Psalm 128
The sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord and the manifold blessings that come from it.
Henry Law preaches on the manifold blessings that belong to those who fear the Lord, emphasizing the importance of seeking and nurturing the fear of the Lord as a gift from above. This fear leads to close adherence to the Gospel-rule and a dread of straying from God's path, resulting in countless blessings and true happiness. The grace of fear also brings diligence in work, abundant fruit, and domestic joys, filling the cup of family happiness to overflowing. Spiritual blessings are promised, including the prosperity of the Church and the peace of God's children, leading to increased love, praise, and gratitude towards the Holy Spirit.
Text
Manifold blessings belong to those who fear the Lord. May we gaze on the display until it is our own realized enjoyment!
1. "Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord; who walks in His ways."
The fear of the Lord is an inestimable gift. Let it be sought with our whole hearts. Let it be diligently nurtured. It comes from above. It is the Spirit's work. It is the herald of a train of countless blessings. It is evidenced by close adherence to the Gospel-rule. Those who fear God will dread the slightest wandering from His path.
2. "For you shall eat the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you."
The grace of fear will work diligence in all appointed works. Indolence is a mark of gracelessness. Abundant fruit follows Christian toil. No good thing shall be withheld. True happiness fills the hearts which tremble at the Word. God will cause the sunshine of prosperity to brighten in their homes. Who will not pray, Lord, give us this blessed fear! As heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy towards those who fear Him.
3. "Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of your house; your children like olive-plants round about your table."
Not only shall prosperity attend the customary employ of the hands, but domestic joys shall be dispensed as the Lord thinks well. His blessing will fill the cup of family happiness to overflowing.
4-6. "Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that fears the Lord. The Lord shall bless you out of Zion; and you shall see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, you shall see your children's children, and peace upon Israel."
Spiritual blessings shall especially be multiplied. The prosperity of the Church shall be seen, and shall augment the bliss. Converts shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the watercourses. They shall fly as doves to their windows. Lord grant these blessings, and may our eyes behold the peace of Your children! So shall we love and praise You more and more! Let us ever bless the Holy Spirit for thus alluring us to Gospel-walk. The picture is enchanting. The real enjoyment exceeds description.
Sermon Outline
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The Fear of the Lord
- An inestimable gift
- Sought with whole hearts
- Diligently nurtured
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The Blessings of Fear
- Evidenced by adherence to the Gospel-rule
- Dread of wandering from God's path
- Abundant fruit in Christian toil
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Prosperity and Happiness
- True happiness in trembling at the Word
- Prosperity in homes
- Domestic joys in family happiness
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Spiritual Blessings
- Multiplication of spiritual blessings
- Prosperity of the Church
- Converts and peace in Israel
Key Quotes
“May we gaze on the display until it is our own realized enjoyment!” — Henry Law
“As heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy towards those who fear Him.” — Henry Law
“Let us ever bless the Holy Spirit for thus alluring us to Gospel-walk.” — Henry Law
Application Points
- We must seek the fear of the Lord with our whole hearts and diligently nurture it.
- The blessings of fearing the Lord include prosperity, happiness, and abundant fruit in Christian toil.
- We should pray for the fear of the Lord and its accompanying blessings.