Psalm 31:19 Oh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for them that fear you… I. EXPLAIN THESE DUTIES. 1. The fear of God. This sometimes comprehends the whole duty of man, but is more properly taken for a religious reverence of the Divine being and government. It is not dread of God that destroys the foundation of religion, because it looks upon God as arbitrary and cruel. But the fear Of God ever consists in an habitual sense of His glory and perfections. None can be said to fear God who do not obey Him, and submit to His providential will. Such are the genuine effects of a godly fear. 2. Trusting in God. This implies dependence upon Him for all we need and a believing expectation that we shall not be disappointed. II. RECOMMEND THEIR PRACTICE. 1. SO we shall secure to ourselves the Divine presence in all conditions of life. 2. This will support and compose our spirits under affliction. 3. It is the way to have our afflictions sanctified. 4. The practice of these duties will support and comfort us in a dying hour. 5. We shall secure to ourselves an undoubted title to eternal life. III. CONCLUSION. Learn — 1. The excellency of the Christian institution which has so revealed God to us. 2. How miserable the state of those who fear not God. 3. Because of trusting too much to the creature. 4. Practice these duties. (Daniel Neal.) Parallel Verses KJV: Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! |
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