Psalm 19:13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright… I. WHAT ARE PRESUMPTUOUS SINS? 1. Sins committed against the light of our understanding and the plain dictates of our conscience. 2. When committed with deliberate contrivance — with purpose of heart. We "make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof." 3. Sin upon slight inducements and small provocations. 4. Sin in spite of correction, rebukes, and obstacles which God throws in their path. Balaam. Ahaz. 5. Systematic sin, by an abuse of God's free mercy in the Gospel. These are the worst of all. II. GOOD MEN ARE LIABLE TO THESE SINS. This is David's prayer. He knew that he was liable. And so are nil good men. For — 1. See the exhortations addressed to them. 2. Facts recorded about them. 3. The prayers they offer. III. HOW GOD ANSWERS THIS PRAYER. 1. By natural means, such as moral and religious education — a regard to reputation. Fear of public punishment and disgrace. 2. Providential restraints. God puts, at times, obstacles in our way; or diverts the mind; or renders it essential to us to practise diligence and frugality; or removes the object of temptation. A wise minister used often to say, "We ought to be thankful for the graces of providence as well as the influences of grace." 3. Spiritual and gracious methods. Giving the new heart and causing us to delight in the law of God. (George Clayton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. |
    |