======================================================================== THE DEVIL'S TENNIS-BALL by Thomas Brooks ======================================================================== Summary: Christians should be wary of idleness, which is a capital crime and the devil's tennis-ball. Topics: "Spiritual Vigilance", "Idleness" Scripture References: Proverbs 10:4, Ecclesiastes 10:18, Ephesians 5:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of idleness in his sermon 'The Devil's Tennis-Ball,' warning that idleness invites temptation and makes individuals vulnerable to the devil's influence. He draws parallels between ancient societies that harshly punished idleness and the Christian call to actively engage in good works. Brooks challenges Christians to reject idleness and not associate with those who neglect their responsibilities, urging believers to be diligent and purposeful in their lives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "We urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle!" 1 Thessalonians 5:14 The hour of idleness is the hour of temptation. An idle person is the devil's tennis-ball--tossed by him at his pleasure. Among the Egyptians idleness was a capital crime. Among the Lucans, he who lent money to an idle person was to lose it. Among the Corinthians idle people were delivered to the prison. By Solon's law idle people were to suffer death. The ancients call idleness the burial of a living man. Seneca had rather be sick than idle. Now shall nature do more than grace? Shall poor blind heathens be so severe against idle people--and shall Christians embrace them? Shall they not rather turn their backs upon them, and have no communion with those who think themselves too great or too good to hold the plough? ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/the-devils-tennis-ball/ ========================================================================