Sketches of Sermons Exodus 5:2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. I. SOME PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO GOD'S VOICE. 1. The persons to whom He speaks — Mankind. (1) His favourite creatures. (2) Ignorant creatures. (3) Improvable creatures. 2. The means by which He speaks. (1) His works. (a) Of creation. (b) Of providence. (2) His Word. 3. What He says to us. He speaks to us variously, according to our various states, as sinful, submissive, and reclaimed creatures. As sinful creatures, who transgress His laws, He speaks to us in the language of reproof; charging us with rebellion (Isaiah 1:1, 2); and ingratitude (Deuteronomy 32:6); and in the language of warning; showing us that we are rejected by Him (Proverbs 15:8, 26); under His curse (Galatians 3:10); and under the sentence of eternal death (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:21). As submissive creatures, who desire to obey Him, He speaks to us in the language of kind authority (Isaiah 55:6, 7; Matthew 11:28, 29); of encouragement (Isaiah 1:16-18); and of caution against delay. (Psalm 95:7, 8). As reclaimed creatures, restored to His favour and service, He speaks in the language of instruction (Micah 6:8; Titus 2:12); and in the language of consolation, (Isaiah 40:1; Psalm 84:11). 4. With what design He speaks. This is to engage our obedience. His works teach us to glorify Him as God (Romans 1:21). His Word requires practical piety as man's indispensable duty (1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 7:21; James 1:22, 25). The obedience thus required must be prompt, without delay (Job 22:21). Universal, without defect (Psalm 119:6). Persevering, without intermission (Romans 2:7); and humble, without arrogance. It must be humbly ascribed to Divine grace (Isaiah 26:12); humbly presented through Christ for acceptance (1 Peter 2:5); and humbly as unprofitable at best (Luke 17:10). Such being the obedience which God requires, let us consider — II. HIS CLAIMS ON OUR OBEDIENCE TO HIS VOICE. These will appear by answering the inquiry here instituted — "Who is the Lord?" etc. 1. He is our indisputable Proprietor. 2. He is our acknowledged Sovereign. 3. He is our best Friend, and kindest Benefactor. 4. He is the Disposer of our eternal destiny. (1) Omniscient. (2) Just. (3) Powerful. (Sketches of Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. |
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