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  STAND IN AWE, AND SIN NOT: COMMUNE WITH YOUR OWN HEART UPON YOUR BED
  by John Calvin
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of communing with one's
own heart in solitude, examining oneself honestly, and abstaining from
sin by being angry with oneself rather than others.

Topics: "Self Reflection", "Personal Sanctification"
Scripture References: Psalm 4:4, Proverbs 14:8, Ephesians 4:26, James 1:19

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DESCRIPTION
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John Calvin preaches on the importance of self-reflection and solitude
in order to examine one's own faults and sins truthfully and honestly.
He emphasizes the need to withdraw from external distractions and
influences to commune with one's own heart, away from the deception of
empty applause and public judgment. Calvin highlights the wisdom in
being angry with oneself to abstain from sin, rather than directing
anger towards others, as a means of self-correction and growth.

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CONTENT
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Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed,
and be still. --Psalm 4:4

To commune upon one's bed is a form of expression taken from the common
practice and experience of men. We know that, during our intercourse
with men in the daytime, our thoughts are distracted, and we often judge
rashly, being deceived by the external appearance; whereas in solitude,
we can give to any subject a closer attention; and, farther, the sense
of shame does not then hinder a man from thinking without disguise about
his own faults.

David, therefore, exhorts his enemies to withdraw from those who
witnessed and judged of their actions on the public stage of life, and
to be alone, that they may examine themselves more truthfully and
honestly. And this exhortation has a respect to us all; for there is
nothing to which men are more prone than to deceive one another with
empty applause, until each man enter into himself, and commune alone
with his own heart.

Paul, when quoting this passage in Ephesians 4:26, or, at least, when
alluding to the sentiment of David, follows the Septuagint, "Be ye angry
and sin not." And yet he has skillfully and beautifully applied it to
his purpose.

He there teaches us that men, instead of wickedly pouring forth their
anger against their neighbors, have rather just cause to be angry with
themselves, in order that, by this means, they may abstain from sin. And
therefore he commands them rather to fret inwardly and be angry with
themselves; and then to be angry not so much at the persons, as at the
vices of others. --Commentaries

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-calvin/stand-in-awe-and-sin-not-commune-with-your-own-heart-upon-your-bed/
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