Psalms 4:3

DISCOURSE: 497THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GODLY

Psalms 4:3. Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself.

RELIGION has in all ages been an object of derision to an ungodly world. There never have been wanting those who resembled Cain and Ishmael [Note: Galatians 4:29.]. God however has far other thoughts of those who serve him: the recollection of this is a comfort to the godly under their persecutions; the consideration of it too might be of great advantage to the ungodly. The Psalmist seems to be reproving the wicked for their contempt of God, and their injurious treatment of his people: he therefore, in a way of triumphant exultation, suggests the thought in the text.

We shall,

I.

Shew who are the objects of the divine favour—

The world is divided into two descriptions of men, godly, and ungodly. The godly are to be distinguished by a great variety of marks—They fear God—[The generality sin without any shame or remorse [Note: Ephesians 4:18-19.]. But the godly can no longer proceed in such an evil course [Note: 1 Peter 4:2-3.]. They humble themselves before God for their past offences. They guard against offending him, even in thought [Note: 2 Corinthians 10:5.].]

They love God—[They are not actuated by a merely slavish fear. They have the spirit of adoption given to them [Note: Galatians 4:5.]. They unfeignedly delight to do their Father’s will [Note: Romans 7:22.]. They account the enjoyment of his favour to be their highest happiness [Note: Psalms 4:6-7.].]

They serve God—[Their religion does not consist in mere inefficacious feelings. They make it appear to the world that they are God’s servants. They perform even their civil and social duties with a reference to him [Note: Romans 13:5-6.]. They do every thing with a view to his glory [Note: 1 Corinthians 10:31.].]

They are despised indeed by the world, but approved by their God—This will appear while we,

II.

Declare the peculiar honour conferred upon them—

God has testified, in the strongest terms, his approbation of the godly. He has moreover “set them apart,” as distinct from those that perish—This he did secretly in his eternal purpose—[His regard for them did not commence after they became godly. Their godliness is the fruit and not the cause of his love [Note: Jeremiah 31:3. See also 2Ti 1:9 and Romans 8:29-30.]. He loved them, and set his heart upon them, from eternity [Note: Ephesians 1:4.].]

He did it also openly, when he called them by his grace—[These two periods of their separation are mentioned by St. Paul [Note: Galatians 1:15.]. In conversion, God sets apart sinners for himself. He inclines and enables them to come out from the world [Note: 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.]. He causes them to devote themselves entirely to his service [Note: 1 Peter 2:9.].]

He has set them apart too “for himself”—[He makes their souls his own habitation [Note: 2 Corinthians 6:16.]. He sheds abroad his love in their hearts by his Holy Spirit. He preserves them as living monuments of his power and grace. He regards them as his own peculiar treasure [Note: Psalms 135:4.].]

This being a point wherein all are deeply interested, we shall,

III.

Commend the subject to your solemn attention—

This is not a matter of doubtful disputation—[In every period of the world, God has had a peculiar people. They have been distinguished with special tokens of his love [Note: Abel, Genesis 4:4. Enoch, Noah, &c. Hebrews 11:5; Hebrews 11:7. Paul, Acts 9:15.]; and though they were not set apart for their holiness, they have invariably been made holy; moreover, when they were holy, God delighted in them as holy [Note: 1 Peter 3:4.].]

Nor is it a matter of trifling concern—[The Psalmist evidently speaks of it as deserving deep attention; and if it related only to this present state, it were worthy of notice. But the present separation of God’s people for himself is a pledge and earnest of a future separation: in the day of judgment, God will complete what he here began [Note: Matthew 25:32-33.]. What distinguished honour will he then confer upon the godly [Note: Malachi 3:17.]! Then he will be their joy, and they his glory, for over [Note: Revelation 22:3-4.].]

Let the ungodly therefore know this to their shame—

[The Psalmist suggests the thought peculiarly in this view; and well may they be ashamed who despise what God loves. In vain do any hope to be God’s hereafter, who are not his now. Let the ungodly therefore be ashamed of their false confidences. Let them set themselves apart for God, if they would have God set them apart for himself. Let them learn to live the life of the righteous, if they would die his death.]But let the godly know it, to their unspeakable consolation—

[They who are beloved of God, have little reason to regard the contempt of men. God would have them assured of his superintending care. He would have them know their security, who take him for their God [Note: Romans 8:31.]. Let the godly then rejoice in the honour conferred upon them. Let them look forward with joy to the final completion of God’s gracious purposes towards them, and let them devote themselves more than ever to his service.]