Godly Jealousy

    Jesus said, "One of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?"

    It becomes the disciples of Jesus Christ to maintain always a "godly jealousy" of themselves.

    This jealousy is conversant about our spiritual estate and condition. We are to be inwardly and heartily concerned how it is between our souls and God. Am I alive to God? Am I "born again?" Am I "a new creature?" This should fill us every day—What am I? We should be afraid for our souls, lest they be yet in the "gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity." Are they in a state of sin, or a state of grace? Where am I?

    We should be jealous about this.

    1. Because it is the main matter. If we are in sin, we are miserable: undone for ever, dying so. If we are in Christ, we are happy: made for ever: "If children, then heirs." Not else. If we are not children we cannot be heirs. Therefore make sure of your sonship. Some blame those that preach conversion, and say there is no such thing, unless for heathens or infidels. But Christ saith to his disciples, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

    2. Because multitudes are mistaken about it, the more it concerns us that we may not be mistaken. Many that are in a very bad condition think themselves to be in a good condition. Those that are for heaven are but very few. And, therefore, we are the more concerned to inquire how it is with us. Few are in the narrow way. Are we of that few? If a man be but to buy a beast in the market, he takes advice; is afraid of being cheated. But in these greater things we maintain no jealousy.

    3. It is an easy matter to be mistaken. The repentance of a hypocrite is so like the repentance of a true Christian, that it is hard to distinguish between them.

    4. The danger is great if we are mistaken. And it is the greater because we have had such fair warning. This will be a stinging consideration hereafter—" Son, remember thou in thy lifetime" hadst warning. This day you have warning. See that your graces be true, not counterfeit. A mistake here is of dangerous consequence.

    Jealousy is conversant about our past actions. We must be jealous of them. That may seem at first as if well done, which, when further looked into, is not so. Reflect—was my eye single? Was there not hypocrisy in this duty, in this prayer? Herein we have the pre-eminence above the beasts, we may reflect upon what is past. They cannot. This work is to be done weekly. Reflect—how did I carry it in the company I was in? Did I improve my opportunity for my soul's good? It ought to be done before every sabbath. When we are in affliction and trouble God calls us to it: "Now, consider your ways." "I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done?" He expects it from us. Oftentimes people rush into sin with eagerness, but do not often inquire—What have I done? The saints, however, have practised a holy jealousy. David did. He says, "I thought on my ways." And it is very beneficial to do so. It is the first step in conversion. The prodigal came to himself: then to his father. Conversion begins in consideration; it is a means to keep peace between us and God. When we often quit scores, we do not leave old debts unpaid. Hereby we shall be always ready for death. Repent every day for the sins of every day, that when we come to die we may have the sins but of one day to repent of. Oh, how comfortable is that! If we would judge ourselves, and be jealous of ourselves, we shall not be judged of the Lord. Shortly we shall have to give an account of our stewardship, therefore let us be preparing for it. Was this well done? How shall I know whether it is or not? Why, try by the word of God. Is your faith Scripture faith? Is your repentance Scripture repentance? The word of God is a "glass," and it has all the properties of a good glass. It is clear, without spots. It is a " pure" word. It is broad. It will show you yourselves all over: inside and outside, heart and life. And it will not flatter. It will represent you as you are.

    Jealousy is conversant about our future concerns. Especially as to four things.

    1. Be jealous in reference to duty to be performed. Who is "sufficient for these things?" Many young men never ask themselves this question; but think themselves sufficient for the work of the ministry, though, indeed, they are not. This is for want of "godly jealousy." When you are about to perform any duty, do you lift up your heart to God, and say—Lord, help me in this duty? He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: so he that trusts in his own wisdom or strength. When Nehemiah was to speak to the king, he said—Lord, "give me favour in the sight of this man." How often doth duty fail for want of this. Be convinced that without Christ you can do nothing. Away to him for strength.

    2. Be jealous where temptations are to be resisted. The enemy we fight with is a spirit. We are like a lamb who has to fight with a roaring lion. Maintain a "godly jealousy" over yourselves, lest you should be worsted. Do not say as Peter—" Though all men deny thee, yet will not I." Go as David against Goliath—in the name of the Lord, and in the power of his might.

    3. Be jealous in reference to sufferings approaching. Consider—How shall I be able to bear such a trial?

    4. There is need of this "godly jealousy" against death comes. It is a great work to die. Be jealous how you shall do it. It is to be done but once, therefore should be well done. We have need to be preparing for it, to be treasuring up promises. Let us "die daily." It is a serious thing to die—depend on God for strength.