Glued to Their Lusts
The sermon emphasizes the deep attachment sinners have to their lusts and the transformative power of grace that leads to a desire for purity and freedom from sin.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep attachment sinners have to their lusts, illustrating that they often prioritize these over their most cherished relationships and even their relationship with God. He explains that the Holy Spirit's work is to help individuals recognize sin as their greatest enemy, leading them to despise and combat it. Brooks highlights that true grace instills a desire to rid oneself of all sin, equating the longing for freedom from sin to a slave's desire to escape chains. He asserts that a gracious heart would prefer to endure suffering rather than indulge in sin, as sin is the most defiling aspect of life. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a sincere commitment to forsake all forms of sin for the sake of spiritual purity.
Text
Sinners' hearts are so glued to their lusts, that they
will rather part with their nearest, dearest, and choicest
enjoyments--than part with their sins! Yes, they will rather
part with God, Christ, and all the glory of heaven--than
they will part with some darling lust.
"When He comes, He will convict the world about sin."
John 16:8
The first work of the Spirit upon the soul,
is to make a man . . .
look upon sin as an enemy,
to deal with sin as an enemy,
to hate sin as an enemy,
to loathe sin as an enemy,
to fear sin as an enemy, and
to arm against sin as an enemy.
Of all the vile things in the world, sin is the
most defiling thing; it makes us red with
guilt and black with filth.
Inward corruptions grieve the gracious soul.
"Oh," says the gracious soul,
"that I were but rid of . . .
this proud heart,
this hard heart,
this unbelieving heart,
this unclean heart,
this froward heart,
this earthly heart of mine!"
The Christian has a universal willingness
to be rid of all sin. The enmity which grace
works in the heart, is against all sin:
profitable sins,
pleasurable sins,
disparaging sins,
disgracing sins,
small sins,
great sins.
A gracious heart had much rather, if it were put to his
choice, live without all sin--than to have allowance to
wallow in any sin. He had rather live without the least
sin--than to have liberty to live in the most flesh-pleasing
sin. It is certain that sin is more afflictive to a gracious
soul, than all the losses, crosses, troubles, and trials
that he meets with in the world.
True grace would not have one Canaanite left
in the holy land; he would have every Egyptian
drowned in the red sea of Christ's blood!
"I hate every false way." Psalm 139:24
Saving grace makes a man as willing to leave his lusts,
as a slave is willing to leave his chains,
or a prisoner his dungeon,
or a beggar his rags.
A sincere heart had much rather be rid of his sins
than of his sufferings; yes, of the least sins than
of the greatest sufferings.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The bondage of sin - The cost of holding onto sin - The comparison of sin to chains
- II points: - The nature of true grace - The heart's enmity against sin - The desire for purity
- III points: - The affliction of sin on the soul - The willingness to part with sin - The analogy of a gracious heart
- IV points: - The defilement of sin - The struggle against inward corruption - The longing for deliverance
- V points: - The role of the Holy Spirit - Conviction of sin - Transformation of the heart
Key Quotes
“Sinners' hearts are so glued to their lusts, that they will rather part with their nearest, dearest, and choicest enjoyments--than part with their sins!” — Thomas Brooks
“True grace would not have one Canaanite left in the holy land; he would have every Egyptian drowned in the red sea of Christ's blood!” — Thomas Brooks
“Saving grace makes a man as willing to leave his lusts, as a slave is willing to leave his chains.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect on the areas in your life where you may be clinging to sin and seek God's help to let them go.
- Cultivate a heart that views sin as an enemy, and actively pursue a life of holiness.
- Remember that true freedom is found in relinquishing the chains of sin through the grace of Christ.