Conflicts Against Sin
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity for Christians to engage in a total conflict against all sin, recognizing its universal impact on their relationship with God.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the Christian's universal conflict against sin, highlighting that true believers detest all forms of sin, regardless of their perceived severity or pleasure. He illustrates how sin has led even the most righteous figures in the Bible to downfall, instilling a deep hatred for all sin within the believer's heart. Unlike the wicked, who selectively combat certain sins while embracing others, the Christian desires the complete eradication of all sin from their life. This passionate struggle against sin reflects a commitment to God's holiness and a longing for personal peace and comfort. Brooks calls for a holistic approach to sin, urging believers to seek justice against all transgressions.
Text
"I hate every false way." Psalm 119:104. The Hebrew
signifies to hate with a deadly and irreconcilable hatred.
A Christian conflicts against sin universally--the least
as well as the greatest; the most profitable and the most
pleasing sin, as well as against those which are less pleasing
and profitable. He will combat with all sin, though he cannot
conquer one as he should, and as he desires. He knows that
all sin strikes at God's holiness, as well as his own happiness;
at God's glory, as well as at his soul's comfort and peace.
The Christian knows that all sin is hateful to God, and
that all sinners are traitors to the crown and dignity of
the Lord Jesus. He looks upon one sin, and sees that
which threw down Noah, the most righteous man in
the world; and he looks upon another sin, and sees that
which cast down Abraham, the greatest believer in the
world; and he looks upon another sin, and sees that
which threw down David, the best king in the world.
He sees that one sin threw down Samson, the strongest
man in the world; another cast down Solomon, the
wisest man in the world; and another Moses, the
meekest man in the world; and another sin cast down
Job, the most patient man in the world. This raises
a holy indignation against all sin, so that nothing can
satisfy and content his soul, but a destruction of all
those lusts and vermin which vex and rack his
righteous soul.
It will not suffice a gracious soul to see justice done
upon one sin--but he cries out for justice upon all.
He would not have some crucified and others spared;
but cries out, "Lord, crucify them all, crucify them all!
Though there is no one sin mortified and subdued in
me, as it should be, and as I would desire; yet every
sin is hated and loathed by me."
Oh! but the conflict which is in wicked men is partial.
They frown upon one sin and smile upon another; they
strike at some sins yet stroke others; they thrust some
out of doors but keep others close in their bosoms; as
you may see in Jehu, Herod, Judas, Simon Magus, and
Demas. Wicked men strike at gross sins, such as are
against the laws of society--but make nothing of lesser
sins; as vain thoughts and idle words. They fight against
those sins which fight against their honor, profits, and
pleasures; but make truce with those which are as dear
as right hands and as right eyes to them.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the nature of sin - The universality of sin in a Christian's life - The impact of sin on God's holiness
- II points: - Historical examples of sin's consequences - The fall of righteous figures in the Bible - The importance of recognizing all sin
- III points: - The difference between a Christian's and a wicked man's conflict with sin - Partial versus total conflict with sin - The need for complete mortification of sin
- IV points: - The cry for justice against all sin - The Christian's desire for sin's destruction - The futility of partial repentance
Key Quotes
“I hate every false way.” — Thomas Brooks
“Lord, crucify them all, crucify them all!” — Thomas Brooks
“They frown upon one sin and smile upon another.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that all sin, regardless of size, is an affront to God's holiness.
- Strive for a complete mortification of sin in your life, not just the more visible ones.
- Commit to a holistic approach in your spiritual battles, addressing every sin without partiality.