know that the Lord has set apart
the godly for himself. By Charles Simeon, know that
the Lord has set apart the godly for himself. Psalm chapter 4
verse 3. Who are the special objects of
God's favor? The world is divided into only
two kinds of men. The godly, the ungodly, The godly
are to be distinguished from the ungodly, by a great variety
of marks. The godly fear God. The generality
of people sin without any shame or remorse, Ephesians chapter
4 verses 18 to 19. But the godly can no longer proceed
in such an evil course, 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 2 to 3. They humble themselves before
God for their past offenses. They guard against sinning against
him, even in thought. 2 Corinthians 10 5 The godly
love God. They are not actuated by a merely
slavish fear. They have the spirit of adoption
given to them. Galatians 4 5 They sincerely delight to do
their father's will. Romans chapter 7 verse 22. They account the enjoyment of
his favor to be their highest happiness. Psalm chapter 4 verses
6 to 7. The godly serve God. their religion
does not consist in mere ineffectual feelings. It is obvious to all
that they are God's servants. They perform even their civil
and social duties with a reference to God, Romans chapter 13 verses
5 to 6. They do everything with a view
to God's glory, 1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 31. What are
the special honors which God confers upon the godly? God has
set them apart as distinct from those who perish. He has set
the godly apart secretly in His eternal purpose. His regard for
them did not commence after they became godly. Their godliness
is the fruit of his love to them and not the cause of his love.
Jeremiah chapter 31 verse 3, 2nd Timothy chapter 1 verse 9,
Ephesians chapter 1 verse 4, and Romans chapter 8 verses 29
to 30. He loved them and set his heart
upon them from eternity past. He has also set the godly apart
openly, when He effectually calls them by His grace. In time, God
effectually calls and converts all whom He chose in eternity
past. He inclines and enables them
to come out from the world, 2 Corinthians 6.17-18. He causes them to devote
themselves to His service, 1 Peter 2.9. He has also set the godly apart,
for Himself. He makes their souls His own
habitation, 2 Corinthians 6.16. He sheds abroad His love in their
hearts by His Holy Spirit. He preserves them as living monuments
of His power and grace. He regards them as His own treasured
possession, Psalm 135.4. know that the Lord has set apart
the godly for himself. You are a chosen people, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may
declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into
his wonderful light. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 9