The theological article "The Sins of Professors" by Philip Henry addresses the sins committed by those who are supposed to be followers of Christ, highlighting the disappointment, ingratitude, and scandal they bring to the Lord. Henry argues that professors of faith, who do not embody their commitments, cause Jesus to suffer disappointment similar to the wild grapes mentioned in Isaiah 5:4. The author stresses the ingratitude of such behavior, citing the Old Testament's emphasis on Israel's unthankfulness and David's recognition of God's kindness in rebuke over his transgressions. The scandalous nature of these sins causes others to stumble, drawing attention to Judas as a prime example. He points to Scripture, including Micah 6:3, to evoke the relational aspect of God’s dealings with humanity and the resulting grieve when His followers falter in their love and trust. The practical significance lies in encouraging believers to examine their walk with Christ and prioritize unity and faithfulness in their lives.
Key Quotes
“He looked that it should bring forth grapes and it brought forth wild grapes.”
“This is often insisted upon in the Old Testament as to the dealings of God with Israel; they were very ungrateful.”
“Oh my people, what have I done unto thee and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.”
“He would have his people to be of one mind, if it might be, or however of one heart.”
There are three things in the sins of professors that must be displeasing to the Lord Jesus.
1. The disappointment to his expectation. "He looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes;" see Isa. v. 4. From such better is expected. What! my friend, and be proud, worldly, treacherous.
2. The ingratitude that is in it. It is an ill requital of his love. This is often insisted upon in the Old Testament as to the dealings of God with Israel. They were very ungrateful. Nathan aggravates David's sin by what God had done for him.
3. The scandal that is in it: that which causes others to "stumble and fall." Judas was a leader among Christ's followers. An apostle. A preacher. A light. What he did was a scandal to all that heard of it. The whole society was reproached. The Spirit of the Lord Jesus was troubled.
Now decays in our "first love" are a trouble of spirit to the Lord Jesus. When men are cold towards him. When they abate in their affections: "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me," Micah vi. 3. He challenges them to give a reason. What iniquity have you found in him that you should not love him as well now as heretofore?
So is distrust. When we are upon all occasions questioning his love, and his truth, and his faithfulness; whether it be as to the great business of pardon, peace, and justification before God. We can hardly believe that we shall be pardoned, though we repent. That he takes very ill. He is troubled in spirit when we do not believe.—Or, as to outward wants. How apt are we to distrust him though he hath said we shall want nothing.—Or, in reference to the public concerns of the church of God. Moses and Aaron were rebuked for this. He is troubled when we distrust him.
Dejections and despondencies of spirit are the fruits of distrust. And he is troubled to see his people troubled. "Let not your heart be troubled," is his language. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." "Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me." Many are saying so now. Oh! that is a trouble to the Lord Jesus.
Divisions trouble the Lord Jesus. He would have his people to be of "one mind," if it might be: or, however, of "one heart." He is grieved to see his people hating one another. Walk not as men, but as Christians, in respect of unity; see 1 Cor. iii. 3. Oh that our present troubles might have that blessed effect: that the barking of the dogs may drive the scattered sheep together.
Declinings in their walking are another source of trouble to the Lord Jesus. When professors grow loose and careless: "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." Let us look to it, that we are not found declining. Let us beware of those things that trouble the spirit of the Lord Jesus.
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