In this first of a three part series, we consider transparency with God. It comes after studying Dr. Thomas Manton’s 27th sermon on Psalm 119. Manton is relatively unknown today. However, the preacher and theologian of the 1600s was prominently known and influential. So much so, in fact, that Jonathan Edwards wrote Manton’s 27th sermon on Psalm 119 into his personal resolutions.
Manton preached before English Parliament, participated in the Westminster Assembly, and was later appointed to compose a preface to the second edition of the Westminster Confession. This, of course is a small sampling of his life, achievements, and contributions. He’s the topic of discussion here because of his specific reference in Edwards’ 65th resolution.
In total, Manton composed 190 sermons on the 119th Psalm. I have no doubt that Edwards studied them all, but the 27th clearly is the one that had lasting impact. And it’s for good reason.
I read and studied Manton’s 27th sermon on Psalm 119. The depth of his observations and teachings from one mere line of this Psalm is incredible. While the verse contains what appears to be three basic steps, Manton expands upon and explores them in incredible and complex detail.
So, let’s look at this concise yet enormously impacting line along with Edwards’ resolution. Then we will consider transparency in declaring our ways to God.
Jonathan Edwards’ Resolution #65
Edwards’ Resolution #65 (as it was written)
Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26 and Aug. 10, 1723. Aug. 17, 1723
Edwards’ Resolution #65 (in my modernized language)
To live in full openness with God, including: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires; and every thing in every circumstance. (See Dr. Manton‘s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119.)
Transparency in declaring our ways to God, means openly expressing confidence in Him, seeking to know ourselves, venting sorrow, and gaining enlightenment.
Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119
Manton’s sermon focuses fully on one verse, in which the presumed writer, David says:
I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
– Psalm 119:26 KJV
In the verse, Manton – in his sermon – points out three main components. The first is the declaring of our ways. In other words, transparency. Honest and open transparency. It, he observes, is an act of faith and dependence.
In the second portion, we are presented with the truth that God hears us. That is indicative of his grace and evidence of a Holy friendship
Finally, David pleads for the Lord to teach him. This is a humble request to remain in that grace. It is an act of spiritual contrition and a sincere desire to receive Holy wisdom for living.
Having provided a contextual summary, we now look at each section in more thorough detail. Part one of this series ponders the aspect of Declaring Our Ways.
Openness in Declaring Our Ways
What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the Lord,
who do their evil deeds in the dark!
“The Lord can’t see us,” they say.
“He doesn’t know what’s going on!”
– Isaiah 29:15 NLT
When David states that “I have declared my ways,” it’s referencing his personal business and undertakings. He’s transparent and displaying openness with God. David is acknowledging God’s sovereignty and accepting that God is with us at all times. Moreover, David expresses a sincere desire to align his will with God’s nature.He does son with awareness that it impacts his daily living and eternal state.
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
– Proverbs 4:23 NLT
The person who believes they are able to hide their sinister ways from God are sorely mistaken. Though such deeds may happen behind closed doors, and no earthly being may ever know of the transgressions, there is no hiding the knowledge from God. He’s ever present and always aware of our actions.
Perhaps more distressing, he’s fully aware of the innermost desires of our hearts and minds. He knows our longings, our motives, our lust filled wishes. There is not fooling our God. There is no act or sleight of hand that can trick him into believing anything other than reality.
So be fully open as you confess your sinfulness to God. This confession and repentance is not for God. It is for us and is an expression of our dependent upon His grace (Psalm 139).
Why have Transparency in Declaring Ways?
Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
– Psalm 32:1 NLT
Why is it important to declare our ways to God? It’s to cultivate and promote sincerity within. Even hypocrites can go to church, pray, and look the part. They might even be able to recite the Bible word for word from memory. But, if their hearts are not open to God, they shall be found lacking.
It’s fully possible to confess and not be repentant. It’s fully impossible to repent and not confess. Declaring yourself to God shows your confidence in God
Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence
– 1 John 3:21 NLT
The second reason we must declare our ways to God is for knowing our unholy selves. In being honest with ourselves and allowing openness to God, we take God’s calls as his chosen more seriously. When we do that, we therefore have a greater kingdom impact.
“Out of self-love men spare themselves, and will not judge and condemn themselves; therefore they deny, excuse, extenuate, or hypocritically confess, Oh, I am a sinner! [a]nd the like, but do not come openly.”
Thirdly, when we declare our griefs and sorrows to God, we allow ourselves to gain much. Few people will deny that it is good to vent. One such Biblical example is Hannah in 1 Sam 1:8. In addition, Manton provides a couple tangible examples to which we all can relate.
As he says, “[a]n oven stopped up is hotter within” and can easily build up disastrous pressure. Also, as Manton shares, “…as wind when it is imprisoned in the caverns of the earth causeth violent convulsions and earthquakes, but if it find vent all is quiet, so it is with the heart…”
Finally, when we take our sins to God, we gain both revelation and enlightenment in addition to better knowing ourselves. It’s an opportunity for personal growth of spiritual heart
Instead, let us test and examine our ways.
Let us turn back to the Lord.
– Lamentations 3:40 NLT