The Ant's Nest
Our hearts are inherently sinful, and only the restraint of God and Satan's temptation hold back the full extent of our wickedness.
This sermon delves into the deep-rooted nature of sin within every individual, highlighting how even the most seemingly virtuous person harbors sinful tendencies within their hearts. It emphasizes the presence of atheism, idolatry, blasphemy, murder, adultery, and other vices within the human heart, often hidden from one's own awareness. The analogy of an ant's nest is used to illustrate how sin lies dormant until provoked, revealing the swarm of wickedness within. The message warns of the inherent evil that can manifest when external restraints are removed, urging Christians to remain humble in the awareness of their sinful nature.
Full Transcript
The Ant's Nest by Thomas Boston Never did any sin appear in the life of the vilest wretch who ever lived, but look into your own corrupt nature, and there you may see the seed and root that sin and every other sin. There is atheism, idolatry, blasphemy, murder, adultery, and whatever is vile in your heart. Possibly none of these are apparent to you, but there is more in that unfathomable depth of wickedness than you know.
Your corrupt heart is like an ant's nest, which, while the stone lies on it, none of them appear. But take off the stone, and stir them up but with a straw, and you will see what a swarm is there, and how lively they are. Just such a sight would your heart afford you, did the Lord but withdraw the restraint He has upon it, and allow Satan to stir it up by temptation.
For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. Mark 7 verses 21 and 22 Christian, the remembrance of what you are by nature should keep you humble. No donations accepted.
Thank you.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Sin
- The Ant's Nest Analogy
- The Source of Sin
- The Christian Response
- Humility and remembrance of our nature
- Evil thoughts and actions
- Revealed by temptation
Key Quotes
“Your corrupt heart is like an ant's nest, which, while the stone lies on it, none of them appear.” — Thomas Boston
“Just such a sight would your heart afford you, did the Lord but withdraw the restraint He has upon it, and allow Satan to stir it up by temptation.” — Thomas Boston
Application Points
- Recognize the presence of sin in your heart and be humble in the face of it.
- Remember that sin originates from within and is a natural part of human nature.
- Seek to live a life of humility and dependence on God's grace.