Acts 2:37-42 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brothers… I. WHEN WE HEAR GOD REPROVE SIN WE SHOULD BE PRICKED AT THE HEART. 1. So as to be sensible of sin. (1) The guilt of it (Psalm 51:3, 4). (2) Of our defilement with it (Psalm 57:5). 2. So as to be troubled for our sins. (1) Their sinfulness. (2) Their multitude. (Ezra 9:6). (3) Their greatness; as being — (a) Against knowledge (John 3:19). (b) Against mercies. (c) After judgments (Isaiah 1:5; Amos 4:9). (d) Contrary to our promises. (e) Against the checks of conscience (Romans 2:15), the motives of the Spirit, the reproofs of the word. 3. Uses: Be pricked at your hearts when sin is reproved considering — (1) Who is it that reproves (Amos 3:8; Jeremiah 5:21, 22). (2) Reproofs without this effect do more harm than good (Proverbs 29:1). (3) God may reprove no more (Ezekiel 3:26; Hosea 4:17). (4) You must answer for all the reproofs you hear. II. SUCH AS ARE PRICKED TO THE HEART SHOULD BE VERY INQUISITIVE WHAT TO DO. 1. We are all capable of holiness and happiness (Genesis 1:26). 2. But full of sin and misery (Ephesians 2:3). 3. It is one part of our sin and misery that we are not sensible of(1) sin. This appears — (a) In that we have not grieved for it (Ezekiel 7:16). (b) Nor fear to commit it (Psalm 18:23). (c) Nor strive to get it subdued (Psalm 57:2). (2) Misery. This appears — (a) In that we rejoice in it. (b) We do not strive to get out of it. 4. The first step to holiness and felicity is sensibleness of sin and misery. 5. There is none so sensible of this, but he will be very inquisitive what to do (Acts 16:30). This is essential because — (1) Our everlasting happiness depends upon it. (2) Unless we inquire we shall never know what to do. 6. Whom must we inquire of? (1) God. (2) The Scriptures (Luke 17:29). (3) Ministers. (Bp. Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? |
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