A Fool to His Schoolmaster
Living a life of faith is the key to a free, holy, heavenly, and happy life.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of relying on carnal reasoning over faith, warning that those who let their reason dictate their faith will face continual sorrow. He asserts that true freedom, holiness, and happiness come from living a life of faith, which involves unwavering trust in God even in difficult times. Brooks encourages believers to cling to God and maintain obedience, regardless of their circumstances, as faith leads to the highest expressions of life.
Text
He who goes to school to his own carnal reason,
has a fool to his schoolmaster; and he who
allows his faith to be overruled by his reason,
shall never lack woe.
No man lives so free a life, so holy a life, so
heavenly a life, so happy a life--as he who
lives a life of faith. Now the soul is put upon
the highest and the purest acts of faith, that
is, to cleave to God, to hang upon God, and
to carry it sweetly and obediently towards
God, though He frowns, though He chides,
though He strikes, yes, though He kills! 'For
we walk by faith, and not by sight.' 2 Cor. 5:7
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Following Carnal Reason
- A fool to his schoolmaster
- Consequences of allowing faith to be overruled by reason
Key Quotes
“He who goes to school to his own carnal reason, has a fool to his schoolmaster; and he who allows his faith to be overruled by his reason, shall never lack woe.” — Thomas Brooks
“No man lives so free a life, so holy a life, so heavenly a life, so happy a life--as he who lives a life of faith.” — Thomas Brooks
“For we walk by faith, and not by sight.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must be careful not to allow our faith to be overruled by our reason, lest we suffer the consequences.
- Living a life of faith requires us to trust and obey God, even when we don't understand His ways.
- Clinging to God in difficult circumstances is a demonstration of our faith in Him.