Psalms 22:4 - Homiletics

A pedigree of faith and piety.

"Our fathers trusted," etc. The Bible takes great account of pedigree. Yet not on those grounds in which men commonly glory—rank, title, wealth, fame; but in the line of faith and piety. These words contain—

I. A THANKFUL REMEMBRANCE . It is no small honour and blessing to spring from a godly stock. Those who have not this happiness in family lineage may yet claim it by adoption. A true Christian has all past generations of God's people as spiritual ancestors ( Galatians 3:29 ; Romans 4:16 , Romans 4:17 ).

II. A HOLY EXAMPLE , powerfully moving to faith, prayer, and holiness ( Hebrews 6:12 ; Hebrews 12:1 ; 2 Timothy 1:3-5 ). Noblesse oblige.

III. A HUMBLE CLAIM ON GOD 'S FAITHFULNESS . Because:

1. The trust and prayers of God's people in past generations were not for themselves only, but for their children ( Genesis 17:18 , Genesis 17:20 ). Ancestral prayers are a rich inheritance.

2. God's promises have regard to the children of his people ( Psalms 103:17 , Psalms 103:18 ; Acts 2:39 ; Acts 3:25 ).

IV. AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO FAITH . The experience of those who have gone before us, the consenting testimony of so many generations, and so innumerable a multitude of believers, to the truth of the Bible, the power of prayer, the reality of God's grace, the fulfilment of his promises, is no small or feeble aid to our faith ( Psalms 34:4-8 ; Hebrews 11:32-40 ).

CONCLUSION .

1 . We inherit the past. The wise thoughts, immortal words, noble deeds, holy lives, fervent prayers, toils, and sufferings of those who have gone before us, are a great treasure and trust, of which we shall have to give account.

2 . We are making the future. What pattern, work, prayer, memory, that they will "not willingly lot die," are we handing down to our successors?