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I. TO WHOM THE CHARACTER IN THE TEXT APPLIES. To all those who, in the concerns of religion, act a different part to what they really are. Particularly it applies —

1. To those who pretend entire devotedness to God, while their hearts are divided (Psalm 12:2).

2. Who profess a regard to the will of God as the reason, and His glory as the end, of what they do in religion; while, at the same time, they act from other springs, and for lower and selfish ends (Matthew 6:1).

3. Who are more careful to appear outwardly religious, than to be really so between God and their own souls (Matthew 23:27, 28).

4. Who put God off with bodily service, while the heart is not engaged in it (Isaiah 29:13; John 4:24).

5. Who are partial in their obedience to God, while the real Christian says Psalm 119:128.

II. THE HOPE AND THE GAIN OF SUCH A CHARACTER.

1. Their hope relates to a future state of blessedness.

2. It is groundless, without a solid foundation (Colossians 1:27).

3. It is fruitless. See the Christian's hope, 1 John 3:3.

4. It will be cut off (Matthew 7:23).And this false hope is generally owing —

1. To ignorance of themselves; their own hearts.

2. To want of attention to the extent and spirituality of the law of God (Romans 7:9).

3. The favourable opinion others have of them.

4. Comparing themselves with open sinners, or lukewarm professors (Luke 18:11).

5. The length they go, as to the exercise of what appears to be grace; abstaining from many sins; practising many religious duties, etc.As to their acquisitions; they may gain —

1. More of this world.

2. The esteem and applause of men.

3. A false peace (Revelation 3:17).

4. A smooth passage through life.

5. A pompous funeral. But, behold —

III. THE DREADFUL END OF SUCH; expressed in these words, "When God taketh away his soul."

1. His soul, his immortal part, which he has deceived and ruined.

2. God will take it away; whose power there is no resisting; from whose presence there is no escape.

3. He will take it away; perhaps with violence (Proverbs 14:32), always in displeasure.

4. Take it away from present gains and hopes, to real misery, and to the greatest share of it. To all this he is continually liable, and at no time safe from it. While he is crying, Peace, peace, sudden destruction is coming upon him.Improvement —

1. Seriously examine as to your own character. Judge yourselves, that ye be not judged.

2. Dread nothing more than the hypocrite's hope, and frequently look to the foundation of your own.

3. Bless God if you can give a reason for the hope that is in you; but do it with fear and trembling; the final judgment is not yet over.

4. Do nothing to sink your hope, or fill you with overwhelming fear. Think often what you hope for, whom you hope in, and of the ground you hope upon; and thus prepare for the fruition of your hope in eternal glory.

(T. Hannam.)

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KJV: For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

WEB: For what is the hope of the godless, when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?