Lesson 39 Outline:
The great advantage of spiritual knowledge. Part 3. (The aggravation and inexcusableness of ignorance)

Worship service 11/26.
Greetings and grace to the people of God, the church, the body of Christ, in whom He sees no defect or fault through His own love and righteousness. ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭16:14‬ ‭”And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my beauty, which I had set upon thee, saith the Lord GOD.” Truly the Christian hath great cause to rejoice evermore for that we are clothed and decked with a beauty not our own and covered in a righteousness carefully wrought by the skillful hand of our Creator and Savior. As Israel was glorified in the sight of the people on behalf of the special ordinances and rituals of the sacerdotal office, the sacrifices were glorious, the robes of the priests were glorious, the order of worship was glorious, the temple itself excelled in glory, so now the Lord God beautifies and glorifies His people by inward sanctity, renewing our hearts by the washing of regeneration, granting us faith to believe in His name and furnishing us with good works meet for the sons of God. Through these we shall go forth evermore praising His glorious name and so shall we be shown forth before all men to be truly His.
With such a mind and heart affected by this transformation, we come before Him to worship.

Psalm 12.

To him that excelleth upon the eight tune. A Psalm of David.

12:1 Help, Lord; for there is not a godly man left; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

2 They speak deceitfully every one with his neighbor: flattering with their lips and speaking with a double heart.

3 The Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

5 For the oppression of the needy, and for the sighs of the poor, Now will I arise, saith the Lord, and will set at liberty him, whom the wicked hath snared.

6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, refined seven-fold.

7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve him from this generation for ever.

8 The wicked walk on every side: when they are exalted, it is a shame for the sons of men.

Previously we looked at the personal anguish seen in the Psalmist on behalf of the wicked who surround and vex the righteous through their hypocrisy and false show of righteousness. But in opposition to the temptation to doubt and draw back from the promises of God, David confidently assures himself that the word of God is tested, tried and at the last promises victories over all our enemies. And so this Psalm is that of rebuke and comfort. Rebuke to the enemies of God who flatter themselves, vainly imagining that they are pure, and flatter others also pretending to be righteous persons. This Psalm in summary is echoed again in the first chapter of the Epistle of James when he writes, “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways, let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” As you see in the verse , “speaking with a double heart” And again, “if any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, that man’s religion is vain” from, “who have said with our tongue will we prevail” and again, “Wherefore lay aside all filthiness and superfluity of maliciousness, and receive with meekness the word that is graffed in you, which is able to save your souls.” As we see from the verse, “the words of the Lord are pure words”. And so hypocrites in the church are decidedly and unequivocally condemned, for that they do not receive the word with meekness and therefore abide in meekness but they bark with their mouths rejoicing over others exalting themselves by their own speech, and justifying themselves by their own doctrine they themselves have invented. But we see this Psalm is also comfort to the godly, for although generally it describes the character of the wicked, and condemns their behavior, yet it is also a prayer for salvation, and a certain expectation of the same. As we see from, “help Lord” and “the words of the Lord are pure” And finally, “thou shalt preserve him from this generation for ever.” For as assuredly as it is spoken, “the world lieth in wickedness” and we feel it to our great vexation day after day, so it is said, “He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ.” The beginnings of joy are within us, growing up and sprouting by the dew of grace resting upon our soul. Yet the final shout of joy and the perfection thereof is not yet, not til the day of Christ which we have confidence in through the word, and this is to our great comfort, the word of the Lord working in us that hope and joy which will be perfected in that day.

And this is the substance of the Psalm, to rebuke the wicked who boast over others with their lips, (as they surround the righteous with their numbers) while in their hearts they continue in heresy, hypocrisy and all wickedness, and to comfort the righteous who must bear the yoke of affliction on account of them waiting for God to fulfill that which He has spoken to us in His word. It is tried, it is tested by fire, it is found perfect.

Calvin (again),
In the commencement David complains that the land was so overspread with wicked men, and persons who had broken forth into the commission of every kind of wickedness, that the practice of righteousness and justice had ceased, and none was found to defend the cause of the good; in short, that there remained no longer either humanity or faithfulness…It is a thing very distressing to relate, and yet it was perfectly true, that righteousness was so utterly overthrown among the chosen people of God, that all of them, with one consent, from their hostility to a good and just cause, had broken forth into acts of outrage and cruelty. David does not here accuse strangers or foreigners, but informs us that this deluge of iniquity prevailed in the Church of God. Let the faithful, therefore in our day, not be unduly discouraged at the melancholy sight of a very corrupt and confused state of the world; but let them consider that they ought to bear it patiently, seeing their condition is just like that of David in time past.

Calvin, v5
David now sets before himself as matter of consolation, the truth that God will not suffer the wicked thus to make havoc without end and measure. The more effectually to establish himself and others in the belief of this truth, he introduces God himself as speaking. The expression is more emphatic when God is represented as coming forward and declaring with his own mouth that he is come to deliver the poor and distressed. There is also great emphasis in the adverb now, by which God intimates that, although our safety is in his hand, and, therefore, in secure keeping, yet he does not immediately grant deliverance from affliction; for his words imply that he had hitherto been, as it were, lying still and asleep, until he was awakened by the calamities and the cries of his people. When, therefore, the injuries, the extortions, and the devastations of our enemies leave us nothing but tears and groans, let us remember that now the time is at hand when God intends to rise up to execute judgment. This doctrine should also serve to produce in us patience, and prevent us from taking it ill, that we are reckoned among the number of the poor and afflicted, whose cause God promises to take into his own hand.”

Geneva footnotes,
Because the Lord’s word and promise is true and unchangeable, he will perform it and preserve the poor from this wicked generation.

Matthew Poole v8,
“which phrase may note, 1. Their great numbers; they fill all places. 2. Their freedom and safety; they are not restrained nor punished, but go about boldly and securely whither they please. 3. Their proficiency and success, which is sometimes signified by this verb, as Genesis 26:13; 1 Samuel 2:21; Isaiah 40:31. They grow worse and worse, and prosper in and by their wickedness. 4. Their incessant and unwearied industry in doing mischief to good men. Compare 1 Peter 5:8. And this is very fitly here added, as another argument to prevail with God to arise to help his poor people who are oppressed by wicked men.”

Therefore being confidently assured by the word of God that the wicked on the last day shall be ashes under our feet, we can pray to Him and ask for the same, knowing that the king will hear us when we call.

Opening prayer,
Our merciful and mighty Father, Lord and sovereign of heaven and earth, preserver of the righteous from the horde of wicked men, justice of the poor and oppressed, we cry out unto thee as small children unable to provide for ourselves, understanding by thy word that all things must come from thee and pour down upon us from heaven as the rain that waters the earth. Thou hast spoken in thy word saying, “open thy mouth and I will fill it” and again, “prove me now herewith if I will not open unto you the windows of heaven and poor you out such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it”, and so we come as beggars and as babes, asking for protection from our enemies, clothing to adorn us in thy presence, food to sustain us, and the pure milk of the word that we may grow thereby, profiting in it by grace and increasing in knowledge through industry and study. We are surrounded on all sides by wicked men who eat up thy people as the ox eats grass. They bite at us with malice, envy and hate, and seek for our destruction, exalting themselves over us in pride. But thou O Lord, be not far from us. Hide not thyself in our affliction. Be thou ever present to help us, and give us the meekness and grace to call unto thee in our trouble, for thou hast ever promised to be with us and deliver us. And therefore for salvation from our enemies and the destruction of all those that hate thee we pray, yea that thy kingdom might be built upon the ashes of the wicked, that the elect might be called, that heresy and sin would be faithfully rebuked, that thy ministers would be faithful to their charge and calling, that the sick would be healed, that the downcast would be comforted, that the righteous would be established by covenant families in the earth, all this we pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and for the sake of His Kingdom, for all this is spoken in His word, and therefore in Him do we trust knowing He will do it, and through His righteousness we pray to thee. O Father, do not deny us our request. Amen.

Lesson 39.
The great advantage of spiritual knowledge. Part 3. (The aggravation and inexcusableness of ignorance)
1. The advantages, you see, in this design, are many and great; the way to spiritual knowledge is hereby made more easy, and 2. the ignorance of this age more inexcusable. If, therefore, there be any spark in you of love to God, be not content that any of yours should be ignorant of him whom you so much admire, or any haters of him whom you so much love. If there be any compassion to the souls of them who are under your care, if any regard of your being found faithful in the day of Christ, if any respect to future generations, labour to sow these seeds of knowledge, which may grow up in after-times. That you may be faithful herein, is the earnest prayer of…

Intro.
The advantages of studying and knowing Westminster doctrine are many and great, the way to spiritual knowledge made easier and ignorance made more inexcusable.

2. The judgment of God on the ignorant.
Rom. 1:18-23.
Inexcusableness and aggravation.

Calvin:
It is commonly thought a good and a very fit excuse, when he who is reproved pretends that he meant no harm. And this pretext is held good by many at this day, so that they apply not their minds to find out the truth of God, because they think that whatever they do amiss through ignorance, without any designed maliciousness, but with good intention, is excusable. But no one of us would excuse the Jews for having crucified Christ, for having cruelly raged against the Apostles, and for having attempted to destroy and extinguish the gospel; and yet they had the same defense as that in which we confidently glory. Away then with these vain evasions as to good intention; if we seek God sincerely, let us follow the way by which alone we can come to him. For it is better, as [Augustine] says, even to go limping in the right way than to run with all our might out of the way. If we would be really religious, let us remember that what Lactantius teaches is true, that true religion is alone that which is connected with the word of God.
And further, since we see that they perish, who with good intention wander in darkness, let us bear in mind, that we are worthy of a thousand deaths, if after having been illuminated by God, we wander knowingly and willfully from the right way.

Westminster Larger on the aggravation of sin,
Q. 151. What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others?
A. Sins receive their aggravations, 1. From the persons offending: if they be of riper age, greater experience or grace, eminent for profession, gifts, place, office, guides to others, and whose example is likely to be followed by others. 2. From the parties offended: if immediately against God, his attributes, and worship; against Christ, and his grace; the Holy Spirit, his witness, and workings; against superiors, men of eminency, and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto; against any of the saints, particularly weak brethren, the souls of them, or any other, and the common good of all or many. 3. From the nature and quality of the offense: if it be against the express letter of the law, break many commandments, contain in it many sins: if not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words and actions, scandalize others, and admit of no reparation: if against means, mercies, judgments, light of nature, conviction of conscience, public or private admonition, censures of the church, civil punishments; and our prayers, purposes, promises, vows, covenants, and engagements to God or men: if done deliberately, willfully, presumptuously, impudently, boastingly, maliciously, frequently, obstinately, with delight, continuance, or relapsing after repentance. 4. From circumstances of time and place: if on the Lord’s Day, or other times of divine worship; or immediately before or after these, or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages: if in public, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled.

i. The inexcusableness of ignorance.
The wicked are without excuse without knowledge.
[1]. By Original sin.
“the tree of knowledge of good and evil”
Loss of communion with God.
[2]. By the demands of the law.
“God did not lose his right to command when man lost his ability to obey.”
ii. The aggravation of persistent ignorance.
The wicked are without excuse on account of knowledge.
[1]. Knowledge produces obligation.
[2]. Degrees of accountability.
a. Knowledge of religion.
b. Knowledge of Christianity.
c. Knowledge of sound doctrine.
d. Knowledge of the Westminster standards.
e. Knowledge of fine points.
Conclusion. Woe unto those most of all who hear gospel preaching and remain disobedient and ignorant.
[3]. The disobedience of ignorance.
[4]. Ignorance produces unbelief.
iii. The original cause of ignorance.
God hath not given them eyes to see unto this day.
He has reserved the greater part of the world for destruction.
“I thank thee… That thou hast hidden…”
iv. The material cause of ignorance.
The sinfulness and rebellion of mankind against the knowledge of God.
[1] God has shown them knowledge in creation. And still they rebel. (And invent false deity)
[2] God has shown them knowledge in the word. And still they rebel. (And contrive heresy)
[3] God has shown them knowledge in the Confession of Faith. And still they rebel. (And justify the unholy)

Application.
Since the fault belongs to man and the glory to God, the conclusion is not, “therefore let us do nothing and perish seeing that it is of God to give light” but rather “repent and be saved” seeing that all of these things point to your condemnation to show you your absolute dependence on God. And though God has certainly and unchangeably elected few, since he has not revealed to anyone hearing the word that he is not elect, he is therefore under obligation to hear the word and obey it’s commands, even to repent and turn from your sin. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Election is a secret, but repentance and obedience to God is revealed that we might be saved thereby. Therefore repent of your ignorance and turn to God that He might shed knowledge upon thee.

Review the outline.

Closing prayer,
O Father of lights with whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning, shed the light of thy grace upon us by thy Spirit and purge us from our sin, original and actual. Stop up that poisonous fountain that makes us obnoxious to thee, and cause us to know thee in Jesus Christ. Increase thy grace in us and conform us to the image of thy Son. Let Him not only be to us a judge and exacter of vengeance, but a Savior and Mediator, our righteousness before thee, imputed to us by faith in His name. Help us to fight against the ignorance and error in the world by the truth of thy gospel which is not in works of Righteousness which we have done, but according to His own free grace and mercy which is shown forth in the doctrine of original sin, election, limited atonement, effectual calling, and the sanctification and perseverance of the saints. Let this gospel go forth into all nations and save thy people O God even as there are those in our own congregation who are not from the splendiferous and magnificent Isle of England whose kingdom has stretched across the known world, nor from America whose economic freedom and grandeur has given her a name among the greatest of civilizations, but from Nigeria, Pakistan, India, these will bring the greatest kingdoms on earth to shame, even as it is written, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us, and again, thou hast hidden these from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even to all nations O Lord according to thy promise, let thy gospel be proclaimed with purity, clarity and boldness, let men be saved from their idolatry and ignorance, and let the heathen and the wicked be judged in thy sight who are inexcusable, for that thou hast showed them the glory of thy Godhead in creation and they willingly remained blind. So judge all men according to Righteousness and present us faultless before thee through Jesus Christ who is made unto us glorious wisdom as it is written. We pray through Him that is our Mediator, our Captain, our Governor, our King. In His Holy and Mighty name we pray, Amen.

YouTube Audio: https://youtu.be/0EOKbUavdjg