A Very Little Worm
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true assurance in faith is accompanied by profound humility, as illustrated by biblical figures.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true assurance in God is accompanied by profound humility, as demonstrated by biblical figures like David, Abraham, Jacob, Job, Moses, and Paul. Each of these individuals, despite their close relationship with God, recognized their insignificance and unworthiness, illustrating that genuine assurance does not lead to pride but rather to a humble acknowledgment of one's smallness before God. Brooks warns against the delusion of presumption, which inflates one's self-worth and leads to spiritual pride, contrasting it with the humility that comes from a true understanding of God's grace.
Text
A well-grounded assurance is always attended with humility.
David, under assurance, cries out, "I am a worm and no man!"
The Hebrew word which is here rendered worm, signifies a very
little worm, which a man can hardly see or perceive. Psalm 22:6.
Abraham, under assurance, cries out, that he is but "dust and
ashes!" Jacob, under assurance, cries out, "I am not worthy of
all the faithfulness and unfailing love You have shown to me!"
Job, under assurance, "abhors himself in dust and ashes!"
Moses had the honor and the happiness to speak with God
"face to face;" and yet "Moses was a very humble man, more
humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." Num. 12:3.
The great apostle Paul, under all the revelations and glorious
manifestations of God to him, counts himself "less than the
least of God's people." Eph. 3:8.
That is mere presumption, that is a delusion of the devil, and
no sound assurance--which puffs and swells the souls of men
with pride; which makes men prize themselves above others,
above the value which God has put upon them.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding Assurance - The Role of Humility in Assurance - Biblical Examples of Humility
- II points: - David's Acknowledgment of His Worth - Abraham's Recognition of His Status - Jacob's Reflection on God's Faithfulness
- III points: - Job's Humility in Suffering - Moses' Unique Relationship with God - Paul's Perspective on His Apostolic Role
- IV points: - The Danger of False Assurance - The Nature of True Assurance - The Impact of Pride on Assurance
Key Quotes
“David, under assurance, cries out, 'I am a worm and no man!'” — Thomas Brooks
“Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” — Thomas Brooks
“That is mere presumption, that is a delusion of the devil, and no sound assurance.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect on your own humility in your relationship with God.
- Recognize the dangers of pride and false assurance in your spiritual journey.
- Seek to cultivate a heart that values God's grace over self-importance.