256. 1SA 12:24. SAMUEL’S ADDRESS TO ISRAEL

1Sa_12:24. Samuel’s Address to Israel

"Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart, for consider how great things he hath lone for you."’971Sa_12:24.

The occasion of the text. The people desired a king. God allowed them to hare their request. Signs of his displeasure The people, alarmed, confess their sip ver. 19. Samuel advises them, &c.

Notice

I. The Duties urged.

"Fear the Lord, and serve him," &c.

He urges them,

1. To fear the Lord.

This is an indispensable part of true godliness. The beginning of wisdom, &c. It is not slavish dread, nor superstitious terror, but a holy filial fear of offending God. Walking and acting as always in his sight. Setting him ever before us. Job_28:28; Psa_19:9; Pro_23:17; Rev_14:7.

We are urged,

2. To serve God.

In the way that he appoints. With the voluntary devotedness of the heart and life. With constancy and perseverance. This service must be both public and private and have respect to all his commandments.

3. It must be in truth with all our hearts In truth. From pure motive. With sincerity, &c. With all our hearts. The heart must be given to him; the heart supply the streams of our fear and service. "All" our hearts. Every faculty and power engaged. Hearts undivided, &c. With the understanding, judgment, will, affections, conscience, &c.

Notice,

II. The powerful Motive supplied.

"For consider what great things the Lord hath done for you."

This is seen,

1. In the temporal provisions of his bounty.

"Daily loaded us with benefits," &c. Food, raiment habitations; mercies new every morning, &c.

2. In providential interpositions.

How often snatched us from danger; raised us from sickness; brought us back from the gates of death. In the midst of dangers and deaths preserved until this day 3. In the exercises of his mercy.

Called us from darkness, &c.; illuminated our minds; convinced of sin; blessed us with pardon and regeneration; raised us to heirship with Jesus.

4. In the supplies of his grace.

How often intrusted us; comforted us strengthened, supported, and preserved our souls. He has never withheld any good thing. All has been ours, &c. "All things worked," &c.

5. In the promises of glory.

He has not only lone much for the past, but he has engaged to do much for the future. He has prepared, for all who love him, a kingdom, a crown, a throne’97eternal glory. And he has engaged to preserve and keep until these things be all possessed. "Kept by the power," &c. "I give unto my sheep," &c.

Application

Learn,

1. The practical nature of true religion. It includes both the fear and service of God.

2. How great are our obligations thus to fear and serve God.

3. Abused mercies will bring a fearful weight of judgment upon us.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS