Dirt Handsomely Fashioned
We should not prioritize our bodies over our souls, but rather discipline our bodies to prioritize our spiritual well-being.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our physical bodies, formed from dust, are merely 'dirt handsomely fashioned.' He warns against the tendency to pamper the body while neglecting the soul, highlighting the danger of adorning ourselves externally while our inner selves lack grace and holiness. Brooks calls for a disciplined approach to life, urging believers to prioritize spiritual well-being over physical appearance.
Text
"The Lord God formed the man out of the dust from
the ground." Genesis 2:7
Our bodies are but dirt handsomely fashioned. We
derive our pedigree from the dust, and are akin to clay.
Such as have most pampered their bodies--have been
the greatest enemies to their own souls. And how many
are there this day who pamper their bodies--but starve
their souls; who adorn their bodies--but defile their souls;
who dress and trim up their bodies with gold, and silver,
and silks--while their souls are naked of all grace, holiness,
and goodness.
"I discipline my body and bring it under strict control."
1 Corinthians 9:27
Sermon Outline
- I. Our Bodies Are But Dirt Handsomely Fashioned
- A. We derive our pedigree from the dust
- B. We are akin to clay
- II. The Dangers of Pampering Our Bodies
- A. It leads to being enemies of our own souls
- B. It causes us to starve our souls
- III. The Importance of Disciplining Our Bodies
- A. To bring it under strict control
- B. To prioritize our souls
Key Quotes
“Our bodies are but dirt handsomely fashioned.” — Thomas Brooks
“Such as have most pampered their bodies--have been the greatest enemies to their own souls.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should discipline our bodies to prioritize our spiritual well-being.
- We should not prioritize our bodies over our souls, but rather focus on our relationship with God.
- By prioritizing our souls, we can avoid being enemies of our own souls and starve our souls of spiritual nourishment.