Psalm 116:9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. 1. The matter of the duty in which the psalmist promiseth to engage — "I will walk." It signifies the practice of what is good and lovely, as the words following intimate. 2. The manner in which he purposed to walk before the Lord, that is, in such a manner, that God, the searcher of hearts, would be pleased with it, and approve of it. 3. The place and time: while he continued on earth, and remained among the living. I. CONFIRM THE PROPOSITION, THAT INWARD AFFECTION TO GOD MUST BE DECLARED BY OUR OUTWARD CONVERSATION. 1. The one cannot be without the other. 2. This duty is frequently pressed in Scripture. Abraham; Noah; Zacharias; and Elizabeth. 3. Walking before the Lord has been abundantly rewarded. Enoch. II. SHOW WHY OUR INWARD AFFECTION TO GOD MUST BE DECLARED BY OUR OUTWARD CONVERSATION. 1. In this way God is glorified. 2. Others are benefited. 3. Our own good is promoted. It is by a good conversation, that the security of our hearts, the integrity of our consciences, the soundness of our faith, and, in a word, the truth of all graces are clearly manifested, cherished, and increased. III. CONSIDER THE NECESSITY OF GOOD WORKS. 1. They are commanded and expressly required by God Himself. 2. They are the way to the Kingdom of God. 3. They are an evidence or demonstration of our faith. 4. The not doing of them merits eternal death. 5. They are necessary as expressions of our gratitude. IV. CONCLUSION. 1. This subject teacheth us that those who walk not in God's ways cannot be esteemed His affectionate people. 2. The knowledge, affection and profession of persons who walk not before the Lord are all in vain. 3. Walking with God, in the external duties of religion, will best stop the mouths of the adversaries of the truth. 4. Those who walk not before the Lord in the land of the living are exposed to the most dreadful ruin. (G. Faitoute, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. |
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