Steps Rightly Directed, a False Way Detected
The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Word of God as the touchstone for everything in our lives, and the need to hate false ways and love God's law.
George Cutting emphasizes the importance of using the Word of God as the ultimate standard for every aspect of our lives, as seen in Psalm 119:104 and 119:128, where the Psalmist expresses a strong preference for God's precepts over false ways. The Holy Ghost speaks decisively through the Scriptures, highlighting the clear distinction between right and wrong paths. Cutting warns against compromising with darkness and encourages a firm stance like David's, who loved God's law and hated vain thoughts.
Text
It is well at the commencement of your Christian career to be fully alive to the fact that it is the Word of God which must be the touchstone for everything in your path, whether personally or relatively. Look at Psa. 119:104, "Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way"; and again, Psa. 119:128, "Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way." Notice how decidedly the Holy Ghost speaks through the Psalmist. It is either a right way according to the Word, or it is a false way to be hated. Man naturally loves to tone things down to keep his conscience quiet. God in creation "divided the light from the darkness," and morally He does so still.
Man would blend them together in a kind of dim twilight; but beware of these subtle compromises, and like David, say, "I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love" (Psa. 119:113).
Now do not let this apply only to the question of your salvation and personal state, but to that also which I now desire briefly to dwell upon; viz.,
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of the Word of God
- The Dangers of False Ways
- The Call to Hate False Ways
- David's example in Psa. 119:113
- The need to love God's law and hate vain thoughts
Key Quotes
“Therefore I hate every false way” — George Cutting
“I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love” — George Cutting
“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” — George Cutting
Application Points
- We must be fully alive to the fact that it is the Word of God which must be the touchstone for everything in our path.
- We must beware of subtle compromises and instead choose to love God's law.
- We can apply this principle by being intentional about seeking God's truth and living according to His principles.