Psalm 50:16-23 But to the wicked God said, What have you to do to declare my statutes, or that you should take my covenant in your mouth?… God speaks to the whole nation in the previous part of the psalm; here to hypocrites. I. THEY MADE PROFESSION OF RELIGION, WHICH THEIR LIVES CONTRADICTED. (Vers. 16-20.) 1. They treated the Divine Law with open contempt. (Ver. 17.) Because they "hated" the control that it imposes. 2. They were guilty of the grossest violations of that Law. (Vers. 18-20.) Theft, adultery, and false witness, not only against their neighbour, but against their own brothers, showing that they had lost even natural affection. Observe the gradual, progressive power which sin has to corrupt the whole man. II. EVIL MEN MISINTERPRET THE FORBEARANCE OF GOD. (ver. 21.) "Because sentence against an evil man is not speedily executed," etc. (Romans 2:1-4). III. GOD WILL ASSUREDLY ENTER INTO JUDGMENT WITH MEN. (Vers. 21, 22.) Men are solemnly called upon to consider and remember this truth, that they may repent, and so escape destruction. IV. THE ONLY TRUE WAY OF SALVATION IS DECLARED. (Ver. 23.) 1. The love of a grateful heart. This glorifies God. 2. And the love of an obedient life. This only is salvation - obedience out of love. "He that hath my Word and keepeth it, he it is that loveth me," etc. - S. Parallel Verses KJV: But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? |
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