Psalms 78:32 - Homilies By S. Conway

The tenacity of sin.

This psalm might have for title, "The Devil's Grip;" "The Heart hold of Sin;" "The Gates of Hell prevailing," or any other such sad surname. For throughout its weary length it tells of scarce anything else. And would that it were only an old-world story!—a tale of ancient Israel, but of nobody else. But concerning such persistence in sin, note—

I. IT IS SEEN TODAY AS MUCH AS EVER . In the history of nations; of Churches; of families; of individuals. Of how many may it be said as it was of Amon, "But Amon sinned more and more"! What Christian pastor has not had under his own observation again and again those whose story is told here?

II. THERE ARE NO GRACIOUS RESISTANCES WHICH IT DOES NOT OVERCOME . "For all this," was said of old, and can be now. This "all" includes now, as of old: Divine revelation ( Psalms 78:5 ); early education ( Psalms 78:3 ); warning from ill example of others near to them ( Psalms 78:8 ); unspeakable mercies and deliverances ( Psalms 78:11 , Psalms 78:12 ); perpetual providential love; forbearance upon forbearance ( Psalms 78:38 ); terrible judgments ( Psalms 78:31 ); Opportunities of return ( Psalms 78:34 , Psalms 78:35 ). All this and more of like gracious nature they disregarded, even as men do still.

III. ITS SECRET IS EVER THE EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF . Not the unbelief which is the result of the perverted brain, but that which is generated by the evil heart, the sin-loving soul.

IV. ITS WORD OF WARNING IS VERY PLAIN .

1 . "Fools make a mock at sin." What else can they be who tamper and trifle with such a deadly thing! It may be in you seemingly weak as a cobweb film; let alone, it will become strong as the cable which holds fast, let the strain on it be what it may.

2 . Meet this tenacity of sin by the tenacity of grace. Cling to Christ in strenuous prayer; hold on so to him.

3 . Be content with nothing less than the gift of the clean heart; be sanctified as well as justified. "The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin."

4 . Remember how the strong one was and ever will be cast out by the Stronger ( Luke 11:21 , Luke 11:22 ), even Christ, who is "mighty to save," if we will give ourselves up to him.—S.C.