He Bruises His Spices
God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness and experience spiritual growth and revival.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's discipline is ultimately for our good, as it allows us to share in His holiness. He illustrates that afflictions can lead to the flourishing of grace, much like how spices release their fragrance when bruised. Brooks points out that throughout history, God's people have thrived in times of suffering, as trials often revive and strengthen their faith, love, and hope. He uses various metaphors, such as stars shining in darkness and gold shining brighter after being scoured, to convey that hardships can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.
Text
"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share
in His holiness." Hebrews 12:10
Grace always thrives most when saints are under the rod.
When Christians are under the rod, then their graces do
not only bud, but blossom and bring forth fruit, as Aaron's
rod did. The snuffing of the candle makes it burn the brighter.
God beats and bruises His children, to make them burn the
brighter; He bruises His spices, to make them send forth
the greater aromatic fragrance.
The Jews were always best when they were in an
afflicted condition.
Stars shine brightest in the darkest nights.
Vines grow the better for bleeding.
Gold shines the better for scouring.
Juniper smells sweetest when in the fire.
By afflictions, God many times revives, quickens, and
recovers the decayed graces of His people. By afflictions,
God many times inflames that love which is cold; and He
strengthens that faith which is failing; and he puts life into
those hopes which are languishing; and new spirits into
those joys and comforts which are withering and dying.
Sharp afflictions recover and revive our decayed graces.
The smarting rod abases the loveliness of the world,
which entices us; it abates the lustiness of the flesh
within, which incites us to vanity and folly.
Sermon Outline
- God's Discipline for Our Good
- The Benefits of Affliction
- The Purpose of Affliction
- Blossoming graces and fruitfulness
- Increased love, faith, and hope
- To revive and recover decayed graces
- To strengthen faith and inflame love
Key Quotes
“Grace always thrives most when saints are under the rod.” — Thomas Brooks
“God beats and bruises His children, to make them burn the brighter;” — Thomas Brooks
“Sharp afflictions recover and revive our decayed graces.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should not resist or rebel against God's discipline, but rather submit to it and trust in His goodness.
- Affliction can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and revival, so we should not be discouraged by it.
- We should seek to cultivate a deeper love for God and a stronger faith in Him, even in the midst of affliction.