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  GOD WOULD NOT RUB SO HARD
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: God uses afflictions to purify and cleanse us, removing the
dross and impurities from our hearts.

Topics: "Afflictions", "Spiritual Purification"
Scripture References: Psalm 66:10, Proverbs 17:3, Isaiah 1:25, Malachi 3:2-3, Romans 5:3-5, 1 Corinthians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Hebrews 12:6, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:7

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God uses afflictions as a means to cleanse
and purify His people, comparing them to fire that burns away impurities
and dross. He illustrates that just as fire freed the three champions
from their cords, afflictions can liberate Christians from their
vanities and sins. Brooks explains that these trials serve various
purposes, such as purging, washing, and refining, ultimately leading to
a more radiant faith. He reassures that God's intense discipline is a
sign of His love and desire for purity in our hearts.

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CONTENT
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"I will turn My hand against you and will burn away

your dross completely; I will remove all your impurities."

Isaiah 1:25

Afflictions cleanse and purge away the dross, the filth,

and the scum of the Christian.

All the harm the fire did to the three children, or rather

the three champions--was to burn off their cords. Our

lusts are cords of vanity, but the fire of affliction shall

burn them up. Sharp afflictions are a fire--to purge out

our dross, and to make our graces shine; they are a

potion--to carry away ill humours; they are cold frosts

--to destroy the vermin; they are a tempestuous sea--

to purge the wine from its dregs; they are a sharp

corrosive--to eat out the dead flesh.

Afflictions are compared to washing--which takes away

the filth of the soul, as water does the filth of the body.

God would not rub so hard, were it not to fetch out

the dirt and spots that are in His people's hearts.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/god-would-not-rub-so-hard/
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