A neglect of God, and a disregard of His wonder-working providence, constitutes the character of man under the influence of his natural corruption of heart.
It formed the character of the Jewish Church, notwithstanding its outward privileges and its appointed means of religious improvement. It forms the character of nominal Christians. Covetousness and sensuality are the two great causes of man’s neglect of God (Isa_5:8; Isa_5:11-12).
I. TAKE A CHRISTIAN VIEW OF THE PROVIDENCE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. God’s “never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and in earth.” This providence is--
1. Divine.
2. Universal
3. Tender.
4. Watchful.
II. Points of practical instruction.
1. This doctrine is quite consistent with your free agency.
2. Think not that your Lord forgets you in the immensity of His works. “Sanctified afflictions,” says an old writer, “are good promotions.”
3. Pray that God would by His providence “put away from you all hurtful things,” and “give you those things which be profitable for you,” and remember that the welfare of your souls is concerned in all the actions and undertakings of every day and hour. (W. M. Harte.)
Sensuality essentially atheistic
The sensual reveller simply disregards God’s constitution and government of society. (Sir E. Strachey, Bart.)
