Self-Acquaintance

William Cowper

This sermon emphasizes the need for self-acquaintance, recognizing our sinful hearts and seeking God's transformation and cleansing.
William Cowper's sermon focuses on the internal struggles of a sinful heart, acknowledging the presence of anger, legalism, discontent, unbelief, and presumption within. The sermon highlights the conflict between worldly desires and the call of duty, emphasizing the need for cleansing in the Savior's blood and transformation by God's power to become a beloved dwelling place for the Lord.

Text

1. Dear Lord! accept a sinful heart,

Which of itself complains,

And mourns, with much and frequent smart,

The evil it contains.

2 There fiery seeds of anger lurk,

Which often hurt my frame;

And wait but for the tempter's work,

To fan them to a flame.

3 Legality holds out a bribe

To purchase life from thee;

And discontent would fain prescribe

How thou shalt deal with me.

4 While unbelief withstands thy grace,

And puts the mercy by;

Presumption, with a brow of brass,

Says, "Give me, or I die."

5 How eager are my thoughts to roam

In quest of what they love!

But, ah! when duty calls them home,

How heavily they move!

6 Oh, cleanse me in a Saviour's blood,

Transform me by thy pow'r,

And make me thy belov'd abode,

And let me rove no more.

Sermon Outline

The Sinful Heart
The Deception of Legality and Discontent
The Dangers of Unbelief and Presumption
The Need for Transformation
Our thoughts are easily distracted from duty
We need to be cleansed and transformed by God's power

Key Quotes

“Oh, cleanse me in a Saviour's blood, Transform me by thy pow'r, And make me thy belov'd abode, And let me rove no more.” — William Cowper

“How eager are my thoughts to roam In quest of what they love!” — William Cowper

“While unbelief withstands thy grace, And puts the mercy by;” — William Cowper

Application Points

Recognize the presence of anger and sin in your heart and seek God's help to overcome it.
Trust in God's sovereignty and mercy, rather than trying to earn His favor through your own efforts.
Seek God's transformation and cleansing, and become a vessel for His love and service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have a sinful heart?

A sinful heart is one that complains and mourns its own evil, recognizing its need for God's cleansing and transformation.

How can we overcome the temptation of anger?

We must be aware of the presence of anger within us and seek God's help to overcome it.

What is the difference between legality and faith?

Legality is trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts, while faith is trusting in God's grace and mercy.

How can we avoid the dangers of unbelief and presumption?

We must trust in God's sovereignty and mercy, and not demand His favor without condition.

What does it mean to be transformed by God's power?

To be transformed by God's power means to be cleansed and renewed, becoming a vessel for His love and service.

William Cowper

William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet and hymn writer who contributed to the Olney Hymns collection with John Newton. His hymns include 'God Moves in a Mysterious Way' and 'There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood.'

All sermons by William Cowper →