Growth in Grace
God uses trials to increase grace in His people's souls, despite opposition from men and devils.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that spiritual growth in grace often occurs through divine methods that may initially seem to hinder rather than help. He compares the necessity of winter for a fruitful harvest to the role of fiery trials in enhancing grace within believers. Despite the challenges and sufferings faced, these experiences ultimately transform small sparks of grace into a powerful flame. Brooks reassures that no external forces can prevent God from fostering holiness, humility, and other virtues in His people. The message encourages believers to embrace trials as a means of deepening their faith and character.
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Commonly the Christian's spiritual growth in grace,
is carried on by such divine methods, and in such
ways as might seem to deaden grace, and weaken
it--rather than any ways to augment and increase it.
We know that winter is as necessary to bring on
harvest, as the spring; and so fiery trials are as
necessary to bring on the harvest of grace, as the
spring of mercy is. Though fiery trials are grievous;
yet they shall make the saints more gracious. God
usually, by sharp sufferings, turns His people's . . .
sparks of grace into a mighty flame;
their mites into millions;
their drops into seas.
All the devils in hell, and all the sinners on earth,
cannot hinder the Lord from carrying on the growth
of grace in His people's souls. When men and devils
have done their worst, God will, by all sorts of
providences, and all sorts of changes--make His
people more and more holy, and more and more
humble, and more and more meek and lowly, and
more and more heavenly, wise, faithful, fruitful,
sincere, courageous, etc.
Sermon Outline
- The Necessity of Fiery Trials
- The Power of Trials to Increase Grace
- The Sovereignty of God in Growth
- God will carry on growth despite opposition
- God will use all providences for growth
Key Quotes
“Though fiery trials are grievous; yet they shall make the saints more gracious.” — Thomas Brooks
“God usually, by sharp sufferings, turns His people's sparks of grace into a mighty flame;” — Thomas Brooks
“All the devils in hell, and all the sinners on earth, cannot hinder the Lord from carrying on the growth of grace in His people's souls.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that trials are necessary for growth in grace and can make you more gracious.
- Trust in God's sovereignty to carry on growth despite opposition.
- Be patient and wait for the harvest of grace that comes after trials.