======================================================================== LOATHSOME THOUGHTS by Thomas Brooks ======================================================================== Summary: True repentance involves a deep loathing and abhorring of sin, and of oneself for sin. Topics: "Self-Reflection", "Repentance" Scripture References: Job 40:4, Psalm 51:3, Isaiah 6:5, Ezekiel 6:9, Ezekiel 20:43, Luke 18:13, Romans 7:24, 2 Corinthians 7:10, James 4:9, 1 John 1:9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of true repentance, which involves a deep loathing of both sin and oneself due to sin. He illustrates how a sincere penitent recognizes the weight of their sins, expressing a heartfelt abhorrence for their actions and the impact on their character. This self-loathing is not merely a low view of oneself but a profound realization of one's sinful nature, as echoed in the cries of the penitent. Brooks highlights that true repentance leads to a transformative acknowledgment of one's faults, urging believers to confront their sins with humility and sorrow. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "You will remember your conduct and all the actions by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done." Ezekiel 20:43 True repentance includes a loathing and abhorring of sin, and of ourselves for sin. The sincere penitent loathes his sins, and he loathes himself also because of his sins. He cries out, "Oh these wanton eyes! Oh these wicked hands! Oh this deceitful tongue! Oh this crooked will! Oh this corrupt heart! Oh how do I loathe my sins, how do I loathe myself! My sins are a burden to me, and they make me a burden to myself! My sins are abhorrent to me, and they make me abhor myself in dust and ashes!" A true penitent has not only low thoughts of himself, but loathsome thoughts of himself. None can think or speak so vilely of a Christian--as he thinks and speaks so vilely of himself. "Behold, I am vile!" Job 40:4 "They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their detestable practices." Ezekiel 6:9 ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/loathsome-thoughts/ ========================================================================