. It was a timely word then, and since much of Spurgeon's writing is timeless, it is an equally timely word now.
March 30, 2016
Brilliant book. Sure to encourage any pastor at any point in ministry.
April 28, 2016
This is Spugeon's final charge to his college. It embodies his passion for God's Word and is just as timely for today's preachers as it was then.
September 7, 2016
Top shelf. Spurgeon at the end of ministry, near the end of life, standing on and proclaiming the Word that was his life.
November 26, 2023
In this book, Charles Spurgeon’s last lectures to students are provided. While delivered in the 1890s, their themes and relevance result in a work that could have been composed last week. Spurgeon’s topics include faithfulness to the word of God, the people of God (the church), and the person of the Holy Spirit.
While J. Gresham Machen fought against liberalism in the early twentieth century in America, Spurgeon fought against the contagion in late nineteenth century Britain. While Machen’s battle was more academic, Spurgeon saw a deviation from the Scriptures in congregations surrounding his own. While some evangelicals jettisoned Calvinism, church polity, and inspiration in the name of keeping the gospel and remaining relevant, Spurgeon saw that an eroding of any truth of Scripture would lead to the erosion of all the truths of Scripture. Thus, the first half of the book is devoted to the need of pastors to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Second, Spurgeon focuses on the need of having true congregations of the saints: not rolls of departed names or assemblies of unbelievers. Like the former chapter, the contents found here are as relevant today as they were over a century ago.
Finally, Spurgeon writes of the necessity of the work of the Spirit for right teaching, evangelism, and discipleship. Rather than appealing to human strength of ingenuity, Spurgeon appeals to the person of the Spirit of God to act, empower, and sovereignly save as He sees fit.
The result of these three lectures is a book that still speaks though its author is long gone. Clergy and laymen alike would do well to read this work.
While J. Gresham Machen fought against liberalism in the early twentieth century in America, Spurgeon fought against the contagion in late nineteenth century Britain. While Machen’s battle was more academic, Spurgeon saw a deviation from the Scriptures in congregations surrounding his own. While some evangelicals jettisoned Calvinism, church polity, and inspiration in the name of keeping the gospel and remaining relevant, Spurgeon saw that an eroding of any truth of Scripture would lead to the erosion of all the truths of Scripture. Thus, the first half of the book is devoted to the need of pastors to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Second, Spurgeon focuses on the need of having true congregations of the saints: not rolls of departed names or assemblies of unbelievers. Like the former chapter, the contents found here are as relevant today as they were over a century ago.
Finally, Spurgeon writes of the necessity of the work of the Spirit for right teaching, evangelism, and discipleship. Rather than appealing to human strength of ingenuity, Spurgeon appeals to the person of the Spirit of God to act, empower, and sovereignly save as He sees fit.
The result of these three lectures is a book that still speaks though its author is long gone. Clergy and laymen alike would do well to read this work.
October 28, 2017
It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did, I really began to enjoy it. But I found it rather strange. Sometimes it just didn't feel like Spurgeon at all. I would be interested to know more about the history of it, to know if Spurgeon ever revised the address for publication, or whether it was recorded verbatim and printed as it was spoken, or revised only by the publisher. At times it felt like Spurgeon's thoughts were flitting around rapidly from subject to subject in a manner not usual with his printed works. If he had revised or expanded the address himself then I can imagine that he would have tidied things up, presented them in a more organised manner, and expanded on points which he only passed over briefly. Much of it felt so relevant to today that a modern writer could have written it specifically for our times.
I think a large part of the problem hindering my engaging with the book was that I was reading it in a 'modern' edition with a hideous typeface. I am used to reading the original Passmore and Alabaster editions and Spurgeon doesn't feel quite the same to read in a modern paperback edition. One often gets cynical about modern reprints, wonder what alterations publishers may have silently made to the original work.
Once I got into the book, as I say, I really began to enjoy it and there are many inspiring, challenging, and thought-provoking points in here. If a group of young Christian friends are ever looking for a good book to read and discuss, this would be an excellent choice.
I think a large part of the problem hindering my engaging with the book was that I was reading it in a 'modern' edition with a hideous typeface. I am used to reading the original Passmore and Alabaster editions and Spurgeon doesn't feel quite the same to read in a modern paperback edition. One often gets cynical about modern reprints, wonder what alterations publishers may have silently made to the original work.
Once I got into the book, as I say, I really began to enjoy it and there are many inspiring, challenging, and thought-provoking points in here. If a group of young Christian friends are ever looking for a good book to read and discuss, this would be an excellent choice.
December 29, 2018
What advice would the Prince Of Preachers give to pastors just prior to departing into glory? The Greatest Fight in the World by C.H. Spurgeon is his bold and final answer to that question. Every word in this book has the marks of a pastor who preached the gospel for forty years, printed at least 2,200 of those sermons and wrote numerous other books which have been used to build up the Church since the middle of the 19th century.
In The Greatest Fight in the World, Spurgeon pulls no punches. He is adamant that pastors need to remember their armoury, army, and strength. Our armoury is the Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit. Spurgeon reminds that “if we want weapons we must come here for them, and here only” (p. 7). Our army, which is the Church, provides us with comrades to fight the good fight alongside us. Lastly, our strength comes from the Holy Spirit, in whom we all must depend to have any semblance of power and success in true gospel ministry.
I encourage you, whether you’re a pastor or not, to read this book and glean from 40+ years of Spurgeon’s prolific and fruitful ministry. C.H. Spurgeon is known as “England’s greatest contribution to the spread of the gospel in the 19th century”, and at the heart of his powerful preaching and writing were a trust for the Word, a love for the Church, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. This is why The Greatest Fight in the World is so vital over 100 years after the original publishing.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review.
In The Greatest Fight in the World, Spurgeon pulls no punches. He is adamant that pastors need to remember their armoury, army, and strength. Our armoury is the Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit. Spurgeon reminds that “if we want weapons we must come here for them, and here only” (p. 7). Our army, which is the Church, provides us with comrades to fight the good fight alongside us. Lastly, our strength comes from the Holy Spirit, in whom we all must depend to have any semblance of power and success in true gospel ministry.
I encourage you, whether you’re a pastor or not, to read this book and glean from 40+ years of Spurgeon’s prolific and fruitful ministry. C.H. Spurgeon is known as “England’s greatest contribution to the spread of the gospel in the 19th century”, and at the heart of his powerful preaching and writing were a trust for the Word, a love for the Church, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. This is why The Greatest Fight in the World is so vital over 100 years after the original publishing.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review.
December 2, 2021
I’ve listened to this audiobook for the third time already! (that shows how good it is). Every time I hear it again, I learned something new. There is something peculiar about Christian classic books written by old, faithful, and powerful preachers like Charles H. Spurgeon that draw me to them over and over again. Perhaps it is due to (most, not all) shallow popular Christian writings in this present day. Or perhaps it is due to Bible-saturated, thoughtful, and meaty writings of the past. Or maybe both (obviously, I’m biased). One observation that I see in the writings of such men and women of God of the past that are considered timeless is this: they believe by faith that the Scriptures, namely the Bible, is the very Word of God. The assumption is that if God said it in the Scriptures, then it is so. Spurgeon once remarks: “If your creed and Scripture do not agree, cut your creed to pieces, but make it agree with this book.”
To read my summary-review, CLICK HERE :) https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2021/12...
To read my summary-review, CLICK HERE :) https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2021/12...
April 2, 2019
Spurgeon's words are just as relevant today as the end of the 19th Century. The progressive liberalism of "watering down" the Gospel in church, in an effort to belittle the power of the Holy Spirit, or take away the sovereignty of the Word, is clearly the case that "The Prince of Preachers" was fighting against. He makes the case in a bold way, pulling no punches. The book is more of a letter to churches, rather than a book written for a casual reader, but it truly comes across as a letter of commitment to the building of the Kingdom, rather than to tear down people who are misinformed. Consider this a teaching tool for pastors and leaders.
September 1, 2018
Concise, insightful, and applicable to all ministers and lay-persons today trying to live a Christian life.
Amazingly accurate and still applicable today! I loved the fact the principles shared and guidance given bring light to areas where ministers struggle and where Christian life is trouble and misaligned with God’s calling and purpose for a dedicated Christian life. This book will now be a “go to” for me! I would highly recommend this book based on being a short read but highly insightful and helpful beyond my abilities to describe!
Amazingly accurate and still applicable today! I loved the fact the principles shared and guidance given bring light to areas where ministers struggle and where Christian life is trouble and misaligned with God’s calling and purpose for a dedicated Christian life. This book will now be a “go to” for me! I would highly recommend this book based on being a short read but highly insightful and helpful beyond my abilities to describe!
July 27, 2018
Spurgeon as always writes with such conviction and power it is hard not to love his work. I think this book may have been directed mostly towards those in ministry but regardless the truths it contains pertains to all Christians alike. The importance of solid biblical teaching, the purity of the church family and the strength that is ours in the Holy Spirit are the keys to fighting the good fight.
October 16, 2022
Spurgeon in his final manifesto wrote on three things: Our armory for the fight which is principally the Holy Scriptures, and our army which is the church herself, as well as our source of strength which is the Holy Spirit.
There were some really good parts in here and some that I wrote down in my commonplace book. Other portions were just utter whiffs, such as his comments on paedobaptism. All in all, really good.
There were some really good parts in here and some that I wrote down in my commonplace book. Other portions were just utter whiffs, such as his comments on paedobaptism. All in all, really good.
May 4, 2023
Charles Spurgeon Could Have Been Writing For Our Time
This book was absolutely magnificent, and it's not only for preachers.I am not one and I was greatly encouraged in the call to share the word of God and the truth of the message of Christ with all who are perishing.
It's also a call to get back to the seriousness of working in the power of the Holy Spirit and just communing with him in the 1st place. Deeply convicting highly recommended.
This book was absolutely magnificent, and it's not only for preachers.I am not one and I was greatly encouraged in the call to share the word of God and the truth of the message of Christ with all who are perishing.
It's also a call to get back to the seriousness of working in the power of the Holy Spirit and just communing with him in the 1st place. Deeply convicting highly recommended.
April 11, 2024
Charles Spurgeon speaks so many truths in this little book. As in his day, we are facing the same issues.
We don't pray enough
Church leadership and people have become lazy
The Holy Spirit must be within us.
We must show the world we are creatures of Christ and not back down.
We must study, read, and be ongoers of the faith. Soldiers of Christ.
Excellent read. And spoken in a way that is lost in modern times. Stay firm in your faith, and do not idle!
We don't pray enough
Church leadership and people have become lazy
The Holy Spirit must be within us.
We must show the world we are creatures of Christ and not back down.
We must study, read, and be ongoers of the faith. Soldiers of Christ.
Excellent read. And spoken in a way that is lost in modern times. Stay firm in your faith, and do not idle!
July 12, 2025
Reading Spurgeon never fails to convict, encourage, and inspire me to faithfully preach and teach God's Word. I think this short work should be required reading for all pastors and preachers. Though Spurgeon's historical context is different than ours, his words remain exceedingly relevant and necessary. Much needed for me personally, and I think any pastor or ministry leader would benefit tremendously from reading this book.
April 21, 2018
First time with Spurgeon
I have heard the name Charles Spurgeon, but had never read any of his works. What a convicting book! Although not a preacher by profession, I still have an obligation as a disciple of Christ to preach the Gospel, and Spurgeon offers incredible insight and exhortation in this duty. Highly recommend!
I have heard the name Charles Spurgeon, but had never read any of his works. What a convicting book! Although not a preacher by profession, I still have an obligation as a disciple of Christ to preach the Gospel, and Spurgeon offers incredible insight and exhortation in this duty. Highly recommend!
July 3, 2018
A Manifesto For The Church In Every Age
Written towards the end of his ministry, this treatise speaks clearly to the most pressing needs of the church in every age. It should be read by every new Christian and re-read by every Christian entering ministry. It is short, but it reaches tremendous depths in a short time.
Written towards the end of his ministry, this treatise speaks clearly to the most pressing needs of the church in every age. It should be read by every new Christian and re-read by every Christian entering ministry. It is short, but it reaches tremendous depths in a short time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews