Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: I. WHAT IT IS FOR A MAN TO REGARD SIN IN HIS HEART. 1. It is to have a constant and habitual love of it. This true of all the unregenerate. It is born with him and he loves it (Ephesians 5:29). 2. An unmortified habit or course of sin. Even a child of God may have this: David had (Psalm 38:5). 3. An actual retention of the mind upon sin. II. WHAT IT IS TO HAVE OUR PRAYERS ACCEPTED WITH GOD. It is to prevail with God for the obtaining of what we desire. III. HOW IT IS THAT SUCH REGARD OF SIN HINDERS OUR PRAYERS. 1. Because in such case we cannot pray by the Spirit, and no other prayers find answer. 2. We cannot pray in faith. 3. Nor with fervour IV. APPLICATION. Let all seek when they pray to have sincere hearts, free from hypocrisy and the love of sin. For otherwise our prayers cannot prosper, and, moreover, we incur the danger of a heavy curse (Genesis 27:12). Therefore, before prayer, let us examine ourselves. This, if anything, will clear the coast. Sift yourselves by examining as Satan does by tempting. (R. South, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:WEB: If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn't have listened. |
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