Classic Sermon Outlines (continued)
CLASSIC SERMON OUTLINES — Matthew Henry
B. The Fruits and the Products of the Earth.
The annual fruits and products of the earth, grass for the cattle and herbs for the service of men—with these the earth is every year enriched for use; as well as beautified and adorned for show. The harvest is the crown of every year and the great influence of God's goodness to an evil and unthankful world. And so kind and bountiful is the hand of Providence herein that we are supplied not only with food, but with a variety of pleasant things for ornament and delight.
II. SPECIAL PROVIDENCES CROWN SOME YEARS WITH GOD'S GOODNESS MORE THAN OTHERS.
A. Illustration from Jewish History.
Every year was crowned with God's goodness, but not to the extent of the sixth year when God made the earth to bring forth fruit for three years (Psalm 77:10). Every year was not a year of release, much less a year of jubilee. Sometimes the arm of Omnipotence is in a special manner made bare and He outdoes what He used to do that He may awaken a stupid and unthinking world to see the goings of our God in His sanctuary and that He may proclaim Himself glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, working wonders.
B. Practical Observation.
God's goodness must be recognized and acknowledged. Whatever has been or is our honor, our joy, our hope comes from God's hand and He must have the praise for it. We must take notice, not only of His wisdom and power in effecting things great and admirable in themselves, but His goodness and mercy in doing that which is happy and advantageous for us; and make that the theme of all of our songs. "For He is good: for His mercy endureth forever" (Psalm 136:1).
C. The Description of God's Goodness.
A crown signifies three things:
1. It dignifies and adorns. A crown denotes honor.
2. It surrounds and encloses. God has surrounded this year with His goodness, compassed and enclosed it on every side. So is translated the