062. ROM 2:4. LONG-SUFFERING OF GOD DESPISED

Rom_2:4. Long-Suffering of God Despised

"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Rom_2:4.

The goodness of God is impressed on all his works. "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." "He is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works." Forbearance is that disposition in Deity which causes him to withhold punishment when it is justly due; to restrain his wrath, when it might be righteously poured out on the heads of his enemies. Forbearance is the result of his infinite goodness’97long-suffering is forbearance extended, carried out, day after day, and year after year, although the sinner is increasing in the number and enormity of his sins. Now let us contemplate,

I. The Greatness of the Divine Long-suffering.

This will appear if we consider,

1. The infinite dignity of the Being against whom all sin is committed.

Sin is not an evil which affects an inferior, or attacks an equal; but it is rebellion against the great Being who fills heaven and earth with his glory. If we consider,

2. That he is perfectly acquainted with every sin committed against him.

He sees the rise, progress, and result of every evil act’97he sees what the sinner does, and what he would do were he not restrained or prevented. He sees every sin in its aggravations, and in its effects on others. He sees the just punishment every sin deserves. If we consider,

3. The love of purity which is essential to his character.

Every sin is full of abomination in his sight. He detests nothing but sin. His name, and attributes, and ways, and works, and government are all attacked by it; all these, therefore, are in direct opposition to it. Then consider,

4. His ability to punish.

The sinner is always within his power. He can direct a thousand arrows upon his exposed head, and open an infinite variety of channels of misery to his soul. All resources are his’97heaven and earth, wind and hail, storm and tempest, dearth, and plague, and pestilence, are all his servants and are ever at hand. Then consider

5. His beneficence to the sinner.

He not only spares, forbears to punish, allows to live, but he gives him air to breathe, clothes to wear, food to eat; he gives him health and strength, comfort and enjoyment: he gives him his word, his ordinances, and his Spirit to lead him to salvation. He wills his salvation, invites him to his mercy-seat, and beseeches him to be reconciled to himself. Let us consider hen,

II. The design of the Divine Long-suffering.

It is intended,

1. To exhibit the riches of his grace.

He delighteth in mercy’97he loves to save’97and judgment is his strange work. His long-suffering is intended,

2. To lead the sinner to repentance.

It is calculated to do this as it provides the means of repentance’97time and opportunity’97invitation’97Spirit to soften, &c., motives’97promises to the repenting soul, &c.

3. It leaves the impenitent without excuse.

What can he plead in mitigation of the dread and terrible sentence of the Lord? He has had the offer and the opportunity. He has had threatenings to awe, and mercy to soften him. He has had times and seasons. God has waited long and called aloud; and now of necessity, he is speechless. Observe,

III. God’s Long-suffering is despised.

That is, undervalued, treated lightly, neglected.

1. Infidels speak contemptuously of it.

"Where," they ask, "is the promise of his coming?"

2. The profane harden themselves under it.

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the children of men are set in them to do wickedly.

3. The great mass of men are indifferent to it.

Do not know’97do not consider. Pass on heedlessly, until even infinite mercy has exhausted her resources; and then they reap according to what they have sown.

Application

Consider how foolish it is to despise it. Long-suffering is not indifference in God, much less approval. How wicked to despise it! It is a sin fallen angels cannot commit. How base and ungrateful, especially to sin against the boundless love of God, and the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed expressly for our salvation. How reckless it is! To dare Deity’97to trifle with the soul’97to be heedless of eternity. Finally, how tremendous will be its results! To perish in spite of all our mercies and opportunities; and to go down to the pit of wo, having exhausted the riches of the long-suffering of God.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS