Psalm 36:2

“He flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.”

It may well astonish us to see how careless and indifferent men are about the favor of God. But the Psalmist assigns the true reason for it. Every one cherishes in his mind some delusion whereby he lulls his conscience asleep; and thus, notwithstanding his guilt and danger, he rests satisfied with his state, until God himself interposes, in a way of mercy or of judgment, to undeceive him!

To elucidate this verse, we shall,

I. Point out some of the self-flattering delusions which are commonly entertained.

We shall notice:

1. Some delusions which prevail among the careless world.

They imagine that God does not regard the conduct of his creatures, Job 22:13. Psalm 94:7. But it is a sad delusion, Proverbs 15:3. 1 Corinthians 4:5. Ecclesiastes 12:14. Deuteronomy 29:19-20.

Or they think that God is too merciful to consign them over to everlasting perdition Zephaniah 1:12. 2 Peter 3:4. But this is also a fatal error, Psalm 9:17 and 2 Peter 2:4-6; 2 Peter 2:9.

Or they assume that a nominal repentance will suffice. But repentance is not so insignificant a thing as men suppose. It is nothing less than a radical renovation of the heart in all its powers; a putting off the old man, and a putting on the new man, John 3:3. Ephesians 4:22-24.

Or that there is plenty of time to think of seriously about turning to God, Acts 24:25. If other delusions have proved fatal to thousands, this has destroyed tens of thousands. The folly of it appears from James 4:14. Luke 12:20 and Genesis 6:3. Proverbs 1:24-31.

2. Some delusions which prevail among those who profess some regard for religion.

They judge that a moral conduct, with a regular observance of the outward forms of religion, is all that is required. Our Lord warns us against this mistake in Matthew 5:20

Or they assume that the notional embracing of the truths of the Gospel, and the joining of themselves in church membership, is a true and scriptural conversion. But what did this avail for the Foolish Virgins? Matthew 25:1-12. What did this avail for Judas? Matthew 26:21-24. See also, Matthew 13:30; Matthew 13:40-42.

Or they imagine that the having had their affections strongly exercised about religious things in childhood or in some previous period, is a proof of their present acceptance with God. Such notions are common, Matthew 13:20, but awfully delusive! Hebrews 6:4-6. 2 Peter 2:20-21.

Or they assume that a present pleasure in religious duties with a partial mortification of sin, is a sufficient evidence of their sincerity. This is the thought of many, Isaiah 58:2-3. Ezekiel 33:31-32. Psalm 78:34-35. But nothing less than an unreserved obedience to God will prove us to be God’s children! 1 John 3:7. Mark 9:43-48.

But the vanity of these delusions will appear, while we:

II. Show when and how they shall be removed.

The eyes of all will sooner or later be opened, and their vain conceits be dissipated.

1. Some will have their errors rectified in conversion.

When the Spirit of God enlightens the mind of man, he scatters the clouds of ignorance and error; and, as far at least as respects the foregoing delusions, guides them into the knowledge of the truth.

He shows us, not only that our sins are known to God—but that we are in danger of condemnation on account of them, and that we ought to turn to God instantly, and with our whole hearts! Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30.

He reveals to us also, that no form of godliness, no change of sentiment, no moving of the affections, no partial reformation of the life, will suffice; but that if we will serve the Lord in truth, we must give up ourselves wholly to him and without reserve! Psalm 18:23 and Hebrews 12:1.

Particularly he makes us to see “the hatefulness” of the most refined hypocrisy; and even of the remains of sin, which, in spite of our most earnest endeavors to destroy it—yet war in our members, Psalm 66:18. James 1:26. Job 42:6. Romans 7:21-24.

2. Others will have their misapprehensions removed in condemnation at the day of judgement.

Too many, alas! hold fast their delusions in spite of the warnings of God’s Word, and all the merciful or afflictive dispensations of his providence. But, as soon as ever they come into the eternal world, they will be undeceived. The sight of a holy God, together with the hearing of that sentence which their once compassionate, but now indignant Judge will pass upon them; and, above all, the feeling of the torments of Hell—will convince them of their mistakes, and leave them no room to doubt, but that the care of the soul was “the one thing needful,” and that every Word of God shall be fulfilled in its season.

Advice.

1. Do not only confer with fallible men in the eternal concerns of your soul.

All unregenerate men endeavor to bring down the Word of God to some standard of their own; and consequently will discourage in us everything that goes beyond the line which they have drawn for themselves. But, if they deceive us, they cannot afford us any remedy in the eternal world.

The Word of God is the only standard of right and wrong; and by that alone, we shall be judged in the last day. Let us therefore regulate our opinions and conduct, not according to the opinions of fallible men, but according to the unerring declarations of God himself. And instead of endeavoring to lower the demands of God to our wishes or attainments, let us labor to raise our practice to the strictest requisitions of God’s law! Philippians 3:13-14.

2. Pray for the teaching of God’s Spirit.

With deceitful hearts, a subtle adversary, and a tempting world—we are continually in danger; nor can we hope to be guided aright but by the Spirit of the living God. Even the Scriptures themselves will be “a dead letter,” and “a sealed book” to us, unless the Spirit of God opens our minds to understand them! He has promised to lead us into all truth; and if we are really disposed to embrace the truth, he will reveal it to us. But if, through our hatred of the light, we shut our eyes against it, God will give us over to our delusions, that we may believe a lie! John 3:19. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, and Isaiah 66:3-4.

Let us therefore guard against self-deception, and submit ourselves to the guidance of God’s Spirit. Then, though our capacities are ever so small, we shall be kept from every fundamental error, Isaiah 35:8 and Matthew 11:25, and be “made wise unto salvation through faith in Christ.”

3. Seek above all to know the hatefulness of sin.

Nothing but a discovery of the evil of sin will effectually preserve us from self-deceit. To produce this, is the first saving work of the Spirit; and the more this is wrought in the heart, the more shall we be on our guard against all self-flattering delusions!

Charles Simeon