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  SWEET POISONS!
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: The world presents itself in a beautiful and alluring way, but
this beauty is a snare that leads to destruction, and the only way to
overcome our love for the world is to know a greater glory, heaven.

Topics: "Worldly Temptations", "Eternal Perspective"
Scripture References: Psalm 4:2, Matthew 4:9, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:15, Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:2, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Hebrews 10:34, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks warns against the seductive nature of the world, which he
describes as 'sweet poisons' that can ensnare the soul and lead to
spiritual destruction. He emphasizes that while the world may appear
beautiful and enticing, it ultimately betrays and harms those who pursue
it, often leading them to forsake their relationship with God. Brooks
illustrates how many souls are lost not just by the world's challenges
but by its allure, urging believers to seek a greater glory in heaven
rather than being captivated by earthly treasures. He encourages a
perspective shift, suggesting that a deeper understanding of heavenly
promises can help believers disdain worldly pursuits. The sermon calls
for a focus on eternal values over temporal gains.

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CONTENT
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"I will give You all these things--if You will fall down and

worship me." Matthew 4:9

Satan presents the world in such a dress, and in such a garb,

as to ensnare the soul, and to win the affection of the soul.

He represents the world to them in its beauty and finery, which

proves a bewitching sight to carnal men. Satan can no sooner

cast out his golden bait--but we are ready to play with it,

and to nibble at it! He can no sooner throw out his golden

ball--but men are apt to run after it--though they lose God

and their souls in the pursuit!

Ah! the time, the thoughts, the hearts, the souls--which the

inordinate love of this wicked world eats up and destroys!

Where one thousand are destroyed by the world's frowns

--ten thousand are destroyed by the world's smiles!

The world, siren-like, sings to us--then sinks us!

It kisses us--then betrays us, like Judas!

It kisses us--then stabs us under the rib, like Joab.

The honors, splendor, and all the glory of this world, are but

sweet poisons, which will much endanger us, if they do not

eternally destroy us. Ah! the multitude of souls that have

glutted on these sweet baits, and died forever! Such men

will sell Christ, heaven, and their souls for a trifle! "How long

will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie?" Psalm 4:2

Ah, how many thousands are there now on earth, who have

found this true by experience; who have spun a lovely rope

to strangle themselves, both temporally and eternally, by

being bewitched by the beauty and finery of this world!

The main reason why men dote upon the world, and damn

their souls to get the world, is, because they are not acquainted

with a greater glory! Men ate acorns, until they were acquainted

with the use of wheat. Ah, did men but taste more of heaven,

and live more in heaven, and had more glorious hopes of going

to heaven, ah, how easily would they trample the world under

their feet!

"You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because

you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions."

Hebrews 10:34

Let heaven be a man's object, and earth will soon be his abject.

Assurance of more great and glorious things, breed in the soul a

holy scorn and contempt of all these poor, base worldly things

--which the soul before valued above God, Christ and heaven.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/sweet-poisons/
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