And Will You Murmur?
Thomas Brooks challenges believers to reflect on their blessings and avoid the sin of murmuring against God.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the blessings and gifts that God has bestowed upon believers, urging them to reflect on their abundant spiritual inheritance and the transformative work of Christ in their lives. He questions the validity of murmuring or complaining when God has provided so much, including a renewed heart, salvation, and a personal relationship with Him. Brooks reminds the congregation that despite life's challenges, they have been elevated and enriched by God's grace, making murmuring inappropriate for those who are called His children.
Text
Is not Christ your treasure?
Is not heaven your inheritance--
and will you murmur?
Have you not much in hand, and more in hope?
Have you not much in possession, but much
more reserved in heaven--
and will you murmur?
Has not God given you. . .
a changed heart,
a renewed nature, and
a sanctified soul--
and will you murmur?
Has He not given you. . .
Himself to satisfy you,
His Son to save you,
His Spirit to lead you,
His grace to adorn you,
His covenant to assure you,
His mercy to pardon you,
His righteousness to clothe you--
and will you murmur?
Has He not made you. . .
a friend,
a son,
a brother,
a bride,
an heir--
and will you murmur?
Has not God often turned. . .
your water into wine,
your brass into silver, and
your silver into gold--
and will you murmur?
When you were dead, did not He quicken you?
When you were lost, did not He seek you?
When you were wounded, did not He heal you?
When you were falling, did not He support you?
When you were down, did not He raise you?
When you were staggering, did not He establish you?
When you were erring, did not He correct you?
When you were tempted, did not He support you? and
When you went in dangers, did not He deliver you?--
and will you murmur?
What! you who are so highly advanced and
exalted above many thousands in the world?
Murmuring suits none so badly as saints.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Christ as our treasure - Heaven as our inheritance - The futility of murmuring
- II points: - God's gifts to us - The importance of gratitude - Recognizing our blessings
- III points: - God's transformative power - His role in our lives - The call to trust Him
- IV points: - The dangers of discontent - Murmuring as a reflection of our hearts - The impact on our relationship with God
- V points: - The assurance of God's presence - The promise of His support - Living in faith rather than doubt
Key Quotes
“Is not Christ your treasure?” — Thomas Brooks
“Has not God given you... a changed heart, a renewed nature, and a sanctified soul-- and will you murmur?” — Thomas Brooks
“Murmuring suits none so badly as saints.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect regularly on the blessings God has provided in your life.
- Practice gratitude daily to combat feelings of discontent.
- Trust in God's promises and His presence during difficult times.