All the Afflictions, Troubles, and Trials
The sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding the rod, which reports God's message about the nature of sin, the world, and our place in it.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in our afflictions, urging believers to heed the rod of discipline that God appoints. He explains that the rod serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin, the fleeting nature of worldly comforts, and the glory of heaven and the preciousness of Christ. Brooks encourages the congregation to believe the report that the rod makes, which reveals the true nature of sin and the vanity of earthly pursuits. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of God's purposes in our trials and a greater appreciation for the eternal truths of faith.
Text
"Heed the rod and the One who appointed it." Micah 6:9
It is God who appoints the rod, and ordains it to do what
service He pleases. It is God who has an active hand, in
all the afflictions which come upon His people.
"Heed the rod," that is, "believe the report the rod makes."
The rod reports, that of all evils sin is the greatest evil; and
that of all bitters, sin is the greatest bitter. Oh believe the
report of the rod! The rod reports, that God is angry, that
God is displeased. Oh believe its report! The rod reports the
creature to be mere vanity and vexation of spirit. Oh
believe its report! The rod reports our nearest and dearest
comforts, contentments, and enjoyments to be mixed,
mutable, and momentary. Oh believe its report!
The rod reports . . .
sin to be vile, and
the world to be vain, and
heaven to be glorious, and
Christ to be most precious!
Oh believe its report!
Sermon Outline
- The Rod and the One Who Appointed It
- Heeding the Rod's Report
- The Rod Reports Sin as the Greatest Evil
- The Rod Reports God's Displeasure
- The Rod Reports the Vanity of Earthly Comforts
Key Quotes
“Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.” — Thomas Brooks
“Oh believe the report of the rod!” — Thomas Brooks
“The rod reports . . . sin to be vile, and the world to be vain, and heaven to be glorious, and Christ to be most precious!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should believe the report of the rod and take God's message seriously.
- We should not be deceived by the vanity of earthly comforts, but instead seek a heavenly perspective.
- We should treasure Christ as most precious and glorious.