The Thought Afar Off
The sermon emphasizes God's omniscience, instilling both awe and hope as He sees our thoughts and desires for goodness.
John Henry Jowett preaches about the all-knowing nature of God as described in Psalm 139:1-12. He emphasizes that God sees every thought and desire within us, leaving no room for secrecy or hidden sin. Jowett highlights the awe that comes from realizing God's complete knowledge of our innermost being, while also pointing out the hope and joy found in God's ability to see even the smallest acts of goodness and penitence in us.
Text
PSALM cxxxix. 1-12.
"Thou knowest my thought afar off." That fills me with awe. I cannot find
a hiding-place where I can sin in secrecy. I cannot build an apparent
sanctuary and conceal evil within its walls. I cannot with a sheep's skin
hide the wolf. I cannot wrap my jealousy up in flattery and keep it
unknown. "Thou God seest me." He knows the bottom thought that creeps in
the basement of my being. Nothing surprises God! He sees all my sin. So am
I filled with awe.
"Thou knowest my thought afar off." This fills me also with hope and joy.
He sees the faintest, weakest desire, aspiring after goodness. He sees the
smallest fire of affection burning uncertainly in my soul. He sees every
movement of penitence which looks toward home. He sees every little
triumph, and every altar I build along life's way. Nothing is overlooked.
My God is not like a policeman, only looking for crimes; He is the God of
grace, looking for graces, searching for jewels to adorn His crown. So am
I filled with hope and joy.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The omniscience of God - The inability to hide from God - The awe of being known
- II points: - God's awareness of our sins - The depth of God's knowledge - The call to honesty
- III points: - God's recognition of our desires for goodness - The hope found in God's grace - The joy of God's attention to our efforts
- IV points: - The contrast between sin and grace - God as a seeker of good - The significance of small triumphs
Key Quotes
“Thou knowest my thought afar off.” — John Henry Jowett
“He sees every movement of penitence which looks toward home.” — John Henry Jowett
“My God is not like a policeman, only looking for crimes; He is the God of grace.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Reflect on the areas of your life where you may be hiding from God and bring them into the light.
- Embrace the hope that comes from knowing God sees your efforts to pursue goodness.
- Cultivate a habit of honesty in your thoughts and actions, recognizing God's grace in your journey.