========================================================================
  DUST AND ASHES
  by Thomas Brooks
========================================================================

Summary: The closer we draw to God, the more humble we must be,
recognizing our own baseness and deserving of punishment.

Topics: "Grace Of God", "Humility"
Scripture References: Genesis 18:27, Psalm 51:17, Psalm 103:14, Isaiah 64:6, Matthew 5:3, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 4:16, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the humility of Abraham, who recognizes himself
as 'dust and ashes' when speaking to God. This acknowledgment reflects
the inherent baseness of humanity and the deserving of judgment without
God's mercy. Brooks argues that true closeness to God fosters greater
humility, drawing a parallel with the angels who, being closest to God,
exhibit the utmost humility. The sermon calls believers to reflect on
their own insignificance and the grace of God that allows them to
approach Him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gen. 18:27, "And Abraham answered and said, Behold,

I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am

but dust and ashes." Here you have the father of the

faithful, the greatest believer in the world, accounting

himself dust and ashes. Solemnly think that you are

dust and ashes--and be proud if you can!

Dust notes the baseness of his original; and ashes notes

his deserving to be burnt to ashes, if God should deal with

him in justice rather than in mercy.

The nearer any soul draws to God, the more humble will

that soul lie before God. None so near God as the angels,

nor any so humble before God as the angels.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/dust-and-ashes/
========================================================================