Hosea 7:2 And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about… Two facts are suggested here. I. THAT GOD REMEMBERS THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN. "Wickedness" may exist in thought or intention (Psalm 139:23, 24), in word (Matthew 12:36), in act (Psalm 51:4). 1. This fact is proclaimed in God's Word. (1) Statements. Jeremiah 14:10 proves God's watchfulness, Jeremiah 17:1 his recollection, Isaiah 44:22 his record, etc. (2) Examples seen in the sin of Adam, the antediluvians, Joseph's brethren, Abraham in Egypt, David, etc. 2. This fact is necessitated by the Divine nature. God's omnipresence, omniscience, and immutability imply it. His absolute perfection makes impossible either defect of knowledge or decay of faculty. 3. This fact is exemplified in the life of the Lord Jesus. "He knew what was in man;" "He knew their thoughts," etc. Show how completely he detected the plots of his foes, knew the doubts of his disciples (John 20:27), overheard the discussions of distant followers (Mark 9:34), perceived the unexpressed longings of the unpardoned (Matthew 9:2-7), and read the secrets of a sinful life (Luke 7:37-50). 4. This fact is a requisite to a just judgment. See references to the coming judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Jeremiah 32:18, etc.). No fair decision could be given except by One who knew all our sins and struggles, and had forgotten none of their circumstances. II. THAT MAN FORGETS THE SUPERVISION OF GOD. "They consider not," etc. It is not said man has no knowledge of the fact, but that he does not reflect upon it. To "consider in the heart" is to think over the truth seriously, closely, with sincere application to ourselves. If the charge were not true, we should no longer continue in sin; we should not attempt to extenuate it; we should mourn over it as an offence against God rather than as a cause of dishonor or loss to ourselves. Show the sinfulness of this. 1. It is disobedience to the exhortation of God. "Now therefore consider your ways;" "Oh that they were wise, that they would consider," etc.! 2. It is rebellion against the rule of conscience. Show what conscience is to the child at his first offence, and what it becomes through continued heedlessness. 3. It is encouragement to secret s/n. "They say, Doth God know?" etc. Many sins are disguised from the world, unsuspected by our friends, from which, therefore, no regard for reputation will save us. The secret sin undermines the character. Open sin follows. Even if it does not, the judgment of God is against those that do such things. 4. It is a hindrance to true repentance. Men do not come to Christ until they feel their need of him, who "saves his people from their sins." - A.R. Parallel Verses KJV: And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face. |
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