Robbing God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of studying God's Word and the consequences of neglecting it, highlighting the need to demonstrate respect for God as our Sovereign.
Edward Payson emphasizes the importance of diligently studying the Scriptures for those who acknowledge God as their rightful Sovereign, comparing it to how a subject would attentively read a message from their sovereign. He highlights that neglecting to study the Bible implies a rejection of God's authority and a lack of interest in knowing His will. Payson urges believers to immerse themselves in the Word until they are confident in their understanding and wisdom for salvation.
Text
No man will ever voluntarily neglect to make himself acquainted with the contents of a message sent to him by one whom he acknowledges as his superior, or on whom he feels himself to be dependent. Let a subject receive a communication from his acknowledged sovereign, and as it claims, so it will receive his immediate attention. Nor will he, especially if it contains various and important instructions, think a hasty perusal of it sufficient.
No, he will study it till he feels confident that he is acquainted with its contents, and understands their import.
At least equally certain, and equally evident is it, that every man whose heart acknowledges God to be his rightful Sovereign, and who believes that the Scriptures contain a revelation from him, will study them attentively, study them till he feels confident that he understands their contents, and that they have made him wise unto salvation. The man who does not thus study them, who negligently suffers them to lie, for days and weeks, unopened, says, more explicitly than any words can say, I am Lord; God is not my Sovereign; I am not his subject, nor do I consider it important to know what he requires of me.
Carry his messages to those who are subject to him, and they will, perhaps, pay them some attention.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Studying God's Messages points: - We would not neglect messages from our superiors - We would study them to understand their contents
- The Consequences of Neglecting God's Word points: - It shows a lack of respect for God as our Sovereign - It results in ignorance of God's requirements
- The Call to Study God's Word points: - It is essential for salvation - It is a demonstration of our submission to God
Key Quotes
“The man who does not thus study them, who negligently suffers them to lie, for days and weeks, unopened, says, more explicitly than any words can say, I am Lord; God is not my Sovereign; I am not his subject, nor do I consider it important to know what he requires of me.” — Edward Payson
Application Points
- We should make studying God's Word a priority in our lives.
- Neglecting God's Word shows a lack of respect for Him as our Sovereign.
- Studying and obeying God's Word demonstrates our submission to Him.