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  THE BENT OF THE NEEDLE
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: A true Christian's heart will always be bent towards God, even
if they have moments of sinful joggings.

Topics: "Holiness", "Spiritual State"
Scripture References: Romans 6:1, 1 John 3:6

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a true state of grace cannot coexist with
a continuous course of sin. He explains that while even the best saints
may falter in specific actions, it is the overall direction of one's
life--whether towards holiness or wickedness--that defines their
spiritual state. Brooks illustrates that just as a compass needle may
waver but ultimately points north, a genuine Christian's heart is
inclined towards God, Christ, and holiness despite occasional missteps.
He cautions against judging one's spiritual condition based solely on
isolated actions, urging believers to consider the trajectory of their
lives.

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CONTENT
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"No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one

who continues to sin has either seen Him or known

Him." 1 John 3:6

A trade, a course of sin--is inconsistent with a state

of grace. The best saints have sadly miscarried as to

particular actions; but he who shall judge of a man's

spiritual state by particular acts, though notoriously bad,

will certainly condemn, where God acquits. We must

always distinguish between some single evil actions,

and a serious course of evil actions. It is not this or

that particular evil action--but a continued course of

evil actions--which denominates a man wicked. Just

so, it is not this or that particular holy act--but a

continued course of holy actions--which denominates

a man holy.

Every man is--as his course is. If his course is holy--the

man is holy. If his course is wicked--the man is wicked.

No man ought to conclude, because of some particular

good actions--that his spiritual state is good.

No man ought to conclude, because of some particular

sinful actions--that his spiritual state is bad.

A course of sinning is not consistent with a course of

godliness. Though the needle of the seaman's compass

may jog this way and that way--yet the bent of the

needle will still be northward. Just so, though a Christian

may have his particular sinful joggings this way or that

way--yet the bent of his heart will still be . . .

God-wards,

Christ-wards,

heaven-wards,

holiness-wards.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/the-bent-of-the-needle/
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