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  THE MERITORIOUS CAUSE OF ALL OUR SORROWS AND SUFFERINGS
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Our sorrows and sufferings are a result of our own sin, and we
must examine our ways and return to the Lord to overcome them.

Topics: "Repentance", "Sin and Suffering"
Scripture References: Lamentations 3:39

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our sorrows and sufferings are often a
direct result of our sins, urging believers to reflect on their actions
rather than complain about their afflictions. He encourages Christians
to recognize that when they face hardships, it is their own sinful
nature that has led to these trials. Brooks calls for a return to the
Lord, advocating for patience and self-examination in the face of God's
discipline. He highlights the importance of acknowledging our pride,
worldliness, and backsliding as contributors to our suffering,
ultimately pointing to the need for repentance and humility.

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CONTENT
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"Why should any living man complain when punished

for his sins? Let us examine our ways and test them,

and let us return to the Lord." Lamentations 3:39-40

"I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I

have sinned against Him." Micah 7:9

Sins is the meritorious cause of all our sorrows

and sufferings. In all our sorrows we should read

our sins! When God's hand is upon our backs, our

hands should be upon our sins.

When a Christian is under the afflicting hand

of God, he may well say, 'I may thank . . .

this proud heart of mine,

this worldly heart of mine,

this froward heart of mine,

this formal heart of mine,

this dull heart of mine,

this backsliding heart of mine,

this self-seeking heart of mine--for . . .

this cup so bitter,

this pain so grievous,

this loss so great,

this disease so desperate,

this wound so incurable!

It is my own self, my own sin--which has caused

these floods of sorrows to break in upon me!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/the-meritorious-cause-of-all-our-sorrows-and-sufferings/
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