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  A GREAT DEGREE OF HOLINESS
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: True holiness is demonstrated by a person's conflict with heart
sins and their spiritual victories over invisible sins.

Topics: "Holiness", "Spiritual Warfare"
Scripture References: Psalm 139:23

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true holiness is demonstrated through the
struggle against hidden and spiritual sins that are not visible to the
world. He argues that while a little grace may lead one to confront
obvious sins, it is the battle against secret sins of the heart that
reveals a greater degree of holiness. The preacher highlights that
overcoming these internal struggles requires significant grace and
spiritual strength, as they are only visible to God. Ultimately, the
measure of one's holiness is reflected in their ability to confront and
conquer these deep-seated heart issues.

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CONTENT
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The more a man conflicts with heart sins, with spiritual

sins, with invisible sins--with sins which lie most hidden

and obscure from the eyes of the world--and the more

spiritual victories and conquests a man obtains over

them--the greater measure of holiness that person has

certainly attained to.

A little grace, a little holiness, will work a man to conflict

with gross sins,

with outward sins,

with bodily sins,

with open sins, which everyone may set their eyes on.

Yes, where there is no grace, no holiness at all,

the light of nature,

the common convictions of the Spirit,

the laws of men,

the eyes of men,

the threats of men,

the examples of men,

the smarting rod, or

a good education,

may work men to conflict with such sins.

Oh, but when all the strength and might of the

soul is engaged against those very sins that lie

not within the sight or reach of the most sharp

and piercing men in the world--but in the heart,

and about the heart, and are only obvious to

God's omniscient eye--this argues a great

degree of holiness.

When the heart rises with all its

strength and might against . . .

secret pride,

secret self-love,

secret bubblings of lusts,

secret carnal confidence,

secret murmuring,

secret hypocrisy,

secret envy,

secret self-applause,

secret malice,

secret hatred,

secret snares,

secret temptations, etc.,

it is an evidence that holiness has grown

up to some considerable height there!

It is not an easy thing, to overcome those flaming

lusts and corruptions which are in our own hearts.

Only grace, only holiness, can enable us to

overcome our lusts--our heart lusts.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/a-great-degree-of-holiness/
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