Classic Sermon Outlines (continued)
The Folly gf Despising Our Own Ways guide and guard in them, if we look up to Him as we ought (Psalms 37:23; 73:24; Isaiah 40:31). If therefore we do not have our eyes upon Him, if we make light of this privilege, as all those do who do not make use of it, we lose this honor.
5. Careless of our past ways. It is our concern to look back, because if we have done amiss there is a way provided to undo it by repentance. If we are unwilling that others should reprove us for wrong or to examine and correct ourselves we despise our own ways.
6. Heedless and inconsiderate of the way before us. If we think that God is neither pleased nor displeased with our thoughts, affections, words, or actions; if we do not care to avoid sin and do our duty as it ought to be done, we are careless of our way and despise it.
B. The Foolishness and Danger of Despising Our Own Ways.
1. God observes our ways. The God of heaven observes and takes particular notice of all our ways, even the ways of our hearts—their thoughts and intents are open before His eyes (Hebrews 4:13). He sees our ways as things that must be judged and which judgment must be given justly.
2. Satan seeks to pervert our ways. Satan is a subtle enemy that seeks to pervert our ways and to draw us into his service and interests. Satan's design is more than half accomplished when he has brought men to a state of indifference as to their actions and they let things go just as they will.
3. Many persons watch us. David prayed, "Lord, lead me in a plain path because of mine enemies"'—because of them that observe me (Psalm 27:11). There are many who take notice of what we do and say: some watch us as a pattern; others, to reproach; still others, to rejoice when we walk in the truth.
4, Man must give an account of all his ways. As there is now an account kept of all sins in the book of God's omniscience and of the sinner's own conscience, so there must shortly be an account given of them all. They must all be reviewed. It is a folly for us to despise our own ways and make a light matter of them.
5. Our ways most likely will determine our future life. As you spend your time you are likely to spend your eternity. If the prevailing temper of your mind now is vain, carnal, selfish, sensual, earthly, and worldly, and you go