The Evangelist Job 21:15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray to him? Men are averse to call upon God. I. EXPOSE AND REPROVE THE UNWORTHY, ERRONEOUS, AND CARNAL NOTIONS SOME ENTERTAIN OF PRAYER. 1. They wish to make it subservient only to their temporal interest — pray only for health, prosperity, long life, and yet imagine themselves religious people. 2. Some scorn it altogether, because they do not find it answer this low purpose. 3. Some enter their prayers in heaven only as a sort of debtor and creditor account against their sins. 4. Others view prayer as only intended to be their last resource. When they are "at their wit's end, then they cry unto the Lord." The iron hand of adversity, but nothing else bends their stubborn knees. II. THERE IS A HIGHER KIND OF PROFIT IN PRAYER. 1. Right prayers shall obtain the forgiveness of sin. 2. A new heart is another essential blessing to be obtained by prayer. 3. Another invaluable blessing is the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. 4. Prayer may obtain His delivering grace in all exigencies, or support under them. 5. Prayer shall gain the kingdom of heaven. III. THE GROUND ON WHICH THOSE WHO PRAY ARIGHT ARE ASSURED OF ATTAINING ALL THIS PROFIT. 1. The revealed character of God. 2. The express promises of God are our security. The work and office of Christ form another most important ground of security. He is our intercessor to plead for us, to present our prayers, and enforce them by His own merit. (The Evangelist.) Parallel Verses KJV: What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?WEB: What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have, if we pray to him?' |
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