Diseases, Aches, Sicknesses, Pains
Suffering is a product of sin, and our response to it should be one of sensitivity to God's presence and displeasure.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that diseases, aches, and pains are consequences of sin, and failing to recognize this connection only exacerbates one's suffering. He explains that while grace does not eliminate human nature, it enhances our sensitivity to God's discipline, allowing us to feel the weight of our burdens without losing faith. Brooks illustrates this with examples of faithful figures who, despite their pain, maintained a spirit of gratitude rather than grumbling. He warns that indifference to God's afflictions can provoke further suffering, urging believers to acknowledge their struggles while trusting in God's purpose.
Text
Diseases, aches, sicknesses, pains--they are all the
daughters of sin, and he who is not sensible of them as
the births and products of sin, does but add to his sin,
and provokes the Lord to add to his sufferings. Is. 26:9-11
No man shall ever be charged by God for feeling his
burden, if he neither frets nor faints under it. Grace
does not destroy nature--but rather perfects it. Grace
is of a noble offspring; it neither turns men into stocks
nor to stoics. The more grace--the more sensible of the
tokens, frowns, blows, and lashes--of a displeased Father.
Though Calvin, under his greatest pains, was never
heard to mutter nor murmur--yet he was heard often
to say 'How long, Lord, how long?'
A pious commander being shot in battle, when the wound
was searched, and the bullet cut out, some standing by,
pitying his pain, he replied, 'Though I groan, yet I bless
God I do not grumble.' God allows His people to groan,
though not to grumble. It is a God-provoking sin to lie
stupid and senseless under the afflicting hand of God.
God will heat that man's furnace of affliction sevenfold
hotter, who is in the furnace but feels it not.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Suffering
- Diseases, aches, sicknesses, pains are the daughters of sin
- Suffering is a product of sin, not a punishment from God
Key Quotes
“Is. 26:9-11” — Thomas Brooks
“Grace does not destroy nature--but rather perfects it.” — Thomas Brooks
“God allows His people to groan, though not to grumble.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that your suffering is a product of sin, and seek to understand God's presence in your life.
- Respond to your suffering in a way that honors God, neither fretting nor fainting under your burden.
- Seek to increase your sensitivity to God's presence and displeasure through the perfecting work of grace.