STRIVING WITH GOD
Isaiah 45:9. Woe unto him, &c.
The idea of rebellion is one of frequent recurrence in this book. A sinner rebels against God’s authority and dominion. Is frequently styled an enemy, and this is evident both from his heart, tongue, and life. Is frequently described as fighting against God, or contending with Him, and this is the idea of the text.
I. MANIFESTATION OF THIS STRIFE. To strive is to oppose, and in a variety of ways sinners exhibit opposition to God.
1. The unblushing opposition of infidelity. Nothing can exhibit more daring wickedness. Rejects the Scriptures, and boasts of the sufficiency of nature to teach us virtue and religion. How devoted they are in prosecuting their work! How eager to dissuade others from their adherence to the Christian religion!
2. The fearless transgressions of the bold and daring in iniquity. Who lay aside all the restrictions of conscience, and the respect of the virtuous around them. Who give themselves up to every evil way and work. Who have no fear, &c. (Luke 18:4).
3. Those who resist the providential dealings and interpositions of God for their salvation. Providence subserves the designs of grace. Adversity, &c., are often employed to lead to thought and consideration, &c. The resistance of these is striving against God. If these do not soften, they harden (H. E. I. 56–59, 145, 229).
4. Those who will not yield to the overtures of the Gospel. The Gospel proclaims men enemies, and seeks their return to friendship. The Gospel proclaims an amnesty; but of course it is on the principle of their throwing down their weapons and ceasing to strive and rebel. Whoso persists in unbelief strives against God—yea, against the riches of His grace.
II. THE EVILS OF THIS STRIFE.
1. It is full of infatuation. It cannot be vindicated upon the principle of reason or propriety. A sign of the mind being blinded by the wicked one. There cannot be greater madness or more complete folly than to strive against God.
2. It is fraught with evils to our own souls. It excludes the greatest blessings God has to bestow (Jeremiah 5:25)—the divine favour, peace, hope, all the rich communications of heaven. It degrades the mind, hardens the heart, &c.; converts conscience into a gnawing worm. Often makes life insupportable.
3. It is full of ingratitude. The child—the befriended. But all figures must fail in the illustration.
III. ITS FINAL RESULTS.
1. We cannot injure Deity. We might a potsherd like ourselves. Neither,
2. can we benefit ourselves. Who hath hardened himself against the Lord and prospered? Nor can we,
3. Escape the triumphs of the Divine judgments over us. One must prevail. We cannot! Then God will; and His prevailing will be our “woe.” The woe of His righteous sentence, &c. To each and all such (Romans 2:9).
CONCLUSION.—
1. Let the careless think and stop in their career.
2. Let the hesitating allow good emotions to prevail (H. E. I. 1489).
3. Let the seeking now exclaim, “I yield, I yield, I can hold out no more,” &c.
4. Let the children of God rejoice, and labour for the weal of others.—The Pulpit Cyclopœdia, vol. iii. pp. 150–152.