Hints to Preachers

Whole Psalm.—Shows us the nature of sin, and the terrible results of it if it could reign.

Verse 1.—Nothing is more irrational than irreligion. A weighty theme.

The reasons why sinners rebel against God, stated, refuted, lamented, and repented of.

The crowning display of human sin in man’s hatred of the Mediator.

Verses 1 and 2.—Opposition to the gospel, unreasonable and ineffectual.—Two sermons by John Newton.

Verses 1 and 2.—These verses show that all trust in man in the service of God is vain. Inasmuch as men oppose Christ, it is not good to hang our trust upon the multitude for their number, the earnest for their zeal, the mighty for their countenance, or the wise for their counsel, since all these are far oftener against Christ than for him.

Verse 2.—“Spurgeon’s Sermons,” No. 495, “The Greatest Trial on Record.”

Verse 3.—The true reason of the opposition of sinners to Christ’s truth, viz.: their hatred of the restraints of godliness.

Verse 4.—God’s derision of the rebellious, both now and hereafter.

Verse 5.—The voice of wrath. One of a series of sermons upon the voices of the divine attributes.

Verse 6.—Christ’s sovereignty. 1. The opposition to it: “yet.” 2. The certainty of its existence: “Yet have I set.” 3. The power which maintains it: “have I set.” 4. The place of its manifestation: “my holy hill of Zion.” 5. The blessings flowing from it.

Verse 7.—The divine decree concerning Christ, in connection with the decrees of election and providence. The Sonship of Jesus.

This verse teacheth us faithfully to declare, and humbly to claim, the gifts and calling that God hath bestowed upon us.—Thomas Wilcocks.

Verse 8.—Christ’s inheritance.—William Jay.

Prayer indispensable.—Jesus must ask.

Verse 9.—The ruin of the wicked. Certain, irresistible, terrible, complete, irretrievable, “like a potter’s vessel.”

The destruction of systems of error and oppression to be expected. The gospel an iron rod quite able to break mere pots of man’s making.

Verse 10.—True wisdom, fit for kings and judges, lies in obeying Christ.

The gospel, a school for those who would learn how to rule and judge well. They may consider its principles, its exemplar, its spirit, etc.

Verse 11.—Mingled experience. See the case of the women returning from the sepulchre. Matt. xxviii. 8. This may be rendered a very comforting subject, if the Holy Spirit direct the mind of the preacher.

True religion, a compound of many virtues and emotions.

Verse 12.—An earnest invitation. 1. The command. 2. The argument. 3. The benediction upon the obedient.—“Spurgeon’s Sermons,” No. 260.

Last clause.—Nature, object, and blessedness of saving faith.