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1993-03-16
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EXPOSITION.
"_But know_." Fools will not learn, and therefore they
must again and again be told the same thing, especially when it
is such a bitter truth which is to be taught them, viz:--the fact
that the godly are the chosen of God, and are, by distinguishing
grace, set apart and separated from among men. Election is a
doctrine which unrenewed men cannot endure, but nevertheless, it
is a glorious and well-attested truth, and one which should
comfort the tempted believer. Election is the guarantee of
complete salvation, and an argument for success at the throne of
grace. HE who chose us for himself will surely hear our prayers.
The Lord's elect shall not be condemned, nor shall their cry be
unheard. David was king by divine decree, and we are the Lord's
people in the same manner; let us tell our enemies to their
faces, that they fight against God and destiny, when they strive
to overthrow our souls. O beloved, when you are on your knees,
the fact of your being _set apart_ as God's own peculiar
treasure, should give you courage and inspire you with fervency
and faith. "Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and
night unto him?" since he chose to love us he cannot but chose to
hear us.
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS.
Verse 3.--"The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for
himself." When God chooseth a man, he chooseth him for himself;
for himself to converse with, to communicate himself unto him as
a friend, a companion, and his delight. Now, it is holiness that
makes us fit to live with the holy God for ever, since without it
we cannot see him (#Heb 12:14|), which is God's main aim, and
more than our being his children; as one must be supposed a man,
one of mankind, having a soul reasonable, ere we can suppose him
capable of adoption, or to be another man's heir. As therefore it
was the main first design in God's eye, before the consideration
of our happiness, let it be so in ours.--^Thomas Goodwin,
1600--1679.
Verse 3.--What rare persons the godly are: "The righteous
is more excellent than his neighbour." #Pr 12:26|. As the flower
of the sun, as the wine of Lebanon, as the sparkling upon Aaron's
breastplate, such is the orient splendour of a person embellished
with godliness ... The godly are precious, therefore they are set
apart for God, "_Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is
godly for himself_." We set apart things that are precious; the
godly are set apart as God's peculiar treasure (#Ps 135:4|); as
his garden of delight (#So 4:12|); as his royal diadem (#Isa
43:3|); the godly are the excellent of the earth (#Ps 16:3|);
comparable to fine gold (#Lam 4:2|); double refined. #Zec 13:9|.
They are the glory of the creation. #Isa 46:13|. Origen compares
the saints to sapphires and crystals: God calls them jewels. #Mal
3:17|.--^Thomas Watson.
Verse 3.--"_The Lord will hear when I call unto him_."
Let us remember that the experience of one of the saints
concerning the verity of God's promises, and of the certainty of
the written privileges of the Lord's people, is a sufficient
proof of the right which all his children have to the same
mercies, and a ground of hope that they also shall partake of
them in their times of need.--^David Dickson, 1653.
HINTS TO PREACHERS.
Verse 3.--_Election_.--Its aspects towards God, our
enemies, and ourselves.
Verse 3.--"_The Lord will hear when I call unto him_."
Answers to prayer certain to special persons. Mark out those who
can claim the favour.
Verse 3.--_The gracious Separatist_. Who is he? Who
separated him? With what end? How to make men know it?