He Would Be Double Damned
The sermon warns of the dangers of leading others to hell and the consequences of causing someone to sin.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave responsibility of leading others astray, as illustrated by Dives' plea for Lazarus to warn his brothers. Dives recognizes that his own torment in hell would be intensified by the knowledge that he contributed to the damnation of his siblings through his wicked example. The sermon warns that those who lead others into sin will face severe consequences, highlighting the urgency of living a righteous life to prevent others from falling into the same fate. Brooks calls for self-examination and accountability in our actions, urging believers to consider the impact of their lives on others.
Text
"Then I beg you--send Lazarus to my father's house,
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that
they will not also come to this place of torment."
Luke 16:27-28
Dives knew that if his brethren were damned--that
he would be double damned, because he had
largely contributed to the bringing of them to hell
by his wicked example. Therefore he desires that
they might be kept out of hell--not out of any love
or goodwill to them--but because their coming
there would have made his hell more hot, his
torments more insufferable.
The lowest, the darkest, the hottest place in hell,
will be for those who have drawn others there by
their example. "It would be better for him to be
thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around
his neck--than for him to cause one of these little
ones to sin." Luke 17:2
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Leading Others to Hell
- Dives' Desire to Keep His Brethren Out
- The Reason Behind His Desire
- The Consequences of Leading Others to Hell
Key Quotes
“It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck--than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” — Thomas Brooks
“The lowest, the darkest, the hottest place in hell, will be for those who have drawn others there by their example.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must be mindful of our actions and their impact on others, lest we lead them astray.
- The consequences of causing someone to sin are severe and should be avoided at all costs.
- Our example has the power to draw others to either salvation or damnation.