Classic Sermon Outlines (continued)
CLASSIC SERMON OUTLINES — Matthew Henry
God will translate those into the kingdom of His dear Son who have been long subjects in the kingdom of darkness.
3. Prevention and restraining of wicked practices. We must desire and pray that wicked practices may be prevented and restrained; that if the stream be not turned, yet it may be checked and may not become an overflowing deluge. We should desire and pray that thus far, at least, the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, that it may not be committed openly and that the infection may not spread.
B. The Petition That God Will Establish the Just.
1. In integrity. Let us pray that the just may be established in their good principles and good resolutions and may faithfully adhere to them; that those who have clean hands may be stronger and stronger; though the stream be strong, that the righteous may never be carried down by it; that like Job in difficult and trying times they may hold forth their integrity.
2. In comfort and hope. In troublesome times good men are apt to be shaken in mind and to fear lest the cause and interest of Christianity should be sunk and run down. They are ready to give up all for gone. Therefore, we have need to pray for them that they may be established in the belief of the promise that the gates of hell shall never prevail against the church.
3. In the saints' undertaking to bring wickedness to an end. Pray that they may be established in their undertaking to do what they can to bring the wickedness of the wicked to an end. We ought to pray for civil rulers; for all ministers of the Word of God; for all who in their places are strong against sin that they may be established in their resolution not to draw back their hand from the battle against sin.
II. THE REASON FOR THE PRAYER.
A. A Holy Concern for the Honor of God.
All good people have a holy concern for the name and honor of God and the Lord Jesus and for the reputation of Christianity. Therefore, they cannot but desire the end of that which dishonors God. All the children of God having His glory as their highest end have it upon their