Dance and Dine With the Devil
Thomas Brooks warns listeners of the dangers of sin and the importance of choosing righteousness in order to avoid eternal destruction.
Thomas Brooks warns against the deceptive allure of sin, emphasizing that what appears sweet will ultimately lead to bitterness and destruction. He illustrates this through biblical examples, showing that indulging in forbidden pleasures can lead to spiritual ruin. Brooks stresses that one cannot engage in sinful behavior and expect to enjoy the blessings of heaven, as the consequences of sin are severe and inevitable. The sermon serves as a reminder to be vigilant against Satan's schemes and to recognize the true nature of sin's temptations.
Text
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11
Sin is but a bitter sweet. That seeming sweet which
is in sin will quickly vanish; and lasting shame, sorrow,
horror, and terror will come in the room thereof.
Forbidden profits and pleasures are most pleasing to
vain men, who count madness mirth. Many long to be
meddling with the murdering morsels of sin, which
nourish not--but rend and consume the soul which
receives them. Many eat that on earth which they
digest in hell. Sin's murdering morsels will deceive
those who devour them.
Adam's apple was a bitter sweet;
Esau's bowl of stew was a bitter sweet;
the Israelites' quails a bitter sweet;
Jonathan's honey a bitter sweet;
Adonijah's dainties a bitter sweet.
After the meal is ended, then comes the reckoning.
Men must not think to dance and dine with the
devil, and then to sup with Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; to feed upon the
poison of asps, and yet that the viper's tongue
should not slay them!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Deception of Sin
- A. Sin's initial appeal is fleeting
- B. Sin's true nature is revealed in its consequences
- II. The Dangers of Sin
- A. Sin consumes and destroys the soul
- B. Sin's consequences are severe and lasting
- III. The Contrast of Righteousness
- A. Righteousness brings joy and satisfaction
- B. Righteousness leads to eternal life and blessing
Key Quotes
“Sin's murdering morsels will deceive those who devour them.” — Thomas Brooks
“Men must not think to dance and dine with the devil, and then to sup with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven;” — Thomas Brooks
“After the meal is ended, then comes the reckoning.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must be aware of the deception of sin and its true nature in order to avoid its consequences.
- Choosing righteousness and living a life that honors God is the key to avoiding the dangers of sin.
- Ultimately, those who feed on the poison of sin will be destroyed by it, and will not enter heaven.