A Flower Which Does Not Grow in Nature's Garden!
Repentance is a gift from God that comes down from above, and it is not possible for humans to achieve on their own.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound nature of repentance, illustrating it as a divine gift that cannot be achieved by human effort alone. He likens the difficulty of turning one's heart to God to the impossibility of transforming adamant into flesh or raising the dead, underscoring that true repentance is not found in nature's garden. Brooks highlights that it is only through God's grace that individuals can experience genuine repentance and turn away from their sins. He reminds us that just as the Ethiopian cannot change his skin, we cannot do good without divine intervention.
Text
"Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the
hope that God will grant them repentance leading
them to a knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:25
Repentance is a turning from sin (the most darling sin)
to God. It is mighty work, a difficult work; a work which
is above our power. There is no power below that power
which raised Christ from the dead, and which made the
world--which can break the heart of a sinner, or turn
the heart of a sinner!
You are as well able to melt adamant--as to melt your
own heart! You are as well able to turn a flint into flesh
--as to turn your own heart to the Lord! You are as well
able to raise the dead and to make a world--as to repent!
Repentance is a flower which does not grow in
nature's garden!
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its
spots? Neither can you do good, who are accustomed
to doing evil." Jeremiah 13:23
Repentance is a gift that comes down from above.
Men are not born with repentance in their hearts, as
they are born with tongues in their mouths! It is not
in the power of any mortal to repent at pleasure.
Sermon Outline
- Repentance is a Turning from Sin
- Repentance is a turning from sin to God
- Repentance is a mighty work, above human power
Key Quotes
“Repentance is a flower which does not grow in nature's garden!” — Thomas Brooks
“You are as well able to melt adamant--as to melt your own heart!” — Thomas Brooks
“Repentance is a gift that comes down from above.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize your powerlessness to change without God's intervention.
- Repentance is a gift that comes down from above, and it is not something you can achieve on your own.
- Trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to grant repentance.