1 Kings 14:1-3

The Impenitent Seeker.

The day of judgment will come at the end of the world, when the heavens and earth shall be burnt up ( 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 ; 2 Peter 3:7 ). But this has its prelude in a season of judgments which overtakes the sinner in this life. Jeroboam, having sinned away his day of grace, had now entered into such a season. But of this he seems to have been doubtful. Hence learn—

I. THAT THE SINNER MAY BE SURPRISED IN HIS SEASON OF JUDGMENTS .

1 . That there are such seasons is evident .

2 . But all afflictions are not such retributions .

(1) Some are entailed upon us through the fall, and alike affect the penitent and impenitent ( Genesis 3:16-18 ; Job 5:17 ; 1 Corinthians 10:13 ).

3 . These may be confounded .

II. THAT A SINNER MAY SEEK THE LORD TO NO GOOD PURPOSE . This happens—

1 . When the end sought is unprofitable .

2 . When the spirit of the seeker is improper .

3 . When the manner of the search is unworthy .

What an argument for early piety is here! Surrender to Christ before you are overtaken by a season of judgments. How admonitory is this subject to the effect that prayer should be true; that we should seek the right thing, in the right spirit, and in the right manner!—J.A.M.