Hints to Preachers

Verse 1 (first clause).—The folly of atheism.

Verse 1.—Atheism of the heart.—Jamieson’s Sermons on the Heart.

Verse 1 (whole verse).—Describe: I. The creed of the fool. II. The fool who holds the creed: or thus, Atheism. I. Its source: “the heart.” II. Its creed: “no God.” III. Its fruits: “corrupt,” etc.

Verse 1.—I. The great source of sin—alienation from God. II. Its place of dominion—the heart. III. Its effect upon the intellect—makes man a fool. IV. Its manifestations in the life—acts of commission and omission.

Verse 1 (last clause).—The lantern of Diogenes. Hold it up upon all classes, and denounce their sins.

Verse 2.—I, Condescending search. II. Favoured subjects. III. Generous intentions.

Verse 2.—What God looks for, and what we should look for. Men usually are quick to see things congruous to their own character.

Verses 2, 3.—God’s search for a naturally good man; the results; lessons to be learned therefrom.

Verse 3.—Total depravity of the race.

Verse 4.—“Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge?” If men rightly knew God, his law, the evil of sin, the torment of hell, and other great truths, would they sin as they do? Or if they know these and yet continue in their iniquities, how guilty and foolish they are! Answer the question both positively and negatively, and it supplies material for a searching discourse.

Verse 4. (first clause).—The crying sin of transgressing against light and knowledge.

Verse 4 (last clause).—Absence of prayer, a sure mark of a graceless state.

Verse 5.—The foolish fears of those who have no fear of God.

Verse 5.—The Lord’s nearness to the righteous, its consequences to the persecutor, and its encouragement to saints.

Verse 6.—The wisdom of making the Lord our refuge.—John Owen.

Verse 6.—Describe I. The poor man here intended. II. His counsel. III. His reproach. IV. His refuge.

Verse 6.—Trust in God, a theme for mockery to fools only. Show its wisdom.

Verse 7.—Longings for the Advent.

Verse 7.—“Out of Zion.” The church, the channel of blessings to men.

Verse 7.—Discourse to promote revival. I. Frequent condition of the church, “captivity.” II. Means of revival—the Lord’s coming in grace. III. Consequences, “rejoice,” “be glad.”

Verse 7.—Captivity of soul. What it is. How provided for. How accomplished. With what results.