Episode Summary: “Renewed Affection for Christ”

Podcast: Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson
Date: December 16, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Sinclair B. Ferguson reflects on the heart of true spiritual transformation and describes how renewed affection for Christ is the real power for change in the Christian life. Drawing on the classic sermon "The Expulsive Power of a New Affection" by Thomas Chalmers, Ferguson explores why simply trying to rid ourselves of sinful tendencies is not enough, especially in the busy Christmas season. Instead, he argues that genuine change comes when love for Christ fills—and thereby orders—our hearts and lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Inadequacy of Mere Self-Effort

• Ferguson recalls Thomas Chalmers’ sermon, highlighting the futility of trying to change simply by “screwing up the strength or the courage to stop doing something or to overcome it and to start doing something else.” (00:18)
• He underscores that the gospel does not transform by creating a vacuum—merely ridding ourselves of bad habits or sin—citing the biblical story of the man whose “house” is emptied of evil but then overrun by even worse spirits (Matthew 12:43-45).
  • Quote: “If we tried to do that, we'd be like the man in Jesus' parable who swept his house clean of an evil spirit...the last state of that person is worse than the first.” (00:40)

The ‘Expulsive Power’ Principle

• Ferguson uses a memorable analogy comparing transformation to flight:
  • Just as a grounded airplane cannot take off by suspending the law of gravity, Christians cannot overcome sin by mere effort.
  • Planes fly because a greater law—lift—overcomes gravity; likewise, a greater affection (love for Christ) overcomes the “down drag” of sinful desires. (01:32)
  • Quote: “Our tendency towards sin doesn’t totally disappear when we are regenerated. So what we need is for Christ, indwelling us...this new powerful affection to overcome the down drag of sin, the sense of gravity in our disordered affections.” (02:15)

Christ-centeredness Amid Busy Seasons

• Ferguson personalizes the message in the context of Christmas:

  • Despite—or because of—the busyness and ministry demands (multiple Christmas services and sermons), the act of frequently preaching on Jesus actually helps him enjoy the season more.
  • Quote: “The more I had to preach the Christmas message, the more I actually enjoyed Christmas...he actually feels he’s the richest man in the church family because he can’t think about anything else except Jesus.” (03:20)

• He reassures listeners that this principle isn’t just for preachers:

  • “When our hearts and minds are fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ and we have the expulsive power of a new affection for him, then things begin to fit into place.” (04:25)

Practical Application for Christmas

• Ferguson encourages a conscious prayer for renewed affection:
  • Quote: “Let’s pray for God’s grace to have our hearts and minds fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ this Christmas, and then we’ll be able to enjoy it in a fresh way.” (04:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the danger of spiritual ‘vacuum’:

  • “The Gospel doesn't transform us by creating a vacuum of us getting rid of things in our lives.” (00:29)

• Aviation Analogy:

  • “The plane flies because it's designed to employ the laws of aerodynamics...the power of gravity is nullified, spiritually speaking. What we need is something just like that.” (01:32)

• Pastoral Reflection:

  • “Even if he is a bit exhausted, he actually feels he’s the richest man in the church family because he can’t think about anything else except Jesus.” (03:43)

• Universal Application:

  • “I’m not suggesting we all become preachers, but the same principle applies, doesn’t it?” (04:19)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:08] – Opening, Chalmers and “The Expulsive Power of a New Affection”
• [00:40] – The futility of moral effort without true affection
• [01:32] – Airplane/flight analogy: the ‘gravity’ of sin and the ‘lift’ of affection for Christ
• [03:20] – Personal testimony: enjoying Christmas through repeated focus on Christ
• [04:19] – Application to all listeners: affections order life
• [04:45] – Closing prayer and encouragement for renewed affection at Christmas

Summary Flow & Takeaways

Sinclair B. Ferguson weaves together theological insight, practical illustration, and personal reflection to present a clear message: True transformation is not found in empty discipline, but in hearts filled with a deeper love for Christ. Especially during the distractions of Christmas, only this “expulsive power of a new affection” gives true joy and puts everything else in its proper place. Listeners are encouraged to pray for this grace, ensuring Christ remains central in their celebrations and everyday lives.