A dread snare of the devil.
I. IN WHAT IT CONSISTS. The persuading the sinner that "there is no hope."
II. ITS TERRIBLE CHARACTER. It leads the sinner to excuse himself in his sin by the false belief that he is delivered to do all his abominations. It encourages him to go on in his sin (cf. Jeremiah 2:25), instead of resolutely breaking away from it
III. How MEN FALL INTO IT. By letting sin become the habit of their lives; the constant repetition of separate sinful acts forges the chain of habit, which it is hard indeed for any to break through.
IV. How MEN MAY GET OUT OF IT.
1. By prayerful pondering of the many proofs which show that this suggestion of Satan, that "there is no hope," is one of his own lies. These proofs are to be found in the plain statements, and in the many examples of the Word of God, which tell of God's grace to the very chief of sinners. They are to be found also in the recorded biographies and observed lives of many of the people of God. And also in our own experience of God in the past.
2. By then and there committing our souls into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ for pardon, for restoration, and for safe keeping for the future.
3. By renewing this self-surrender day by day, and especially when we are conscious that danger is near. So shall we be able to say, "My soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler."—C.
The restlessness of sin.
"Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way?" etc.
I. THIS IS A COMMON COURSE OF CONDUCT IN SINFUL MEN.
II. THE REASONS FOR ADOPTING IT ARE OF VARIOUS KINDS.
1. Hope of larger gain.
2. Prospects of increased pleasure.
3. Disappointment with the way that has hitherto been tried.
4. Conscience will not be quiet in continuing the present way, etc.
III. BUT IT IS ALL OF NO AVAIL. The same wretched result is reached whichever way is taken (Jeremiah 2:36, Jeremiah 2:37).
IV. GOD IN ALL THIS IS SAYING, "LET THE WICKED FORSAKE HIS WAY, AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS," ETC. (Isaiah 55:1-13.).—C.
HOMILIES BY A.F. MUIR