Romans 2:4 Or despise you the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering… Let us — I. EXPOUND THE TEXT. 1. "Repentance" denotes a change of mind, inclination, and habits. 2. "Leadeth" describes the method in which the Lord deals with rational creatures. There is a sort of spurious repentance, to which men are sometimes driven. Thus Ahab was driven by Divine threatenings, Pharaoh by supernatural judgments, Felix by the dread of a future reckoning, and Judas by the terror of his own conscience; but to genuine repentance a man is led; allured by the discovery of hope, and the attraction of love. 3. "Thee." It matters not so much what others are: the question is, What are we? The charge of the prophet is pointed: "No man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done?" 4. Observe what it is that conducts to this result. "The goodness of God," Not that this is always the case. It frequently emboldens men in transgression, and hardens them in impenitence. The text, however, expresses its natural and proper tendency. II. ILLUSTRATE THE SENTIMENT WHICH IT CONTAINS. The goodness of God — 1. Gives time for repentance. This is implied in the "forbearance and long suffering." It is said of one, "I gave her space to repent and she repented not." Here was the perversion of Divine goodness. Of others it is affirmed, "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Here is depravity in its most hateful form. Let us "account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation." 2. Provides the means. (1) The law, by which "is the knowledge of sin."(2) Affliction, Which, while it gives leisure for reflection, disposes to the duty. (3) The gospel. A man may be convinced of sin; but his repentance is not unto salvation, except so far as he is persuaded of mercy, and discovers "a door of hope." 3. Furnishes motives. Note — (1) The common mercies you enjoy. Are they not all forfeited by sin? And yet do they not freely, richly, and constantly descend? (2) Every special interposition of God in your favour. From how many dangers and sicknesses has He delivered you? (3) Trials. Are not trials wisely appointed; mitigated by abounding comforts, and mingled with innumerable benefits? (4) The authority which enjoins it. "God hath commanded all men everywhere to repent."(5) The love which recommends it. How tender the expostulations, how precious the promises of the gospel on this subject! "Return, ye backsliding children." "Let the wicked forsake his way," etc. (6) The grace which accepts it. For repentance is accepted, not in consideration of its desert, but in virtue of the mediation of the Saviour. (7) The examples which illustrate it. The Prodigal, Zaccheus, Peter, etc.Conclusion: 1. Does not this subject remind you of the hardness of the human heart? The design of Divine goodness is apparent; its true tendency is most beneficial; but how is it perverted and abused! 2. Forget not the necessity of the Holy Spirit to produce this change. He it is who works repentance by impressing the heart with a sense of Divine goodness; and of the evil of sin, and to feel the attractions of heavenly love, as displayed in the gospel. (T. Kidd.) Parallel Verses KJV: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? |
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