Psalm 35:8 Let destruction come on him at unawares; and let his net that he has hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. Many enemies were round David, but he feels there is only one thing God needs to do to make him strong. Let but God say unto his soul, "I am thy salvation," and he will defy them all. I. OBJECTIONS TO THE DOCTRINE OF FULL ASSURANCE. 1. Some say it is better a man should stand in jeopardy, better for him to have doubts and fears. 2. Others say full assurance cannot be had. But it is possible, and has been enjoyed by many. If it were impossible, would we, as here, be told to pray for it? Romanists and formalists object; the former because it would do away with Purgatory, and the latter because they want no one to be better than themselves. 3. Others because some have pretended to it who have never been saved. 4. Or because they think the doctrine makes men careless. But confidence of success stimulates exertion, and realizing assurance overcomes all difficulties. 5. Others who trust in their good feelings would have us groan in the Lord always. Of all the Diabolians, Mr. Live-by-feeling was one of the worst. II. THE TEXT ITSELF. It seems to say — 1. That David had his doubts, or he would not have thus prayed. 2. But he was not content to remain in doubt. 3. And he knew where to obtain full assurance. Then take each word of the text and note its force. It is by His word, and by His ministers, and by His Holy Spirit, God says this to the soul. III. HEAR THE PREACHER. He would speak to those who neither know nor care to know that they are saved; beware of your condition, for it is full of peril. And what folly on your part, for you have soon to die. And though you may not now feel it, you are most miserable. But do you wish to be saved? Then Christ is for thee. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. |